New iO6 Mail Features

If you've updated to iO6 or gotten the iPhone5 you will have noticed a new category called VIP. VIP will let you customize your email notifications on your iPhone, so that way you only get bothered when certain people email you. This is a great way to filter out spam and not miss any important emails.

Another great feature of iO6 mail is the ability to send pictures within the actual message instead of before, only having the option of sending it from the photos. What do you think of these new improvements?

Social Media Marketing iPhone Apps

Its easier than ever to manage all of your social media accounts from your iPhone, here are some of the iPhone Apps we use.

Hootsuite is a social media dash board that make it easy to publish, monitor and measure across social networks. It integrates Facebook, twitter, linkedin, google+, Foursquare, Mixi, Myspace, ping.fm and Wordpress. This app is specifically useful because you can schedule your posts as far back as you would like. If you are looking for a single App to manage social media websites, this is the perfect thing for you.

The Facebook Pages Manager recently included an update that actually makes it extremely useful on the go. The biggest issue we used to have with managing our Facebook was the lack of mobile support. However with the newest update you can now view and reply to messages as well as adjust how often you receive notifications. Also you can view latest page insights, which is important as a business owner to see the effectiveness of your posts. You can also see answers to events and guest lists you created.

Why hard drives fail

Unless you've recently upgraded to a Solid State Drive you probably are still using a Hard Disk Drive. The Hard Disk Drive or HDD is the only physically moving piece within your entire computer aside from a fan. 

(pictured here is a broken read/write head)

A HDD contains a spinning disks and movable read/write heads that often break. A disk failure on a HDD can occur during normal operation, an external factor such as exposure to fire or water, or sharp impact. Since HDD’s are mechanical devices, they will eventually fail. This is almost always noticeable if you hear a clicking coming from the computer. 

HDD’s with defects present will fail within a short amount of time, if there is a defect present from manufacturing.

Long story short: if you have been using your computer regularly for a year, chances are it won’t fail from a manufacturing defect.

How to prevent Hard Drive Failure:

1. Back up your data!

2. Take advantage of power save options on your computer, by default Windows 7 power saver option will turn off your HDD after 20 minutes of inactivity.

3.  Defragment your drive (with in the control panel you can set this up to run weekly)

4.   Be careful about the surrounding environment: Computer is kept ventilated (desktop away from cabinets & laptops off beds)

5. Upgrade to a Solid state drive which is flashed based storage and has no moving mechanical components, compared to HDD (Hard Disk Drives)

Facebook Back Again!

After the huge gain of popular Instagram, Facebook will soon become yet another big story in the media. As probably the biggest social media icon, Facebook will now be in the stock exchange. During the month of May is when the news will be out that Facebook is now publicly offering.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org

Creating a strong password

A strong password is important to have safer online transactions.

Don't believe me? if you have a Facebook account you can check to see how many different computers have accessed your account. here

You'll want to make sure your new password is complex, long, and has variety. Follow the link to Microsofts website for more info on creating a better password.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Deaf-Blind people and the new Lorm Glove

Currently it is just a prototype, but the Lorm Glove can help revolutionise technological text communication for the deaf-blind community. The touch alphabet, known as Lorm, is primarily used in Germany. Lorm is a touch language that is communicated by means of touching the palm of the hand in certain symbols, which represent letters of the alphabet.

This new Lorm Glove technology allows for deaf-blind people to be able to  receive and send messages, through the glove and to a computer. The idea is for deaf-blind people to be able to communicate through the Internet, weather it be through a text message, or email.

The Lorm Glove has vibration sensors in the back, and touch sensors in the front. The vibration sensors are for incoming conversation, and the touch sensors are for outgoing conversation. As seen in the video, the Lorm Glove can help deaf-blind people have a text message conversation with ease.

This technology is the next step for the very limited communication that deaf-blind people experience. It can allow deaf-blind people the ability to be able to be social. The future is in technology, and any technology that benefits physically disabled people is fantastic.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Apps we use: Frametastic: Photo Framing app.

Frametastic iPhone app is a really great companion for twitter, instagram and tumblr. You are able to create basic frames for free, and there are two in app options for expansion. Its super easy to take the picture out of the app and into your favorite social networking site- Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, save it or email it. 

It takes about 5 minutes to create something awesome like this:

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

NEW Free SiriusXM Kit

Happening right now, Get a FREE SiriusXM Lynx home or vehicle kit when you purchase the SiriusXM Lynx portable radio kit. 


The Lynx portable radio delivers SiriusXM Internet Radio via Wi-Fi or SiriusXM Satellite Radio when connected to the home kit. Or take your Lynx portable radio on the road and enjoy SiriusXM Satellite Radio with the vehicle kit. 


Simply add both items to cart and the discount will be reflected at checkout.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

What to do with that old video iPod: Rockbox

Image from Engadget

RockBox is a great way to free your old MP3 player or iPod from iTunes.
Rockbox is a complete replacement for the software that drives your digital audio players. Not to mention more visually appealing. It maximizes the potential of your hardware, with more options for play back quality  and much more.

You can find the release notes here.
and download here

Tips: Save iPhone notes to a Gmail account.

If you add an IMAP email you can enable the feature to save your notes online. Note: the only way to do so is within your iPhone/iTouch.

For Gmail, Apple creates a label called notes, so within your Gmail inbox- simply type in notes (in the search bar) and they should all show up. 

Backing up your data with online services.

We've written before about online storage. We couldn't stress anymore how important backing up your information is. By signing up for a service that automatically backs up your data for you- the burden is removed and down time is minimized. Technology has changed, services like Carbonite back up for you after initial set up- its easy to retrieve files after your system has crashed.

Maybe you want something for free instead? Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage so you can go ahead and back up your documents. They also have this referral program where if you get others to sign up you can increase that storage.

Microsoft Skydrive Offers 7GB of storage and SO MANY OPTIONS. Aside from the fact that its a multi-platform service but its also as easy as dragging and dropping in a folder between- mac, pc and phone. Skydrive however is more of a focus on document storage and editing through the browser. 

Another impressive online back up service was Mozy. 

If you have multiple computers this seems to be a easier to add them and cheaper. They also have automatic backup and remote access.

Tip: Credit card skimmers

Would you spot this credit card skimmer if it were on the ATM?

Brian Krebs from KrebsonSecurity has posted details of a fairly new credit card skimmer that would be seamingly unnoticeable while at the ATM. Looking at the front of this device up against a credit card machine of similar color, you could never tell it was a skimmer at all.

A look inside and you see the entire kit needed to make a credit card skimmer. You can also see a pin hole on the right side of the casing as to watch your pin strokes. So your best bet is to always cover your hands while inputting your PIN number. Read more at KrebsonSecurity

Cloud Computing: Adobe Creative Cloud

According to the Adobe site: Adobe Creative Cloud- digital design hub is where you can explore, create, share and deliver your work using any of the Adobe Creative Suite. Which includes desktop tools- Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom 4 and new applications like Adobe Muse and Adobe Edge Preview. The Creative Cloud also brings the power of Adobe innovation to iPads and Android tablets.Check it out here! and it only costs a subscription of $49.99/month for a year!

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up my computer: maintainance and optimization

as said on their website:

"CCleaner is our system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!"


Ccleaner is a great standalone program that combines removing the system clutter that makes your computer slow, its also easy to repair registry errors as well as remove programs from your machine. However if your computer by some chance has an issue with malware you could easily remove all your files by thinking you just needed to-remove cookies. 

 Incase you werent impressed, there are other programs available like- Winutilities Free Edition

Glary Utilities is also another program alternative to CCleaner.

A well maintained computer can go a long way!

Apps we use!: HoursTracker- Available for iPhone

This is a great app to keep track of individual jobs with different amounts even. We use this apps to track hours for jobs with different payment agreements. When a single job is done it is easy to send yourself a receipt.

• Add unlimited jobs to track
• clock in and out as needed
• Start your time clock at a specific time if needed if you forgot to clock in.
• Review hours over a given time period
• Easily view your earnings
• Easily export data

The only downfall is this app will set you back $3.99. You can find it here.

THE BEST Free Anti-Virus: Microsoft Security Essentials

Yeah, that's right. Free, if you haven't already heard of Microsoft Security Essentials let me introduce you to the program.

This program is available for free, so long as you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, Vista or 7. Like all of these programs they can only prevent so much, be careful what you download. check out more information here. Unlike other paid programs that do far too much, this one is plain and simple to the point. It runs in the background as you surf the net almost immediately detecting infections before causing damage.

I specifically LOVE this program because of how easy it is to read more information about what it has detected, here the threat was not critical.

 In the event the program detects a critical virus, its super easy to remove the threat.

you then get prompted to remove the threat.

Its so simple! every program should really be this easy and simple to use. Download it here!

How to speed up your computer, using Disc Clean up on Windows 7

1. 
    Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
2. When Disk Cleanup has calculated how much space you can free up, in the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
   
   
   
   
   
   3. Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
      
      • For more options, such as cleaning up System Restore and Shadow copy files, under Description, click Clean up system files, and then click the More Options tab.
   4. When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
   After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner, performing better, and potentially increasing your PC speed.
   
   Instructions taken from the Microsoft website, more tips can be found here
   

Technology Throwback

For some reason or another I grew up with a TV in my household with one of these connected to it (only pointing this out because I am a late 80's baby). The Jerrold remote control by General Instrument was introduced in the late 1970's according to my Google searches, there isn't much information available online about this device however. Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

unhide files after a virus

This is the 'Smart Check' Rogue anti-virus, which pretends to be a legitimate software. Never give your money out to a program like this!

First let me tell you I do NOT support customers attempting to remove viruses themselves, unless you have experience doing so. A failed attempt can result in many different things including the most obvious- data loss, or even physical damage- needing a new hard drive. All viruses and malware are completely different and do different things, so its important you know what they COULD be capable of and know how to prevent a massive disaster. (I could go on for days......)

In the event that you have successfully regained control of your system I have found a simple and easy to use software that can make all your pictures and documents reappear.  Unhide.exe will revert many of the changes made by the "rogue anti-spyware" program that caused this problem to begin with.

Also, please please please download some sort of protection for your computer you can see some software we recommend here.

XFINITY by Comcast gets Faster!

Comcast has just recently upgraded their internet speeds by up to 25%!
Enjoy zipping around your XFINITY Internet service faster than ever, downloading TV shows and music, or even sharing photos and videos in a flash.

Its just another way XFINITY is continuing to invest in its advanced broadband network to deliver the best communications and entertainment experience available.

We have a wide range of Internet service tiers and pricing to meet all your Internet needs. To learn more, please visit us at xfinity.com or call 1-800-XFINITY. "

Statement was provided by XFINITY

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up your computer Pt.2

I have quite a few customers ask me about what software to use to maintain the speed of their computer. A well maintained computer could be a process, much like how a car would need regularly scheduled oil changes.    Yes, you can remove your own PC clutter- however, if said computer has a virus/malware you could easily remove all of your data instead of "cookies". A lot of people prefer not to do this on their own, but with a little research its not difficult at all!

My favorite software is Ccleaner, you can remove system clutter and fix registry issues.

watch this video on how to use it!

Clear Unlimited- 4G on the go internet.

Clear offers 4G internet with absolutely no commitments! 

Unlimited internet usage! no long-term contract! No activation fee!

With services starting at $34.99 for basic users this seems like a great deal for internet on the go! They also have options for your home and mobile options. Check out their website for more information http://internet.clear.com/

or stop by our Miramar location to get one today!!!

Simple Mobile

Simple mobile is an easy way to take your existing GSM (T-mobile, AT&T, or most unlocked phone) cellphone and use it on the Simple Mobiles network.

For only $40 you can get unlimited local and long distance. Unlimited texts & internet (up to 3G speeds)
The highest plan only being $60 that includes higher data speeds for Blackberry's and other smartphones.


Stop on by our partner store Cybertek Wireless over in Miramar, FL for more information on switching your phone over to this new service. You can also call 954.589.1577

Windows XP users!!

Did you know Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP?

It might be time to look into getting a new computer with Windows 7, to ensure maximum protection of your data.

One of our favorite review sites for technology for a great combination of user and editor reviews. www.cnet.com

Don't forget to back up your data using an online service!

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Antivirus Security Options

Which Anti-virus do you use? Out of the hundreds of them out there, which is actually the best to be using currently. Listed below are a couple of programs that SmartFix approves! Check them out and let us know what you all think.


Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org/#

• 100 Million downloads worldwide.               
• 5 Billion pieces of malware removed.
• 7 Years dedicated to fighting malware.
• 97 Percent of all online threats are malware.
  
  

Norton 
http://us.norton.com/?sel=nlp 

• Your Stuff is more than information, it's your life. Which is why you should protect the Stuff that matters with Norton.

Kaspersky
http://usa.kaspersky.com/

• Choosing the best possible protection is vital to guard against current Internet-threats. The correct choice can be made by learning more about the capabilities and key advantages of Kaspersky Lab products.

AVG
http://www.avg.com/us-en/homepage

• "We work hard. You play hard."  Ultra-safe shopping and banking, Faster video and gaming, and High quality basic protection, Pro-active protecting and faster running PC.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up your computer

Every week we will share another tip on improving the speed of your old PC. Don't fall victim to websites that claim to "speed" up your computer. There are many different things you can do to improve the speed and increase the life of your existing machine!

Under programs if you search under "accessories" and then "system tools" you can run

Disk Clean Up
Disk Defragmenter

Running both utilities built into Windows on a regular basis (every three months or so) can really maintain performance.

Malwarebytes Easter Bunny Bundle

For the next 4 days you can get Malwarebytes bundled with 6 other software titles for only $49.99

http://www.malwarebytes.org/easter/bundle

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO
Acronis True Image (backup software)
SPAMfighter Pro, Photomizer Version 2 (Image editing)
Passware Kit (password recovery)
USB to Ethernet Connector (remote usb access)
Nx Power Lite Desktop Edition (file compression)

Great deal!!

Presentations on a television

Lately we've had customers interested in affordable options to view presentations on a television without a computer with the possibility of Netflix, Hulu, etc. 

Roku 2 XS streaming media player, has the full functionality of regular streaming media players but with USB media formats.


MP4, AAC, MP3, JPG & PNG

Online storage

Cloud storage can be difficult to understand. Anywhere you have internet access available you are able to easily access any file you have uploaded. There are many different services out there we found a few free ones for you to check out. Both work between computers, phones and tablets.

Dropbox offers 2GB of storage for Free!

Skydrive offers 25GB of storage for Free!

Transfering contacts between gmail and outlook 2010

Click the link here for detailed instructions on how to set this up.

 You can use the same contacts in both Google Gmail and Microsoft Outlook, without adding them manually to both locations.

Changing WiFi settings on a Dell 1012 mini with Sprint Smartview

"My computer doesn't automatically connect to my home wifi, I don't get a strong enough Sprint signal in my house and would like to use it only on the go"

Its quite simple how to  change the "Sprint Smartview settings"

Open up the program "Sprint Smart view"

Tools > Settings > Client Tab >
Uncheck "Use this as my default Wi-Fi management utility"

Then turn off the Smartview auto start function
Tools > Settings > Client Tab >
Uncheck "Start this application on machine startup"

This will make it so Windows manages WiFi and will automatically connect when on and in range, and Smartview will not start when you turn the computer on by default.

Then when you want to use the Sprint mobile broadband you just start the Smartview software and use that to connect to the 3G/4G network.