OnLive Desktop for Ipad
We often talk about using our Ipad as a Laptop replacement, especially when traveling. When you team the Ipad up with a nice keyboard you certainly can turn this fantastic consumption gadget into a very nice productivity device. It certainly will not be a replacement for everyone, but it does become an option for many.
Quite often all we really need is the ability to create or edit one of our Microsoft Office documents on the go. There are a number of apps in the Ipad app store that will do the trick, but the new kid on the block takes a different approach.
OnLive Desktop is a new app and service that makes creating, editing and saving Office documents a snap. Best of all it is, presently, free.
Go to the APP store and Install OnLive Desktop on your Ipad. Next you need to visit the OnLive website and signup for a free account that gives you 2GB of cloud storage to store your documents. Go back to the Ipad app and sign in with your newly created account credentials. You are now ready to go.
When you login on your Ipad you are presented with a remote scaled down Windows 7 Desktop. The Desktop includes many of the normal Windows icons, as well as, Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Click on Word and you are now running a nice copy of Word 2010, virtually, on your Ipad.
Of course, it is not as smooth and fast as it would be on your Desktop Computer, however, it is quite acceptable. The onscreen keyboard is a little small, so using a Bluetooth keyboard with your Ipad provides a much better experience. When you create or edit a document it is saved to your free online “cloud” storage folder. This folder is accessible from any desktop computer by logging into your OnLive Desktop Account. It would be nice if it used a Dropbox account.
Overall, this a great service that will come in handy when you need to be productive with your Ipad.
Presently, this service is only available in the US.
Passwords And Security On The Internet – Use Lastpass
Most of us have Internet accounts of various types that require a Username and Password. Learn how to make good, safe passwords and also how manage them easily with LastPass.
Check out our Screencast below if you are on our PCG blog, or go to:
http://prestwickcomputer.com/blog/blog.php/ for more information if you are using our audio podcast.
Show Links: LastPass
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Coming This Summer – Great news For Normal Folks
OK, so Apple surprised everyone a few days ago by announcing a new version of Mac OS X – Lion thus moves to Mountain Lion. Diehard Mac Geeks may be disappointed, but the Normal folks will be elated as Apple pushes the OS closer to convergence with IOS (Iphone and Ipad).
Regular folks who love the Iphone and Ipad will be glad to see that this new Desktop/Laptop version brings forth more similarity and creates a better user experience. Sure there is some loss of openness, as Apple tightens up its app purchases with another wall, but that will also create better security. Frankly, I don’t think normal users care. They just want something that works, is easy to use and keeps them relatively safe on the Internet.
What is new? First, let’s use common language. Ical is now called Calendar to match the Ipad and Iphone. Icloud becomes ubiquitous. Your calendar, contacts, docs, email, photos all stay in sync across all of your devices – including your Mac. All you need is your Itunes ID and the “Cloud”.
Messages lets you send unlimited messages, from your MAC to anyone with an Iphone or Ipad running IOS 5. This may, however, be an issue for older IOS devices.
Notes and Reminders will now be included on your MAC and they will work the same way they do on your Iphone and Ipad. Change a note or add a reminder and it shows up on all devices.
The Notification Center that you enjoy on your Ipad and Iphone will now be on your Desktop.
Twitter will now be integrated in MAC OS X Mountain Lion.
Like Game Center? It comes to your MAC, as well.
Apple TV fans who like to show those Iphone and Ipad videos on their big screen TV via AirPlay and Mirroring can now use their Macbook. The TV networks may not like this one.
GateKeeper will try and keep your MAC more secure by preventing you from downloading malicious software. This feature is certainly controversial and does help Apple monetize, but it can also be useful. Fortunately, you are able to bypass this, if need be.
Be aware that some older MACS may be left out, due to new hardware demands.
In total – a great update that will make regular users happy when it leaps this summer (2012).
Patch Tuesday – Make sure you get your Windows Updates
Patch Tuesday, usually the second Tuesday of each month, is an important day if you have a computer running Microsoft Windows. Microsoft issues patches that include important security fixes for your computer. Malware has become so prevalent that you don’t want to miss out on any of these updates. This past Tuesday, February 14, 2012 was no exception. There were nine security patches for various Microsoft products – all important. So, make sure you have Windows Updates turned on and check periodically to insure that you are fully patched and up to date.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Tool
Do you have Malware on your computer? Get rid of those pop-ups and other problems with this great free tool.
Check out our Screencast below if you are on our PCG blog, or go to:
http://prestwickcomputer.com/blog/blog.php/ for more information if you are using our audio podcast.
Show Links: Malwarebytes
Malware Protection Options For Windows
Not sure about Malware protection for your Windows based computer? Here are some options:
Check out our Screencast below if you are on our PCG blog, or go to:
http://prestwickcomputer.com/blog/blog.php/ for more information if you are using our audio podcast.
Show Links: Avast Anti Virus, Microsoft Security Essentials, Webroot Secure Anywhere, Malwarebytes, VirusTotal
WPS WIFI Security. Are You at Risk?
A big problem with WIFI security has recently surfaced. Does your wireless router have WPS turned on? Check out our screencast below for more information.
Links: WPS Vulnerability Test, Router Default Login Info, Waiting for WPS Fix
Review of the Incase Origami Workstation for Ipad
Want to travel without your Laptop. Take your Ipad and The Origami Workstation by Incase See our review below:
ITunes Match
Cloud storage is all we hear about today. What is the Cloud? Basically, this refers to storing data and computer files off site on some other computer or storage device. The best thing about this is your ability to access these files across the Internet “cloud” whenever you want.
Why keep data in the cloud? Well, its safe and easy to retrieve when you want it – across multiple devices. There are many cloud services and ITunes Match is a great one for storing and playing your digital music.
Perhaps you have a large collection of digital music and some of the songs were transferred from old LP’s. Many of these files will have poor sound quality. Enter ITunes Match. You can have the Apple servers scan your collection on your computer and match your songs with their large collection. Those that match can then be downloaded back to your computer, replacing your old files with high quality matches. The songs are also available for you to play/download to all of your devices from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection. All for $24.99. For large collections this can take quite a while, since any of your music that is not matched is uploaded to the Apple servers. Also, you must pay the fee each year if you want maintain access to all of your music from the cloud.
It does take a while to fine tune the matching process and there are a few limitations, but overall this is a great service for music lovers. Check it out.
Itunes Match
Obihai – Free Phone Service
Would you like free home service? Do you have a good broadband internet connection? Are you reasonably tech savvy? If you answered yes to all three, then check out the Obihai obi110 device.
The Obihai is a Voice over IP (VOIP) phone bridge telephone adapter. It sells for $49.99 with free shipping on Amazon. You can setup this device with your broadband router and wireless phone handsets to create a phone connection in your home. Couple this unit with a free Google Voice phone number and you now have a full featured phone system for your home – and it’s free. Sure you have to buy the Obihai, but after that there is no monthly fee. You can call anywhere in the US with unlimited minutes and anyone can call you. Google Voice gives you all the phone features that you need (voice mail, caller id, etc.).
The call and voice quality is excellent. No different than a normal landline phone – assuming you have a good always on DSL or cable broadband connection.
Setting up the device involves plugging the unit into your router, your phone handset or wireless base and AC power. You will need to have a free Google Account and a google voice phone number. The instructions on the Obihai website are clear and relatively easy to follow, if you are reasonably tech savvy.
There are only two caveats. First, like many VOIP phone services, 911 service is not included. If you have a cell phone with 911 this may not be an issue. You can also, remedy this situation by purchasing a 911 service as an add-on. Callcentric offers this for $1.50 per month. Second, Google Voice has been free since its inception, however, there is no guarantee that it will always be free.
This is definitely a winning combination, if you want to cut the cord and save some cash.
Check out the reviews at Amazon