Best SSD You Can Buy For The Money In 2012

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Still quite heavily priced, SSDs are the future of computer storage, as you may know an SSD or Solid State Drive differs from a traditional hard disk drive in several ways.

A hard disk drive is a very traditional almost manual affair, where a wheel is “written” on by an arm almost like a reverse vinyl player. Imagine those little USB mini pens that you use for digital storage, now imagine them all taped together on a small circuit board, that is an SSD, its essentially digital storage that is written and retrieved much much faster than a traditionally hard drive. They also shouldn’t fail as easily as a traditionally hard drive, it has no moving parts.

Crucial SSD Drive

SSDs like all new technology are still highly sought after and gradually over time the price will drop, however if you are looking for increased performance (you can massively increase the load time of your operating system up by using an SSD) then it may be the solution you are looking for. Your choices on the market are in abundance so we have chosen three different types of SSD for you

Crucial M4 – 128gb (£90) – Winner

Crucial’s award winning drives are lightweight, very fast read and write speeds and runs low power, on an overall score, the Crucial M4 wins our award for top benchmarking and great value for money.

OCZ Agility3 – 60gb (£60)

An overall great SSD in performance and price, the Agility3 is becoming a standard in many of our specs and a great all round addition to storage.

CORSAIR FORCE GT – 128gb (£120)

Incredibly fast quality SSD, a personal favourite of many of our staff, the GT is a superb quality SSD perfect for all round gaming, entertainment and performance.

Right now just to put into comparison with a hard disk drive, as of 2012 you are paying about 5pence per gigabyte, where with a solid state drive you are paying closer roughly to 90pence per gig, these margins will close but it will be another year or so before we see this taking effect.

Overall, SSDs are leading the way in the new age of PC gaming and performance computing, the question is more about WHEN you will switch and not IF, we are convinced that has the average capacity for SSDs increases and the price starts to drop, you will see solid state drives a standard feature in all computers and storage devices such as (TV satellite boxes and computer consoles)

I would love to hear any comments you have on SSDs below!

Author: Chris Turton from gaming PC company Palicomp.

Reasons You Need To Consider Software Escrow

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There are certain software and services that your business may be dependent on but do not own, that may help your business function better but may also involve operational risks. Therefore, businesses must consider implementing software escrow agreements in order to protect a business as well as avoid any operational risk.

When you outsource software to be written for your business, you may or may not get a copy of the source code after completion. The source code of open source software projects can be accessed freely; however, the codes of proprietary software or closed source are not publicly accessible and can only be executed. When entering into an agreement with a developer, you may choose to let them retain the source code. However, in case the developer ceases to trade or if a source code simply vanishes, it can pose serious problems for your business.

An escrow is basically a contract between two parties who deposit a valuable possession with a third party. This possession could imply important documents, money or an intellectual property. The third party agents hold these under certain conditions.

When you need software escrow, there could have been several reasons for the need. Three of the most important reasons for needing software escrow are:

1.

A software escrow helps maintain the confidentiality of the source code of the licensor. Being an independent software vendor, the licensor provides the licensee with complete access to the software programme for use in the licensee’s own company. However, a source code is a confidential entity and, hence, is not usually given to any business. The source code and all the documents related to it are unique for every project. A software escrow states the guidelines under which the source code needs to be released or provided to the licensee. The terms and conditions are agreed to by both the parties involved and the software escrow provider keeps the source code information and data. It is the responsibility of the software escrow provider to maintain the confidentiality of the data and to ensure that the specified conditions are followed by the parties. This also helps provide the vendor a sense of security.

2.

The licensee is able to get access to the source code data and other related information under exceptional circumstances that helps alleviate the operational risks involved. Though the licensee may have full access to the programme and its capabilities, it might be required to access the source code in certain circumstances. The software vendor gives consent for access to the source code under circumstances or conditions specified in the agreement. For instance, if the software vendor goes bankrupt, the agreement may allow the software escrow provider to give the source code to the licensee. This feature of a software escrow provides access to the source code in case of inevitable situations and reassures the smooth running of a business.

3.

By entering into an agreement for software escrow, both the licensor and the licensee are rest assured of unbiased services. As the software escrow provider is a third party agent, there is no reason for being partial to either of the parties. There are legal documents prepared by mutual consent that makes all the parties accountable for their responsibilities with regard to the software license. As the confidential data is placed in the trust of the software escrow agency, it can only be accessed through them. A licensee needs to contact the escrow provider to gain access to this data, which can be allowed strictly as per the conditions specified in the agreement.

Software escrow is beneficial for both the independent developer or the vendor who creates the programmes and the company that uses it. While the ownership of the programme remains with the licensor, the licensee can gain access to it under certain conditions. When you need software escrow, an expert provider, that meets the expectations of both the parties, helps to create confidence and trust between all parties.

Author Bio: Nathan Morgan has been an IT professional for 14 years. His work is currently focused on Linux servers. He has encryption experience including the deployment of True Crypt and similar packages, and detailed knowledge of document scanning solutions to transform off-line archives into accessible digital data.

Top 5 Social Media Sites for Your Business

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If you own and operate your own business, one of the most important details is to market your company. Doing this on a wide scale basis is essential so that you can ensure that people know about the business and your company can expand to a larger audience. With everything being digital in this day and age, the lifeline of any successful business is to integrate it into social media websites. More than ever, both individuals and businesses are relying on social media to market themselves. As a business owner, it is important to select the right social media websites to reach the right audience for your company and its services and/or products. The following are considered the best social media sites for businesses.

LinkedIn:

is essentially the Facebook for professionals. Not only is it a must for individuals who are looking for new employment, but it is also excellent for small businesses. You can connect with other businesses in your field or in related fields and advertise the various services or products your company provides to the public. You can find potential clients or customers and engage in chats with other professionals in the same field. You can also find potential new employees who may want to join your staff and can encourage your current employees to create profiles on the site for additional marketing of your business.

Facebook:

is a big favorite social networking site for many. Not only is it good for individuals to connect with others, it is also ideal for marketing your business as it can reach a huge spectrum of people and other companies. If you get certain Facebook friends to like the page, your business can be promoted even farther as their friends will see it, which can certainly draw interest in your company and its products or services. The more people who give your page a “like”, the more traffic your business page will receive and more people will view your posts. Facebook is so important, as it also gives you the opportunity to post photos, videos and even coupons for your business.

YouTube:

is essential for any business as it allows you to market the company via video. It gives individuals the chance to see and hear details about the business directly from a live person instead of simply reading it or seeing stationary photos. If someone likes a promotional video for your company, they can even share it on their social media pages, which can draw more traffic to your YouTube page.

Twitter:

is another great social media site to use to promote your business. While it only allows you to use 140 characters or less per post, you can get your point across and let the public know what new services or products your company offers and inform them of any specials. You can even rely on TwitLonger, which is part of Twitter and allows you to use more than 140 characters.

Pinterest:

is one of the newest social media sites and is essential for business as it is expanding in popularity on a daily basis. It allows you to connect with others based on specific interests, so if you highlight your company’s services or products, you can attract potential clients or customers who are interested in what your business has to offer.

Author bio: David Larson, with Intelligent Search, is a computer enthusiast. He enjoys reading and writing about technology. He also enjoys hiking and being in the outdoors with his family.

How to Automatically Back Up All Camera Photos

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Digital cameras, especially today’s camera phones, are convenient for snapping lots of pics. The only downside to using digital cameras is that it’s all too easy to let those photos pile up inside your phone without ever seeing the light of day. When that phone eventually goes missing, you can say goodbye to all those memorable moments.

Finally, there is a way to automatically back up all camera photos. You don’t even need cords or access to your computer to back up your camera photos online and on your computer. There are two mobile storage apps available now that provide instant, automatic backups every time you snap a picture.

1. Dropbox Mobile

The Dropbox mobile app can use your phone’s WiFi or data plan to store all camera shots online. No cords, no lost photos. The cool thing about this solution is that Dropbox gives all new users 2 GB of free storage space for as long as they want it. You can sign up for an account at Dropbox today and never have to pay a thing unless you choose to upgrade.

Best of all, Dropbox is currently giving away extra free space to people that try the mobile phone app for uploading photos. The first photo that you upload with the automatic upload feature will get you an extra 500 MB of storage space. Upload more photos after that and you can get up to 3 GB of extra space.

Note: Dropbox also has a new feature that works with regular digital cameras. If you have the latest version of the Dropbox desktop app, you can set it up to automatically back up photos from your digital camera. All you have to do is plug your camera into your computer and Dropbox will automatically retrieve all photos and store them in your sync folder for online and offline storage.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Get a free Dropbox account

Visit www.Dropbox.com and sign up for a free account. You will not be asked to supply your payment information.

2. Download the Dropbox mobile app

Dropbox has mobile apps for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Visit your phone’s app store and search for “Dropbox.” The official download will be the first result and it is free to install. Click the download/install button and follow the instructions on the screen to get Dropbox on your mobile device.

3. Turn on the “Camera Upload” feature

Run the Dropbox app on your phone and sign in to your existing account.

Press the menu button and then choose “settings.” In the settings area, there is an option to turn on the Camera Upload feature. When you click that button, you will be taken to a secondary options menu in which you can turn on automatic camera uploads.

4. Take pictures

Every picture that you take will now be automatically uploaded to your personal Dropbox account. If you have the Dropbox software installed on your desktop, those photos will also be transferred to your local Dropbox folder.

2. SugarSync Mobile

SugarSync also has a mobile app that can be used for automatic camera backups. This mobile app is even more impressive than the Dropbox app thanks to its long list of features and supported devices. Just like the Dropbox mobile app, SugarSync will automatically back up all photos and store them online. From there, those photos will also be synced to your home computer.

SugarSync has a free account that you can use to try both the desktop and mobile versions. New users get 5 GB of storage space and no payment information is necessary.

Here’s how you can get started with SugarSync:

1. Get a free SugarSync account

Visit www.SugarSync.com and click on the big “download now” button. After the download is complete, run the installation program and follow the instruction on the screen to get started with your free account. You can also sign up for a paid account if you wish.

2. Download SugarSync onto your mobile device

Android and iPhone users can visit their app stores and search for “SugarSync” to get the appropriate app. Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Symbian users can visit the SugarSync website to download the apps manually.

3. Turn on automatic camera uploads

Now that you have the app installed, run it and press the menu button, then click on “actions.” Go to “settings” then “AutoSync Photos” then choose the “On” option. Every photo you take from now on will be automatically uploaded to your SugarSync account.

Author Bio: Sara Richardson is a tech blogger and contributes to a variety of tech related websites. She is currently working with a file storage site that provides storage reviews, news and tips.

The best way to spy on your employees without their knowledge

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You’re one of those prospective employers, suddenly spending sleepless nights on returns on investments? As an employer, you’re mightily concerned over employee resentment against the management? You’re again one of those employers, who have a sixth sense that certain employees seem to be bad mouthing or bringing you down? As an overly concerned employer, you have this hunch that one of your employees seem to be making hand over fist? In general, one and many employers would be primarily concerned over his sagging business fortunes and well-being of employees. However, in this scenario, an employer would be confronted with the uncanny prospect of spying over his employees without their knowledge.

Well, how on earth would this uncanny spy-related phenomenon take place?

This can take place in the form of unique cell phone spy software known as the “Mobile Spy.”

History about Mobile Spy cell phone software application?

The Mobile Spy application is an offering from the acclaimed Mobistealth group. Despite being a relatively new entrant in the market, the Mobile Spy software seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. In a span of 2 years, Mobile Spy software seems to have attained astronomical sales figures, garnered positive reviews and have silenced a majority of critics.

What is a Mobile Spy cell phone software spy application?

It is basically a multilingual software product in the numerical sense, as it involves tracking of data and traces f information around various interconnected cell phones. The objective of this Mobile Spy application is to enable the licensed user or employer to gain access to first hand discreet information about suspect employees or intended targets.

What’s the cost of a Mobile Spy software application?

Well, Mobile Spy software retails for a minimum and measly bargain, starting from $39 for a 3-month period to an affordable $150 annual package. Of course, features would differ, nevertheless, with respect to basic and top Mobile Spy software versions.

How would Mobile Spy software benefit an overly concerned employer?

In general, volume and profitability of business would be highly subject to a substantial contribution from respective employees. Employees, as part of the marketing & advertising sector, would be known to develop and acquire new business by engaging and meeting new clients, for that matter. In extreme scenarios, certain workers would resort to underhand activity like unwarranted trade deals, undisclosed financial benefits, seeking of new employment, etc. In certain cases, a couple of employees could also be plotting to disrupt their own employer’s business, with the help of outside aid.

Further possible benefits of Mobile Spy software to a concerned employer?

The honesty and integrity of an employee are also questioned at the same time. Absenteeism and truancy of certain employees are also brought to light. The Mobile Spy software also acts as a great information tool for the management. Resentment, displeasure, idleness at workplace, scandalous behavior and under performance of workers would further be highlighted. The sole objective behind spying of an employee by an employer would be to keep track of one and many employee activities in general.

How compatible are Mobile Spy software applications?

Well, Mobile Spy software works on most Android, Symbian, Windows, Blackberry & iPhones in general.

What would be the nature of Mobile Spy software in general?

To begin with, even the basic enterprise application would be equipped with more than satisfactory features. On procurement or purchase of one, installation and uploading of relevant data happen in a jiffy. The user or licensed holder is then allotted a personal account on the web for further access. Being discreet in operation, it does not give the intended target the slightest hint about their monitored activities. Usually, Mobile Spy cell phone spy applications work amicably in the background of the target’s phone. They further do not disrupt any normal functioning of the employee’s phone, thereby putting to rest any doubts that may arise on behalf of the employee. Mobile Spy software is more of a web based driven applications, therefore, minimizing on additional billing issues.

Unique features of the Mobile Spy software?

  • Retrieval of SMS, call history and unnecessary browsing content by employees.
  • True to its versatility aspect, it would provide an employer a unique experience of being able to review concerned information from any corner of the globe.
  • Discreet by nature, it provides an employer the added comfort of all spying activity, going virtually unchallenged or invisible.
  • It could benefit or rather save a prospective employer from any possible monetary losses in the unfortunate event of misappropriation by a targeted employee.
  • It dispels the need for external professional security, thereby cutting down unnecessary additional expenditure.
  • Due to its unique GPS facility, it thereby tracks the position and location of the intended target.
  • Affordability would be further exemplified by the monitoring of 3 separate devices on purchase of a solitary Mobile Spy license.
  • With respect to legal issues, there would be little or no room for complacency or doubt for an employer to file libel suits against scrupulous targets.
  • Mobile Spy software application also discriminate actual usage, as compared to misappropriated cell phone usage of employees.

5 Best plugins to make Gedit more powerful [Linux]

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The default text editor that comes with Ubuntu or Linux Mint is Gedit. A simple yet powerful text editor that makes Notepad (Windows’ default text editor) look like loser when it comes to features. That said, I wonder why Microsoft never tried to improve Notepad, any ideas?. Anyways, though Gedit itself is quite powerful and recognizes many programming languages, still there are many plugins available for free that makes Gedit much more powerful.

How to install the Gedit plugins?

Install the gedit-plugins package. This package contains a great deal of gedit plugins apart from what is already present in Gedit (but not enabled by default). Open the terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and type the following command:

sudo apt-get install gedit-plugins

Once you have the plugins installed, you can access them by using the following steps:

  • Open Gedit text editor
  • From the Top Menu, go to this path: Edit->Preferences
  • Here go to Plugins tab. You will see the list of plugins available here. You can enable or disable, by checking the box next to them, as per your requirement.

The best Gedit Plugins:

Okay! Here comes the list of best Gedit plguins that, in my opinion, are extremely useful especially for programmers. The numbers given to plugins don’t mean that one is better than other. Its just to keep a count.

1. Session Saver:

When you work on a project you might have several files open at the same time and when you are logging off you might feel a need of saving the session so that when you login again and open Gedit you will have all your files back together in the editor. This saves a lot of trouble for you as you don’t need to find the same files again and open them individually.

2. Code Comment:

You just cannot write a program without using comments (If you do, you my friend, are no programmer). This plugin lets you comment or uncomment using short cuts Ctrl+M and Ctrl+Shift+M respectively. The good thing is that it recognizes the language you are using and comments accordingly for e.g., // for C++ or # for Shell scripts.

3. Snippets:

You find a few lines of code is needed to be written at several places. Snippet is the plugin for you. You save the code snippet and place a trigger on it. Trigger is like a pet name of the snippet. Now you can use the saved code snippets by just using the trigger name and tab. It will automatically complete the code.

4. Bracket Competition:

Remember Eclipse or any other IDE? All of them have this beautiful feature where when you type a bracket and it automatically puts the closing brackets. This plugins give you the same feature in Gedit as well.

5. Embedded Terminal:

This plugin embeds a terminal in the bottom of the Gedit. So you can run your commands and have a look at the editor at the same time. Extremely useful if you do not have access to multiple monitors.

There are many more plugins as well. Honorable mentions would be External Tools, Word Competitions, File Browser, Character Map.

What are you favorite Gedit plugins? Do share it with us.

Top 10 Healthcare I-Phone Apps

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Thanks to the thousands of apps available in the iTunes market, your iPhone or iPad can be easily transformed into an encyclopedia of health and medical information. It can become a powerful reference tool with the right apps. Here are our picks for some of the best healthcare apps to give you the best tools and information available: [Read more…]

Ten things idiots do on Facebook. Are you one of them?

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I am forced to write this post after seeing so many “idiots” around me on Facebook doing weird things. Like real world, there are few etiquettes which one should follow in the cyber world, but again, like real world, some people just don’t give damn to the manners or they just are not aware that such manners do exist. Believe me there are lots of stupid things people do without even knowing it. In this post I have compiled top 10 things what idiots do on Facebook:

1. Use caps lock all the time:

How many time have you seen a person posting in upper cases? a few time for sure! Using Caps lock is equivalent to shouting but few people around us prefer to “shout”, always. They forget that they can turn that caps lock off or they simply don’t care like these two jerks here:

2. Like your own status, link, photos and whatever:

Seriously, what are you? A self obsessed narcissist? How does it sounds in Facebook ticker: “XYZ likes his/her own status”. Give a chance for others to like your status and links. Don’t be a despo.

3. Auto Update Facebook status from Twitter:

One needs to understand that Facebook and Twitter are two different kinds of Social Networks. On Twitter you keep on sharing stuff every minute, it is acceptable. Facebook is not the same. You don’t go around flooding your friends’ feeds by auto posting all your tweets as your Facebook status.

4. Spread Hoax:

I know Facebook encourages to share. I also know that you are a concerned citizen but it doesn’t mean you will share whatever craps you find might be “helpful” for public. These hoax include Facebook charging money, hidden camera stories and Facebook donation for sharing pictures and other stuff like this. Use your mind and Google (if you have doubts, check on Hoax-Slayer) before doing such idiotic stuff.

If Facebook has to donate money it will simply donate it. It won’t ask and keep an account of that gross looking picture. Grow Up.

5. Add any fake profile in the friend list:

Yes, there is a very beautiful girl in a sexy pose on the display pic and that is the foremost sign that it could be fake. Oh! She has more than 1000 friends. Most certainly fake. But you don’t care about it because you are a one despo looking for single girls all over the Facebook and/or internet. So you add or accept the request and go on commenting on her pics and liking whatever craps that profile (most probably used by an ugly-looking male) posts. Find out more about how to find fake Facebook profile.

6. Play Farmville/Mafia Wars and such other craps:

Fine! You like to play these games but why bother others? Why send them request to save your lost sheep in Farmville? Most of the people don’t give a damn if you were attacked by some goons in Mafia Wars. If you are such a game addict, create a separate Facebook profile just for playing these games and stop bothering other people in your friend-list before they start blocking you.

7. Update each and every activity on Facebook status:

So, you get up and wish Good Morning to everyone. And then you tell them what are you eating in breakfast, what are you watching, what are your day’s plan. Keep updating it hourly basis. More, also tell them how many times you pooped. Describe that in detail too! For God sake, get a life. Updating the status about interesting things, news, events or funny quotes is one thing but it is not your diary where you record each and everything.

8. Share your love, break-ups and fights:

Aww… You are a love bird. You lover her/him so much that you keep on posting love quotes throughout the day.

Oh! you had a fight. Both of you are not on talking term and now updating your Facebook status hitting out at each other directly/indirectly.

Oops.. you broke up. Now the whole world has to suffer from sad heart-broken status update.

Grow up attention seeker.

9. Pay tribute to every celebrity (without thinking of course):

Though you might have never been able to buy an original Apple product but it was your social responsibility to pay homage to Steve Jobs. You updated your status, changed your profile pic to apple or of Jobs. You shared photos praising Job’s vision and achievement.

Now you see other pics complaining that there are millions of children dying of hunger. You share the pic with hungry child on one side and Steve Jobs on the other. How great of you.

Now comes Dennis Ritchie. You might have never used Unix all your life, never programmed in C and before this day you never knew that there exists such a person but paying a tribute is a must for you. Stop being a &%$#@.

10. The rest falls in this category

There are many more crazy stuffs. List is long and increasing. This point is left empty to take care of rest such things. I encourage you to share the 10th point.

A guide to the must have gadgets for 2012

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This year looks like being another super-productive one for gadgets with all manner of new gizmos being announced. In fact, some 20,000 new products were unveiled at this years Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, and many of those are just the sort of thing that you’ll want to put on your wishlist for the year ahead. However, with money tight for most of us, which ones should you put top of the ‘priority’ list? [Read more…]