Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » juin 22, 2015

BetaNews.Com (20 non lus)

Poll: When Windows 10 launches will you stay a Windows Insider or go RTM?

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 11:34pm CEST par Mark Wilson

If you've been following the news about Windows 10, you can’t have avoided the confusion that arose from Gabe Aul's poorly written (but ultimately updated and clarified) blog post. We now know exactly where we stand. If you have a genuine version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.x you can upgrade to a fully licensed version of Windows 10 for free on July 29. For anyone without a genuine copy of 7 or 8.1, you can legitimately keep running Windows 10 if you are happy to stay on as a Windows Insider.

Of course, even if you upgrade from a valid version of Windows 7 or 8.x, you can still choose to remain a Windows Insider. Just as happens now, this means that you are granted access to pre-release builds on the Fast and Slow rings. Each preview build will be time-limited, but a new version will be released before the previous one expires. So... what will you do? Do you want to stay on the cutting edge of Windows advancements? Or would you prefer to stick with a more stable version of the operating system. There are, of course, pros and cons to both routes.

So far, there has been massive interest in the Windows Insider preview program. It seems that millions of people have been eager to get their hands on the latest bits as soon as humanly possible -- there is obviously the option of downloading the leaked builds that inevitably find their way online, but the program provides a way to stay up to date lawfully. It's interesting that Microsoft has decided to keep the program running after Windows 10 hits RTM, and it will be even more interesting to see how many people embrace the opportunity to stay on board -- was there so much participation simply because it meant being able to try out Windows 10 before release, and will that wane when we reach gold code?

Of course, just as with all previous versions of Windows, security patches and other updates will be pushed out from time to time, regardless of whether you're an Insider or not. But as we all have become used to over the last few months, Insiders who have joined the Fast Ring can expect to continue to receive new preview builds from time to time, while the more stable versions will make their way down to the Slow Ring.

But what is going to prove more important? Having the very latest version of Windows 10, or having the most stable version? We'd like to know what you intend to do.

So, it's over to you. Will you opt for the red pill, or the blue pill? Actually, it's not quite that simple; there are several options available to you:
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Cast your vote and leave a comment to explain your decision.
Microsoft Band is more accurate than Apple Watch at measuring your heart rate

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 9:18pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Fitness bands and smartwatches that monitor your activity are notoriously inaccurate. Wear a bunch of them at the same time and they’ll all return entirely different results. And we’re not talking about slight discrepancies either -- the results can differ by several thousand steps. The idea is the trackers provide you with a general ballpark figure, rather than a precise one, so you can see how your activity varies on a daily basis, and take steps -- hah! -- to improve on it.

As a result, comparing the results from two or more fitness trackers isn’t usually very helpful -- each device will measure activity in its own way, and who is to say what’s right or wrong? However, more advanced wearables -- Microsoft Band and Apple Watch, for example -- measure your heart rate, and it’s much easier to check how accurate they are. All you need to do is compare the results they produce with the figures from a reliable source.

This is exactly what Rachel Metz did in an article for MIT Technology Review. For several days she wore an Apple Watch and a Microsoft Band while biking to and from work, and then compared the results to those from the Polar H7 Bluetooth chest strap she wore at the same time. A chest strap will always be better at measuring your heart rate than a wrist device, and the Polar H7 is known to be highly accurate. While the results varied from day to day, the Microsoft Band proved to be more reliable. Metz says:

The Band’s average heart-rate measurements were consistently closer to the results of the Polar chest strap -- sometimes within a beat or two per minute, but they could be as many as 13 beats off. The Apple Watch, meanwhile, gave readings as many as 77 beats per minute different from the Polar device.

The full story is available to read here.

Tests like the ones performed by Metz aren’t especially scientific, and do highlight the difficultly in accurately measuring vitals (whether it’s heartbeats or footsteps) from your wrist. That said, it seems from her findings that the Band is more accurate than the Watch when it comes to monitoring your heart rate.
Windows Server 2003 still used on many servers, despite approaching end-of-support

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 9:06pm CEST par Barclay Ballard

A large number of organizations are continuing to use Windows Server 2003, despite Microsoft announcing that support for the operating system will cease in less than a month.

According to a recent study by Softchoice, 21 percent of servers were still operating the OS in the first half of 2015, a fall of 11 percent compared with the same period twelve months ago.

Although the report is sure to be disappointing for Microsoft, it is unlikely to come as a huge surprise as the company has long been trying to move businesses away from legacy systems. David Brisbois, senior manager of assessment and technology at Softchoice, believes that companies’ reticence to change could ultimately prove costly.

"With less than a month to go until Windows [Microsoft] pulls support for Windows Server 2003, it’s surprising that there still isn’t a greater sense of urgency among organizations to modernize and upgrade their systems", he said. "Failing to upgrade in time will only add to costs, complicate the transition, and result in serious business risk after 14 July when Microsoft is no longer providing support or security updates".

In its analysis of almost 90,000 servers being used across 200 organizations, Softchoice found that just seven percent have completely migrated to newer operating systems. By continuing to use an OS that is not supported by its developer, businesses are subject to increased security risks and could be in breach of industry regulations leading to fines and other penalties.

Even if businesses are choosing to upgrade, they are, for the most part, switching to Windows Server 2008, rather than Microsoft’s most recent offering, Windows Server 2012. Just 12 percent of servers are currently running the newest OS, compared with 66 percent running Windows Server 2008.

Aside from convincing data centers to upgrade their operating system, Microsoft is also tasked with convincing consumers and businesses to upgrade to Windows 10 when it launches later this year.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.
Google has a new batch of Android Wear faces for customization fans

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 8:21pm CEST par Mark Wilson

The wearables market continues to grow and there's something of a battle -- just as there is in the smartphone market -- between Apple Watch and Android Wear. Google's wearable OS keeps receiving updates and one of the things that makes it stand apart from Watch OS is the level of customization it offers users.

Today Google unveils 17 new watch faces to add to the existing catalog that already extends to more than 1,500 entries. As ever, the claims of there being something for everyone apply, and there are numerous cultural nods with Terminator Genisys, Hello Kitty, and Angry Birds faces all available for download.

The majority of the faces are free of charge, although two -- ANREALAGE and Gundam RX-78-2 -- have small price tags attached to them. For those looking to match accessories they own, there are faces from Cynthia Rowley, Lulu Frost, and Triwa, and also premium brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Muji, and Kevin Tong.

It's not clear quite what led Google to group together and highlight this particular collection of faces, but you can check them out in Google Play... or in the slideshow below:
Now that Apple Music pays, will Taylor Swift and independents play?

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 8:19pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

As my colleague Manish Singh reports overnight, Apple reversed course and now plans to compensate artists for the first three months of music streaming. It's time to ask: Were the whiners grandstanding or sincere? The question mainly is meant for Taylor Swift, whose Father's Day Tumblr post seems to have brought, eh, swift response to the—what I call—"play for no-pay" plan.

The company unveiled Apple Music during the World Wide Developer Conference on June 8. The streaming service will be free to subscribers for the first three months, with Apple initially choosing not to make royalty payments to artists. I condemned the ridiculous strategy last week. The company sits on a nearly $200 billion cash horde, and content creators are among its most loyal customers. Stiffing them makes no sense from several different perspectives, with good public relations being one and expressing thanks to artist customers being another.

Independent artists also expressed misgivings, but the clincher came from Taylor Swift, who yesterday writes: "I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows". That's not the case for many up-and-comers who "will not get paid for a quarter of a year’s worth of plays on his or her songs".

She admonishes Apple: "It's not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation".

Eddie Cue, who heads Apple's software and services operation, stated a new policy in a series of tweets last evening: "#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer's free trial period". The country singer titled her post "To Apple, Love Taylor". Playing off that, Cue tweeted: "We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple".

Taylor Swift later tweeted: "I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us". But she didn't affirm on Twitter, or Tumblr, whether her sizzlingly successful album "1989" will be available on Apple Music. The context for her original post: "I write this to explain why I'll be holding back my album, 1989, from the new streaming service, Apple Music". Okay, so will she still? Was this opportunity for her and others to grandstand against subscription streaming or sincere protest against an onerous no-pay scheme that could establish devastating precedent for competitors' to follow?

The answer may not be as easy as 1 + 1. In an interview with Recode reporter Peter Kafka, Cue qualifies Apple's trial-period payment strategy without quantifying details. The service will pay artists on a per-stream basis, at a rate Cue doesn't specify. That's different than the percentage scheme coming when subscribers start paying in October. How much? Will it be enough? Can Taylor Swift and independents resist something over nothing and still come away looking like the aggrieved parties?

The answers are part of a drama unfolding over the next 8 days. Now comes the entrenched public relations war—if there is one—over what is enough. Taylor Swift's symbol as champion of the independents hinges in part on her letting Apple stream "1989". If she goes, many independent artists will have little excuse for not following. Unless of course, the devil in the details is a per-stream rate that is so low that no-royalty looks almost as appealing.

Photo Credit: FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com

Buying an AMD 300 series graphics card? You need these Samsung 4K FreeSync monitors

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 8:03pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

600x600

Have you bought, or are you planning to buy, one of AMD's new graphics cards, like Fury X or R9 380? If so, well done my fellow PC builder; these cards are extremely powerful, while being competitively priced. Great choice.

While not the first cards to feature FreeSync, the higher end of these new cards will allow for comfortable 4K gaming too. Obviously you need a 4K FreeSync monitor. Well, need is a strong word -- you can get by without it (it is not food or water), but you do need it if you want to be the coolest PC gamer in your neighborhood (and you do). Today, Samsung announces two such monitors that will have you drooling.

"The U24E590D and U28E590D are the first UHD Samsung monitors with AMD FreeSync capabilities. FreeSync synchronizes the monitors' refresh rates to eliminate large jumps in frame time for noticeably smoother multimedia use. The integration of AMD FreeSync is especially beneficial for gamers, who will notice an immediate increase in responsiveness and the elimination of screen tearing and shuttering", says Samsung.

The popular manufacturer further explains, "the U24E590D and U28E590D's UHD display (3840x2160) offers users discernibly sharper text, images and video content. Previously uncaptured content and a brightness level of 370cd/m2 that further enhances the visual experience with incredibly rich and vibrant colors, all on a flicker-free screen. Both monitors also use HDMI 2.0, which supports a 60 Hz frequency to view content smoothly, while the 28 inch has a 1ms response time".

600x600_1

Samsung shares the following specs.

Attribute			U24E590D			U28E590D
Display		Screen Size			23.6" (16:9)			28" (16:9)
	Panel Type			PLS			TN
	Brightness			300cd/m2			370cd/m2
	Contrast Ratio (DCR)			1000:1 (Mega ∞ )			1000:1 (Mega ∞ )
	Resolution			UHD(3840x2160)			UHD(3840x2160)
	Response Time			4ms(GTG)			1ms(GTG)
	Viewing Angle (H/V)			178°/178°			170°/160°
Feature		Embedded Function			Magic Bright, UHD Upscale, Eco Saving Plus, PIP 2.0, PBP, Easy Setting Box, Image Size, Eye-Saver Mode, Flicker Free, Free-sync, Game Mode			Magic Angle, Magic Bright, UHD Upscale, Eco Saving Plus, PIP 2.0, PBP, Easy Setting Box, Image Size, Eye-Saver Mode, Flicker Free, Free-sync, Game Mode
	OS Compatibility			Windows, Mac			Windows, Mac
	Windows Certification			Windows 8.1			Windows 8.1
Interface		Interface			2 HDMI(2.0x1, 1.4x1), 1 DP(1.2Ver)			2 HDMI(2.0x1, 1.4x1), 1 DP(1.2Ver)
Eco		Energy/Environment Mark			Energy Star 6.0			Energy Star 6.0
Design		Color			Front/Rear : Black High Glossy / Stand : Metallic (Deco-bar)			Front/Rear : Black High Glossy / Stand : Metallic (Deco-bar)
Power		Type			External Adaptor			External Adaptor
Accessory		Cables			1 HDMI, 1 DP			1 HDMI, 1 DP

Not only are the specs impressive, but so is the design. It is very simplistic, which is important for proper immersion. No one wants a display design -- gaudiness, lights, etc. -- to be a distraction. I think Samsung hit a home-run in this regard -- it is classy and pretty.

The 28 inch U28E590D is available now for a very reasonable $599. We aren't far removed from a time when much-lesser quality 4K displays from less-reputable brands were much more expensive. A 28 inch 4K display from Samsung with FreeSync seems properly priced here.

If you can wait until July, you can opt for the 24 inch model, which will save you $200. While I am sure it is a great monitor too, you may regret not spending more on the larger size.

Remember, this is an investment, and not an annual purchase. You may end up owning this display for 10 years. The $200 saved now averaged over the life of ownership may not be worth the savings. Just something to think about, gamers.

What do you think of these monitors? Sound off in the comments.

Lawsuit fights Uber's user location tracking plans

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 8:02pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Uber has faced numerous complaints since its inception in 2010, including suggestions that drivers are not properly vetted. Now the taxi service is facing legal action over plans to track the location of its customers whether the app is running in the foreground or background on their phones.

The new policy is due to come into force on July 15, but the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed a complaint with the FTC saying that the policy change is unfair and should be investigated by the commission. It will be possible to opt out of this location tracking, but EPIC feels this is unreasonable.

Referring to previous allegations about Uber, EPIC says that the company "regularly abuses its access to customer location data". But it is the proposed changes to user tracking that is now causing concerns. Uber's proposed user privacy statement reads: "We may also collect the precise location of your device when the app is running in the foreground or background. We may also derive your approximate location from your IP address".

In its complaint, EPIC says:

In less than four weeks, Uber will claim the right to collect personal contact information and detailed location data of American consumers, even when they are not using the service. These changes ignore the FTC’s prior decisions, threaten the privacy rights and personal safety of American consumers, ignore past bad practices of the company involving the misuse of location data, pose a direct risk of consumer harm, and constitute an unfair and deceptive trade practice subject to investigation by the Federal Trade Commission.

It is not just location data that Uber is interested in. The proposed policy also refers to the collection of names and details from users' contacts -- something the company has previously said could be useful for "new promotional features". It's not clear quite why Uber wants to continually track user locations, but it could be something to do with potential location-based offers or advertising.

Photo credit: 360b / Shutterstock.com
Robots might take over 35 percent of UK jobs [Infographic]

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 5:46pm CEST par Sam Pudwell

In the industry we’re in you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who is anything but positive about the development of technology. Thanks to technological advancements, we can carry whole computers in our pockets, travel to anywhere in the world without having to leave our living room through devices such as Oculus Rift and 3D print body parts to save lives.

But there is one area where people aren’t quite so enthusiastic and that is in employment, where jobs in a variety of industries are under threat from automation.

According to Deloitte, 35 percent of UK jobs are at "high risk" of being made redundant by technology and/or robotics in the next two decades and Big Think expert Andrew McAfee recently said that he thinks white-collar jobs are in danger as much as their blue-collar colleagues.

ebuyer.com has recently published an infographic on the subject, suggesting that only 40 percent of jobs are considered low or no risk and that 10 million jobs could be lost by 2034.

The full infographic can be found below.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

Image Credit: Ociacia / Shutterstock
Microsoft partners with NASCAR -- Windows 10 logo on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 5:28pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

NASCAR racing has both its fans and detractors. Try as I might, I fall into the latter category. For me, watching cars go around a circular track for hours is a great cure for insomnia. Rally car racing is certainly a much more interesting spectator sport, but I digress.

While I don't like NASCAR, enough people do to make it a smart organization to partner with. This is why you see so many sponsorship logos on the cars. Today, NASCAR and Microsoft partner to display the Windows 10 logo on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car. The partnership expands beyond the superficial, however.

"Microsoft has a proven track record as a technology solution provider and the development of the Windows mobile inspection app has reinvented our inspection process. As we look to the future, we're excited at the prospect of developing new applications and leveraging Windows 10 and Microsoft Azure services that will make our sport more competitive, exciting, and accessible to fans", said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's most popular driver explains, "I'm a big technology user and really enjoy Microsoft products. Kicking off the Hendrick Motorsports relationship with Windows 10 is a unique opportunity, and there's no doubt our ongoing technical partnership will help us raise the bar in many areas. It's great to see Microsoft is having such a positive experience with NASCAR and wants to do more across the sport. We're excited to be a part of that".

Having the Windows 10 logo so prominently displayed on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s number 88 Chevrolet is downright genius marketing. With that said, it is cool to see the partnership also including NASCAR utilizing Microsoft technologies, such as Azure.

Do you think Microsoft is smart to partner with NASCAR? Tell me in the comments.
Google empowers collaborative citizen journalism with News Labs

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 5:05pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Google today revealed details of a new project designed to power the world of journalism. News Labs is a joint venture between Google and a number of technology firms and entrepreneurs to make it easier to research and publish stories. It's something aimed primarily at major newsrooms and reporting outlets, but it also features tools that can help to power and promote collaborative citizen journalism.

The search giant has several programs that have been created to make it easier for people to make use of YouTube to deliver and consume news. User-generated news has become increasingly important in recent years, offering not just a wider range of opinion but also unparalleled localization, and Google is keen to be at the heart of it. Newspapers and news websites are far from being the end of journalism; reader interaction adds to the narrative.

Much of what you find online is news, and news comes from a wide range of sources. Any given story may be newsworthy in its own right, but its importance can change with context. In order to place a story in different context, it's vital to have access to data, and this is something Google has in huge quantities. Tools such as Google Trends and Fusion Tables provide access to real-time data and statistics that can be vital for fact-checking and providing context and comparison. News Labs is home to a raft of tools to help with the gathering of information, enhancing stories with visualizations, and sharing stories with a wider audience.

News Labs is not just about providing tools and leaving people to their own devices, however. To encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the power these tools hold, Google has produced a number of written tutorials and video guides to help them get started. Three specific programs -- First Draft, the WITNESS Media Lab, and the YouTube Newswire -- have collaborative journalism at their heart.

There are also case studies showing how different news outlets have made use of Google's tools and plans to team up with new startups to bring new players to the media arena.

The video below sees Google showcasing some of the tools that can be found in News Labs:

Photo credit: Glinskaja Olga / Shutterstock
NETGEAR announces Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router (C7000)

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 4:35pm CEST par Brian Fagioli
I still remember when cable internet came to my neighborhood. As someone who had done all of his web surfing over dial-up, this was to be a life-changing event. I went to Nobody Beats the Wiz, where I got the modem and Ethernet card for my PC tower.

The excitement of having broadband has since worn off, but it is something I cannot live without. The crazy thing, however, is that I have rented my modems for years -- something the majority of users do. This has really added up over time. Today, NETGEAR announces the Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router (C7000). A cable modem and router in one, so you can finally stop renting your equipment and move on to ownership.

"This two-in-one device saves power and space by integrating a high performance Wi-Fi router with a built-in DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that supports the highest data tier plans offered by major U.S. cable Internet providers. In addition to offering incredibly fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 1900Mbps (600+1300Mbps) with high performance amplifiers, the Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router is the first in the market with the latest 24x8 channel bonding modem technology that enables extreme Internet cable download speeds up to 960Mbps, creating a highly reliable and fast broadband connection. This makes the Nighthawk an ideal choice for stepping up your home network performance to support HD and 4K video streaming, high-speed online gaming, and faster downloads", says NETGEAR.

The company further explains, "the Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router is powered by two processors: a 1.0GHz processor to provide the best performance for wired, wireless and USB storage backup, and a dedicated 600MHz processor for running DOCSIS cable. Beamforming+ technology with implicit and explicit Beamforming support for 2.4 and 5GHz bands boosts Wi-Fi speed, reliability and range for all new and legacy Wi-Fi mobile devices".

NETGEAR shares the following specs.
Modem
- 24x8 CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 Verified Modem
WiFi Performance
- AC1900 (600 Mbps + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band
- Simultaneous Dual Band WiFi—2.4 & 5GHz
Number of Ethernet Ports
- Four (4) 10/100/1000 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports
Number of USB Ports
- One (1) USB 2.0 port
Key Features
- Built-in high-speed DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 Channel Bonding Cable Modem
- 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- AC1900 (600 Mbps @2.4GHz with 256 QAM support +1300 Mbps @5GHz 11ac)
- Simultaneous Dual Band Wi-Fi—Tx/Rx 3x3 (2.4GHz) + 3x3 (5GHz)
- Beamforming -- For more reliable connections on 2.4 and 5GHz bands
- Powerful 1.6GHz combined processor
- Memory: 128 MB flash and 256 MB RAM
- ReadySHARE USB -- Share your USB hard drive and printer
- IPv6 support (Internet Protocol Version 6) access USB storage
Security
- Customized free URL to set up personal FTP server
- Guest network access—separate & secure
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2—PSK)
- Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT)
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
The cost of this combo device is $279, which is actually very reasonable when you realize it includes a top-notch router. There is a good chance that the performance of the modem could exceed the one provided to you by your ISP too.

As someone who keeps both his router and modem in his living room, having a single device would definitely help with aesthetics. Plus, it would be convenient to only need one power outlet occupied, rather than two.

Here is the unfortunate aspect -- NETGEAR's solution does not have telephone support built in. With my ISP, my modem doubles as a telephone provider. Sure, many people are getting rid of landlines nowadays, but I am not yet prepared to go cellular-only. I am sure many of you feel the same. Unfortunately, the Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router will not meet that specific need.

If you do not get your telephone service from your ISP -- or don't use a landline -- NETGEAR's combo device is affordable and could pay for itself over time by cutting your equipment rental fees. It will be available this month from various retailers.
CSVPad is a portable CSV editor

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 2:57pm CEST par Mike Williams

CSVPad is a compact, free and portable editor for CSV and similar files.

The program can handle all kinds of format variations: tab separated, colons, semicolons, pipes, dollars and more. Fortunately you don’t have to worry about the details as by default CSVPad automatically detects and uses the correct format all on its own.

Your target file opens in a table, and you can immediately browse or search it, edit individual fields, maybe extend the file with new records.

There are no calculation functions, no graphs -- CSVPad isn’t a full spreadsheet app, it’s just about handling the data. But you can manipulate it in various ways, reordering rows by dragging and dropping, inserting new rows or columns, duplicating or swapping them, copy and pasting them, or just move your selected rows/ columns around to some new position.

There are one or two surprise bonus features: "Snapshot" saves a JPG of the table, "Search Online" opens a web page with the results of a Google search for the selected cell.

When you’re done, the file can be saved in CSV or with the other supported separators (tab/ colon/ semi-colon etc), or exported as XLS, ODS, XML or HTML.

Put it all together and CSVPad is a handy tool, a useful way to edit CSV and similar files if you don’t have a full-scale spreadsheet editor around. It’s available now for Windows XP and later.
5 cyber security tips for travellers

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 2:51pm CEST par John Shaw

Out of the office on holiday this summer? Despite being encouraged to switch off, and enjoy a well-earned break, the reality is that many people find it difficult to "go dark" and so fall into the trap of checking emails by the pool.

So whether you’re travelling to a conference or a hitting the beach, you need to take appropriate steps to keep your data secure, particularly when browsing the internet or making online payments from your mobile device.

With Wi-Fi continuously available today in planes, trains, cars and hotels, the potential is there for us to remain constantly connected. However with that, comes the temptation to cut the usual corners where online security is concerned.

With that in mind, here are five simple cyber security tips:

1. Not Using Your Device? Lock It!

However careful you are, we’re all at risk of leaving a phone in a cab or perhaps dropping it in a bar, so you need to make sure no one can access important data, should it get into the wrong hands.

Set your devices to auto-lock after two minutes to ensure your content remains private.
Pick the longest and most complex password you can manage. Don’t use a four-digit pin on your phone because that seems to be the norm. Changing to eight digits means it takes a hacker 10,000 times longer to guess it.
Making the effort to encrypt your phone will render it useless to a criminal. This is automatic on iOS 8 devices.

2. Public Wi-Fi Is... Public

If something seems too good to be true, chances are, it probably is. Security bugs are common in public Wi-Fi routers, even in the hospitality industry.

You can’t always be sure the hotspot is what it says it is. Hackers can set up seemingly kosher network names so they can snoop on your personal information. Consider using your mobile phone network, or buying a SIM when you arrive to use Pay As You Go data as you need it. Better still, use the company VPN if you can.

3. Turn Off Geo-Tagging and Geolocation Features

Before you post a picture of your ice cold beer by the pool to social media, consider this: Does every Tom, Dick and Harry need to know you’re away from home?

Go through your applications and make sure as much geo-tagging is turned off as possible.

For the "tinfoil hat" wearers, even if you have GPS turned off, your phone can still work out where you are by keeping track of all the Wi-Fi access points it can see around you. Airplane mode is the only way to guarantee you cannot be tracked.

4. Public Computers and ATMs: The Risks

Sometimes it pays to be more conservative than usual, especially when you’re traveling in unfamiliar territory. Public computers, like those at Internet cafes or business centers at hotels, could be infected with malware, which might spy on you when you go online. Crooks can also attach a card reader to an ATM or a sales register to skim the account numbers off your credit card.

If in doubt, travel with cash. For online payments, services such as PayPal allow you to make a transaction without typing in card details.

5. Add Layers of Protection to Your Mobile Devices

Fortify your accounts wherever possible. It’s always worth strengthening your cyber defences when in an unfamiliar environment.

For added protection, use an antivirus on your Android smartphones as well as your laptop (both Windows and Mac). This adds another layer to the login process.

As a general rule, you should also update your operating system when it prompts you, and keep an eye on apps permissions. For example, there is no need for an alarm clock to be able to read your list of contacts! This will all stand you in good stead for complete protection of your mobile devices.

John Shaw is VP of product Management at Sophos.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

Image Credit: Rido / Shutterstock
Uncover hidden malware with RunPE Detector

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 2:12pm CEST par Mike Williams

Malware uses many tricks to hide its process, and one of the most common is known as RunPE.

Essentially this involves starting a known and trusted process -- Explorer.exe, say -- in a suspended state, replacing its code with the malware’s own, then starting it up. Even running something like Process Explorer won’t reveal any problems unless you look very, very closely.

Phrozen RunPE Detector is a free tool which scans the headers of your processes in memory, and compares them to their disk images. It sounds too simple a technique, but it really does work: if a process has been exploited by RunPE then there should be a difference, and you’ll see an alert.

The program tries to go further by giving you the option to remove whatever malware it detects. It’s good to see the developer has some ambition, but it’s a difficult task, and we wouldn’t rely on it being successful. If you do find a problem, use a full-strength antivirus engine to investigate further.

Phrozen RunPE Detector doesn’t do a great deal. It only detects RunPE-compromised processes, and even then, only if they’re 32-bit (64-bit scanning is apparently coming soon).

Still, RunPE is a common attack type, and as Phrozen RunPE Detector is compact, portable and no-strings free, we’d recommend you grab a copy for your security toolkit.
Sony releasing new 1TB PlayStation 4 in July

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 12:59pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Known as the 1TB PS4 Ultimate Player Edition (or PlayStation 4 Ultimate Player 1TB Edition depending on who you're talking to), Sony is launching a new PlayStation 4 next month. With the ever-growing market for downloadable content, it's difficult to have too much disk space. Recognizing this, Sony is doubling the size of the largest capacity PS4.

The 1TB console will launch next month in the US, Asia and Europe, and the announcement comes just weeks after Microsoft announced a 1TB version of its Xbox One. Gamers in Japan will be able to get their hands on the console by the end of June, but the rest of the world will have to wait until July 15. There's no word on pricing, but Sony has detailed a few other changes that have been made to this version of the console.

Power consumption has been reduced, and the 1TB model uses 8 percent less power than the 500GB version. If you're the type of gamer who carries your console from place to place, you'll be pleased to hear that the weight has been reduced by 10 percent as well. Sony also says that the hard drive bay has a matte finish which -- to use the company's words -- gives the console "a more casual look".

Check out Sony's video which introduces the 1TB PS4 Ultimate Player Edition:
Microsoft clears up confusion surrounding Windows 10 Insider licensing

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 12:59pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

Right before the weekend my colleague Brian Fagioli explained how basically everyone can get a valid Windows 10 license for free. The best part about it is that you do not even need a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license, even though that is what Microsoft had previously told us, to upgrade from. Or do you?

Shortly after, however, Microsoft apparently had a change of heart, deciding to alter the blog post which announced this so that it reads like users still need a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license to take advantage of its free upgrade deal. And this has generated plenty of confusion, with Microsoft's own Gabriel Aul seemingly writing one thing in the latest version of the said blog post and saying something else after on Twitter. It is amateur hour at Microsoft, people.

Here is the initial wording:

I’ve gotten a lot of questions from Windows Insiders about how this will work if they clean installed from ISO. As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated. Once you have successfully installed this build and activated, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh

And here is the updated part:

I’ve gotten a lot of questions from Windows Insiders about how this will work if they clean installed from ISO. As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build. Once you have successfully installed this build, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh. It’s important to note that only people running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10 as part of the free upgrade offer.

I have highlighted the differences to make it easy to understand what Microsoft has changed -- removed and added -- between the two revisions. And as you can clearly see, Microsoft has dropped any trace of Windows 10 remaining activated after the upgrade to the final release and added the bit about needing a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license to qualify for the free upgrade.

The activation part is extremely important, as, without your copy being activated, you would be limited in using Windows 10, time-wise or in another manner. Without activation, your copy would not be worth much to you.

It seems like Microsoft's legal department has gotten involved, and recommended the changes listed above so that users do not interpret the original version of the blog post like "Windows 10 can be had for free by literally anyone willing to install the preview build and log in with their Microsoft account credentials", which is all that is needed by the way. I believe that Microsoft's financial department also had something to say, as this is not a clever thing to boast about when you are in the business of selling software to billions of people.

Of course, all of this is for naught when Aul says the following on Twitter:

@ZacB_ @joebelfiore Yes, as long as running a prerelease build connected with registered MSA: [t.co]

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) June 21, 2015

Confusing? Yes. But, basically, we are back to square one if Aul's word is anything to go by, which, after all that has happened, is debatable. To put things into perspective, a few months ago, Aul said this:

@DirtyWindows_ @tao_huan You'll have to be upgrading from a system with a valid license for 7 or 8.x

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) May 11, 2015

Ultimately, I think that Microsoft will have no problem with Insiders getting the final version of Windows 10 for free. The company has to reward their efforts somehow, and this is one of ways it has done so in the past. I think it is safe to say that this will not change before July 29, and that everyone will be able to play this card too to get Windows 10 for free. Perhaps Microsoft should make up its mind well before writing any more potentially controversial blog posts.

Update: I have asked Microsoft to clear things up, and in response the company has updated the blog post with additional details surrounding Insider licensing. Basically, Insiders are treated under a different licensing scheme (Windows Insider Program), where they will continue to get preview builds after the release version of Windows 10. Those builds will have an expiration date, just like the final version of Windows 10 that they will get, but Microsoft expects to offer them in a time-frame which allows Insiders to keep using preview builds without interruption (you can expect more of them going forward).

Those who do not wish to be part of the preview program after Windows 10 is officially released on June 29 will be able to opt out, at which point they will be subject to the same licensing rules as everyone else, meaning they will need a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license to take advantage of the free upgrade deal. In case users have not upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, with a valid license, they will have to roll back or buy a new Windows 10 license, as the license for the final version normally available for Insiders will expire.

Photo Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
More than just a USB hub -- Inateck HB4009 [Review]

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 12:17pm CEST par Ian Barker

USB hubs are commonplace and, let's be honest, not especially exciting pieces of kit. Inateck’s HB4009 is a three-port USB 3.0 hub, but it also has an extra trick up its sleeve. It has a Magic Port, allowing you to link two systems together for file transfers or establish a client/host link using the USB On-The-Go (OTG) standard.

This makes it a versatile little device as you can link Windows, Mac OS and Android devices to their own kind or to each other. You can also attach another USB device like a flash drive or camera to a system, such as a tablet, that might not otherwise have a suitable port.

Some Android devices support a mouse and keyboard swap via OTG so you can control the device from your PC. Links for the software needed to connect your systems are stored on the HB4009 and you're prompted to install it when a connection is made, so getting hooked up is a simple plug and go process. For Android devices you need to scan a QR code to install the Windroid Linker app.

It feels well made and is nicely weighty, the contacts of the USB ports and the OTG cable are gold-plated. A mini USB adaptor is included for OTG connection to smartphones and other devices without a full-sized USB socket.

If you've bought a new PC and want to transfer data from your old one, or regularly need to transfer files between computers, smartphones and other devices, then the HB4009 is well worth having.

The device costs $24.99 on Amazon (£22.99 in the UK) and you can find more details on the Inateck website.
Nokia will re-enter the smartphone market in 2016

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 9:26am CEST par David Curry

Finnish navigation and mapping giant Nokia is planning a return to the mobile industry in 2016, but it will not manufacture any smartphones.

Instead, CEO Rajeev Suri plans to find partners capable of working on the manufacturing and distribution parts, while it designs and licenses its brand name.

Nokia denied plans to return to the mobile industry a few months back, but this new interview from Suri shows it has some plans for a return, even if it’s not with the factories.

Nokia has already shown this model works, with the launch of the N1 tablet in China. It is manufactured and distributed by Foxconn and a Taiwanese company, both taking the Nokia brand name for solidarity in the extremely competitive Chinese market.

Even though the Nokia brand might hold little appeal to customers in the West, in South-East Asia it still manages a good amount of feature phone sales. Of course, with the Microsoft acquisition of Nokia’s Devices and Services division, all those profits go directly to Redmond.

Before the Microsoft acquisition, Nokia was in a bad state due to the fallout from the iPhone growth and the loyalty to Windows Phone. Both were poor management decisions by Stephen Elon, the previous CEO of Nokia, who received a cushty reward, after sinking the ship.

That said, Nokia still is one of the largest feature phone brands and there are some that say Android adoption in 2010 would have kept Nokia above water. We cannot know for certain, but there was an appeal for a Nokia-made Android handset in 2013.

The Nokia smartphone that does arrive in 2016 will most likely not be manufactured by a Western company, unless one of the less well known mobile companies in Spain, Italy or Brazil plan on picking up the brand license and design.

We expect the phone will feature Android and should be priced similar to the N1, around the mid-range market with upper market specifications. Suri did not reveal any potential partners for this project.

Nokia is currently attempting to sell its Here Maps division for £2.5 billion, with a handful of investors including Uber, Baidu, Facebook and a consortium of German car manufacturers interested in the division. The division sale will help Nokia afford the £10.5 billion acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent, which would add a new mobile division to the company.

Photo credit: Joe Ravi / Shutterstock
Back up Windows and program settings with CloneApp

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 8:27am CEST par Mike Williams

CloneApp is a tiny, free and portable tool which can back up and restore the settings of many popular Windows programs.

Supported software includes 7-Zip, Adobe Reader, Classic Shell, Gimp, Google Chrome, Google Earth, IrfanView, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office 2010/ 2013, Firefox, Opera, VLC Media Player, and it can preserve plenty of Windows settings, too: Favorites, Contacts, Network folder settings, Start Menu and more.

It’s all very easy to use. There’s a list of applications on the left, each with checkboxes. You’re able to select any you’d like to preserve (or click "Select Installed" to run a full backup), then click "Start CloneApp" and watch as the files, folders and Registry keys are backed up.

Restoring your settings is equally obvious (select the target applications and click Restore).

This worked very well for us, and if you’re looking to migrate only your settings from one PC to another then it could save you a lot of time.

CloneApp is surprisingly configurable, too. The copying rules aren’t hard-coded anywhere, they’re freely accessible in plain text "plugins". This is the core of the Firefox plugin, for instance.

[Info]
Title=Mozilla Firefox
Description=Backup complete Mozilla Firefox Profile in AppData directory.
BackupFile=0
BackupFolder=1
BackupRegKey=0
BackupCommand=0

[Files]
File1=BackupFolder|%AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles

This will back up the profile folder as specified, and it can be customized with more folders, Registry keys, even optionally run custom commands as required.

It’s a simple idea, but CloneApp is well-designed and very configurable. Give it a try.
Taylor Swift effect: Apple changes course, says it will pay labels and artists during free trial

Publié: juin 22, 2015, 6:37am CEST par Manish Singh

It has been an eventful day for folks vested in the music industry, streaming business, and listeners alike. The day began with Queen of Pop Taylor Swift writing a public letter to Apple explaining why she isn’t putting her latest album “1989” to the impending Apple Music streaming service. And the day is closing with Apple addressing the issue and doing the right thing.

In a blog post, Swift noted that Apple’s decision to not pay labels and artists royalty for the first three months -- Apple Music will be a free trial to users -- is unfair. She said -- something which many people have nodded to since -- that three months is a long period, and it could mean a lot to indie artists.

"I realize that Apple is working towards a goal of paid streaming. I think that is beautiful progress. We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period… even if it is free for the fans trying it out.", Swift wrote. "[...] We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation".

Apple's Senior Vice President Eddy Cue has now come up to announce that Apple will be paying labels and artists royalty even during customer’s free trial period. In a series of tweets, Cue promised that the company “will pay artist [sic] for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period”.

"We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple", Cue noted. "Apple will always make sure that artist are paid". Essentially Apple realizes that with Apple Music it has a huge opportunity in the music streaming business, and perhaps paying labels and artists in the free consumer trial period is in its best interest. What's next? Maybe Swift will publish her album "1989" to Apple Music after all.

Photo Credit: Featureflash / Shutterstock