DigitFreak

Category: Useful Applications & Tips

  • 5 default Android security options you should use

    5 default Android security options you should use

    There are dozens of third party security tips and tricks that can help you secure your android smartphone and make it literally invulnerable, but have you ever looked closely at the default security options and features on your device? There are few in-built features on android devices which can protect your phone from intruders.

    To make sure that your smartphone is safe and secure, you should have used these 4 default security settings on your phone. These are the basic security setup which is essential for keeping your device safe from any vulnerability.

     See Also: TrustoGo mobile security vs Bitdefender mobile security – Android app [Free vs Paid]

     

    1. Enable default Lock screen

    z 00072You should always lock down your device with the secure “screen lock” options available on your android smartphone. It is available at — settings > Screen Lock. You’ll find various options to lock down your android phone, which prevents non authorized person to access your personal data without your knowledge – your data will be secure when you are not using your phone or away from it. There was some vulnerabilities in the screen lock in the earlier version of the android phone, but it has been fixed in the android version released after Ginger Bread 2.3.6.

    Make sure your device is running latest android Operating System, which usually fixes all the security bugs. If your smartphone is old and your manufacturer has abandoned the ship, you can simply try the alternatives – it’s time when you start experimenting on your device and install custom roms. You can be active on Xda-Dev Forum, which is a knowledge hub shared by programmers and developers throughout the world – who are ready to help.

     

     

    2. Disable USB Debugging

    z 00073Make sure that “developer options” are disabled on your phone. This is the crucial region which is only meant for the programmers or app developers for the device. You should not play with the options here, unless you know what you are doing. One of the option in the “developer options” is USB debugging – which should always be disabled.

    USB Debugging mode enables anyone to bypass the lock screen lock and access the data on your device without requiring to enter your pass code at the scree lock. To disable it simply go to Settings > Developer Options – and make sure the check box is not selected.

     

    3. Enable Full Disk Encryption

    z 00074

    If you require to turn on the USB Debugging due to some reason – you can still make your data secure and prevent anyone from accessing your data on your smartphone. Simple enable Disk Encryption on your device, so that no one can bypass the lock screen security before accessing the data on your phone.

     

    4. Ensure your device is up to date

    z 00075Android is always active when it comes to patching the OS security bugs. Always make sure that your device is up to date and synced with the server. Unfortunately, users are largely beholden to their carrier and cell phone manufacturer when it comes to this, but when you are finally prompted to upgrade your operating system, do so.

    Sticking to your official firmware and keeping your device always up to date is the best way to minimize the security threats on your device. However, if your manufacturer has stopped releasing the updates for your device for a while – you can try the alternatives, but always make sure that it is from the reputed source. I suggest you to download the setup files from the known sources. The top custom rom contributor is Cynogenmod – which recently jump started their private company. CynogenMod Team has developed the custom Rom for hundreds of smartphones – making the device faster and secure. You can also rely on XDA-Forums, which is the hub of programmers and developers.

     

    5. Use Google Play to download Apps

    This is actually a tip or suggestion – always keep your android app access to Google Play store. I know it is quite attractive to download the apps from the internet for free, but at the end you don’t know what it is packed with. It might be a malware or virus program which is specifically designed to steal your personal data.This is far less likely, but an attacker can also discover your PIN lock (which is necessary for him to root your phone) if you accidentally install a malicious app that records your personal data, including PIN. Most malicious apps are distributed through shady Chinese/Russian app stores.

    And always read through app permissions, as malicious apps typically make unusual requests. Most mobile security apps, like McAfee Mobile, Lookout Mobile, and F-Secure Mobile Security, come with an app auditing feature to help you keep tabs on permission requests.

  • [How To] convert any image into folder icon [Images]

    [How To] convert any image into folder icon [Images]

    Yeah, I agree there are some applications that can help you change the folder color and you can easily change the folder icon using the “properties” context menu.

    But, have you ever tried to change the folder icon to your favorite image? The thing is that you can’t change the folder icon into the image you want it to be, simply because windows can only recognize the icons with it’s unique file extension — “.ico” – leaving you with the manual image conversion process.

    Even if you are stubborn and want to do things manually, it would consume lots of time and needs some considerable amount of efforts to convert 100s of images into .ico file – and sometimes, you don’t get the good results with the image conversion tools, because they cannot retain the same image quality as the source file.

    We came across a really simple and beautiful tool that accomplishes the same task, but with minimal efforts and a negligible amount of time. “Folder Changer” is the utility that can change the folder color according to your preference, and it does convert any picture/image into a folder icon.

    Let’s have a look at the steps you need to follow to get this work.

     

    Instructions

    1. Download the software “FolderChanger” and install the software

    2. Select “Photo/Add Your Own” tab of FolderChanger.

    3. Drag and drop your favorite photo into FolderChanger.

    select image and drap and drop in the application

    4. Wait a few seconds for PhotoChanger to convert your photo into an icon.

    5. Drag and drop your Desktop folder over the icon inside FolderChanger.Folder changer image

  • 5 Interesting Google Maps Tips and tricks that you should know

    5 Interesting Google Maps Tips and tricks that you should know

    In order to get the most out of Google Maps, whether looking out from a computer or a phone, listed here are 5 tips that will help you find your way more straightforward and faster.

     

    1. Create a Multi-Cease Route

    1 multi-route copy copyGoogle Maps used to only permit you to map out directions between two locations. Now, plan out a whole route in one go. When you enter directions, click the plus signal instantly below the directions so as to add another cease. Add as many as you need and plan the final day, all in one sitting.

     

    2. Check Out Upcoming Events

    2 eventsWhether going out in a brand new city or simply exploring your personal outdoor, finding events can take quite a bit of digging. Google Maps makes it a little bit more straightforward. When you select an event venue on the map, a listing of upcoming occasions will seem. From there, buy tickets or e-book passes to no matter you are involved in.

     

    3. Visuals With out Pegman

    3 caroselAll of us love Pegman, the little feature-less figure users can plop down on a map to look the street view. This instrument has some issues, although, as an instance when a truck blocks the entrance of a restaurant.

    The new Google Maps saved Pegman but in addition brought a photograph carousel, so you will discover images of native areas and skylines. That you may open the carousel by clicking the coloured squares in the backside-right nook. Some areas even embrace a photograph “tour.”

     

    4. Save Mobile Maps for Offline Mode

    4cahceIt may be a ache to make use of Google Maps offline. It will probably take awhile to load and eats up an excellent quantity of data when you are no longer careful.

    If you wish to access directions on the go, simply cache the map sooner than beginning your ride. To take action, seek for the directions you want. Then in the search bar, type “Okay Maps” and search. This will likely save the map on the screen and let you access directions offline.

    Picture: Flickr, Alissa Walker

     

    5. See Google’s Recommendations

    5 asteriskNot sure where to move or what to do? Unsure of the main tourist attractions in a brand new location? Let Google suggest some for you.

    By typing an asterisk into search, Google will select explicit attractions in the viewable portion of the map. The selections embrace museums, eating places, outlets and other sightseeing locales for communities each large and small, even supposing it only highlights the local Chilis.

  • 11 lesser known Windows secret tips and tricks that you should know

    11 lesser known Windows secret tips and tricks that you should know

    There are a couple of hidden Windows tips, tips and keyboard shortcuts in order to make your workflow smoother and quicker, without a whole lot of effort on your section.

    We have now highlighted just a few of the most respected methods in the gallery above. The majority of the tips apply to Windows 7, with the few exceptions mentioned on explicit slides. What’s your favourite Windows secret? Tell us in the comments section below.

    1. Select and Focus Taskbar Applications

    1 Select-and-Focus-TaskbarTo select and focus applications in the taskbar, hold down the Windows key, press T, and use the arrow keys or type T many times. This permits you to scroll thru the pinned applications without ever touching your mouse.

     

    2. Copy, Paste or Undo a File Move

    2 File-ManipulationThe general public recognizes that the key commands Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and Ctrl+Z are handy for copying, pasting and deleting textual content, however, were you aware that you need to use these instructions for records data as neatly?

     

    3. Tile Windows

    3 Tile-WindowsWith Windows, 7 got here Aero Snap, or the means to maximise a window by dragging it to the side of the screen. However, what if you wish to simply tile your windows?

    Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), choose the applications you are looking to tile (Ctrl+Click), right click, and select Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically.
    Select-pinned-window

     

    4. Open an Application

    4Select-Pinned-WindowTo start an application that’s pinned to the taskbar, hold the Windows key and press the number that corresponds with its location (Win+number from one to 9).

     

    5. Manage Your Applications

    5 Open-Second-ScreenTo open a brand new window of the similar application (as an example, to open a brand new Chrome window or a second Desktop folder), hang the Shift key, the Window key and then a bunch from one to 9. If you wish to web page thru the open windows, press Control, Window, and a bunch, from one to 9.

     

    6. Pin Any Item to the Taskbar6 Add-folder-to-Taskbar

    • By default, Windows 7 only lets you pin applications to the taskbar. However, if you wish to pin a unique item like a file or folder, follow these simple steps.
    • Drag and drop the file onto your desktop (If the item is in the Favorites folder, observe these additional steps)
    • Right click > New > Shortcut
    • Type in: explorer “C:shortcutsFavorites – ShortcutName.lnk”
    • Name the shortcut
    • The Shortcut will now appear as a folder, which that you may right click to pin to the taskbar

     

    7. Open a Command Prompt

    7 Command-FolderTo access the open a command option, hold down the Shift key and right–click a folder.

    This tip only works for Windows 7 or Vista. To do that on Windows XP, it’s a must to use a registry hack.

     

    8. Get entry to the Secret “Send To” Menu

    8 Secret-Send-To-MenuWere you aware that there is a secret “Send To” menu that you could access with the Shift key? Hold down Shift, right–click the folder and select the “Send To” menu. This permits you to access a completely new set of file locations, so which you can quickly relocate a folder without the hassle.

     

    9. Alter the Default “Send To” Menu

    9 Shell-Send-ToIf you wish to trade the options that seem to your default “Ship To menu,” type “shell:send to” into the location bar of a folder. That you may then drag and drop new folder locations to the Send To folder.

     

    10. Open Any File or Webpage

    10 WinRThe Run Command is a simple way to open any file, application or website. Use the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog field. From right here, type in the title of any application and hit Enter. You could additionally enter a URL straight away into this container to open up any web page.

     

    11. Create a Zip Folder

    11 ZIP-FolderA zip folder is the quickest way to move a big selection of files. To create a zip folder, right click a standard file folder and choose the “Send To” option. The “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option will compress your folder and make it easier to upload the files in one fell swoop.

  • Flipboard Finally makes its way to Windows 8.1

    Good news for Flipboard users – one of the best modern RSS reader has finally made its way to Microsoft’s latest Operating System – Windows 8.1, making it utterly useful and productive tool for those who really want to stay in touch with their favorite content publisher.

    Flipboard had promised that they will release the official app for Windows 8+ so that users could nurture the fruitful usage out of it.

    Naturally, this version of Flipboard’s been tailored to take advantage of Win8’s gestures as well, so a swipe up provides buttons to subscribe, refresh, edit and flip things, while pulling down from the top lets you see additional content from contributors or stuff others are reading.

    If you want to have an overview before downloading the app on your computer, We got your back: