Microsoft Release Preview Of Windows 8.1

Microsoft Corp released a test version of Windows 8.1 on Wednesday. Many computer users were left confused and unsure of the new tile-based interface that was launched with Windows 8. The interface, which works best with touch-screen devices, left fans of the traditional desktop PC longing for the old-style “start” button.
Though it will disappoint some, it should surprise few to learn that Windows 8.1 will not revert all the user interface changes made in Windows 8. Instead, 8.1 will be an incremental update that builds on the Windows 8 interface and its Metro design, but does not replace it.
As such, Windows 8.1 still has the Start screen. It is, however, a more customizable Start screen. There are new tile sizes: a double height tile, to allow apps to show more information, and a smaller tile size, to allow apps to be packed more tightly. There are more options for the Start screen background and colors, including animated backgrounds and the ability to use the same background as used on the desktop. This last change should make the Start screen feel a little less visually disconnected from the desktop world.
Read more at: arstechnica.com

www.electroshopworld.com
 

How to Boot To Desktop In Windows 8.1

The new Navigation options provided in Windows 8.1 are so full of surprises that we couldn’t hold our horses exploring all of them. You can access them by selecting ‘Taskbar and Navigation Properties’ from the right-click context menu of the Taskbar, and then going to the ‘Navigation’ tab.

Even though not much has changed in Windows 8.1 it terms of the overall design philosophy of the OS, people are still quite excited to try out the latest version due to the new features and improvements added by Microsoft. Ever since we got our hands on the update, we have been scrutinizing every bit of Windows 8.1 in our coverage so you might want to keep a tab on it. Did we tell you that in addition to bringing back the Start button, Windows 8.1 also allows you to boot straight to desktop now? In this post, we will be covering features like boot to desktop, as well as various other options found in the newly introduced in the Navigation tab of the Taskbar Properties dialog that make it possible to disable the top hot corners, use your Desktop’s background on Start screen, and a lot more.

If you want to take a look at all these options in detail, please visit addictivetips.com

www.electroshopworld.com
 

VPNium: Private Browsing Over Encrypted VPN

VPNium is a desktop application for Windows that lets you browse the internet anonymously by acting as a VPN between your computer and the internet. This way, you can surf the web while hiding your real IP address. The application boasts plenty of features like 256 – 2048 bit encryption, zero registration for free variant, and full access to blocked or partially unavailable online services in your vicinity.

The application gives you a choice of two server locations in the free variant i.e. Germany and Luxembourg. To unlock additional servers, you will need to opt for one of the premium plans. Premium users can activate their desired subscription via purchasing the required code from VPNium website, followed by entering it into the activation window of the app. Simply type in the code, click Activate and you’re done.

Find out more at addictivetips.com

 

www.electroshopworld.com

 

New Skype for Android: Redesigned and Faster

Skype updated its Android app to version 4.0 today, rolling out an all-new design that removes much of the clutter associated with previous incarnations. The home screen is now split into three separate tabs for accessing recent conversations, specific contacts and ‘favourites’. Dialog trees look much cleaner than before, although senders’ messages are still differentiated with a light blue background. Recipients are acknowledged with a small, circular crop of their profile picture this time around and there’s still the usual array of emoticons and smiley faces to help portray a particular feeling.

It’s also possible to attach a file from the user’s Android device, as well as individual video messages; something that Skype recently launched as a full-fledged feature for almost all of its native apps. The aforementioned circular profile pictures are also prevalent when the user makes a call. The design here is flatter than before, with three icons at the bottom of the screen to pick up with a video call, use audio-only or simply hang up. The caller is shown with Skype’s renowned white bubble around them, along with their name and the word ‘Calling’ underneath.

The update hasn’t hit the Google Play store just yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Watch this space ? Skype | Android

www.electroshopworld.com
 

How to Sync Files Between Computers Without Storing Them in the Cloud

So you have multiple computers and you want to keep your files in sync, but you don’t want to store them on someone else’s servers. You’ll want a service that synchronizes files directly between your computers.
With such a service, you can synchronize an unlimited amount of files and people can’t gain access to your files just by gaining access to an account on a server and viewing the files via the web interface.

1# BitTorrent Sync

BitTorrent Sync uses BitTorrent to transfer files — in private and in encrypted form, so no one can snoop on them. Just install it, select a folder, and generate a secret. Provide that secret to anyone — either another computer you own or a friend you would like to sync files with — and your folder will be automatically kept in sync across all configured PCs. This happens directly — either over a local network or over the Internet — using the powerful and fast BitTorrent technology. And it’s completely free.

2# AeroFS

AeroFS is free, assuming you don’t need its more advanced features. It creates a Dropbox-like folder on your computer and files sync automatically between the computers you set up. You can share each folder with one additional person, but you’ll need the paid version to share with additional people after that. It doesn’t use BitTorrent and relies on a user account system — there’s a central server that manages user accounts and sharing, but files aren’t hosted on AeroFS’s servers. They’re only stored on your computers. AeroFS promises that it “can’t even see your file names.”

3# Cubby

LogMeIn’s Cubby offers cloud storage, but it also offers a “DirectSync” feature. DirectSync allows you to synchronize an unlimited number of files directly between computers, skipping the cloud.
You will have to create an account, and cloud storage is enabled by default in Cubby. While DirectSync was previously free now it’s a paid feature…

4# Run your own cloud server

• SparkleShare: SparkleShare is an open-source Dropbox-like file syncing solution. The only difference is that you host it yourself. You could host Sparkleshare on one of your computers or on a server you have access to and get Dropbox-like syncing that’s entirely under your control.
• rsync: rync isn’t an instant syncing solution, but it can be used to run automatic incremental backups to a server. You could run a nightly rsync job and sync your files to an FTP server.
• OwnCloud gives you universal access to your files through a web interface or WebDAV. It also provides a platform to easily view & sync your contacts, calendars and bookmarks across all your devices and enables basic editing right on the web. Installation has minimal server requirements, doesn’t need special permissions and is quick. ownCloud is extendable via a simple but powerful API for applications and plugins.

via HowToGeek

www.electroshopworld.com
 

How To Avoid Data Roaming “Bill Shock”

If you’ve read recent scare stories of massive mobile data roaming charges – where naive users have racked up thousands of $ or € on their mobile bills just by browsing the internet or downloading a few files or email attachments – then you might be worried about taking your iPhone or Android smartphone abroad with you.
*Roaming is the word used to describe using your mobile phone on another network for a short period, while still being billed by your existing provider. Your mobile phone number remains the same while roaming. When you are roaming on another network the temporary mobile phone company will bill your usual mobile phone company for calls you make while roaming on their network.
It’s summer holiday season, it’s time to pack your suitcase and go on vacation. Keep in mind that roaming data is costly, consider the following tips to eliminate roaming charges and minimize your data usage while traveling abroad.

1. Turn Off Data Roaming
The European Commission recently voted to end roaming charges by 2014, but until then it’s important to turn off data roaming on your phone when traveling outside your network.
If you want to access the Internet on your smartphone when traveling abroad, consider enabling Airplane Mode on your phone. You can still enable Wi-Fi when your phone is in Airplane Mode, so head somewhere like McDonald’s or Starbucks for free Internet access.
If you have an iPhone, open Settings and turn Airplane Mode “On.” If you have an Android, from the Settings option, choose Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks > uncheck Data Roaming.
2. Disable Push Notifications and Auto-Synching
Does your phone alert you instantly when you have new mail? That requires data usage. If you have an iPhone, you can change this by accessing Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data to turn off Push Notifications. Furthermore, on iPhone, you can manually disable push notifications for each app. Click on the app and turn the Notification Center to “Off.”
If you have an Android, go to Settings > Accounts & Synch and turn off Auto-Synch.
3. Be Aware of How Much Data You’ve Used
Reset your data tracker so you know exactly how much data you’ve used in a given time.
If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Usage (“Cellular Usage” on some phones) to reset data statistics.
On Android check data usage under Wireless networks > Mobile network section or download an app from their mobile carriers. Verizon’s app is called My Verizon Mobile and allows you to check data usage, make payments, and view your current phone plan. The AT&T app is called myAT&T and lets you view and pay your bill, check data usage and locate Wi-Fi hotspots. More tips for data usage tracking: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20077775-285/how-to-track-data-usage-on-your-android-phone/
4. Buy an International Data Package Through Your Mobile Provider
These packages are sometimes called “add-ons.” Most carriers let you buy a bundle of data for a monthly rate, so you can use the Internet without searching for a Wi-Fi hotpot.
To check international roaming data plans for AT&T, click here.
To check international roaming data plans for Verizon, click here.
To check international roaming data plans for T-Mobile, click here.
5. Buy a SIM Card Once You’ve Landed
Buying a local SIM is often the cheapest option, but it can also be the most difficult. When you purchase a local SIM, you also get a local phone number.
If you decide to buy a prepaid international SIM card for traveling abroad, you’ll need to look into getting an unlocked GSM standard phone. We recommend asking your provider if your phone is “world-compatible.”
Companies that offer these include OneSimCard, Maxroam and Telestial.
OneSimCard sells international SIM cards for $29.95. Incoming and outgoing calling costs vary depending on your travel destination, but OneSimCard rates tend to be lower than international calling rates offered through providers like AT&T or T-Mobile.
Maxroam interntaional SIM cards sell for $20. It’s most cost-efficient for travel in Europe.
Telestial Passport offers a $19 international SIM card; it’s best for heavy data users.
6. Wi-Fi-Enabled Alternatives
There are some great apps right now, which you can use to communicate with people while abroad — if you have Wi-Fi or Internet access. What’s App lets you send messages, pictures, audio notes and video messages with friends, via Wi-Fi. Vibr is free and lets you call, text or send pictures, via Wi-Fi or 4G.
via Mashable

www.electroshopworld.com

Vine for iOS Gets New Features

Twitter today announced what it says is the biggest update to Vine for iOS yet, adding a slew of new features and fixing multiple issues. You can download the new app now directly from Apple’s App Store. First and foremost, the new app now has channels where you can submit posts or browse from the Explore screen; each has their own theme and Popular feed. As of today, there are 15 channels available: Comedy, Art & Experimental, Cats, Dogs, Family, Beauty & Fashion, Food, Health & Fitness, Nature, Music, News & Politics, Special FX, Sports, Urban and ‘wier d’.

Next up is the new “On the rise” section that lets you discover new people “who are starting to capture the attention and interest of the Vine community.” In other words, it’s another place to check out trending users. Most interesting of all, however, is “revining.” Just like retweeting, you can now share other people’s posts with your all of your followers in one tap.
Twitter has also redesigned the camera and included new grid, focus, and ghost tools. This is key for those who want to push the limits of producing great content on the platform. Last but not least, Vine now offers protected accounts. Although most posts are public (they can be viewed, discovered and shared by anyone on Vine), just like on Twitter, if you want more control over who can see your posts, you can now protect them. Again, just like on Twitter this means only the people you approve to follow can see them, unless you share them elsewhere.
Read more at TheNextWeb

www.electroshopworld.com