PUBLISHING
ALL NEW
Hints & tips for Firefox
April 2013 Vol.8 Issu e 4
PROJECTS
Strips ease
Relocate your data
Chat in the dock
You know the type
NOKIA
Lumia 920
100
only!
KICK
OUT PC
GREMLINS
How to get of irritating error messages
and keep your PC running smoothly
YOUR FRIENDL
Y GUIDE T
All of us at some point or the other have encountered unexpected errors while using Windows. In our lead story we explain the causes and cures for many of these. People have mixed reactions about social networks, we put Twitter through it's paces. Besides these, this issue is full of
informative articles, news, workshops and more. Happy holidays!
Amit Tewari, Editor [email protected]
From the Editor
10 Letters
Stay away from Linux
16 News round-up
Trend Micro launches Worry-Free Business Security
22
Norton 360 Premier Edition23
Nokia Lumia 92024
Plantronics Marque 2 M165 Plantronics Voyager Legend26
HTC ButterflySandisk ReadyCache 32GB
28
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 10 Cowon EM130
Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos I9082 Nuance PDF Converter Professional 831
F&D A111F72 Game
WORKSHOPS
56
Send form letters to different people60
Make Windows 8 work like Windows 763
Make a never-ending mouse pointer64
Create 3D sculptures68
Add colours to Windows folders69 Hints & Tips
FEATURES
32 Kick out PC gremlins
Unfortunately, encountering errors while using Windows can be a frequent occurrence. We explain the causes and cures to dozens of everyday frustrations
42 You know the type
Being a two-finger typist can be slow going. We explore ways to speed up keyboard input
45 Strips ease
Fancy yourself as a web-comics creator? We explain how you can create and share your own cartoons and animations
48 Relocate your data
Switching computers may seem daunting. We explain how to transfer all your files, folders and data seamlessly and safely
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NEWS & VIEWS
PROJECTS
FEATURES
51 Chat in the dock
Many people think Twitter is full of twaddle. Computeractive puts the social network for chatterboxes on trial and explains how it works
74 No Problem
PROJECTS
REVIEWS
32
PAGE23
PAGE45
PAGE51
PAGE69
PAGEContributors
Mark Wilson, Niall Magennis, Paul Townsend, Paul Allen, Rob Beattie, Scott Colvey, Tim Smith
Creative Director & Head Production
Atul Bandekar
Design
Nandkishor Sawant
Image Desk
Deepak Narkar, Ravi Parmar
Illustrators
Ian Jackson, Nick Palmer, Tom Steyer, Ajay Paradkar
Photography
Mahesh Reddy, Sharonjit Samrai
Product Manager
Perseus Master
Asstt. Operations Manager Circulation
Sanjeev Roy
Asstt. Circulation Manager
Kapil Kaushik, Delhi
Subscription Supervisor - Print
Sachin Kelkar
Tel: +91-22-43525220 Fax: +91-22-24955394 Email: [email protected]
Apple Newsstand & Magzter Queries:
Zinio Subscriptions Queries:
http://in.zinio.com/help/index.jsp
For Pocket Mags Queries:
[email protected] DISCLAIMER
Readers are reminded that the opinions expressed, and the results published in connection with reviews and/or laboratory test reports carried out on computing systems and/or related items, are confined to, and are representative of, only those goods as supplied and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure that reliability and good business practices prevail, the Publisher cannot be held responsible for the overall trading activities of any supplier referred to, or advertising within, this publication.
Next Gen Publishing Ltd.
2nd Floor, C Wing , Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013
Tel: +91-22-43525252 Fax: +91-22-24955394 Email: [email protected]
© 2013 Dennis Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Published with the permission of Dennis Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission from Dennis Publishing Ltd & NGPL with regard to their respective content is prohibited.
Printed by Amit Tewari Next Gen Publishing Ltd.,
2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013. Published by Amit Tewari on behalf of Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Mar, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013. Printed at Kalajyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20.
Published at Next Gen Publishing Ltd.,
2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013.
Editor: Amit Tewari
Chandan House, 3rd Floor,
Mithakhali Six Roads, Ahmedabad - 380006 Tel: +91-79-4000 8000 Fax: +91-79-4000 8080
Bangalore
Unit No. 509, 5th floor, ‘B’ wing
Mittal Towers, M. G. Road, Bangalore - 560001 Tel: +91-80-66110116 Fax: +91-80-66110117
Chennai
Unit No:20,Third floor, Modern Towers,
35/23 West Cott Road, Royapettah, Chennai 600 014 Tel +91-44-39149889/90/91 Fax +91-44-39149892.
Hyderabad
Richard G.C., Territory Sales Incharge (Circulation) Tel +91-9949217127
New Delhi
Plot no. 225, Okhala Industrial Estate, Phase III, Okhla, New Delhi 110020. Tel: +91-11- 42346678/79
Pune
401B, Gandhi Empire, 2, Sareen Estate, Kondhwa Road, Pune - 411040.
Tel: +91-20-32930291 Fax: +91-20-26830465
Mumbai
2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013 Tel: +91-22-43525252 Fax: +91-22-24955394
Editorial email
addresses
Sorry, but we can only give technical help and consumer advice through published replies in the magazine – we cannot take phone calls or answer letters personally.
For subscription enquiries, see the details above.
For editorial enquiries, please write at the email addresses given below.
Visit our website:
www.computeractive.in
Opinion, feedback and enquiries: [email protected] Technical help: [email protected]
Apple Newsstand powered by
VOLUME 8 ISSUE 009 APRIL 2013 WWW.BIKEINDIA.IN
PUBLISHING
TIME
HONDA CB500
WE RIDE BOTH THE F AND R VARIANTS
COMMUTER SHOOTOUT: RIVALS GREET THE MAHINDRA PANTERO
MV AGUSTA F4 RR 2013RIDDEN RE TOUR OF RAJASTHAN SECOND-HAND BIKES: A GUIDE FEATURES
ON
BANG
www.zinio.com/bikeindia
http://pocketmags.com/nextgen
Apple Newsstand powered by
SUBSCRIBER’S COPY
Volume 8 | Issue 009 | April 2013
www.carindia.in
` 100.00
JEEP MAHINDRA REVA e2o NISSAN SUNNY AT
50 YEARS OF PORSCHE TESTED FERRARI LaFERRARI vs McLAREN P1 SUPERCAR SPECIAL 1537 PS SUPECAR WAR!
NEW PORSCHE 911 MEETS 1965 PORSCHE 911 AUDI R8 V10 & PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S
HYUNDAI’S i20-BASED COMPACT SEDAN UNVEILED
INDIA-BOUND
FEATURE: HOTTEST CARS AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2013CAR INDIA EXCLUSIVE
PUBLISHING
www.zinio.com/carindia
http://pocketmags.com/nextgen
Bigger monitor
With regard to the letter in an earlier issue about
Computeractive’s coverage of Apple Mac computers, I too would like more coverage of alternative operating systems to Windows.
I’ve been using a borrowed pair of 22in monitors on my PC for six months and have now returned them. I’ve really enjoyed using two screens and like the extra size, so I’m
contemplating my options for buying replacements.
While a straight replacement would be ok, it seems to me that the price difference between a 22in monitor and a 22in TV is very close, so is there any reason why I shouldn’t buy one TV and one monitor, giving me the flexibility of having a TV attached to my PC?
It appears that screen resolution and technical capability of a modern TV is
Have Your Say
Your opinion counts! Join the debate
on any issue raised in Computeractive
Text to speech
I am writing to you as a disabled person. I own an old Kindle Keyboard and a friend of mine, who is also disabled, owns a new Kindle. Unfortunately, he isn’t able to use the new Kindle as he has difficulty reading due to poor eyesight and requires the text-to-speech function on the Kindle to read the books to him. While text to speech is available on my Kindle Keyboard, it is not on his new Kindle – something that you failed to mention in your review. Personally, I think that Amazon has taken a big step backwards and removed a much-needed feature.Rajveer Sing
I have to take issue with the notion that Linux is easy to install and use. I’m a retired IT professional; I was a software-development team leader for 20 years and have also been a programmer and analyst.
I last worked as a support programmer on various computer systems.
I have an old Sony Vaio FX301 laptop, bought new in 2001, that still works well enough. I decided to install Linux (as a dual boot with Windows XP) as I had read articles suggesting that it would perform better with this operating system. I installed version 6 of Ubuntu and it
worked very well. Then Ubuntu
suggested an upgrade to version 11, which I allowed to proceed. Big mistake!
This ‘improved’ version did not install any drivers for the wireless card, nor did it appear that any were available. Is this the way to
encourage people to use free
software such as Ubuntu? No, it most definitely is not. Windows is far and away easier to use, in all respects.
Until it is as easy to get devices to work on Ubuntu as it is on Windows, I shall be staying away from Linux.
Harshada Khan
Stay away from Linux
LETTER
STAR
CONTACT COMPUTERACTIVE
[email protected] Letters,CA, Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013 .
We cannot offer technical assistance or reply personally to correspondence but all letters are read by our staff.
Letters and emails may be edited for publication on this page or on our blog at www.computeractive.co.uk/blog. Please mark your message ‘not for publication’ if you would prefer it not to be shared.
almost identical to a similar-sized monitor. Is that right or am I missing something?
Raghuveer Das
Cable tie-ins
I get furious when I read reviews in magazines and online of perfectly good printers and people only give it four stars
because there was no USB cable. Since when did printers include USB cables? None of the printers I have bought have included USB cables and most people have USB cables from old printers anyway. Fair enough for people buying a printer for the first time, but can people stop taking stars off reviews just because it doesn’t include a USB cable?
Uday Desai Last month’s winner:
The decision of the judges will be final and binding and no queries shall be entertained. The employees of Abacus Peripherals and Next Gen Publishing cannot participate in this contest. Participants can also send their entries by
fax or photocopies at the Next Gen mailing address listed on colophon page. Winners will be decided by Lucky draw.
Winner Will be awarded with 1GB PC667 DDR ZION RAM
1) Modern Computers represent characters and numbers internally using one of the following number systems _______
a) Hexa K
b) Octal K
c) Binary K
d) None of the aboveK
2) Smallest storage unit of a computer
is-a) Pixel K
b) Horse power K
c) Watt K
d) Bit K
3) Buy now Pay later is commonly used
for-a) Visa card K
b) Master Card K
c) Debit Card K
d) None of the aboveK
WIN !
QUIZ 72
Name:
_________________________________________________________Address:
______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________City:
_______________________Pin Code:
____________________Tel. No.
____________________Mobile:
_______________________Email:
__________________________________________________________Subscription No.
(For subscribers only) ____ ____________________CONGRATULATIONS!
The winner of Quiz no.71 is
Geetanjali Bose , Kolkata
Now, the fun at Computer Interactive gets even more
rewarding! Take a crack at this ZION-Computeractive
Quiz and win! The contents of this issue contain the
answers! So, read, find the answers and shoot before
30th April 2013 win a zany ZION RAM.
Mail to [email protected] with the
subject-line: ComputerInteractive Quiz No. 72
M
cAfee recently announced McAfee Application Control for Android is the only security solution that resides in the Android kernel, embedded in the operating system. McAfee provides protection from the installation or execution of a malicious application on an Android-based device. McAfee also provides protection at the application layer to Android devices.The McAfee Embedded Control solution provides
SECURITY SUITE
CAMERA
Olympus adds 8 new cameras to its Stylus portfolio
tamper proof protection, superior operational control of devices in the field and ease of management with Android devices. Previously, embedded engineers had only a single operating system option –Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux)– if they wanted to have enforceable security capabilities for their
embedded system.
Prior to McAfee Embedded Control, Android security applications only operated at the user level, leaving devices vulnerable to system-level attacks. McAfee removes this security gap with a kernel residing security solution to improve security for the entire Android stack.
McAfee Embedded Control blocks unauthorized
applications and changes on fixed-function, point-of-service infrastructures, including retail devices, medical devices, industrial control systems, office equipment, gaming devices, automotive, and various military and aerospace devices.
For more information on McAfee Embedded Control visit: http://www.mcafee.com/us/ products/embedded-control.aspx
O
lympus Imaging India Private Limited announced the launch of 8 new cameras across its Olympus Stylus brand. Adding XZ-2 and the XZ-10 known for supreme image quality, SZ-16 and theSH-50 known for brilliant performance over varying conditions of light, the VG-165, VG-180 and VG-190 known for easy and fun shooting for daily consumer usage and the much
applauded and much discussed Tough - TG-2 to Indian shelves, Olympus now looks to define this newly emerging sector in imaging.
With the launch of these
cameras, Olympus has shown that it is ready to adapt to changing times as the compact camera segment falls to the
smartphone camera. At such a point of time, the advanced point-and-shoot, an
advanced breed of cameras has taken much of the imaging world by surprise with superb imaging quality at extremely competitive prices.
MEMORRY
Sony PlayStation unleashes PS3 in three
colourful variants
S
ony PlayStation, announces the launch of the PlayStation 3 in three new body colours. Besides the principal charcoalBlack, PS3 500 GB will soon be available in Classic White, Garnet Red and Azurite Blue. The attractive colour variant comes with an additional Dualshock controller of the same body colour free of cost. These swanky new colour variants, can be purchased for a special price of
Rs. 23,490/- and is already available at all leading outlets.
McAfee launches Security solution for
Android Embedded Systems
April 2013 Computer active
15
NEWS ROUND-UP
NEWS & VIEWS
Google launches
official Hindi input app
for Android platform
IN BRIEF
Google launches the Google Hindi Input app on Google Play. If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, Google Hindi Input is the quickest and easiest way to compose emails, send messages and post on social networks using Devanagari script.
Google Hindi Input has two methods for writing Hindi text. In transliteration mode, you simply type a Hindi word in English (like namaste), and the app will automatically convert the word to Devanagari script.
security, users get high-end, enterprise
protection without the management hassles or costs
from Trend Micro Smart Protection Network to stop threats before they reach users’ computers. With Worry-Free Business
STORAGE
Seagate celebrates two billion hard disk drives shipped
T
rend Micro Incorporation, has launchedthe latest edition of Worry-Free Business Security Solution that continues the security promise and incorporates new features which protects from web viruses, hackers, and cyber attacks.
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Advanced provides fast, effective, and simple-to-manage
protection, allowing users to use PCs and Macs without fear of interruption or data loss. Trend Micro handles the online protection so
users and their employees can focus on what they do best, running their business.
Worry-Free means it runs quietly in the background so users can focus on their business. It does this using global threat intelligence
fueling the need for storage. Analysts estimate that over 4 billion hours of user-generated content is watched each month on YouTube alone. While user generated high-definition camcorder video, still pictures, and smartphone clip sharing storage needs are expected to quadruple from 2013 to 2015. world, it took Seagate 29 years to reach one billion units shipped
and just four years to reach the second billion milestone.
Digital content demand continues to stem from a wide range of sources, including social media and mobile devices,
S
veagate Technology, announced it is the first hard disk drive manufacturer to ship two billion hard disk drives – a staggering number fueled by the explosive demand for storage from mobile applications, cloud infrastructures, social media, business applications and a wide variety of consumer markets. A testament to the pivotal role played by storage in today’s digitalSECURITY SUITE
Drag and drop To move an item on screen by clicking it, holding the left mouse button down while moving the mouse, then releasing the button where you want it to be.
DVD A type of disc able to store up to 8.5GB of video or data. Memory key A type of memory card made by Sony and used by some of its products.
Operating system Governs the way hardware and software components in a computer work together.
Router A device used to connect more than one computer or other device to the internet.
USB Universal Serial Bus. A standard that allows quick and easy connection of external peripherals such as storage devices to your PC. Devices can be added or removed while your PC is switched on.
JARGON
BUSTER
Technobabble demystified...
Trend Micro launches Worry-Free
Business Security
accelerate a suite of available software experiences that can dramatically expand and enhance the user experience. It also provides applications for face detection capability,
guesture control, better streaming capability and wirelessly transfer your content with any supported TV or display with a DLNA receiver, or with other PCs. This optimized-for-AMD software will come pre-loaded on select AMD Elite A-Series APU-based notebooks later this year and will be downloadable from www.amd.com next month.
PROCESSOR
AMD unleashes A-Series APU
generation, and enhanced power management capabilities on a single chip.
With faster performance1, 2 and improved power
management in the same platform architecture as its predecessor, coupled with AMD Radeon HD 8000 Series graphics, the 2013 AMD Elite A-Series APUs build on the award-winning history of AMD’s original APU line-up to help users get the most out of their notebooks, whether at work, at home or on-the-go.
The new AMD Elite A-Series APUs leverage the power of the combined compute and graphics cores to
Toshiba launches its new range of 73.6 cm (29) LED TVs, specially
designed for India market
A
MD announced the first availability of the AMD Elite A-SeriesAccelerated Processing Units (APUs), codenamed
“Richland.” The new AMD Elite A-Series APUs deliver innovative user experiences like facial log-in and gesture recognition, improved graphics1 and compute performance over the previous
T
oshiba recently strengthened its LED TV portfolio with the launch of its new range of 73.6 cm (29) LED TVs in India. The new range offers the 73.6 cm (29) size from Toshiba’s two highly popular LED TV series in India – PB200 and PU200 LED TV series. The 29PB200 and 29PU200 models will be available across India at an introductory price of Rs. 22,990/-, & Rs. 2322,990/-,990/- respectively.The new series amalgamate the key
make an informed purchase decision – quality,
performance, style, sound & power saving.
product attributes that are not only highly advanced than a CRT TV, but which
consumers think about, to
QNAP gets Technology
of the Year Award from
InfoWorld.com for NAS
TS-EC1279U-RP
IN BRIEF
QNAP, Inc. has been honored the 2013 Technology of the Year Award from InfoWorld.com for its their flagship device NAS TS-EC1279U-RP.
The TS-EC1279U-RP is a full-scale business class network-attached storage which incorporates an Quad-core Intel Xeon E3-1225 3.1GHz Processor, 4 GB DDR3 ECC RAM (expandable RAM, up to 8GB), and can house up to twelve hot-swappable and lockable 3.5in or 2.5in SATA hard drives, or SSD. The TS-EC1279U-RP features 10GbE ready providing over 2,000 MB/s and 200,000 IOPS, and delivers ultra-high performance suitable for high-end SMBs and data center environments demanding efficient and large capacity storage units and continuous up-time for mission critical applications.
The TS-EC1279U-RP features versatile applications for file storing, sharing, backup and virtualization solutions, paired with top-notch hardware specifications. It supports many critical business functions, including Windows AD/LDAP Directory Service, Windows ACL, iSCSI/IP-SAN and NAS unified storage solution, encrypted remote replication, Real-Time Remote Replication (RTRR), cloud storage backup, and more.
Z
ync, announced the much awaited launch of three new quad-core and dual-core tablets in 7 inch, 8 inch, 9.7 inch screen within the sub 14K range all operating on the Jelly bean 4.1 platform. Zync unveiled two quad core tablets namely Quad 8.0 and Quad 9.7 that come with a powerful 1.5Ghz processor and an internal 16GB memory, expandable to 32GB. The other dual-core tablet namely Dual 7.0 comes with a Dual coreprocessor along with other features such as Rechargeable
3000 mAh LI-PO Battery, Wifi, external storage, front and back
camera along with a 1.6Ghz processor.
The Zync Quad 9.7 comes with an LED-backlit Super HD IPS Display and 10 point multi touch screen and is the only quad core tablet in India under
14K. The Quad 8.0 inch tablet will be India’s first
quad-core tablet to hit the market with a
powerful 1.5GHz processor. The tablet has a 16GB internal memory which is expandable to 32GB. The other additional features present are 5 MP rear camera, USB, external card slot etc are definitely going to add value to consumers. All the tablets offer add-on accessories such as Earphones, USB Data Cable & Charger with a one-year warranty.
TABLET
Nokia unveils two new phones- Lumia 720 & Lumia 520
wider viewing angles, and enhanced clarity in bright conditions thanks to software enhancements. Providing a rich entertainment experience, Nokia Lumia 720 includes Nokia Music, the HERE location suite, and the option to add wireless charging with a snap-on wireless charging cover.
The sleek and stylish Nokia Lumia 720 delivers a high-end camera performance at a mid-range price point. A large f/1.9 aperture and exclusive Carl Zeiss optics are designed to deliver bright, sharp and clear pictures at any time of the day or night. The HD-quality 1.3 megapizel wide angle lens is perfect for taking group portraits with
friends or making video calls. Along
with powerful hardware and Nokia digital camera lenses
including
Cinemagraph, Smart Shoot and Glam Me, the Nokia Lumia 720 makes it easy to capture and share stunning pictures.
Available in 5 eye catching colours yellow, red, cyan, white, and black, the Nokia Lumia 720 will be available in the market in mid April.
The Nokia Lumia 520 is Nokia's most affordable Windows Phone 8 smartphone, delivering rich selection of innovations taken from the Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820. Powered by Windows Phone 8, this fun and colorful addition to the Nokia Lumia family contains many of the features as its high end siblings including the same digital camera lenses, as well as maps and navigation from HERE, free music streaming and a four inch super sensitive touchscreen for a highly immersive
smartphone experience. Digital camera lenses transform the 5-megapixel
autofocus camera on the Nokia Lumia 520 into a fun way to capture pictures and share memories. Cinemagraph adds motion to still images that can then be shared with friends on Facebook, Twitter or via email. Smart Shoot lets people create the perfect group picture, taking multiple images and selecting the best facial expressions from each, or even remove people from the shot. The easy to use Panorama lens captures super-wide-angled photos to take in more of the scene.
Nokia Lumia 520 is available in yellow, red, cyan, white, and black and with changeable shells, and is available in the market from early April.
N
okia, launches two new additions to its Lumia series, augmenting its range of WP8 devices in India across price points.Nokia Lumia 720 has an unibody design and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus mobile processor optimized for the Windows Phone 8 experience. The highly responsive curved 4.3in Clear Black Display with super sensitive touch brings an
innovative lamination process for
SMARTPHONE
Zync launches Dual 7.0, Quad 8.0 and
Quad 9.7 on Android Jelly bean 4.1 under
the Sub 14k range
Hungama launches
Music app across
platforms
Hungama.com launches a ‘Music Application’ that is all set to change the way users listen to and experience music and videos across devices.
The game changing app, introduces for the first time, a Loyalty feature that rewards you for every action on the app. You can earn (and redeem) points every time you watch videos, play/share music, invite friends or even create playlists. Mood Discovery, another first, finds and plays music to match your mood. This feature allows you to discover music based on your preferences – Mood, Tempo, Language, Genre or Era.
The free-to-download application brings you an exhaustive catalogue of music tracks & music videos from over 2 million songs from Bollywood, International, Telugu, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Malayalam and other regional content. The app offers a superior user experience - better & faster play of music and videos, great imagery and a great search experience.
The Hungama music app is available on the iOS, Android platforms and a lite version is available on the Blackberry 10.
executive-style mocha black, is just 20 millimeters thin and weighs a mere 1.60 kgs. It also offers an enhanced user experience with 500GB storage, UltraNav navigation and multi-touch screen, 12.5in IPS 350 nit high-definition multi-touch screen
with scratch and anti-smudge Gorilla glass with a wide viewing angle supported by Dolby Home Theatre V4.
The ThinkPad Twist is
priced starting at INR 71,000 (all inclusive Prices) and is available at Think Exclusive Stores and multi- brand outlets across the country.
NOTEBOOK
Lenovo debuts Touch-enabled Ultrabook
ThinkPad Twist in India
L
enovo India has launched the ThinkPad Twist, a stylish convertible from the ‘Think’ line, which can be used as a tablet or a laptop. It also offers quickconversion to a stand or tent mode where the laptop becomes a media presenter, giving an immersive multimedia experience in the boardroom or a coffee shop. The Twist comes with Windows 8, loaded for enhanced performance and the processors are
premeditated for lower power consumption that is ideal for the requirements of small and medium businesses. The sleek ThinkPad Twist available in
MODEM
TP-LINK Launches 300Mbps ADSL2+ Modem Router TD-W8968
T
P-LINK, has announced the launch of the TD-W8968 300Mbps Wireless N USB ADSL2+ Modem Router in India, a powerful, multi-functional and simple to install modem router featuring various Internet access methods and versatile USB functions.The 3-in-1 device combines the functions of a high speed DSL modem, an NAT router and a wireless access point. With 4 LAN ports, it provides users with a robust one-stop solution to access and share Internet connections wirelessly at speeds of up to 300Mbps, allowing for seamless use of bandwidth-sensitive
applications such as HD Video
streaming, online gaming and Internet calls.
The device supports various Internet access methods: ADSL, 3G using the versatile USB port or Ethernet WAN (EWAN) connection using the interchangeable LAN/WAN
port. It gives users the freedom to choose their preferred Internet connection from ADSL,
VDSL/Cable/Fiber modems and 3G modems. Users can select 3G connectivity as an automatic failover backup solution if ADSL or EWAN connection is disconnected to ensure that mission-critical tasks are never interrupted.
With the TL-W8968’s multi-functional USB 2.0 port, users can share printers, files or play media either throughout the network at home with several different computers or even away, using the device’s FTP server functions so that you never have to part with your files.
Kingston DataTraveler
SE9 honoured with iF
Product Design Award
Kingston, announced that the Kingston DataTraveler SE9 USB flash drive has received the prestigious iF Product Design Award for 2013. The award hasbeen globally recognised for over 60 years as a trademark for successful design of products in different categories. The iF International Forum Design Hannover organizes the iF design awards, and the iF design awards mirror both current trends in design and the economic benefits delivered by well-designed products.
The iF award-winning DataTraveler SE9 USB flash drive has a stylish metal casing with a large key loop that lets users easily attach the drive to a lanyard or keyring.. The small form factor makes it a great accessory for notebooks like Intel’s Ultrabook PCs, as well as tablets that offer USB ports. Its durable casing lets users securely carry this drive everywhere they go with their new devices. DataTraveler SE9 is available in capacities of up to 64GB. In addition to the existing DataTraveler SE9, the drive also comes with a 24-karat gold-plated casing, called DataTraveler GE9. DTGE9 was designed by industrial designer Arman Emami, who previously won the product design award in the widely recognised Red Dot Industrial Design contest.
NEWS ROUND-UP
NEWS & VIEWS
NEWS ROUND-UP
NEWS & VIEWS
the ASUS P8Z77-I DELUXE and ASRock Z77 OC Formula. To hit their rated speeds, the modules require a 3rd Vengeance Extreme memory kits is the result of a rigorous internal four-stage hand-screening process performed by Corsair engineers. This process
is passed by fewer than one in 50 memory ICs. Performance qualification is performed on select Intel Z77 based motherboards, including
C
orsair, announced new Vengeance Extreme 8GB dual-channel DDR3 memory kits rated at 3000MHz. Fitted with low profile "racing red" heatspreaders, the new 2x4GB memory kits operate at 3000MHz air-cooled, with latency settings of 12-14-14-36, at 1.65V. A Kingpin Cooling memory cooler is included for overclockers who want to use LN2 (liquid nitrogen) to reach memory speeds well beyond 3000MHz.
The extreme-speed 3000MHz rating of the
MEMORY
Corsair Unleashes Vengeance Extreme
PC Memory Kits
Generation Intel Core unlocked processor with an Integrated Memory Controller capable of running 3000MHz.
Our Buy It! stamp of approval is a sign that a product has exceeded our high expectations in both quality and value. If you see the Buy It! logo you know we were impressed with the product and we think you will be too. The Try It! Stamp is our equivalent award for software and services that are free of charge.
The prices we print are the suggested retail prices set by the manufacturer. Products can often be found much cheaper on the internet or in shops.
Computeractive’s reviewers follow strict guidelines to ensure the opinions expressed in the magazine are fair, accurate and
independent. Every product or service we review is thoroughly examined and tested by experts. The manufacturer has no involvement in our tests and is never told the result of a review prior to publication. Please note that our reviews grade products, not customer service. We welcome feedback on our reviews – send us an email to [email protected]
While we try to keep our reviews free from technical language or jargon, it is sometimes unavoidable. See the Jargon Buster column for concise explanations of highlighted words.
We provide a clear verdict for every product we review. Each verdict is accompanied by a star rating.
Here’s what those stars mean: AN EXCELLENT PURCHASE #####
A GOOD PURCHASE #####
OK BY US ##### BELOW AVERAGE QUALITY ##### VERY POOR QUALITY #####
OUR STAR RATINGS
OUR STAMP OF APPROVAL
HOW WE TEST
TECHNICAL TERMS
AND JARGON
PRICES
P
roviding unobtrusive, all round protection with a stylish interface, the Norton 360 has a new, slick and attractive Windows 8-style appearance. However, the basic layout and functions haven't changed dramatically from the previous version.Norton 360 has a wide range of features for all platforms including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS and is available as a three or five device licence making it easy to manage all your gadgets across platforms. A few features, such as the Norton Online Family parental controls and the free online storage have to be installed or activated separately. This can be a bit of a convoluted process, involving multiple logins and downloads from the Norton website.
Setup takes just over a minute – a far cry from the bloated installations of yesteryear. It then downloads updates, which adds a couple of minutes. In Windows 8, the Norton toolbar is installed in the desktop version of Internet Explorer 10. This provides access to the impressive Identity Safe service, which can securely store website login details and has lots of other identity protection features as well.
A quick scan took just under three minutes,
NORTON
360 PREMIER EDITION
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Although expensive, Norton 360 is an excellent and unobtrusive programme for those who prefer every security angle covered in one product.
MORE INFORMATION in.norton.com occupying 95MB of memory. Norton uses a database of trusted programmes to speed things up — this trust level can be adjusted if needed, but not using it at all can slow scans down significantly. The main menu is fairly clear, but it is suitably huge to accommodate the remarkable and wide array of options. A silent mode is available for those who need to concentrate on a task without being interrupted. A free Windows Store App is also available for Windows 8 that shows security status in a live tile on the Start screen.
The comprehensive file backup feature can schedule backups to CD/DVD, hard disk or the 25 GB Norton Online Backup storage that comes with the programme. Backed-up files can be browsed and restored from within the programme or via a
web browser.
The Norton Online Family is a free programme (available to all, not just 360 owners) that provides comprehensive parental controls. An App for tracking, locking and wiping your smartphone is also available for Android and iOS owners.
In addition, this App lets users locate, lock, or wipe a stolen phone by sending an already-installed text message. Its SIM card lock feature prevents a thief from changing the phone's SIM card. Norton Mobile Security steers users away from phishing sites and can block unwanted calls and texts. A detailed App review will coming up next.
SECURITY SUITE
April 2013 Computer active
2
TRIED & TESTED
REVIEWS
O
ne of the first smartphones to use Windows Phone 8, the Nokia Lumia 920 has some great features, and a hefty weightThe Nokia Lumia 920 is one of the first smartphones to use the new Windows Phone 8 operating system (OS). This is the successor to the older Windows Phone 7 and looks similar to the separate Windows 8 desktop OS, but that
shouldn't necessarily put you off.
There are plenty of new features in Windows Phone 8. Live Tiles are no longer just one single, large size and can now be large, medium or small. This helps prevent the home screen from becoming unwieldy, but the small size tiles are static and don't show updated
information.
Parents will appreciate Kid's Corner, a separate account containing apps you've specifically chosen for your children to use while your own password-protected apps and data remain cordoned off from their curious fingers. To switch between Kid's Corner and the standard home screen, go to the lock screen and swipe horizontally. Rooms is a new feature that allows you to share photos, calendars and notes with selected contacts. You can have separate Rooms for different groups, such as your colleagues, friends or family but they also have to use Windows Phone 8 smartphones to get the most from Rooms. Unless they log in to a special website, users of other smartphones will only see a small selection of shared
useful apps of its own with the Lumia 920. The graphics in its Maps app aren't as attractive as the graphics in Android's Google Maps or in Apple Maps. However, it can successfully save maps for offline use, which sometimes stumps Google Maps, and can successfully find directions for routes that would flummox Apple Maps.
Even less impressive were the plug-ins included for use with the Camera app. For example, the Panorama plug-in for creating panoramic widescreen landscape photos was fussy to use and created relatively crude results. Similar panorama features in Sony's Android phones and Apple iOS 6 worked far better.
The Nokia Lumia 920 is a flagship Windows Phone 8 handset for good reason. It's carved out of a single piece of plastic so it feels robust yet stylish with a soft texture and is available in a variety of striking colours. However, it's also chunky and heavy. At 185g it's noticeably heavier than the 112g iPhone 5 and the 133g Samsung Galaxy S3. This heft, combined with the large width of the 4.5in screen, makes it awkward and tricky to use the 920 single handed – especially if you have small hands. We often struggled to stretch our fingers to reach the other side of the screen or the Back button on the far left hand side of the phone.
There's no doubting the quality of the screen – it's bright and sharp. It has a resolution of 1,280x720 pixels, although the large type used in the Windows
Phone 8 interface means you sometimes don't see that much more information onscreen compared to the substantially lower 800x480 resolution of older Windows Phone 7 and Android handsets. One incredibly clever feature is the ability to use the touchscreen even when you are wearing gloves.
We were also impressed with the 8.7 megapixel camera. Although it struggles to capture fine details in macro mode, it's very adept at capturing images in low light. The Lumia 920 captured surprisingly usable shots with reasonably accurate colours and good levels of detail in dimly lit rooms and night scenes that would stump other smartphone cameras. The next best smartphone camera in low light is the iPhone 5. While it produces photos that are still usable, they are often noisier and not as detailed.
Recorded video also looks good with high levels of detail and vivid colours. The camera's image stabilisation technology does an impressively good job at smoothing out shaky video recorded while running, in a moving vehicle or merely held less than perfectly still. Cleverly the Lumia 920 can connect to supported speaker docks wirelessly, charging and playing music without attaching any cables.
The Lumia 920 has some great hardware and software features, but it's a very big and heavy phone. The continued bareness of the Windows Phone app marketplace is also worrying – apps add considerable value to a smartphone and here the Lumia continues to lag behind the iPhone and Android phones.
NOKIA
LUMIA 920
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Some marvellous features but in a phone that's far too large and heavy
MORE INFORMATION www.nokia.com/in-en
SMARTPHONE
content, such as calendars. The lock screen can now show data from apps, such as upcoming Facebook events or new photos from Flickr. Microsoft has promised tight integration with the Skype internet calling service, but at the time of writing the promised Skype Windows Phone 8 app has yet to emerge.
Although the selection of apps has grown since the release of Windows Phone 7, it's still very meagre when compared to the iPhone and Android. Notable omissions include Spotify and Flipboard and many apps have yet to be updated to take advantage of new Windows Phone 8 features, such as integration with the lock screen.
We're also disappointed that niggling flaws in the Windows Phone interface have yet to be addressed. The interface is almost too minimalist for its own good – useful information such as the time and network signal strength are hidden in most apps, while switching between open tabs in Internet Explorer takes far too many taps.
Nokia has included some
Windows 8 phone with some great
features and h weight
T
hePlantronics Voyager Legend is the newer version of Voyager PRO HD bluetooth headset which we have reviewed earlier. A champion among several quality bluetooth headsets, it remained our favourite for a long time.
The latest Voyager Legend has several useful additions like noise reduction and a marathon battery life. It looks and feels premium and has a rubberised body, it is easy to use and is comfortable even when used for long periods of time.
The Voyager Legend is significantly bigger than the earlier version. The aluminium finished curved boom is longer and comes very close to the mouth, resulting in a crisper sound. The boom features two microphones like the earlier version, but bigger for better reception. The boom can swivel 180 degrees, leading to higher levels of comfort.
The ear connector holds the in-built battery which is hidden behind the ear once you wear it. The ear connector has rubberised removable ear caps for a snug fit and is
PLANTRONICS
VOYAGER
LEGEND
available in three different sizes. The headset weighs only 18g. The headset features four control buttons including the on/off latch and the call handling button, these are quite easy to operate. The only thing we missed is a uniform USB charging port, Plantronics has opted for a proprietary magnetic charging port instead.
We used the headset with the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Butterfly, BlackBerry Z10 and a Acer ultrabook during testing for VOIP and normal calls. The reception was very good, with no drops at all, the noise cancellation was excellent, even in extremely noisy environments. The voice commands are easy to use. With a talk time and of 7 hours and standby time of 11 days, the headset delivered a stunning performance and is worth every penny.
Great design, expensive
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Ergonomic, accurate voice commands, good battery life
MORE INFORMATION www.plantronics.com/in
BLUETOOTHE
T
he Plantronics Marque 2 M165 is a Bluetooth Headset that's easy to use with both mobile phones as well as computers. It comes bundled with it's own bluetooth dongle and cable for charging.The unit is made of good quality plastic and is available in two colours; black and white. The finish is classy and the headset is comfortable in use. The Marque 2 has fewer controls compared to higher end models from the same manufacturer. There is a sliding power switch on top and a multi function
button for receiving and ending calls. It is easy to use and comfortable even when used for long periods, the ear piece has a gel ear strip which inserts firmly into the ear without hurting the ear canal.
The Marque 2 has a dual mic design, this cancels
background noise effectively, providing smooth and clear sound.
It also has a new feature — DeepSleep — this puts the headphone in to sleep mode if it
PLANTRONICS
MARQUE 2
M165
remains idle or not in range for more than 90 minutes. In this mode, the device battery can last up to six months and 'wake up' again whenever the phone comes in range!
The Marque 2 uses A2DP streaming for podcasts, music or audiobooks. You can pair this headphone simultaneously with two devices. It also works with
the Plantronics Android app – Vocalyst, for listening to news, social updates, text to speech for emails and text messages. Plantronics has also introduced a new app — MyHeadSet — which helps you find the headset or displays battery status for phones running on Android ICS or JellyBean.
Available online for Rs 3,499, Plantronis offers a year of Vocalyst subscription along with this headset, this we think is a fair price given its versatility.
Versatile bluetooth headset
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
##
Well designed, decent battery backup MORE INFORMATION www.plantronics.com/in
and activate the software. The software is easy to handle but the manufacturer has taken some clever steps to make it smarter. It can map the drive and clean up the entire cache.
We tested the SSD’s performance and achieved a write speed of 112MB/s and a read speed of 233MB/s. This is certainly not the fastest in the market, but it is not bad keeping the per GB price in mind. The device comes with an adapter for fitting it inside a desktop PC and a three year warranty.
A
fter the recent announcement of the Samsung Galaxy 4, there has been a lot of buzz about full HD phone displays. However, the much-hyped Galaxy S4 is yet to launch while HTC already has a phone with full HD display, with a pixel density of 440ppi, the highest till date in the Indian market. To put this in perspective, the Apple iPhone 5 has 326ppi and the Galaxy S4 will have 441 ppi.Screen aside, the phone's specification are is remarkable for the price. The front is dominated by a huge 5in' touchscreen with a high 1080x1920 pixel resolution that gives text and graphics razor sharpness. The screen is the most impressive we have come across in a smartphone. The colour reproduction, viewing angles and brightness are
unmatched. The design is equally impressive. Measuring 70.5x143x9.08mm and weighing 140g, the Butterfly feels feather like, similar to the iPhone 4S. Unlike HTC one’s unibody aluminium design, the Butterfly is encased in sturdy plastic material. For higher durability, HTC has used edge to edge corning gorilla glass 2.
The Back and Home navigation buttons are on-screen, rather than actual physical buttons, this takes up some screen space but allows the buttons to move as per the
phone's orientation. However, the lock buttons' position on top, is a bit awkward, especially while using the phone one-handed. HTC Butterfly runs the latest Android version JellyBean 4.1 with proprietary HTC Sense UI on top. The biggest pros of the Sense UI are its Sense
widgets which lend a smarter look to the device.
During day to day use, the HTC Butterfly is fantastically quick and responsive. Much of this is explained by its powerful quad-core processor and huge 2GB of memory.
The Butterfly is impressive in other, less tangible ways as well, being particularly quick to fix position via GPS, even when indoors. We came to
appreciate its loud, clear call quality and the high fidelity sound from its headphone socket, and noticed that accidental touches around the screen edges were less inclined to trigger on-screen controls than its rivals.
All in all HTC Butterfly is a great phone, we will recommend it without any qualms.
SMARTPHONE
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Decent built, great screen, average camera
MORE INFORMATION www.htc.com/in/
A high end smart phone with a full HD
screen
HTC
BUTTERFLY
S
andisk is best known for its memory cards and flash based USB drives, but the company also makes a range of other storage devices including solid statedisks(SSDs). These alternatives to standard hard disks don’t have that much storage capability but are ultra-fast and less prone to damages hence take less time to boot and shut down with better overall performance.
Sandisk’s new Ready Cache series of SSDs is available in
32GB capacity with a
theoretical top speed of 6Gbit/s. It uses a SATA connector to connect to a computer. 32GB means it’s basically built to be installed as a primary drive for operating system and other applications.
The SSD has a quoted read speed of 480MB/s while manufacturer hasn't shared any information about the writing speed. After installing the SSD into the system bay, you need to download the ReadyCache software from the web, install
SANDISK
READYCACHE 32GB
A decent high performance solid state disk
STORAGE
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Decent performance MORE INFORMATION
B
uying budget earphones, that too for under-Rs 1,000, was a bit of a challenge till now. Despite brands like Creative, Logitech, Sound Magic and Sony having many products in the market, we were a bit surprised (and sceptical) when we got the EM1 for review. Affordable at Rs 775 (online quote) for the mic less version (Rs 400 more with the mic), it is a solid black well-built earphone. Both the 10mm drivers are encased in silver plastic, lending a stylish look to the product. We were rather pleased to find three separate pairs of rubberCOWON
EM1
attachments in the pack, catering to all ear sizes. The flattened wires are a boon as they prevent irritating entanglements.
Our review unit came with a microphone so we also looked at mic quality. We coupled the earphones with a smartphone and found the reception to be crisp and clear throughout. The mic output was equally good.
Don't be surprised by the sudden silence as soon as you plug these phones in your ears, this is because the ear phones
EARPHONES
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Decent wire quality, punchy output MORE INFORMATION www.cowonindia.in
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Well laid interface, extensive features.
MORE INFORMATION www.ashampoo.com
SOFTWARE
ASHAMPOO
WINOPTIMIZER 10
test lab which run its older version. The biggest change in the new version
is the interface. It is neat with a simpler,
uncluttered layout. Ashampoo has added a few new modules in this version, and retained some old ones. The new modules are Duplicate Finder, Link Checker, Font Manager, Restore Point Manager and Enhanced Support for Windows 8 systems. The main window has three options: Clean,
A comprehensive massive system
management suite
Y
ou might have noticed your system slows down after a few months' usage. The culprit is usually improper removal of programs, leaving registry entries, temporary used files and logs. The solution is to install a programme that keeps an eye on the entire system and removes these files and free memory. Of course there are free utilities available in the market which are able to do the job partially, but getting a software suite with everything together is difficult.This is where the Ashampoo WinOptimizer steps in. A fantastic suite, we still have several PCs in our
Optimize and Protect. Below these are two buttons — Fix now and Rescan. While the first option removes all
temporary files and cookies from the system, the second option removes redundant files from the system and the third deletes all expired and duplicate registry entries. The entire operation took 27 seconds for our Windows 7 desktop.
After running the program, start up and shut down was way faster. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 10 is an impressive programme with some great additions over the previous version.
are a very snug fit and create a seal in your ears. Start the music, though, and the silence is replaced by rich, powerful bass and crisp higher frequencies with no distortion even as the volume is increased. The sound quality can almost be compared to that of a full-size studio headphone.
Apart from the near complete absence of external noise, the next thing you will notice is that they require a much lower volume setting than a
conventional set of earphones. The EM1 is a good
recommendation for urban commuters and for those who value quality more than anything else.
A
t first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Grand bears a startling resemblance to its more powerful and expensive cousin, Samsung Galaxy Note II. Both have brightly coloured, shiny cases, but there are some marked differences.Available in White and Blue, the Grand is a more affordable smartphone with nearly all the software features of the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2. The manufacturer has obviously skimped on some features to bring down the price, the difference isn't that drastic.
Measuring 76.8x143.5x9.6 mm and weighing 161g, the Galaxy Grand Duos feels heavier and bigger — tough for single-handed use, especially for those with small palms. But the 5in screen definitely has several advantages over smaller screens on the Android platform. The downside is the relatively low-resolution of 480x800 pixels, but it's still bright and reasonably crisp.
During our test, the Samsung TouchWiz 4.0 interface and various Apps worked smoothly thanks to the 1.2GHz dual core processor. The 1GB RAM also played an important part in the
SAMSUNG
GALAXY
GRAND DUOS I9082
process. The eight-megapixel rear camera is quite decent; photos captured in low-light using the LED are acceptable. In normal light, the camera is as good as any other sub 30k smartphone. The front facing two-megapixel camera also performed decently in well-lit conditions.
Although this device misses out the NFC, it has two powerful features in its armour — dual SIM and the inclusion of GLONASS support for faster location detection. This device also has most of the software features available in higher end galaxy devices.
Samsung has made surprisingly few compromises with the Galaxy Grand, making it a good budget Android phone. Although there are a few cheaper handsets available with almost similar configuration, we would recommend this phone for its integration of hardware and software making it a great phone with Android Jellybean.
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Good performance and software features, average screen resolution
MORE INFORMATION www.samsung.com/in
SMARTPHONE
A
dobe’s PDF format is very popular and has been accepted as an international standard. However, there are several programs, in addition to Adobe Acrobat, that can create and edit PDF files. A case in point is the Nuance PDF Converter — the eighth version — which has several additional useful features.Installing the product is quite easy, the process takes just a few minutes in a step by step interactive procedure. During installation, we were asked to install Nuance Cloud Connector and Gaaiho Collaboration. The Cloud Connector accords direct access to remote storage on the cloud and Gaaiho is nothing but an IM application that includes VOIP facility.
The interface is neat, with logically labeled toolbar icons making it simple to operate. Apart from the earlier options of creating PDFs using printer drivers or office suite’s macro utilities, the new version adds spoken notes, direct editing facilities and transfers files directly to and from cloud services.
It can also directly drag and drop files from the Dropbox, Evernote and Nuance’s proprietary PaperPort. For users' safety, the software locks all PDF files once
NUANCE
PDF CONVERTER
PROFESSIONAL 8
opened, so the user has to press a key for editing the file, post which it is simple to edit text, change font, size or colours including several other
utilities. You also can easily resize a PDF to a much smaller size. In batch mode, appending several PDF’s is also possible.
The product includes a lighter version of Dragon Tools using which you can easily dictate your document and convert them to PDF format later.
For security, the Nuance PDF converter has plenty to offer, it has options to protect files using 128 or 256 bit AES encryption. To protect a file, you need to input a password which will encrypt the file using your password as the key.
Overall, it's an excellent tool for those who need to produce professional-looking
documents.
Best substitute for Adobe’s
PDF suite
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Decent interface, voice dictation, cloud support MORE INFORMATION NA
SOFTWARE
Great smartphone in
a budget
TRIED & TESTED
REVIEWS
F&D
A111F
N
ow that legal music download sites are cheap and plentiful, and games feature such realistic sound, good quality speakers are an important part of the home PC set-up.The F&D A111F 2.1 speaker system contains a subwoofer unit along with two satellite speakers. The entire unit has been designed very well and requires very little space. The wooden chassis ensures great sound reproduction.
Sporting a traditional boxy design, the subwoofer unit is a bit big in size, and is better kept under the table. The back of the speaker features all the buttons and ports for connectivity. Installing the unit was very simple and a matter of few minutes.
Though A111F is targeted towards PC or laptop users, it can be used by other devices too; there is a USB port along
with a card reader for direct plug and play.
In our test we connected a USB flash drive to the unit which was detected instantaneously. Though the lack of a display meant that finding a particular track was a game of hit and miss. The supplied remote control unit comes very handy in this scenario. A111F also features a FM Radio inside the unit so you can use the speaker as a FM player too.
Sound quality is particularly impressive, with deep, rich bass and unexpected clarity from such a small device. All the notes were prominent during our test, and we were really surprised with the crispness of sound from such a low priced speaker.
All in all A111F is a solid performer for its price. Though priced online at Rs. 2200, it is a great buy for several reasons besides it’s bargain price.
Great performer with loads of features.
SPEAKER
KEY POINTS
#
#
#
#
#
#
##
FM radio, good bass output, external ports.
MORE INFORMATION www.fendaindia.com
The chances are that one or more of these components has either failed, been dislodged (have you moved the PC recently?) or overheated due to the failure of a cooling fan. The only way to check is to open the PC’ s case and take a look around – sometimes removing and replacing the graphics card or memory modules will fix the problem. Check all the fans turn on when the power is turned on – a broken processor or graphics card fan is often to blame for overheating.
The Computeractive videos and articles at www.snipca.com/X2016,
www.snipca.com/X2015 and
www.snipca.com/X3443 will help you find your way around the PC or notebook’ s insides.
Start-up error messages
Common error messages just after switching on a PC include ‘ Missing operating system’ , ‘ Operating system not found’ , ‘ Non-system disk or disk error’ and ‘ NTLDR is missing’ . If any of these pops up on your PC’ s display, first, remove all CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, USB drives and memory cards from the PC. The reason is that it is likely the PC is trying to launch itself from a disk that doesn’ t contain Windows.
If this doesn’ t fix the problem, it could be a hard disk failure or, more likely, a corrupted Windows
installation (and if the message ‘ Missing or corrupt Windows root/system32/hal.dll’ appears, it’ s almost certainly the latter). Windows 7 and Vista users should try fixing this using the Startup Repair tool: start the PC with the Windows installation disc inserted in the drive, choose a language and click the ‘ Repair your computer’ option. Repairing a Windows XP installation is a little more complex and involves using the Recovery Console.
Blank display
If there are no error messages or untoward noises, the computer’ s status lights are on and the display is blank, you need to first check that the monitor cable is connected securely. On a laptop, check the display
Kick out PC gremlins
Unfortunately, encountering errors while using
Windows can be a frequent occurrence. We explain the
causes and cures to dozens of everyday frustrations
TROUBLESHOOTING WITH THE SYSTEM
CONFIGURATION UTILITY
The System Configuration utility is useful for many advanced troubleshooting tasks, so it’s worth getting familiar with how it works. Press the Windows key and R, type msconfig into the Open box and press Enter. Clicking on the Services and Startup tabs will reveal lists of items, each with a tick box at the left.
To prevent an item running when Windows starts, remove the adjacent tick (but don’t do this for Services unless instructed). When changes have been
made, click Apply, click OK and click Restart. (In XP, after the PC restarts the program will launch automatically and show a dialogue box – check the ‘Don’t show this message...’ box and click OK).
To undo any changes, launch the utility again and choose the Normal startup radio button on the General tab, click Apply and restart when prompted. Note that in the Tools tab there are handy shortcuts to many maintenance and troubleshooting tools, such as System Restore.
L
ike a certain chocolate bar, PCs should help you work, rest and play. However, at times, they can seem like more of a hindrance than a help. Strange beeps, incomprehensible error messages and other odd happenings can be all too frequent, making computing a frustrating experience. The internet isn’ t always much help either, as much of the advice available is conflicting, unclear or just plain wrong.But help is at hand. In this article we will explain how to eliminate dozens of common PC gremlins – the annoying error messages you encounter every day. We have split the problems into four broad categories to cover everything from switching on your PC to powering down, along with a few unusual glitches. We have even included lots of general troubleshooting advice to aid the hunt for cures to problems we haven’ t covered.
ERRORS AFTER POWERING ON
Two or more beeps
Switch a PC on and, when the start-up screen appears, a short beep may be heard (though not in all cases).
However, if there is more than a single beep, and the screen stays blank, there could be a problem. Typically, this indicates a problem with the graphics card, memory modules or the processor but regardless, turn off the PC immediately. ▲Startup beeps can be caused by loose cables, graphics cards or memory modules
April 2013 Computer active
33
WINDOWS
PROJECTS
FI X PC ERRORS
hasn’ t accidentally been turned off or switched to an external monitor: this is usually done by holding down the Function (Fn) key and tapping another button, so reference the manual if need be.
Finally, if the PC has previously crashed or lost power unexpectedly, expect to see the black-and-white Windows Error Recovery screen during start-up. This offers a number of choices, though the precise line-up depends on the version of Windows installed. Regardless, it is usually best to choose the Start Windows Normally. If this happens frequently in normal use it could be because the PC is not being shut down correctly – see the last section of this article for more on this.
ERRORS DURING WINDOWS STARTUP
Blue screen during startup
If Windows displays a blue error screen with white text saying ‘ A problem has been detected...’ at the top, or the PC freezes when starting up, it’ s possible that some important system files have been damaged. Try restarting the PC and if the problem recurs, remove any attached hardware and try again. If you still have no joy, then use the Startup Repair or the Recovery Consoles tools mentioned earlier.
Problem logging in
Seeing the ‘ User name or password is incorrect’ (or ‘ Did you forget your password?’ in XP) message when logging on to Windows can be quite worrying. However, there is usually a simple answer. Check, for example, that the Caps Lock or Number Lock (Num Lock) keys haven’ t been activated – these can lead to unintentional
capitalisation or numbers being inserted when typing in your password.
Also, similar effects can be caused by a dirty or defective keyboard or even dead or dying batteries if it’ s a wireless model – so try a new set.
User profile won’ t load
A message saying ‘ Windows cannot load your profile because it may be corrupted’ when logging in could be due to a corrupted user profile (which itself could even be the result of a virus attack). In the first instance, restart the PC and try logging on again – sometimes this error can be caused by an anti-virus program working during the
login process.
If this doesn’ t work, the good news is that a corrupted user profile can sometimes be repaired. However, the process of doing so is rather complicated. To help, Microsoft maintains detailed instructions for Windows 7 and Vista users at www.snipca.com/X3444; XP users should visit www.snipca.com/X3445.
If it proves impossible to fix it and there is no other account on the PC, the only remedy is to re-install Windows. As a safeguard for this problem we recommend creating at least one other administrator account on the PC, even if it never gets used: if the main user account becomes corrupted, this reserve account can be used to log on and recover data from the corrupt profile.
Software problems
A principal cause of startup and logon errors is programs trying to load automatically. As the errors can be of almost any type, the causes can be hard to narrow down (unless the error message names the offending program). However, if the error is always the same there’ s a good chance a program is to blame.
Sometimes such startup errors are caused by a program trying to start too early – a program trying to check for updates before the internet is connected, for example. Starting the program manually after Windows has settled
▲A corrupted Windows installation can give this error
