Female Techno Blog

AMD’s Fastest Processor in the World

2011-09-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

On August 31, the 8-core AMD FX processor achieved a Guiness World Record with a frequency of 8.429GHz, a stunning result for a modern, multi-core processor. The previous record was 8.308 GHz. The record was achieved with several days of preparation and an amazing and inspired run in front of world renowned technology press in Austin, Texas. The AMD FX CPU, likely to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2011, is based on AMD’s new Bulldozer architecture.

How to Make Firefox Browser Faster

2011-03-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, but your Firefox (Mozilla family) browser is not configured by default to blaze.
These instructions include how to increase your browsing speed on Firefox (If you use Wyzo browse this blog for similar tweak).

First, in Firefox type, “about:config” into the address bar (and ignore any warnings!).
In the filter field, type “network” and scroll down to “network.http.pipelining” and set it to TRUE, and set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” from 4 to anything from 8 to 12.

This simple tweak one change could increase the page-load time by what felt like a factor of 50%.

Cloud Computing is Hot

2011-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about Cloud Computing? Probably yes, but what you know about it?
When I learned that even NATO embraced cloud computing I was really surprised, well, maybe it is time to get a closer look at this.

The most correct definition so far is:
"Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction." - from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

The term "cloud" is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the cloud drawing used in the past to represent the telephone network,and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents. Typical cloud computing providers deliver common business applications online that are accessed from another Web service or software like a Web browser, while the software and data are stored on servers.

Additional information:

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing Deep Dive - Free Special Report (PDF)

Microsoft Surface 2.0

2011-01-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Surface 2.0 is fascinating and could be one helluva "table PC" one day.

New Voxox Interface

2010-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Voxox is a free consumer software and service that enables you to make free or super cheap calls anywhere in the world, as well as text, chat, fax, share files and so much more.

Ready for Cyber Monday? Start Right Now!

2010-11-28T13:25:00.001-08:00

After a Black Friday weekend of widespread online discounting, nearly nine in ten retailers nationwide will offer special deals to entice shoppers to participate in Cyber Monday.

The day has been called Cyber Monday since 2005, when Web-traffic trackers noticed millions of shoppers flooded online sites after returning to work from the holiday weekend.

Before start your "hunt" I suggest to visit the CyberMonday.com (CyberMonday.com highlights the best deals from over 700 online retailers)to get an impression what is hot and what is not and then narrow your search.

Good luck!

Skype Mobile 3.0 For Windows Smartphones (Smart Solution)

2010-04-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe you know that Skype canceled downloads of Skype Mobile for Windows based phones. Their motivation - the need to improve quality of Skype Mobile Beta 3.0, but in reality it is all about the money. Skype is getting to launch pre-install versions for Verizon, also they got a deal with Nokia, therefore a free version of Skype Mobile will be non-existent pretty soon. But there is a trick, if you have this version on your phone before you can still use it at least for the end of 2010.
I found the .CAB file on the net, installed it in my WM 6.5 phone and it works!

Here is a link to Skype Mobile Beta 3.0 for Windows Mobile Phones.

Video review: HTC HD2 Versus Nexus One

2010-03-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Still can’t decide between the Nexus One and the HTC HD2?
The guys from Wirefly do their famous smartphone "schmackdowns", and this time it’s the HTC HD2 versus the Nexus One (HTC-Google).
The schmackdown overviews the pros and cons of both handsets, including keyboard, interface, customization, and hardware specs.

Smartphones Security Warning

2010-03-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Smartphones are cellular telephones that also offer Internet accessibility, texting and e-mail capabilities and a variety of programs commonly called “apps,” or applications.

“Smartphones are essentially becoming regular computers,” said Vinod Ganapathy, assistant professor of computer science in Rutgers’ School of Arts and Sciences. “They run the same class of operating systems as desktop and laptop computers, so they are just as vulnerable to attack by malicious software, or ‘malware.’”

How could someone mess with your smartphone? By using malware called “rootkits,” which could corrupt the operating system on your phone. Rootkit attacks on smart phones or upcoming tablet computers could be more devastating because smart phone owners tend to carry their phones with them all the time. What makes rootkits particularly dangerous is that they are a different sort of malicious software than would attack your personal computer.

Here are three potential ways that your smart phone could be compromised using a rootkit, according to the Rutgers researchers:

1. Someone could eavesdrop on one of your calls (sort of a like a bug on your phone, without the actual bug), by turning on the microphone without you knowing it
2. Someone could use the location tracking information on your device to watch where you are
3. Someone could drain your battery from afar, which would leave you literally powerless from a communications standpoint

A piece of malware could enter your phone via the Bluetooth connection that connects your wireless earpiece or via a text message.

How I Upgraded My Old Dash To Windows Mobile 6.5

2010-02-19T23:55:00.000-08:00

I did it myself and the result was truly amazing. It was like a getting a 'new' phone for free.
I got my Dash (HTC Excalibur) 3 years ago and at that time it was a decent phone. I really like the keyboard, slim body and reliability. It came with WM 5 (!), then I got WM 6.1, it was OK for a while, but then I started to think about getting a new one until the solution came form xda-developers - free WM 6.5. I've decided to give it a try and put WM 6.5 in it, and you know what - I'll keep my old Dash for a little bit longer, BG. Even colors of screen became more crispier and brighter, and when I winded up a clock of processor (application included in the package) - my old Dash became blazing fast. I love it!!!

Important disclaimer: I will not be responsible for any damage made to your phone, take your own risk. This is not my own work, I used a copy from other site.

The installation is simple. Use an ActiveSync to connect your PC (laptop) and your Windows based smartphone, remember that all downloads go to your computer first, then unzip and run.

Step 1.
First you need to 'unlock' your phone from protection. Download the SDA_Unlock file SDA_Application_Unlock.zip and follow instructions.

Step 2.
Download WM6.5 STD 21854_Custom 3VO.3.00.112509 [Many thanks to ookba from xda-developers - good job!] and follow instructions.

What you'll get:

Features:
* New official 21854 Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard core
* Updated drivers and scripts
* ROM Performance "tune up"
* CUSTOMIZATION CUSTOMIZATION!!
* UI Tweaks and additional Settings added for FULL customization
* Custom Phone Canvas
* WM 6.5 3VOLUTION Custom Titanium Sliding Panels
* Many additional panels
* Titanium Weather Panel
* Option for Weather Icon on Clock Panel
* Customized OEM packages
* Customized splashes, backgrounds, canvas, and icons
* New custom HTC Dialer canvas
* Updated Settings and Scripts for better customization
* Custom 3VO Style Menu's

Programs and Applications:
* Latest HTC OEM Packages
* HTC Album and Comm Manager
* HTC Camera and Video Recorder
* Internet Explorer 5.0
* JBED and Opera Mini 4.2
* CeleTask and CeleCmd
* CHome Configurator
* CHome Refresh
* Office Mobile (including Pocket Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)
* Office OneNote
* Notepad
* Windows Live (application and Titanium Panel)
* Remote Desktop Client
* SIM Manager and Task Manager
* USB to PC
* Basehue
* Resco Explorer and Resco Regedit
* OMAP Clock Set and OMAP Clock GUI (set clock speeds at idle and utilization)
* SIM tools (including threading toggler)
* WM5torage
* Start Menu View Toggler (toggle from icon view to list view)
* Adobe Reader LE 2.0
* ClockOnTop Application (Settings to enable or disable in Date/Time)
* SMS Bubbles app
* Auto Keylock
* RSS Hub
* Light Config
* eT9 Changer and Default Browser button selector
* NETCF 3.5
* 3VO Transparent Wallpaper 3.00
* 3VO Button Customizer (Customize what your keys and buttons do)
* ROM is Application unlocked

Enjoy!

Google: Real Time Search

2009-12-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Google launched real time search service and this is a beginning in continuous war with Microsoft's Bingo. The latest offer pretty neat search on Twitter: Bing.com/twitter. Try it, and you will like it.

How To Use Voice Message Shortcuts (US only)

2009-11-14T23:02:00.001-08:00

Do you hate those annoying cell voice mail introductions before leaving voice message?
I do. These very long instructions waste time and, if you're calling on your cell phone, burn minutes.
There is a fix for that.

In your voice mail message, stop telling callers you're away from the phone or on another line. Just leave a brief outgoing message telling callers how to skip the prompts. Every company use different shotcut.
So, if you want to save your time or your friends/callers time please use this trick:

-If you're an AT&T customer simply record the following outgoing message: "This is (your name); press 0 to leave a message." Immediately your friend or co-worker will hear the familiar beep that tells them it's time to begin recording.

-If you're a Sprint customer, replace the '0' with a '1' in your message.

-If you're a Verizon customer, replace the '0' with the '*' (star sign) in your message.

- If you're a T-Mobile customer, replace the '0' with the '#' (pound sign) in your outgoing message.

When you call to someone's cell phone use trhe same trick at the begining of long automated instruction - press the button/shortcut used by his/her provider and this intstuction will shut down at once and you can start recording your message right after the tone.

Remember:

for AT&T - press 0,

for Sprint - press 1,

for Verizon - press '*' (star)

for T-Mobile - press '#' (pound)

Neat, isn't?

Google Voice Makes Your Voicemail Fast and Easy

2009-10-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

From today, signing up for a Google Voice account doesn't required you to pick a new phone number -- not a pleasant option for those who have kept the same digits for years. Now Google has enabled users to keep their existing phone numbers and get (most of) the features Google Voice offers, including Google's well-rounded voicemail service.

Keeping your own phone number gives you:

* Online, searchable voicemail
* Free automated voicemail transcription
* Custom voicemail greetings for different callers
* Email and SMS notifications
* Low-priced international calling

Going for the full package Google will give you all of the above plus:

* One number that reaches you on all your phones
* SMS via email
* Call screening
* Listen In
* Call recording
* Conference calling
* Call blocking

Note: If you already have a Google Voice number, you can add the voicemail option to any mobile phone associated with the account, isn't that nice?

Some of the Google Voice features are explained in these videos:

How To Start Your Car From Your Cell Phone

2009-10-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

Remote starters are always a popular holiday gift in Northern climes, so particularly lazy shoppers will be heartened to learn one can be downloaded on iTunes.

The Viper SmartStart from Directed Electronics is an iPhone-compatible remote starter capable of warming up or cooling down a car. Even if you’re not a fan of letting your car idle in a parking lot, Viper says the SmartStart could come in handy for remotely locking or unlocking the doors, popping the trunk or even sounding the car alarm.

Best of all, instead of pointing a squared-off keyfob at a car that’s parked a mere 30 feet away, you can start your car from anywhere provided there’s a cell phone signal.
Range is virtually unlimited, and iPhone owners can use the elegant touch-screen interface they already carry in their pocket.

The SmartStart can either be installed separately for $499 or mated to an existing remote starter for $299.
The bad thing is that there’s an annual service charge, which tacks on an additional $29.99 a year, but I belive that would be hacked soon.
BTW, the SmartStart system is also compatible with the iPod Touch, but its range is limited to within existing WiFi networks.

Cheap Way to Send International SMS

2009-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last month one of my friends was left for Europe visiting relatives. The country of her destination has rather expensive calling rates, international SMS was also pricey. Being in touch with my friend almost everyday, I decided to find the way to keep it on the budget.
Well, the setup of Skype was easier than I thought. And, such a relief! International SMS via Skype was 5-7 times cheaper, extremely fast and very convenient. You can use Skype from any PC, notebook or netbook, and, of course, from your smartphone or PDA, including iPhone.

Bottom line:
Skype SMS is a quick and cheap way to get in touch with friends instantly when they’re not online, unavailable or simply on the move.

Benefits are:
Hassle free — type long text from the comfort of your keyboard.
Quick and simple to use with straightforward pricing.
Allow friends to reply directly to your mobile by setting your SMS sender ID.

How to Unlock Your Cell Phone for Free

2009-08-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don’t know that by law your provider must unlock your cell phone by your request, it is your property after all. Some companies do it willingly and free of charge, others could put some ‘inconvenience fee’ for that, and, unfortunately, it is also legal.
What if you left your provider and would like to use the old phone with another one or pass it to your friend or relative?

There is the way how you can unlock you phone for free. All what you need is your IMEI number found inside your phone, sometimes under the battery, sometimes near SIM card. Look for IMEI word and put all number down for further reference.
Also you can get your IMEI code by pressing *#06# (star,pound,0,6,pound) at your cell phone keyboard.

Open online unlock code calculator on http://unlock.nokiafree.org, or download it from here. (note: they support not only Nokia’s but other phones as well.)

Choose your phone (make and model) from the list.
Fill in your IMEI code.
Choose your country.
Choose your provider.
(note: other options are ether defaulted of filled out for you)
Press calculate.
Choose the unlock code from the list and type it in your phone. Done!

That’s it, your phone is unlocked. Slip another SIM card (from different provider, just borrow it from your friend) and check the phone.
Easy, isn’t?

How to Make Wyzo Browser Faster

2009-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

I like Wyzo more than Firefox, it better fits for multimedia but still having the layout which is similar to Firefox and therefore familiar to use.
Sometimes I need to use a mobile broadband and I was wondered how I could make it faster.
What I’ve tried first was a simple change in settings you can easily to do yourself.
Remember that you always could restore the original settings, no harm will be made, or, simply re-install the program. Pay attention and keep a track of changes you made.
I usually use 2 screens: first – where the changes will be made, second – to keep the instructions handy for quick reference.
1. Open a new window of Wyzo.
2. Type about:config into the address bar an press Enter. You’ll get a warning first, ignore it, than the list of entries will come up.
3. Found network.http.pipelining and set to true by clicking on it
4. Found network.http.pipelining.maxrequests and change the number to 30 (the window will pop-up when you click on it)
5. Keeping this line active, make a right click. In new window select New-> Integer.
Name it as nglayout.initialpaint.delay, and set the value to 0.
6. Close the browser and restart it. You will notice the increased speed of the Wyzo at once, sweet, isn’t?