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BetaNews.Com (28 non lus)

How to disable Bing Search from Windows 10's Start menu

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 8:57pm CEST par Wayne Williams

The Windows 10 Search box next to the Start button lets you search through Windows and the web. Type in a query, and the results will appear in your default browser. The first time you do this you’ll see it’s Bing producing the results.

If you don’t mind that, then great. Move along, there’s nothing to see here. But if you’re not a fan of Microsoft’s search engine, you can easily disable this feature. There is one downside however, and that’s you’ll also lose Cortana as well as Bing. If you don’t mind that, here’s what you need to do.

Open the Start menu, and type 'Cortana & Search Settings'. Open the system setting that appears and disable Cortana by flipping the first toggle to off. (If you haven’t set up Cortana you’ll need to do that first).

Once Cortana is disabled an option that says 'Search online and include web results' will appear. Disable this.

Now searches will be confined to just your local system, and you can perform web searches in your browser as always.
Satechi announces dedicated Bluetooth BT Cortana Button for Windows 10

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 8:56pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

Right now, Windows 10 is rolling out to users all over the world. One of the coolest things about Microsoft's newest operating system is the Cortana integration. If you aren't familiar, it (she) is a powerful virtual assistant that will help you search, set calendar reminders and other amazing things too. She can be summoned on-screen or using voice.

While some manufacturers are planing to included dedicated Cortana buttons on their laptops, not everyone will be buying a new laptop; certainly not just for an added button. Not to worry, Windows 10 users, you can now add a dedicated Cortana button to your existing machine or Windows Phone. Today, Satechi announces the BT Cortana Button which connects using Bluetooth.

"In conjunction with the highly anticipated launch of Windows 10, Satechi is excited to announce its new BT Cortana Button. The palm-sized BT Cortana Button is the ideal solution for those needing to access their Windows smartphone or computer remotely. The small device allows users to access Windows' new virtual personal assistant, Cortana, to schedule meetings, check the weather, send text messages and more, all while remaining hands-free. Instead of users needing to turn on the 'Hey Cortana' feature, which actively listens to the environment and therefore drains battery, users can opt to use the BT Cortana Button to conserve battery life and stay hands-free", says Satechi.

The manufacturer also says, "users can tote the BT Cortana Button on their key chains, steering wheels and more to easily access several aspects of their Windows smartphone such as playing music, GPS directions, taking photos and more. The BT Cortana Button is already packaged with a 3M sticker and a mount to easily attach it to a steering wheel or bicycle handlebars to access smartphone functions while keeping eyes on the road and smart devices stashed away safely".

While the Satechi BT Cortana Button is a bit gimmicky, I still totally want it -- it looks so damn cool. Even as a novelty, its $22.99 price tag won't break the bank. The 40 foot range could make it very useful.

Surprisingly, it is not rechargeable; it instead uses an inexpensive CR2016 battery. Satechi claims the button will last up to 2 years per battery. A five pack of these batteries costs about $5.00 on Amazon, so it will only cost about 50 cents per year after the included battery dies.

Will you buy the Satechi BT Cortana Button from Amazon when it goes on sale in August? Tell me in the comments.
Are you a Windows 10 dummy? Don't panic, take this free training course at Best Buy

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 7:26pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

Windows 10 is insanely easy to use -- says me. I am not everyone, and the term easy is subjective. While I am sure most -- if not all -- BetaNews readers should be able to use Window 10 without issue, not everyone is as tech savvy.

Maybe you have a friend or family member that struggles with change. Don't panic. You are probably dreading being their go-to Windows 10 tech support, right? Well now you don't have to; send them to Best Buy instead! Yes, the retailer is offering free in-store Windows 10 training classes.

"Today, millions of Windows PC users are going to be offered a free upgrade to Windows 10. Best Buy and Geek Squad are ready to help users manage the transition by providing convenient advice and support, along with one of the largest selections of pre-installed Windows 10 computers available. To help customers with the transition, Best Buy will host free Windows 10 training classes for customers in our stores", says Best Buy.

So what are the details of this class? The company explains that students will "learn about new Windows 10 features like how it can work with your Xbox One, Cortana and the new Microsoft Edge web browser at free Geek Squad open houses. These open houses will be at every large-format Best Buy store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time every Saturday in August. And for people who are looking for help installing Windows 10, Geek Squad Agents are available in-store, online and in-home".

Keep in mind, Best Buy is a for-profit business and not a charity. While the classes are free, expect salespeople to push you to buy a new Windows 10 PC from them. Don't worry though, from my experience, there is no high-pressure antics at the popular retailer.

Will you or someone you know attend the class? Tell me in the comments.
Logitech welcomes Windows 10 with new features

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 7:26pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

The big day has arrived and every company is scrambling to be ready for Windows 10. Microsoft's latest operating system steps back a bit from the shudder Windows 8 gave many users. Does that mean it's better? Maybe. The general consensus seems positive.

Now Logitech is bringing software to aid in your use of this latest operating system. The company, which makes solid peripherals, aims to smooth the transition.

This update is software related, bringing new compatibility to Logitech Options. This should blend your mouse into Windows 10 seamlessly.

"Today, we are releasing an update to Logitech Options and it now supports some of the coolest features in Windows 10. Here are our favorite shortcuts that we believe will help you improve your productivity and get more done", says the peripheral maker.

You'll get features like Task View, which allows for easy access to switch between items. Logitech also adds support for Desktop Next and Desktop Previously. It allows for easy switching, though you'll need the new Logitech MX Master mouse.

There's also easy access to Cortana, Action Center and Gesture button. Logitech claims that update will arrive today.

"Helping you be more productive and putting time back in your day is important to us. We plan to continue to develop more time-savers and deliver them to you through future Logitech Options updates. Ready to make the move to Windows 10 and get started? Let us know which of these new features you’re most excited about in the comments section below", Logitech states.

You can check out the full details here, and grab a new mouse as well. You can also get Windows 10 now, as well.
All the Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you'll need (and a few more)

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 7:16pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Forget touch screens, and moving your mouse, if you want to really want to speed through using Windows 10, keyboard shortcuts are where it’s at.

With the right key presses you can snap windows to where you want them, manage virtual desktops, awaken Cortana, and navigate seamlessly through the new OS like a seasoned professional. Just got Windows 10 today? Learn the following shortcuts, and it will be like you’ve been using it your whole life.

There are a ton of keyboard shortcuts, and you can explore them all here, but these are the main ones to familiarize yourself with.

Common keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) -- Copy the selected item.

Ctrl + X -- Cut the selected item.

Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) -- Paste the selected item.

Ctrl + Z -- Undo an action.

Alt + Tab -- Switch between open apps.

Alt + F4 -- Close the active item, or exit the active app.

Windows key + L -- Lock your PC or switch accounts.

Windows key + D -- Display and hide the desktop.

New keyboard shortcuts

Windows key + A -- Open Action Center.

Windows key + S -- Open Search.

Windows key + Q -- Open Cortana in listening mode.

Windows key + S -- Open Cortana ready for typed input.

Windows key + I -- Open Windows 10’s settings.

Windows key + G -- Open the new Game DVR recorder when a game is running.

Windows key + H -- Open Share Charm.

Windows key + Tab -- Open Task view.

Windows key + Ctrl + D -- Add a virtual desktop.

Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow -- Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.

Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow -- Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.

Windows key + Ctrl + F4 -- Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Windows key + Left -- Snaps active window to the left.

Windows key + Right -- Snaps active window to the right.

Windows key + Up -- Snaps the active window to the top.

Windows key + Down -- Snaps the active window to the bottom.

Photo Credit: NinaMalyna/Shutterstock
Yet another Android vulnerability discovered -- bad guys can turn your device into a brick

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 7:13pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

Say what you want about the restricted nature of Apple's iOS, but I appreciate its security -- it makes me feels safe. Comparatively, Android can feel much less secure. Not only is it fragmented due to carrier and manufacturer reluctance to support long term updates, but we are constantly hearing about vulnerabilities such as the one with Stagefright.

Sadly, we see yet another vulnerability today, and it is quite the bombshell. Respected security company Trend Micro explains that bad guys can turn your device into a brick -- a totally non-functioning state. Not only is this inconvenient, but potentially dangerous (and deadly) too.

"We have discovered a vulnerability in Android that can render a phone apparently dead -- silent, unable to make calls, with a lifeless screen. This vulnerability is present from Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) up to the current version, Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop). Combined, these versions account for more than half of Android devices in use today. No patch has been issued in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code by the Android Engineering Team to fix this vulnerability since we reported it in late May", says Trend Micro.

The company further explains, "the vulnerability lies in the mediaserver service, which is used by Android to index media files that are located on the Android device. This service cannot correctly process a malformed video file using the Matroska container (usually with the .mkv extension). When the process opens a malformed MKV file, the service may crash (and with it, the rest of the operating system). The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow when the mediaserver service parses an MKV file. It reads memory out of buffer or writes data to NULL address when parsing audio data".

As you can see in the above video, the vulnerability makes it so that the user cannot use the device at all. Remember, smartphones are not only a way to run apps and play games -- they are used to call 911 too. This exploit could impact a user when they need the phone the most, having deadly consequences.

The worst part is that this is affecting many versions of the operating system-- Jellybean 4.3, KitKat and Lollipop -- all the way to 5.1.1. This is a huge amount of users and quite frankly, it is scary.

Even scarier? Trend Micro reported this to Google in May and the search giant merely categorized it as a "low priority". Really Google? This looks extremely high priority to me!

Does this vulnerability make you worry about your Android phone or tablet? Tell me in the comments.

Photo Credit: tulpahn/Shutterstock
What's your view on Windows 10?

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 6:16pm CEST par Wayne Williams

So now that a good number of you have installed Windows 10 (obviously a fair few of you will have been Windows Insiders for a while as well), we’d like to hear what you think of it.

The BetaNews audience has never shied away from passing comment on all manner of stories (it’s what we love about you guys) and Windows 10 has divided opinion pretty much from day one. It’s easy to pick holes in a work-in-progress OS, but now that Microsoft has released the completed version, has it changed your view at all? Do you love it, hate it, or sit somewhere in-between?

The installation process for me ran incredibly smoothly on both my main PC and also a slightly aging laptop. The reserved OS never arrived on my primary system, but the free tool solved the problem (I could, of course, have manually forced the update).

There are a few issues I’ve encountered so far -- video playback seems a bit stuttery -- but once I’ve updated a few things I’m sure it will be fine.

Everything else seems to be working as intended, and overall I do like the new OS, even though it will take some getting used to now I'm using it full time.

If you haven’t yet updated to Windows 10, do you intend to, and if not, why not?

This is an open forum, so sound off about anything and everything to do with Windows 10. We’re looking forward to reading your comments!

Photo Credit: Bevan Goldswain/Shutterstock
Facebook dominates social website logins [Infographic]

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 6:11pm CEST par Sam Pudwell

Customer identity management firm Gigya has released its Q2 "landscape of customer identity" figures, showing how consumers are using third party identity providers such as Facebook and Google+ to log into other websites.

Facebook continued its dominance, now controlling two-thirds of all social logins, followed by Google+ (20 percent), Twitter (six percent) and Yahoo (four percent).

In terms of global preferences, the pattern remains fairly similar. Facebook commands a 65 percent dominance in North America, 74 percent in Europe, 79 percent in Central and South America, 63 percent in Africa and 79 percent in Asia.

Richard Lack, director of Northern Europe at Gigya commented: "In the second quarter of 2015, Facebook continued its steady dominance as a third-party identity provider (IdP), with the business now controlling an astounding two-thirds of all social logins across the globe. The company’s share on mobile devices stood at 77 per cent -- significantly higher than all other IdPs in Q2 of 2015".

"However, Facebook’s share of logins on eCommerce properties fell by two percent, with payment providers Amazon and PayPal continuing to build momentum. Consumers appear to be taking advantage of being able to log in and pay for items on websites using the same identity for one seamless interaction".

"Social login is an effective mechanism for brands to identify site visitors at the point of entry, allowing marketers to tie demographic, interest and behavioral data to individual user identities. This unification of data enables brands to personalize user experiences on an individual level -- even as users move across channels and device".

"What’s more, identity data is permission-based and captured directly from consumers, resulting in more accurate and complete information that leads to more effective segmentation", adds Lack.

The full infographic can be found below.

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

Photo credit: Twin Design / Shutterstock
Most malvertising attacks come from news and entertainment sites

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 6:01pm CEST par Ian Barker

Since news and entertainment websites are amongst the most popular on the net, it's not surprising that they're more likely to play host malicious adverts.

A new report by Bromium Labs reveals that more than half of malvertising is unknowingly hosted on news and entertainment websites. 58 percent of online adverts with hidden malware were delivered through news websites (32 percent) and entertainment websites (26 percent). Major websites unknowingly hosting malvertising included cbsnews.com, nbcsports.com, weather.com, boston.com and viralnova.com.

Other findings from the report include that Flash exploits have increased 60 percent in the past six months. This is due to the rapid growth in availability of active exploit kits many of which now target Flash.

The growth of ransomware families has doubled each year since 2013, with nine new ransomware families emerging in the first six months of this year. Ransomware continues to grow, as cybercriminals realize it is a lucrative form of attack.

Malware is also getting better at evading detection. Bromium Labs analyzed malware evasion technology and found it is rapidly evolving to bypass even the latest detection techniques deployed by organizations, including antivirus, host intrusion prevention systems (HIPS), honeypots, behavioral analysis, network filters and network intrusion detection systems (NIDS).

"For the last couple years, Internet Explorer was the source of the most exploits, but before that it was Java, and now it is Flash; what we are witnessing is that security risk is a constant, but it is only the name that changes," says Rahul Kashyap, SVP and chief security architect, Bromium. "Hackers continue to innovate new exploits, new evasion techniques and even new forms of malware -- recently ransomware -- preying on the most popular websites and commonly used software".

The full report, Endpoint Exploitation Trends 1H 2015, is available from the Bromium Labs site.

Image Credit: Sam72 / Shutterstock
How to manage notifications in Windows 10

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 5:09pm CEST par Wayne Williams
The new Action Center keeps you informed about what’s going on in Windows 10, providing a single place for all of the notifications from Windows and installed apps, and also informing you about new emails, instant messages, Facebook updates, and much more.

Notifications flash up on screen and come from all sorts of places, and if you’re not careful, you can easily find yourself bombarded with alerts. Fortunately it’s easy to trim down which notifications you see.

Here’s what you need do. First tap or click on the notification icon in the system tray. This will open the Action Center.

Tap or click on All Settings, and select System. Select 'Notifications & actions' from there.

You’ll see a list of Notifications sources:
- Show me tips about Windows.
- Show app notifications.
- Show notifications on the lock screen.
- Show alarms, reminders and incoming VOIP calls on the lock screen.
You can toggle any of those on or off.

Under those are a list of apps that display notifications, and you can toggle those on or off too.

You can also configure quick actions by clicking on notifications when they appear in the System Tray area.

If you find you don’t have long enough to react to notifications when they flash up on screen you can change how long they appear for by going to Ease of Access > Other Options.

Finally, if you want to disable notifications temporarily, you can do so by opening up the Action Center and turning on Quiet Hours. Don’t forget to disable it afterwards.
How to customize the Windows 10 Start menu

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:54pm CEST par Wayne Williams
Hooray, Windows 10 has a Start menu. It may not be the Start menu you were hoping for (Windows 7 users I’m looking at you), but it’s there, and easily customized.

You can change the colors, transparency effect, and size and position of the tiles. If you don’t want the tiled interface you can turn this off, and just have a straightforward Windows 7-style menu. Here’s what you can do.

The Start menu can be resized by clicking and dragging on the edge of the menu. You can pull it upwards, or sideways. The tile groups reposition themselves automatically.

The tiles themselves can be resized via the right-click context menu. They can be small, medium, wide, or large, and you can turn live tiles on or off here too.

Unwanted tiles can be unpinned. Unpin them all, and you will end up with a very basic Start menu that takes up a fraction of the space. Should you wish to get the tiles back, go to All Apps, right-click each app you want and select 'Pin to Start'.

You can reorder tiles by clicking and dragging, and also sort them into groups. To change a group name, hover your mouse over it and then click.

You can customize the look and behavior of the Start menu by going to Settings, and clicking or tapping Personalization and selecting Start.

From here you can toggle the following options on or off:
- Show most apps
- Show recently added apps
- Use Start full screen
- Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start of the taskbar.
You can also choose which folders appear on Start.

Select Colors and you can enable or disable the auto color feature using the toggle next to 'Automatically pick an accent color from my background'. When this turned off, Windows will display a grid of colors you can use instead. Select one, and the thumbnail above will preview it. The color scheme will also be applied to Windows itself, so you can see the changes for real.

Scroll down, and you can choose whether or not to show this color on Start, the taskbar and action center. If you turn this option off, you’ll get the standard dark theme.

The Colors screen also lets you enable or disable the Start menu, taskbar and action center transparency effect.

All of the changes are actioned immediately, no need to click on an 'Apply' link or button to set them.
30 essential free iPhone apps

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:53pm CEST par Sam Pudwell

If you’re the same as me, you’ll resent the idea of having to pay for apps. Fortunately, there are plenty of free gems out there and, since these freebies are available in pretty much every category you could think of, the likelihood is you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for without having to spend a penny.

That’s not to say that they’re all good apps. A lot of them are duds that won’t be worth your while, but there’s no fool-proof way of knowing that until you actually test them. Alternatively, you can just have a look through a list that sifts out the best from the rest. Wouldn’t that be convenient?

With the rising popularity of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, we thought that this would be the ideal time to update our list of the top free iPhone apps, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Just to be clear, these aren’t the official top-selling iPhone apps or anything like that, just 30 top-notch apps that we think should be on everyone’s iPhone 6 download list.

If you think we’ve missed anything out, feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Get your thumbs ready.

BBC News

The BBC’s has one of the best interfaces of all news apps -- it’s clean, with relevant headlines, good photos and, perhaps best of all, no advertisements. The Beeb has correspondents in every corner of the globe, and covers a huge variety of topics. Another perk is that you can elect to view some news in other languages, such as Urdu, Arabic, Russian and so many more.

Candy Crush Saga

I’m sorry people, I just couldn’t resist sticking this one in. This hugely popular and addictive game has to feature in the list, mainly because you get so much game time for a free app. I’ve had a minor (okay, major) addiction to this for the last few months now, but I know I’m not the only one. There are two different modes you can play in and once you really get going the levels are tough enough to keep things interesting. Warning: prepare to be hooked like never before.

Citymapper

Citymapper is one of the best transit apps on the market, coming runner-up in Apple’s App of the Year awards in 2013. Available in a host of major cities including London, Paris, Barcelona, New York and San Francisco, the app displays virtually all of a city’s transit options, as well as showing estimated costs and travel times. Simply a must-have for any frequent travelers.

Dropbox

In today’s mobile world, where we use multiple computers and devices on a daily basis, having a means of accessing your files from wherever you are is an absolute must. Whether it’s your office computer, home desktop, laptop or smartphone, the Dropbox app for iOS allows you to access files from wherever you have a decent connection. Documents are stored in the cloud and a straightforward interface enables easy uploading and downloading.

eBay

The eBay iPhone app makes the buying and selling processes quick and easy with a fluid search tool, large, high-resolution images and an easy-to-navigate interface. The app will notify you when auctions are about to end, has a barcode scanner feature for comparing prices and a local shopping feature so you can pick up your items from a nearby retailer.

Evernote

Without the Evernote app for iPhone, I’d be a lot less productive while I’m away from my desk. This free, straightforward, note-making app outperforms most competitors thanks to its strong search capabilities and effortless organization. But the real key to its success and popularity is that Evernote synchronizes all your files by saving them to the cloud, meaning anything you create or alter from your iPhone will be there waiting for you when you log into any other version of Evernote. A must-have for anyone who finds themselves constantly on the move.

Facebook

Social networks thrive with a mobile app -- you’ve got to be social on the go, of course -- and Facebook for iPhone is solid. Despite occasional crashes, Facebook loads pretty quickly and has a slick interface for viewing updates and photos. The design is easy to navigate, too.

Find My iPhone

The Find My iPhone app from Apple helps you locate a lost or stolen iPhone. You can use your Apple login details to find the geo-location of any of your devices, as long as they are connected to Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. You can also remotely make your phone blare out a loud noise, even if it’s in silent mode, if you think it’s still within earshot. You can also remotely send a message to your phone’s screen if you think someone trustworthy has it in their possession, and you want them to be able to contact you.

Gmail

Speed, improved search functionality and color-coded threading make the standalone Gmail iPhone app superior to the built-in Mail app (where you can access Gmail). It allows iPhone users to decide what they value in an email app. Do you prefer search capability to text displayed at readable sizes? Is it more important for your various email accounts to be managed in one app, as Mail arranges them, or would you rather have a dedicated app just for Gmail that looks more like Gmail on the web? The Gmail app searches your entire email in slicker and quicker fashion than the pre-installed Mail app.

Google Maps

As far as I’m concerned, Google Maps is the best navigation tool out there by a long way and should be one of the first apps you download on your new iPhone 6. You can view search results in a list or on the map itself, the app is generally familiar and smooth, it has great graphics and allows you to save your favorite destinations. An absolute steal.

Google Search

Search giant Google has many excellent free apps (several are on this very list), but its search app is the one closest to its founding business and is thus bursting with some pretty smart features. You can search for stuff by typing keywords, speaking or even snapping a photo, as there’s a toggle for Google Goggles (in the settings area), which lets you take photos of books, landmarks, logos, artwork and so forth to find out more about them. You can also save pictures you take, and the app will scan and read any text that appears on them too. The Google Search app does a lot more than just trawl the Internet, making it well worth the free download.

Instagram

Now owned by Facebook after a cool $1bn (around £620 million) acquisition in 2012, Instagram is the hugely popular picture-sharing app that allows you to spice up your photos through a range of different filters and then share your creations through Facebook and Twitter. You can also tag your friends, "Like" other people's photos, add comments and follow your favorite celebrities. Be prepared for a barrage of selfies, as well as snaps of food and exotic holiday destinations.

LinkedIn

In this fast-paced, high-pressure world where business mixes with your personal life all too often, an app like LinkedIn’s turns out to be a pretty useful one to have at your fingertips. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to suggest a potential new connection to a colleague or connect with someone whilst at an event, the LinkedIn app is the one you want. It’s the central place where you can find all those “loose ties”, the acquaintances that often turn out to be the most valuable in terms of career advancement and overall success.

Match.com

Match.com is one of the UK’s top-rated dating websites and now it has a sleek, easy-to-use app so you can manage your private life on the go. It has taken cues from Tinder and carried out a recent overhaul to make the mobile experience more enjoyable. Browse other member profiles, search for singles near you, send winks and chat in real time with potential dates, all for free on your phone.

MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter

The free fitness app, MyFitnessPal, is one of the best all-in-one calorie counter and exercise trackers for the iPhone. A simple design and interface ensure the app is quick and easy to use, although its biggest selling point is the app’s exhaustive food and nutrition database, which trounces every competitor’s that we’ve seen.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the most accepted payment services in the world so is a logical inclusion in this list. The app uses your location to find any merchants around you that accept PayPal and to pay, all you have to do is enter your mobile number and PIN into the app at the checkout. It’s a quick and easy way to pay without cash and the app itself is clearly laid-out and easy to use.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a virtual pin-board that lets you organize and share pictures of anything you find online or photograph in your life. With the app on your iPhone, it’s easy to snap photos in the real world and upload them to your boards. You can watch what others are pinning and sometimes the items are for sale and can be purchased by following a link out to the retailer’s site. It’s a great tool for collecting and browsing images of things you like or that inspire you.

Pocket

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the situation; you’re browsing the web and you see a great article. You don’t have time to read it, for whatever reason, but you’re pretty sure you can remember it for later on, only to draw a total blank when you do get a free moment. Well, this is now a thing of the past thanks to Pocket, an offline reading tool that allows you to save articles, pictures and even videos for later viewing. You can also sync the app across devices and platforms, meaning you’ll never miss out on that trending article again.

Runkeeper

For all you exercise fanatics out there, this is a great app that uses GPS to track activities such as running and cycling, providing you with information regarding pace, distance and calories burned, as well as several other metrics. You can also monitor your progress over time and sync the app with other devices to keep track of all your exercise sessions.

Skype

Skype is one of the best free communication tools for the iPhone, enabling you to call phone numbers or other Skype accounts, make high-quality video calls as well as featuring an instant messaging tool. All the features work on either Wi-Fi or 3G/4G and you can have up to four people in a video chat at any one time. An intuitive interface makes the app easy to navigate and interact with.

Spotify

The Spotify Music app has all the features you would expect it to have; search through a seemingly-infinite database of tracks, artists and albums, create and share playlists and discover new tunes with the personal recommendations tool. The recently added Your Music feature also allows you to collect your favorite music in one place and sync that list across all devices for that extra personal touch.

Tinder

Ah Tinder, the mobile dating app everyone loves to hate. This is a bit of a tongue in cheek inclusion but, despite the criticism it has received, the app has enjoyed incredible success since its launch. For those of you who don’t know, the app presents you with a picture of someone near to your location and you either swipe right if you like them or left if you don’t. If both people swipe right, it’s a match and you can start a conversation. It’s very much a light-hearted approach to online dating and is great if you don’t take yourself, or the dating process, too seriously.

TuneIn Radio

Whatever your taste, you’ll find it on this app. TuneIn boasts the world’s largest collection of sports, news, music and talk stations, with access to over 100,000 radio stations and four million podcasts at the touch of a button. It also possesses a clean and easy-to-use interface, making it the first choice app for all you radio fans.

Twitter

Twitter has had its own app for a while now, having previously left the job to third-party developers. For those of you who prefer to express yourself in 140 characters or less, Twitter’s quick, responsive and easy-to-use app is the one for you. The Discover and Activity tabs allow you to delve into the world of Twitter more than ever before, so if you don’t tweet and have been on the fence about joining the masses, the iPhone app makes it easy and convenient to get on board.

Viber

Viber is a fast-growing communications app that is giving Skype some fierce competition, having already attracted over 400 million users worldwide. It allows you to make video calls, texts and send photo messages to any other Viber user for free, whether on Android or iOS. The app syncs with your contact list to automatically detect which of your contacts also have the Viber app.

WhatsApp Messenger

This is a hugely popular instant messaging app that Facebook believed to be worth an eye-watering $19bn (£11.39bm) when it acquired the start-up in February of this year. The app automatically syncs to your phone’s contacts and enables you to send text, photos, voice notes or video messages. A word of warning though, although the app is free to download, after the first year it’ll cost you $0.99 (£0.60) per year, but this minimal expense is definitely worth it.

XE Currency

If you’re constantly dealing with different currencies, then you need an app that will display live, up-to-date currency rates in a way that’s easy to understand. That’s exactly what XE Currency does. Rates are updated every minute, which you can choose to change if you wish, and recent rates are stored on your phone so you can still get access to the information even without a Wi-Fi connection.

Yahoo Weather

Unlike many other weather apps, Yahoo Weather strikes the perfect balance between looks and content, displaying a comprehensive amount of information on a visually appealing interface. The app will tell you basic information such as temperature and a short-term forecast, as well as including more advanced data like wind speed and barometric pressure. It may not be quite as powerful as some other weather apps, but you’ll find all the information you need to plan your day around the temperamental British weather.

YouTube

This one doesn’t need much explanation as everyone knows about the power of YouTube by now. From hilarious cat videos, to tutorials, to music videos, its got the lot. Whatever you need, there’s probably a video of it on YouTube, so for that reason alone it definitely deserves a place on this list.

YPlan

Dull evenings stuck at home in front of the telly are a thing of the past thanks to YPlan, the event discovery app that is a fantastic source of tickets and attractions for spontaneous nights out. The app recommends a range of events such as gigs, film screenings and experiences that are personalised to your taste. It currently covers London, Edinburgh, New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas but more cities have been promised soon.

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

Photo credit: Bloomua / Shutterstock
How to make Firefox or Chrome the default browser in Windows 10

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:30pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Obviously Microsoft’s Edge browser is the new default choice in Windows 10, and it’s definitely worth giving it a try. I’ve found it to be speedy and surprisingly good. Persevere long enough and you might grow to like it as I have.

That said, if you prefer to use Chrome or Firefox, with all the add-ons and customizations in place, I really couldn’t blame you. Edge isn’t (yet) as flexible, and if you already use Google or Mozilla’s browser for syncing content between devices, then it makes sense to use the same browser in Windows 10. Here’s how to setup a rival browser as the default option.

Firstly, when you install a different browser, you will likely be prompted to make it the default (you can set the browser to always perform this check when starting up). Do so and you’re good to go. The first time you run Firefox or Chrome on a recently updated Windows 10 system you'll probably be given the choice to make it your default.

This doesn’t always happen though, or you might accidentally skip past this step. Fortunately, there’s another, and possibly better way of setting the default browser.

Open the Start menu and type 'default app settings'. Hit enter.

Click on Web Browser (which will be Microsoft Edge by default) and select the browser you want to use instead.

You can also set the default browser through the Control Panel. Open the Start menu, type 'Default programs', hit enter and click 'Set your default programs' in the window that appears. Click your browser in the list on the left and then click 'Set this program default' on the right.

You can also choose which file types and protocols that browser opens by default.
TeleSign SDK streamlines verification on mobiles

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:21pm CEST par Ian Barker

Many of the latest cyber attacks focus on mobile platforms as they're often seen as inherently less secure, particularly when handling account logins and important transactions.

Mobile identity solutions company TeleSign is today launching its TeleSign Auto Verify, a new lightweight software development kit (SDK) for mobile app developers that streamlines the account verification process while providing a more reliable and cost-effective method than SMS-based verification alone.

Auto Verify seamlessly integrates with new or existing mobile apps and verification processes and employs a proprietary network signaling method to ensure greater completion rates without the need for one-time passcodes (OTPs) to be sent to the consumer's mobile phone and manually entered, the way verification is most commonly experienced today.

"With the mobile platform serving as fertile ground for today’s cyber attacks, app developers know it’s essential to take a security-first approach to development," says Steve Jillings, CEO of TeleSign. "TeleSign Auto Verify delivers a frictionless registration experience by authenticating users 'behind the scenes' -- no passcodes required. Now customers can protect account registrations and important transactions easier than ever".

TeleSign Auto Verify integrates user registration into a mobile app to streamline the verification of a user’s mobile phone number during account creation. It can therefore increase assurance for high value transactions, such as money transfers, payment transactions, and password changes, by requesting and then verifying, in real time, a user's phone number within their mobile app. It can also ensure an existing end user has a legitimate phone number attached to each account by seamlessly verifying the number in the background, while users interact with the mobile app as usual.

TeleSign Auto Verify is available from today as a 34Kb SDK for Android versions 4.1.x and higher, and is easily embedded into new or existing mobile apps and verification processes, while giving developers complete control over the branding and user experience. You can find more details on the TeleSign website.

Image Credit: Oleksiy Mark / Shutterstock
How to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:18pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Microsoft’s new modern web browser comes with Bing as its default search engine. This will, of course, surprise absolutely no one. Some people will be more than happy with that choice, but others will prefer to switch to using something different. Like Google.

The process isn’t especially intuitive but it is very straightforward and won’t take more than a few seconds of your time. Here’s how to do it.

Go to the search site you want to set as the new default, like www.google.com, and click or tap the ellipses in the top right corner of the browser and select Settings.

Scroll down and select 'View advanced settings'.

Scroll down to 'Search in the address bar with', select 'Bing (www.bing.com)' and select 'Add new'.

Google should appear in the list of search engines. Select it and click/tap 'Add as default'.

That's it. Google will be the default search engine in Edge.
Kaspersky 2016 adds Private Browsing, Change Control

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:18pm CEST par Mike Williams

Kaspersky Labs has released its 2016 editions of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security in Canada and the USA.

The suites now have a "Change Control" system which warns you of attempts to modify your browser home or search pages, install addons or change settings, and allows you to allow or block them.

A "Private Browsing" feature works with Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer to reduce the chance of websites tracking your browser activities, search history and device location.

Elsewhere, Safe Mode has been improved by reducing the need for plugins, and there are assorted enhancements for the firewall, Trusted Applications mode, Safe Money, and remote management via your "My Kaspersky" account. The packages run on anything from Windows XP through to 10.

As before, the protection comes in three tiers. Kaspersky Anti-Virus ($59.99) has the core antivirus engine and basic web protection; Kaspersky Internet Security (also $59.99 right now) adds a firewall, Wi-Fi monitoring, application control, change control, antispam, private browsing, the "Safe Money" secure browser, and more; and Total Security ($69.99) adds password management and sync, encryption, secure and online backups, a file shredder, PC cleanup tools and more.

It’s a solid feature set, and the independent testing labs still regularly place Kaspersky products at or close to the top of their tests. AV-Comparatives’ latest Real-World Protection Test has Kaspersky in third place, very marginally behind Panda and Bitdefender.

Trial builds of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security are available now for Windows XP -- Windows 10.
How to install Windows 10 on Oracle VirtualBox -- no Windows key required

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:06pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Now that Windows 10 is officially available, there’s a good chance you’ll be updating your existing PCs to the new OS. There are reasons for and against doing this of course.

If you’re not quite ready to jump aboard Windows 10, you might want to install it in a virtualized environment instead. This way you’ll be able to try it out -- no Windows key required -- without risking your current setup, and see whether you like it or not. It’s certainly worth playing around with.

The process is very simple -- all you need is a copy of Oracle VM VirtualBox and a Windows 10 ISO, which you can get by following the instructions here. There are x86 and x64 editions available in a choice of editions and languages.

To set up Windows 10 in VirtualBox, launch the software and click New in the Manager window. In the Create Virtual Machine dialog box enter 'Windows 10' as the name of the operating system.

Select Windows 10 as the version. (Choose 'Windows 10 (64bit)' if you have a 64-bit ISO).

Hit Next, then set the Memory Size. The recommended figure should be fine. On the following screen choose to 'Create a virtual hard drive now' and click Create. Accept VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) as the hard drive file type. You’ll be asked if you want the new virtual hard drive to be dynamically altered (it will resize as required) or a fixed size. The latter option is faster, so select that.

Click Create and VirtualBox will begin building the drive.

When done, click the Start button in the Manager. In the 'Select start-up disk' window, click the folder icon and navigate to the Windows 10 ISO.

Click Start and Windows 10 should begin to load. Select your language settings, then click the 'Install now' button. Accept the license terms. Choose the 'Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)' option.

Click Next, and the installation process will begin. You'll be prompted to enter your license key but you can skip this step for now (useful if you don't actually have a Windows 10 key).

When it’s done, choose to 'Get going fast' using the express settings (you can customize things if you prefer). Say who owns your PC (you or an organization), and then sign in with your Microsoft account. You can create an account if you don’t already have one.

You’ll now have the option of creating a PIN to sign in with instead of a password. Microsoft says this is better, and it's unquestionably faster. If you don’t want to sign into your virtual version of Windows 10 every time, you can bypass this afterwards by following these steps.

Next you'll be able to add or skip Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant. Once that's done, Windows 10 will finalize everything and you can begin exploring. One of the first things you'll probably want to do is resize the display settings in the virtual OS.

If you want to resize the program window, click View in VirtualBox and select Fullscreen or Scaled Mode (which is my preference).

The simplest way to shut down Windows 10 when you no longer need it is to click the X in top right corner of VirtualBox and select 'Power off the machine'.

Troubleshooting

If you’re running Hyper-V (Microsoft’s built in virtualization tool) in Windows 8.x you’ll need to disable it in order to be able to run VirtualBox.

If VirtualBox encounters errors and fails to install Windows 10, the first thing to do is make sure you’re running the very latest version of the virtualization software.

If that doesn’t fix the issue, go to System Properties on the host (not the virtual) PC, click the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab and change the setting from 'Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only' to 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select'.

OK that, restart your system and this time Windows 10 should install just fine in VirtualBox.
Hawking, Musk and Wozniak want strict regulations on AI weapons

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:02pm CEST par David Curry

Artificial intelligence is the next step in the world of technology, but some of the leaders and speakers in the industry have asked for more oversight on weapons with AI.

Renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk and co-founder of Apple Steve Wozniak have all spoken out in favour of more regulation on AI weapons. In the open letter posted on A Future For Life Institute, which Musk donated $10 million (£6.4 million) to see further research into AI, it asked for governments to not allow offensive weapons manufacturing that uses AI to pick out targets.

"AI technology has reached a point where the deployment of such systems is -- practically if not legally -- feasible within years, not decades, and the stakes are high", said the group in the letter. "Autonomous weapons have been described as the third revolution in warfare, after gunpowder and nuclear arms".

It is a worry shared by a lot of public speakers, who find the advancement in AI to be both a blessing and curse. The amount at stake when bad people gain access to these technologies, and enhance them to benefit their own cause, could be catastrophic.

We are already seeing a major shift in America on the subject of guns, following a wide series of mass shootings. This latest move would see both commercial weaponry and military grade robots and weapons banned or regulated in the future.

The Future of Life intends to present the open letter to the International Joint Conference in Buenos Aires this week. It will also pursue governments and other speakers to sign the letter, pushing the dangers of AI weapons into the mainstream.

Even though technology firms are looking to use AI for home and service means, not all companies are thinking for a brighter future. Having AI that can be dangerous to people is bound to happen, what The Future of Life wants is regulation, oversight and standards to make sure that the risk is reduced.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.
Bitcoin payments move towards the mainstream with new payment partnership

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 3:41pm CEST par Ian Barker

We reported recently on a new system that reduces the risk for merchants in accepting bitcoin payments.

Now there's more evidence that the digital currency is going mainstream with the announcement of a partnership between enterprise bitcoin payments processor, Bitnet and payments platform provider Zooz that will enable merchants to accept bitcoin as a payment method on the Zooz payment platform.

"We have seen the growing interest in digital currencies among our customer base and are excited to partner with Bitnet to add bitcoin to our service offering," says Nathan Jackson, VP Europe at Zooz. "We selected Bitnet as a partner due to their advanced platform, integrity of its team, in addition to demand from some of our key customers for bitcoin payments".

Zooz customers will be able to add bitcoin as an option to their checkout pages quickly and easily. Bitnet will enable Zooz's customers to accept payments in bitcoin without being exposed to the risk of fraudulent transactions or any volatility in the price of bitcoin.

"Our partnership with Zooz enables us to work with one of the most innovative payments platforms in the market," says Akif Khan, Chief Commercial Officer, Bitnet. "We are excited to partner with this rapidly growing company and help its merchants drive profitability across all channels".

You can find out more on the Bitnet website.

Photo credit: Lightboxx / Shutterstock
How to manually trigger your reserved Windows 10 upgrade

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 3:39pm CEST par Wayne Williams

If you reserved a Windows 10 upgrade, you were probably expecting it to appear this morning. For many people that was the case, but not for all. There are ways around this problem of course -- you can use the free tool Microsoft released today in order to update your PC whenever you like.

However, if you reserved the update, then you probably just want to get your upgrade through that. And rightly so. Fortunately, there’s a simple little trick you can use.

Firstly, there’s no guarantee that this will work. It should, but there are various reasons why it may not. Give it a try, and if it doesn’t work for you, then fire up the free tool and upgrade Windows that way.

All you have to do to force the upgrade is firstly make sure Windows Update is set to automatically download and apply updates, then open a Command Prompt window as an administrator.

In the box type wuauclt.exe/updatenow

Hit enter and that should trigger the Windows 10 download. As you may have read elsewhere, demand for Windows 10 is apparently causing slow downloads for users at the moment, so be patient.

Image Credit: Zurijeta / Shutterstock
New digital consent initiative to give users control of personal data

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 2:48pm CEST par Ian Barker

As more and more of our data gets stored in digital format, keeping it secure becomes a bigger challenge. One possible solution is User Managed Access (UMA) which gives a web user a unified control point for authorizing who and what can get access to their online personal data.

The UMA standard has already received support from major organizations such as Philips and the New Zealand government. Access management company ForgeRock along with a number of open-source technology companies and experts, is announcing a new digital consent and privacy initiative to help accelerate developer adoption of UMA.

Using UMA, individuals are able to grant access to digital records on a need-to-know basis and for only an appropriate length of time. For example, instead of making copies of a child's healthcare records at the beginning of the school year and walking it into the school office, a parent could give temporary access to the online record then revoke it later. This would eliminate the need to duplicate personal records while maintaining privacy. In a similar fashion, financial records can be shared with authorized tax accountants and loan officers, and healthcare records can be shared with medical specialists.

Eve Maler, ForgeRock's vice president of innovation and emerging technology, says, "As organizations collect more and more user information in order to deliver more personalized experiences to consumers, failing to offer those consumers a way to actually manage that personal information themselves is a privacy time-bomb. As a leader in the adoption of open identity standards, ForgeRock believes UMA is the right solution to apply before the problem explodes".

You can find out more about UMA and the OpenUMA community dedicated to improving it on the ForgeRock website.

Photo credit: Ivelin Radkov / Shutterstock
Dmail brings self-destructing emails to Gmail

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 1:51pm CEST par Sam Pudwell

Following the release of the Undo Send option last month, Gmail users can now also delete sent emails.

Through a new Chrome extension called Dmail, users will be able to use a self-destruct option, which deletes sent mails after a stipulated period of time.

By installing the Chrome extension, users will be able to set automated timers to destroy a sent mail. This also means that after doing so, the recipients’ access to the email will be revoked and they will receive an email saying that the message will self destruct, also stipulating the time set by the sender.

This service, however, does not physically delete emails on the recipient’s side. Users who send emails via Dmail will have their messages encrypted and then decrypted on the recipient’s side. However, if a sender wants to revoke access to a sent email at a later time, the email gets encrypted by a 256-bit encryption algorithm and the recipient gets a "message unavailable" prompt.

"Neither Gmail nor Dmail servers ever receive both the decryption key and encrypted message. Only the recipient and sender can read the email legibly", Dmail product lead Eric Kuhn said.

Dmail is created by engineers from bookmarking web service Delicious.

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

Image Credit: iQoncept / Shutterstock
How to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 1:23pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic
Microsoft has officially introduced Windows 10, making the new operating system available as a free upgrade, in the first year, to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. Those who cannot take advantage of this deal will have to purchase Windows 10, which is now offered on USB drives, on top of DVDs and digital downloads.

Bootable USB drives are a better option than DVDs, as they can be used on the vast majority of devices in use today, including slim ultrabooks which do not have optical drives. They are also much faster, so the time it takes to install Windows 10 is significantly lower, and pocketable, allowing you to easily carry one wherever you need. If you do not have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive, this detailed how-to guide takes you through all the steps involved in creating your own flash installation media.

The Essentials

First off, you will need a USB drive. The minimum capacity is 4 GB, and I recommend using a drive that is decently fast, so the time it takes to complete the whole process is minimized. Keep in mind that, no matter which path you take, all the files on the USB drive will be erased, so make sure to back everything up. Alternatively, you can use a microSD or SD card, which works just as well based on my experience.

You will also need a Windows 10 ISO, which can be downloaded from Microsoft's servers using the dedicated tool that Microsoft has released (more on it in the section below). Get this version for the 32-bit Windows 10 or this version for the 64-bit Windows 10. You may also be able to download it directly from this page, or MSDN.

In order to create the bootable Windows 10 USB drive, you also need a Windows PC and an archiving tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR if you do not yet have one installed. And, in order to actually get the latest operating system up and running on your device, you will also need a valid Windows 10 product key.

If you have a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license you will first have to upgrade to Windows 10, in order to perform a clean install, from a bootable USB drive, later. Otherwise the key you have entered may not be seen as valid during the setup phase.

Your Options

There are a couple of ways you can create a bootable Windows 10 USB Drive. The official method involves using the aforementioned dedicated tool to download the necessary files from Microsoft's servers and create the installation media. My colleague Wayne Williams has explained how you can do this in this article. This works best if you do not have the Windows 10 ISO on your PC.

If you have the Windows 10 ISO on your PC, you have two options. The method that I prefer involves writing a few lines in a command prompt window. This gives you more control over the process, and you also get to learn something new. The other method requires the use of a dedicated (third-party) tool that will handle the contents of the ISO and prepare the USB drive automatically.

Creating the Bootable Windows 10 USB Drive

First, I will explain how you can manually create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive. Here is where the archiving tool comes in handy, as you will have to use it to extract the contents of the ISO in a folder on your Windows PC. After this is complete, plug in the USB drive and follow the next steps to create the installation media:
1. Open a Command Prompt window. To do this, open Run (Windows key + R will do the trick; alternatively, it can be found in the Start menu), type "cmd" and then press the OK button.
2. Use the "diskpart" command to open the disk partitioning software. Accept the UAC prompt, if asked, to continue.
3. Use the "listdisk" command to display the list of storage drives -- it will reveal all the HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and so on, that are attached to your PC.
4. Identify the disk number of the USB drive that you are using -- you can easily find it by looking at the size column; it is usually the last one that is listed.
5. Use the "select disk X" command to select the USB drive -- "X" is the disk number of your USB drive, and it is shown in the first column.
6. Use the "clean" command to erase everything on the USB drive.
7. Use the "create partition primary" command to create a primary partition on the USB drive.
8. Use the "select partition 1" command to select that partition.
9. Use the "active" command to make said partition active.
10. Use the "format fs=fat32" command to format it as NTFS, using the Quick (fast) routine.
11. Use the "assign" command to assign a drive letter to the USB drive -- it will show up as a drive under My Computer.
12. Copy the extracted contents of the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive
For the visual step-by-step guide, check out the slideshow that is embedded below.

If you want to use a dedicated tool for the job, you should know that there are many options available. I recommend sticking with Microsoft's Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, which, even if it does not offer any advanced options, works fine for this purpose. After installing it, here is what you need to do:
1. Open the tool, click the Browse button and select the Windows 10 ISO file.
2. Select the USB drive option.
3. Select your USB drive from the dropdown menu.
4. Hit the Begin Copying button to kick off the process.
What Next?

Now that you have created the bootable Windows 10 USB drive, you can go to the next step: installing the operating system. How do you initiate the setup process?

Your PC must be configured to boot from a USB drive, which can be selected from the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI. To enter BIOS/UEFI you have to press a dedicated key; same goes for the boot menu. Both can be entered right after powering up the device or restarting it.

After performing this step, your PC will automatically boot from the USB drive and take you straight to the Windows 10 setup. From there on, it is business as usual: enter your product key, if asked, and select where you want to install the operating system.

Photo Credit: Mario Lopes/Shutterstock
Automate login and bypass the lock screen in Windows 10

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 12:49pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Like Windows 8.x, Windows 10 has been designed with security in mind and requires you to log in before you can start using it. That’s fine, and sensible, but if you’re the only person using your PC, and you’re confident that no one will be able to use it without your permission, or break in to your home and steal it, you might want to skip this stage.

The process of doing so is the same as in Windows 8, and is very simple without the need for registry hacks or complicated trickery.

From the Start menu type 'run'. Click on Run and type 'netplwiz'. OK that and highlight your account. Uncheck 'Users must enter a username and password to use this computer'. Click Apply. Then enter your password and confirm it. Click OK.

Restart your PC and when Windows loads it will automatically log you in. Easy.

If you change your mind and decide you do want the security offered by the password or new PIN feature, repeat the process and check the option forcing users to login.
IObit unveils first beta of Advanced SystemCare 9

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 12:22pm CEST par Mike Williams

IObit has released the first public beta of IObit Advanced SystemCare 9, its flagship all-in-one PC cleanup, maintenance and security suite.

Improvements include a new "Speed Up" module, which checks your system for surplus startup programs, unwanted apps, dubious Windows settings, and anything else which might be slowing you down.

The "Protect" module now prevents malware from changing your DNS settings, and has enhanced browser anti-tracking and homepage protection.

The Toolbox has gained a "Large File Finder" to show what’s hogging your hard drive space, while IObit Uninstaller 5 now fully removes even more unwanted applications.

There’s also a smarter Startup Manager and improved Spyware Removal. The suite has been packaged in a revamped and simplified interface, and of course there’s full support for cleaning and optimizing Windows 10.

Plus of course there’s the vast library of tools we saw in previous editions, cleaning and optimizing your Registry, deleting junk and duplicate files, controlling your startup programs, detecting and removing malware, updating your drivers, undeleting files, fully uninstalling applications, and a whole lot more.

IObit Advanced SystemCare 9 is a free download for Windows XP and later.
MSI now shipping hardcore Windows 10 gaming laptops

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 11:59am CEST par Brian Fagioli

Today is the day! Windows 10, baby -- woo! Expect to hear lots of announcements from PC manufacturers regarding new computers running Microsoft's new operating system. Yesterday, for example, Acer announced an entire line of Windows 10 computers for home and education.

What about hardcore gamers though? Windows 10 ushers in the DirectX 12 era for PC gaming, so surely some consumers will want hardcore gaming machines. Not to worry; today, MSI announces all-new gaming laptops featuring high-end specs and Nvidia graphics. Will you open your wallet to MSI?

"Designed to deliver an amazing user experience, Windows 10 re-imagines a classic by incorporating an array of new features that enhances gaming performance, including more realistic visuals using DirectX 12. Windows 10 also enables PC and console gamers to battle in multiplayer games at the same time; stream games from a console to a PC; and easily record, edit and share videos with GameDVR. Gamers can now experience the superior performance of Windows 10 without updates or downloads on MSI’s GT72 Dominator with G-Sync technology, GE72 Apache and GE62 Apache gaming notebooks", says MSI.

Andy Tung, president of MSI Pan America explains, "Windows 10 takes gaming to the next level by enhancing the experience and seamlessly integrating console and PC gaming. MSI provides gamers with the best and newest, and are proud to be the first to carry gaming notebooks with Windows 10 installed, also powered by the latest Intel 5th gen Core i7 processors".

The manufacturer shares the following specs and prices.

As you can see, all of these gaming laptops have great specifications including Core i7 processors, but it is the GT72 models that are most exciting. These higher-end models feature cutting edge technology such as USB 3.1 and G-Sync. The 9-cell battery will provide plenty of juice for portable gaming sessions, and the integrated subwoofer should offer rumbling bass.

Of course, the high price tags will keep these out of reach for the average user, but that is a good thing -- they are overkill for most. If you are a gamer, however, money is likely no object when it comes to quality hardware.

Will you buy one of these new MSI gaming laptops? If so, which one? Tell me in the comments.
How to download Windows 10 and create your own installation USB flash drive or DVD

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 9:28am CEST par Wayne Williams

Windows 10 has launched in 190 countries, and if you reserved your copy you should be able to upgrade to it today, or soon afterwards. Microsoft will be notifying users in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed.

However, for some people the wait may be long, and others have reported problems with the automatic installation. Fortunately, if you’re keen to get the upgrade started, Microsoft has released a tool that will let you download Windows 10 and create your own installation media on either a USB flash drive or DVD.

If you’re installing Windows 10 on a newly formatted PC, or one which has an older OS such as XP or Vista, you’ll need a valid Windows 7, 8.x or Windows 10 license to activate the operating system.

To get started, go here, and choose the download tool you need -- there are 32 and 64-bit versions available.

Save and run the file. You’ll be offered two choices. You can upgrade the PC you’re on to Windows 10, or create installation media for another PC. If you just want to start using Windows 10 select the former. To create an installer to use later, or elsewhere, select the latter.

Click Next and select the language, edition (there are several variations of Home and Pro available), and architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, both).

When choosing the edition, you’ll need to select the one that matches the Windows license you have. See the table below.

Click Next, and choose either USB flash drive or ISO file as your installation media. If you select the latter you’ll need to burn it to DVD later.

Click Next again, and it will download the file. This is several gigabytes, so will take a while to complete depending on the speed of your internet connection. Once it has finished you’ll be ready to upgrade an existing PC or install Windows 10 on a new system.

Image Credit: Andresr/Shutterstock
Acer announces Windows 10 back-to-school computers

Publié: juillet 29, 2015, 4:13am CEST par Brian Fagioli
Microsoft's Windows 10 launches tomorrow, so naturally it is the topic du jour. Chatter about the operating system will likely dominate the tech news for many days and weeks after too. You know what? Good. It is a damn good operating system -- the best version of Windows ever -- and it deserves the attention.

While Windows 10 is a free upgrade for many Windows 7 and 8.x users, many others are still on XP and Vista machines. Rather than pay for a Windows 10 license, you should probably buy a new computer instead. I understand the economy is still bad, but new machines are surprisingly affordable. Today, one of my favorite value-focused manufacturers, Acer, announces a new line of Windows 10 computers. While the focus is on "back-to-school", these machines are great for non-students too. The best part? You can buy some of them starting tomorrow.

"E Series are offered in several sizes, with either 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch displays, and in a variety of colors. They feature the latest Intel processors, NVIDIA GeForce 940M series graphics with dedicated DDR3 VRAM, up to 16GB RAM and 2TB HDD/1TB SSD storage options. MU-MIMO technology delivers up to 3x faster performance when connected to an 802.11ac based router. In addition, a new BluelightShield feature lessens eye strain by reducing blue light emission from the screen", says Acer.

The company shares the following 15 inch E-series configurations and prices. Unfortunately, the promised 17.3 inch models do not have availability or pricing yet.
- E5-573-58FN – 15.6-inch display, 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, 8GB memory, 500GB hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($499^.99)
- E5-573-52US – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, 8G memory, 1TB hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($549^.99)
- E5-573T-5935 –15.6-inch touchscreen display, 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U Processor, 8GB memory, 1TB hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($599^.99)
- E5-573-395Q – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-5015U processor, 4G memory, 500GB h/d, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($449^.99)
- E5-573G-5698 – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, NVIDIA® GeForce® 940M with 2 GB of DDR3 VRAM, 8G memory, 1TB hard drive ($599^.99)
- E5-573G-56RG –15.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, NVIDIA® GeForce® 940M with 4 GB of DDR3 VRAM, 8GB memory, 1TB hard drive ($649^.99)
OK, but what if you don't want a traditional laptop? No worries. Acer has Windows 10 all-in-one desktops and convertibles planned as well. Unfortunately, these machines will not be available for purchase until later in August. Acer shares the details below.
- Switch 10 E 2-in-1 notebook – The new Acer Switch 10 E provides the ultimate in flexibility since it transforms quickly and easily between four usage modes (tablet, notebook, display and tent).
- R 13 Series Convertible Notebooks – Less than 1 inch thin, these lightweight notebooks incorporate the inventive Acer Ezel Aero hinge that allows the 13.3-inch screen to rotate 180-degrees, so it can be used in six different modes (Notebook, Display, Tent, Pad, Ezel and Stand).
- R 11 Series Convertible Notebooks – With an 11.6 inch display, the R 11 convertible is compact enough to take anywhere – it fits easily in a purse or backpack, and is an ideal size for using on the road and in crowded spaces. With four distinct modes to choose from (Notebook, Display, Tent or Pad), it provides the flexibility to use it comfortably anywhere.
- Aspire Z3 All-in-One desktop – The Acer Aspire Z3-710 AIO features 10-point multi-touch and a 23.8-inch full HD (1920x1080) LED backlit display in a slim 1.4-inch chassis. Stereo speakers with Acer True Harmony and Dolby Digital Plus™ Home Theater® provide powerful audio, while built-in digital microphones can sense the location of voices to ensure they are heard clearly even with significant ambient noise. It offers comfortable viewing via an adjustable screen that tilts from -5 to 25 degrees.
What I am really excited about, however, is Acer's Cloudbooks. These are really inexpensive Windows 10 laptops aimed to compete with Google's Chromebooks. The company promises that an 11 inch model will start at $169, which is a really attractive price. I expect both home users and schools to be interested in purchasing. Heck, if the keyboard is good, I'd love to buy one for light use. Unfortunately, availability is not yet known -- Acer promises to share more at a later date.

So, will you purchase an E5 tomorrow? If so, all configurations look great -- the $449 model would be a great choice for both students and home users alike. With that said, if you or the student in your life is interested in light gaming, the models featuring the NVIDIA GeForce 940M would be an ideal choice instead.