Some interesting myths about technology that you might've thought were true, but aren't!

3. You have to let your battery drain to zero before charging

Nickel-Cadmium batteries, which used to be a staple of home electronics, had a “memory effect.” That meant if you didn’t drain them fully before each charging, they’d eventually stop holding as much electricity.

The Lithium-ion batteries that have replaced them in modern gadgets don’t have that problem. In fact, Li-ion batteries last longest when you keep them between 40 per cent and 80 per cent charged. Also, if you let Li-ion batteries discharge completely for too long, they can be permanently damaged or become dangerous as we explain here.

But Li-ions do have one challenge. The batteries have a built-in sensor that tells your gadget how much electricity is left in the battery. Over time, that stops matching up with the battery’s actual charge. To reset it, you have to charge the Li-ion battery to full, let it run down to the point where your gadget gives you a serious battery warning and then charge it back up to full again. However, this only needs to be done every three months or so.

For some gadgets, you might not need to do it at all. Apple used to recommend this process but now says it is no longer needed. Check your gadget’s manual to see if it has any specific directions.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/home-entertainment/computers/seven-common-tech-myths-you-shouldnt-believe/news-story/9e19e702808b705fcebe47592e1c6d38

A guide for those who arent so comfortable playing around with the Settings menu in #Windows 10 but would like to check it out safely!

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There's a new permanent link on the Start menu/screen in Windows 10: Settings.

This new Windows 10 Settings menu is a hub for your device's basic settings, including basic setup, network settings, and privacy settings. It has a clean interface, bit, touch-friendly icons and toggles and simple descriptions -- it looks a little like the PC settings menu in Windows 8 (Charms > Settings > Change PC settings), but it's located prominently on the Start menu and offers much more functionality.

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/exploring-the-windows-10-settings-menu/

Having trouble syncing your #Apple products with your #Windows 10 computer? Here's a quick help guide

Wired vs. wireless sync
How to install iTunes 12 on Windows 10

You can sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to Windows 10 by plugging in the USB to Lightning (or 30-pin Dock) cable. You can also set up Wi-Fi sync, so data will transfer whenever you're connected to the same network.

Wired sync is faster and you can watch it happen but Wi-Fi sync is much more convenient and you don't even have to remember to start it.

You'll need Apple's iTunes on your computer to get started with synchronizing between devices.

Read the full story here: http://www.imore.com/how-sync-your-iphone-ipad-or-ipod-windows-10

The first major #Windows 10 Update is out now, check out the benefits here

Today Microsoft has released the big update to Windows 10 users which comes with lots of changes, improvements and UI enhancements. The update download size is about 3 GB.

This update was initially referred as Threshold 2 (or R2), Fall update, Fall refresh, Windows 10.1, Windows 10 version 1511, etc by many people and bloggers. But Microsoft has officially named it as Windows 10 November update, simple and easy to understand as always. You can also consider it as the first Service Pack (SP1) for Windows 10 although Microsoft is never going to label it as SP1 or never going to release any Service Pack for any Windows version in future as they have switched to the new Windows as a service mechanism.

Read the full story here: : http://www.askvg.com/windows-10-november-update-threshold-2-available-for-download/

A quick guide on how to remove and uninstall those annoying #Windows 10 apps/programs that come with the new upgrade.

"In older versions of Windows, uninstalling a program wasn't all that straightforward -- you had to go through the Programs and Features menu in the Control Panel. But in Windows 10, uninstalling a program (either a desktop program or a Windows 10 app) is much simpler."

Read the full story here:  http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/how-to-uninstall-an-app-or-program-in-windows-10/

Have you disabled UAC on your #Windows 10 computer, because of the annoying pop ups. Well maybe you should think twice about this!

These security windows can get annoying, but it is not a good idea to turn them completely off.

"If you frequently run programs in administrator mode, dealing with the User Account Control (UAC) - the pop-up window that asks you if you're sure you want to let this program make changes to your computer - can get annoying. While you can set up specific programs to always run in administrator mode(thereby bypassing this pop-up), there's no easy, secure way to set up your computer so that all programs run in administrator mode.

Well, there is one way, but it's not secure. You can disable the User Account Control pop-ups altogether, but this is not recommended - not even for veteran PC tinkerers. The reason this is not recommended is because the UAC actually does serve an important purpose: It alerts you to any programs that might be trying to change your computer, including viruses and malware links you may have accidentally clicked on. If you disable the UAC completely and you're using an administrator account, any program that runs on your computer, including viruses and malware, will automatically have access to make changes to your PC."

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/how-to-run-everything-in-administrator-mode-and-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/

Noticed your ‪#‎iPhone‬ seems to be losing its battery very quickly? Well it could be to do with one of the most popular apps on the market, that just about most people would use!

Facebook has admitted the social media network is responsible for people experiencing battery issues with their phones. The network’s engineering manager Ari Grant announced a few “key issues” had been found, including a “CPU spin” in Facebook’s network code and problems with how it manages audio sessions.

Ari Grant

• Engineering Manager at Facebook

 · 1,349 followers

 ·October 23 at 8:06am · Edited · 

We recently heard reports of some people experiencing battery issues with the Facebook iOS app and have been looking into the causes of these problems. We found a few key issues and have identified additional improvements, some of which are in the version of the app that was released today.

The first issue we found was a “CPU spin” in our network code. A CPU spin is like a child in a car asking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”with the question not resu...

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Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/phone-battery-draining-too-quickly-facebook-could-be-to-blame/story-fn6vihic-1227581120329

Sick of having to sign into #Windows 10 with your email and password? Well here's a way to use a local account instead, which you don't have to have a password for.

"Windows 10 fully embraces its identity as a universal operating system. This includes Microsoft strongly suggesting you use a connected Microsoft account to log in to your computer, so you can fully take advantage of Windows 10's new connected features (such as settings syncing).
But there are some downsides to using a Microsoft account -- for one thing, you must use a password, which can be a bit frustrating if you're the sole user of your PC, and your PC is bolted to your desk. 
Luckily, Windows 10 does still give you the option of using a local account, which is easy to set up. You will still need to use your Microsoft account to download and purchase apps from the Windows Store, sync OneDrive files, and sync other Microsoft-branded apps, such as Microsoft Office 365 or OneNote."

Read the full story here:  http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/how-to-log-in-to-windows-10-with-a-local-account/

After the ‪#‎metadata‬ laws being introduced, VPN's have become very popular. Learn what they are and how to choose a ‪#‎VPN‬ here

While a lot of Australians considered a virtual private network as "the way to get Netflix," there's a lot more to VPNs than that. In fact, there's a host of reasons while you might consider paying for a VPN service.

VPN use in Australia has sky-rocketed in the wake of mandatory data retention laws and the Dallas Buyers Club rights holders winning the court decision to access pirates' details. And don't forget, VPNs are still highly recommended as a basic security precaution if you're a regular user of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

So, if you're thinking of getting a VPN for yourself what should you be looking for? In general, there are a few key points to consider when picking out a VPN provider:

• The location of the company and its servers
• The encryption protocols it uses for your data
• What policies it has around logging activity and the personal details of users
• Any limitations it might have on bandwidth or how much data you can transfer
• What operating systems and devices it supports
• How much are you paying -- and in what currency

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/how-to-choose-a-vpn-service/

New #metadata laws have been introduced in Australia! The government can now keep records of all phone calls, text messages, social media, etc from everyone!

WHAT IS BEING COLLECTED? WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?

One of the biggest problems protesters of the scheme have is around the extremely vague definition of what data will be collected. Even George Brandis struggles to explain what it is.

But the general idea is that internet and mobile service providers will be required to hold onto your metadata for two years.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/new-data-retention-laws-begin-today-this-is-what-you-need-to-know/story-fn5j66db-1227567715454

Unlucky for us Aussies, #Apple is increasing all App prices!

AUSTRALIAN iPhone users are set to pay more for their apps with Apple about to hit them with a price hike because of the falling dollar.

iClarified has published the statement from Apple to app developers announcing the price hike for the Australian, Indonesia and Swedish markets.

In the statement, Apple cites foreign exchange rates as the reason for the change.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/apple-to-raise-prices-in-australian-app-store-blames-falling-dollar/story-e6frfrnr-1227566914782

#Windows 10 to rollout to mobile phone users this December!

The new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL and Windows 10 Mobile are Microsoft's latest attempt to breathe some life into its mobile phone lineup. Apple and Android continue to dominate the mobile landscape, with Microsoft's share of the smartphone market relegated to less than 3 percent, according to research firm ComScore. Few other smartphone vendors have built Windows phones, so Microsoft is virtually alone in this battle.

Some critics have called on Microsoft to cut its losses and abandon its mobile phone business. But the company could have another idea up its sleeve. Just as Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Book on Tuesday to redefine the laptop market, the company could conceivably cook up a Surface smartphone. This is speculation for now, but Microsoft needs to rethink the mobile phone market if it wants to stay in the game.

Read the full story here:  http://www.cnet.com/au/news/windows-10-mobile-rollout-to-begin-in-december/

A small glitch on how to hide those annoying stock #Apple apps on your #iPhone .

AN apparent glitch in Apple’s latest mobile operating system lets you hide those unwanted Apple apps so that you might never have to see them again.

For iPhone users, the group of unwanted apps can be like a house guest you can’t get rid of.

While some people see those compulsory apps of Stocks, Watch or Tips as very useful, others see them as annoyances that just won’t go away.

But now there’s a solution, albeit with a bit of smoke and mirrors.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/glitch-in-ios9-lets-you-hide-unwanted-apple-apps-on-your-iphone/story-e6frfrnr-1227558665607

News for all #TPG mobile phone users; they are now joining #Vodafone , moving away from #Optus , and providing new '5G' cabling!

Communications technology is progressing at a quicker rate than ever, and Vodafone is banking on TPG Telecom to see it through advances in the field until at least 2030. On Wednesday Vodafone Hutchinson Australia announced it had signed a AU$1 billion dollar deal with the telecommunications provider to use its infrastructure for the next 15 years.

Over the next three years TPG will be connecting its dark fibre infrastructure to over 3,000 (roughly two thirds) of Vodafone's mobile cell sites. The process will involve building 4000 kilometres of dark fibre, a particularly power-efficient and capable form of fibre optic cable, at the cost of AU$300 million to AU$400 million. The project is expected to be completed in 2018.

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/tpg-to-provide-dark-fibre-cable-for-vodafone-in-1-billion-deal/

One feature that all ‪#‎iOS‬ 9 users should turn off if you dont have a large mobile data plan !

ONE feature that was introduced in Apple’s iOS 9 for iPhones is the ability for your mobile data to kick in automatically if you’re connected to a slow Wi-Fi network. But what if you don’t have the data for this?It’s called Wi-Fi Assist, and most Android devices have had this for a couple of years under slightly different names such as Download Booster on Samsung Galaxy devices. On Android phones, the feature is implemented to help you download larger files faster by combining Wi-Fi with mobile data. This isn’t turned on by default, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally downloading a massive file on your mobile data.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/turn-off-wi-fi-assist-on-ios-9-to-save-your-mobile-data/story-fn6vihic-1227547096465

Got the new #iPhone 6S or 6S Plus ? Here's a quick guide on the new 3D Touch feature and how to use it.

Peek and Pop

"While quick actions make it convenient to perform tasks from your home screen, Peek and Pop allow you to get more done on any screen.

Developers have a few different options for implementing Peek and Pop. One example is in the Messages app, where by light-pressing on a message thread your device will display a small preview of the conversation. Think of this as a way to peek into the thread, without actually opening it (and marking the message as read). You can swipe up when peeking into a conversation, revealing a list of actions such as custom text replies. You can also peek at emails in the Mail app.

The "peek" will remain active as long as your finger remains on the screen; lifting it off will close it. Also, you don't have to keep applying pressure on the screen once it's activated.

The "Pop" portion comes into play as you press harder on the screen when previewing a message or viewing content. A deep-press will fully open the content you are viewing, allowing you to interact with it.

You can also peek at URLs, flight numbers, dates on your calendar and a long list of other bits of information presented on your screen. If a portion of a message has text underlined, odds are iOS has identified information in that message you can preview using Peek and Pop."

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/getting-started-with-3d-touch-on-the-iphone-6s-6s-plus/

Here's a guide to show and explain to you the different types of #4G their are!

"Telstra
Uses FDD
Has Cat 9 support for new handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus
Has just shown off a Cat 11 wireless device with a theoretical top speed of 600Mbps

It was in 2014 that Telstra finally flipped the switch on its new 4G offering, dubbing the network 4GX. The name refers to Telstra's slice of the 700MHz band, which offers better underground and in-building coverage, and the telco's existing 1,800MHz band."

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/australian-lte-advanced-4g-carrier-aggregation-explained/

#Apple store has 39 apps infected with malware! Make sure syou check this list and make sure you uninstall these apps immediately if you have them!

"The malware, aptly named XcodeGhost owing to the way it got past App Store’s security in the first place, has so far infected hundreds of legitimate apps on the App Store, and in turn has made its way through to millions of iOS devices by now across the globe. All of this has resulted in a major security nightmare for the Cupertino tech giant."

 

Read the full story here:  http://www.redmondpie.com/xcodeghost-malware-list-of-infected-ios-apps-that-you-should-delete-right-now/

In case you have been under a rock the last week, the new #iPhone and #iPads have been unveiled!

"The iPhone 6s steals the show, but the iPad Pro is also worthy of attention

iPhone 6s

So what's new? Well, with the iPhone 6s Apple has unveiled a phone that's almost identical in design to the iPhone 6 but boasts a host of new features. Chief among these is the much-vaulted 3D Touch – the name Apple is giving to what has previously been known as Force Touch."

3D Touch! Apple Pencil! 12 megapixels! Rose gold finish! These are just a few of the words likely to have been floating around your social networks last night as Apple lifted the lid on both the iPhone 6s and iPad Pro.

Read the full story here: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/409110,apple-announces-3d-touch-iphone-6s-and-enormous-ipad-pro.aspx

Make sure you create a strong #password ! As these people learnt the hard way about simple passwords!

"Last month, the hacking group known as “Impact Team” dumped almost 100 gigabytes of affair specialists Ashley Madison’s user data onto the internet. It was thought that Ashley Madison’s users could take some solace in the fact that at least their passwords were encrypted. Not that there was much solace to go round. After having your login, email, and credit card details, and geographic locations released on Tor, it probably couldn’t get much worse."

Read the full story here: http://news.filehippo.com/2015/09/hackers-decrypt-11-million-ashley-madison-passwords-cynosure-prime-surprised-easy/

Interesting new app from ‪#‎Telstra‬ ! It will let their users make and receive landline calls on their smartphones and tablets!

Enlarge Image

"As home phones and landlines give way to the rise of mobile, Telstra has announced a new app that will let customers make and receive calls via their home phone using a mobile or tablet device.

The T-Voice App is available for ADSL and NBN home broadband customers with a home phone plan, and lets users make or answer phone calls from within the home, all whilst being charged at home phone rates."

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/telstra-brings-home-phone-calls-to-your-mobile-with-t-voice-app/

#Microsoft Office 2016 release date leaked! Expected in a couple weeks! On the 22nd of this month!

"An internal memo obtained by WinFuture.de from Microsoft’s internal intranet last week confirmed what many in the industry long suspected: Microsoft Office 2016 will be released in September, on the 3^rd Tuesday of the month.

While Microsoft have yet to officially comment on the validity of the date in question, employees are apparently now using the final version of Office internally, signalling that the Windows version is now ready for release."

Read the full story here: http://news.filehippo.com/2015/09/office-2016-windows-set-september-22-release/

Want an alternative to the #AppleWatch ? But have an iPhone? Now you can connect your Android watches to your iPhone thanks to #Google !

"Until now, Android watches only worked with smartphones powered by Android software, just as the Apple Watch is designed to be tethered exclusively to the iPhone.

Google’s new app, though, will enable the latest Android watches to link with the iPhone so people can quickly glance at their wrists for directions, fitness information and notifications about events, emails and Facebook updates."

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/google-is-introducing-an-application-that-will-connect-android-smartwatches-with-apples-iphone/story-fnpjxpz3-1227507153859

Here is some quick alternatives to shutting down your #Windows10 computer instead of the current 3-step process!

If you right-click the Start button, you'll see a lengthy pop-up shortcut menu -- with "Shut down or sign out" right near the bottom. Mouse over that option and then click "Shut down." This is still a slow, two-click method (with a mouse-over mixed in), but at least it's not three clicks.

Read the full story here:  http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/how-to-quickly-shut-down-windows-10/

Tag & QR Codes - September - 'Cry for Help' Free Monthly Newsletter just released!

Our latest Cry for Help newsletter has just been released for the month of September! Check it out here: http://jnhsoftware.com.au/CFHelp.html

If you have a #Lenovo laptop, read this! Beware of malware on your machine

"Lenovo have been using part of the firmware of its machines so that even if the Windows OS, and the Hard-drives were completely wiped, reformatted, and replaced…and Windows was then reinstalled, the “Lenovo Service Engine,” will reinstall itself from the main board of the Laptop or computer when it boots."

Read more here: http://news.filehippo.com/2015/08/lenovo-busted-installing-irremovable-spyware-software-computers/

Print to #PDF is finally native in Windows! A very handy feature

"To Print to PDF in Windows 10, simply open up your document in a text editor like Microsoft Word and click File > Print. (You can do this from any program that lets you print -- not just Word, and not just with a text document.)"

Read more here: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/print-to-pdf-in-windows-10/

Finally, 4K UHD Blu Ray discs will be available this year!

"The Ultra HD Blu-ray format will deliver high dynamic range content that significantly expands the range between the brightest and darkest elements and gives the consumer a more life-like viewing experience. Additionally, the format provides expanded colour range, high frame rate (up to 60fps) and up-to 3840x2160 resolution. The Ultra HD Blu-ray format will also deliver next-generation immersive, object-based sound formats. And, with the optional 'digital bridge' feature, the specification enhances the value of content ownership by embracing the notion that a content purchase can enable the consumer to view their content across a wide range of in-home and mobile devices".

Read more here: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/407687,new-uhd-blu-ray-format-coming-this-year.aspx

Considering #Netflix ? Make sure you are with the best ISP first!

"The speedtests that Netflix do aren’t reflective of each of their maximum capacity speeds, but rather measure the “average bitrate for Netflix content streamed by Netflix members per ISP”, the company says.

What’s worth noting is that most countries top ISP averages around the 4-5Mbps mark, while Netflix and other streaming providers recommend a minimum speed of 5Mbps for HD content and 25Mbps for Ultra-HD 4K content."

Read more here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/netflix-releases-internet-speed-index-of-aussie-isps/story-fnjwncel-1227351487476

#Apple is now testing out its very own wireless service!

"When it comes to devices, Apple is known for control. It makes both the hardware and software, so it controls the entire experience. Apple also keeps a lid on the App Store, and is legendary for the pressure it's exerted on partners and competitors alike."

Read the full sotry here: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/407381,apple-reportedly-testing-out-its-own-wireless-service.aspx

Windows 10 is out! Still have XP or Vista? Here are some options for you if you wish to upgrade

"The requirements to run Windows 10 are the same as Windows 7. If your system meets the minimum hardware requirements, you can do a clean install of Windows but it will cost you. A copy of Windows 10Home retails for $119, while Windows 10 Pro costs $199. There's also the Windows 10 Pro Pack for $99. This will let you upgrade from Windows 10 Home to the Pro edition at a later time."

Read the full story here: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/what-options-do-windows-xp-and-vista-users-have-in-a-windows-10-world/

#Telstra scam emails! How to sport the fakes that are currently going around

"The fake emails can be distinguished by the absence of a “$” sign to describe the amount of money they have supposedly been paid twice and is available for refund.

The refund amount is shown in a bracket.

Another fake email also incorrectly addresses recipients with, “Hi, dear customer.”

Falk said these phishing emails often include links and attachments that have malicious software or they are designed to trick customers into disclosing their personal details."

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/fake-bills-sent-to-tens-of-thousands-of-telstra-customers/story-fnjwnj25-1227455784709

Apple Watch - August - 'Cry for Help' Free Monthly Newsletter just released!

Check out our latest 'Cry for Help' newsletter just released for August! Our review on the Apple Watch from personal use
Click here: http://jnhsoftware.com.au/CFHelp.html

#Windows 10 is out tomrrow! Make sure you read these warning signs first!

"Even if you have “reserved” a Windows 10 upgrade from Microsoft, there’s a fair chance you will not receive it on launch day.

Microsoft will first deliver the finished Windows 10 product to beta testers, or Windows Insiders, on launch day and will notify other users in a “staggered” launch.

As the company describes it, “Starting on July 29, we will start rolling out Windows 10 to our Windows Insiders. From there, we will start notifying reserved systems in waves, slowly scaling up after July 29th. Each day of the rollout, we will listen, learn and update the experience for all Windows 10 users.”

How long will you wait? Microsoft will not say."

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/seven-warnings-to-read-before-you-upgrade-to-microsofts-windows-10-operating-system/story-e6frfrnr-1227458980510

#Driverless cars to hit our shores this year!

The hype behind self driving cars from the likes of Volvo, Google, Tesla and Mercedes-Benz isn’t just because people are too lazy to drive themselves, but for the genuine possibility of fatality-free roads.

Google’s self-driving car director Chris Urmon wrote in May that while that fatality-free future through driverless cars is possible, at the moment smaller accidents caused by other cars with human drivers is still a problem.

“Even when our software and sensors can detect a sticky situation and take action earlier and faster than an alert human driver, sometimes we won’t be able to overcome the realities of speed and distance; sometimes we’ll get hit just waiting for a light to change,” Urmon said.

Read the full story here: http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/volvo-will-be-the-first-car-company-with-a-driverless-car-on-aussie-roads/story-fnjwucvh-1227450866566