How to Find Your Lost or Stolen Laptop?

Having your laptop stolen is the biggest nightmare anyone can face in the era of our gadget-centric lives. Here are some ways that can help you get back your valuable laptop in case of any theft.

Electronic devices, especially laptops, have become an essential part of our lives rather than a luxury product, that they were considered in the past. Only a mere thought of losing your precious device will give you goose bumps, but what if it really vanishes from your vicinity – thanks to the guy who has the courage to do that magical act.

Trace your Laptop’s IP address:

The magician who vanished your precious laptop might have the courage to peek into your business. There are great chances, that the person who took your laptop may check your mail account or other services. These services do provide tracking feature that can help you, trace the location and IP address of your device. You can get the device location of your stolen laptop if you use these services:

Gmail:

Just open your Gmail account and move to the bottom of the page. Here you will find “Last Account Activity” written in the bottom left corner of the page. Click “Details” link right below it. A new window will open containing a list of all the recent Gmail sessions of your account, providing IP address and location of the sessions. You can click “Sign Out Of All Other Web Sessions” to protect your Gmail account from further trespassing.

Facebook:

The social networking giant has also provided a feature to track your account activity.

Open “Settings” in your Facebook account and then click “Security” option. You’ll find an option called “Where You’re Logged In”, just click that, and you’ll be presented with details of your Facebook sessions. To know the IP address of any session, just hover on the location name, and it will display the IP address of that session. You can click “End Activity” to log out that particular session or you can click “End All Activity” to log out of all your active Facebook session on any other device.

Dropbox:

Dropbox also provides a session tracking feature. Just sign-in to you Dropbox account and click your name, a drop down menu will appear. Then click on “Settings” option. Click on Security tab, here you’ll find the list of all your active and past sessions. Just hover on the “i” right next to the country name to know the approximate location and similarly, click the “i” next to time (under Most Recent Activity) to know the IP address and time of the session.

Just note down the IP address and location from any of the above sources and contact the police for further assistance.

Prevention is better than cure:

It would be wise enough to be well prepared for such mishaps well in advance. Prey Inc. has come up with an efficient tool that can help you track your device very easily in case of any theft or lost. Though this platform is available for various operating systems like Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux, but we have tested Prey only for the Widows OS.

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to setup Prey:

1. Go to https://preyproject.com
2. Click Sign-in and setup your Prey account.
3. After that, Sign-in to your Prey account and look for a green plus button right next to Your Devices.
4. Choose your preferred operating system and Prey will start downloading the appropriate application to your device.
   
5. Install the application by clicking the usual next, next, next. It’ll take few minutes to install.
6. At the end of installation, keep the Set-up Prey check box ticked and click Finish.
7. A new window will open. Click Existing User option, as you have already created your Prey account.
8. Enter your login credentials and click Connect, a popup will appear, ”Sweet! Your Computer is now protected by Prey. Try it out or protect an additional device, please visit preyproject.com”.
9. Click OK and you’re done.
10. You can track your device online by simply logging into your Prey account in any web browser.
11. If you lose your device, just log-in to your account and click your lost device in Your Devices section. Then click Set Device To Missing.
12. A box will appear, set the Report Frequency as per your convenience. ClickAdvanced Options to find more options. Here you can select, if you want to take snapshots of the person using the device via webcam. Using the snapshot feature may alert the person using the laptop as the webcam LED will blink after regular intervals, creating a suspicious environment for that person.
13. Click Yes, my device is missing. In the next box, you can set whether the device is LOST or STOLEN. You can also share the lost information with Prey Inc. in the next option.
14. Whenever you need to know the current status of your device just click theMaps and Action option in the device section.
15. When you find your device, just Set Device To Recovered and prey will stop the live tracking of your device.

Prey allows you to lock the device remotely, play alarm, send message in case any humble person may return your laptop, if you have forgotten it somewhere. The only disadvantage of this service is that your laptop must be connected to the internet, and for that, “May the Force be with You”. You can add up to three devices in the free option. To add more devices, you’ll have to purchase their plans.

In case of any theft, it is highly recommended to change your passwords for all the online services that you use to protect your valuable data and privacy.

Keeping your laptop safe is a must in this technology driven world. You can protect your laptop by using these simple methods and it will save your valuable memories that you have collected all over your life. Apart from using these methods, you should always set a password to all of your devices, this will protect your data in case of any theft or if you might forget it somewhere.

It’s Time to Delete Google Chrome, Vivaldi Browser Now Runs Chrome Extension

Are you sick and tired of Google Chrome? It’s the right time to ditch it and switch to Vivaldi web browser. For those who don’t know much about Vivaldi, it’s a web browser from ex-Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner. I’ve been using the browser’s preview for some time, and this power-user targeted browser hasn’t let me down. Today Vivaldi has got an update in form of its fourth preview along with many new features.

 

Vivaldi browser is now updated to add the Chrome extension option, mouse gesture support, and additional customization options. This fourth preview is expected to be last one before Vivaldi browser enters beta. So, if you’ve been considering ditching Chrome, but you found the world unimaginable without Chrome extensions, now you have the option to make the move.

 

Recent times haven’t been favorable for Chrome as there is growing dissatisfaction among users due to the increased crashes.

Vivaldi is created on Blink browser engine that forms the basis of Chromium (indirectly in Chrome). Vivaldi browser is perfect for those who love speed and heavy customization options. The team behind Vivaldi claims that now there are more than 155 million ways to customize their browser.

von Tetzchner says that choices and options are good, “when in doubt, make it an option.” Apprarently, themes and mouse gesture are a part of the same philosophy. He says: “Some people fear choices. But your web browser is something you use throughout your day. Shouldn’t it look, feel and work the way you want it to?”

With Chrome extensions, now Vivaldi browser users can take advantage of Chrome’s extension database that has grown over the past years. The team has said that work on extensions isn’t finished yet and this feature is currently with “experimental” tag.

See some screenshots of Vivaldi browser below:

Download the Vivaldi browser developer preview here.

Chrome-Killer Vivaldi Web Browser Hits Beta With New Features

Vivaldi is a browser that has the capability to challenge Google Chrome and initiate a full-scale browser war in a true sense. This web browser from ex-Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner has now grown up to achieve the beta status and is available for download.

 

From past many years, Google Chrome has remained at the top of its game for many years and kept improving the user-experience all along. But, it has now become infamous as the “RAM-killer” browser that recently saw a new competitor called Microsoft Edge.I used Microsoft Edge for some time, liked its speed and cleaner feel, but the lack of extensions pissed me off. Few months before trying Edge, I decided to give Vivaldi a try as it was updated with an option to import the Google Chrome extensions. As a power user, I found the Vivaldi browser very appealing and was waiting for a beta release.

 

For those who don’t know, it’s a web browser from ex-Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner. Along with going the minimalistic way, this browser makes your internet experience very immersive as it keeps changing its color when you switch to another website – fossBytes is blue, Google is red, TechCrunch is green and so on.

Vivaldi comes with tons of customization options – you can place your browser tabs anywhere, change the position of address bar, play with keyboard shortcut and create your own mouse gestures

With the help of Quick Commands that’s just like the ‘Spotlight Search’, you can open tabs, history, bookmarks etc with single keyboard shortcuts. Another great addition comes in the form of Tab stacks that will allow you to group multiple tabs into one. Just drag one tab over to another for a seamless grouping and clean all the mess.

During the technical preview phase, the browser has been downloaded more than two million times and is built with the Chromium engine under the hood.

Vivaldi also comes with its own Mail client called M3 and great note taking capability.

Talking about the Chrome extensions, this feature works fine but the windows size of the extensions is very small. Added to this, notifications from app have a hard time appearing on the screen.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQR2Vxz_UVE?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque]

Vivaldi is a browser that has the capability to challenge Google Chrome and initiate a full-scale browser war in a true sense.

Go ahead, give Vivaldi a try and comment down your experience.

– Vivaldi Beta 

How To Stop Chrome From Killing Your Computer

There was a time when I loved my Chrome browser very much, but from the first day of my blogging life, when I had to open lots of tabs to see different websites and multitask, I started realizing that this browser would kill my PC one day. Also, after seeing people’s negative reaction towards Chrome browser whenever we wrote something about it, I convinced myself that my opinions were right. This is a no denying fact that Chrome Browser is a RAM killer.

 

After searching a lot on the internet, I couldn’t find a single thing that could save my PC from the wrath of Chrome. So I switched to Firefox & Opera. Firefox is a great browser but if you wish to open lots of tabs, it hangs badly and the problem is still the same.Opera still The same.Recently, I stumbled upon with this extension called The Great Suspender and I think I am in love with my Chrome Browser again.

 

The Great Suspender is an easy-to-use tool. You just need to download and install the extension from Chrome Web Store. Once installed, you can set the time after which you want to suspend the tab. Tabs which are not in use will be suspended once crossed that time limit, which will again be activated when you click anywhere on the page.

You can also set the list of websites that you don’t want to be suspended even after the time limit you set earlier. Also, you are all free to remove any site from whitelist.

If you were a regular Chrome user in past, this extension is worth trying and it’s possible that you would start loving your Chrome browser again.

Now Boost Your WiFi Signal With A Beer Can

Out of the box thinking proves more valuable than exhaustive drudgery. Depicted in this amazing lifehack, is one example that how you can boost your WiFi signal with just an empty beer can.

In case you are in an agonising pain due to your age old WiFi router’s signal and are thinking of getting a new one, pause for a moment and read this: A humble ‘beer can’ can boost your WiFi signals up to double or triple levels.

Now, if you are not shocked, that means you already know the physics behind this crazy lifehack. But if you are surprised to hear that the ‘beer can’ could be as amazing and useful as the stuff inside, then read further.

 

Creating a crazy fast router is a big deal, but people might be reluctant to spend big bucks on the new technology. However, improvising with what is already available is more appealing. Like this one where you could use a beer can boost your WiFi signal and get more than the glimmers of the Internet beacon at your favorite corner in the house. All you need is some beer, err beer cans.

Cut the beer cans as shown in the video and place it over your router’s antenna. Since the antennas are omnidirectional (sending signals in all directions), the aluminium would act as a reflector and give a particular region in the house a huge boost in the WiFi signals. However, one side would get obstructed so you would have to adjust the positioning of the antenna.

There are other ways to boost your WiFi signals like choosing correct WiFi channel and simple tweaks to improve your WiFi router’s performance.

Watch the video and tell us how much the “beer can” helped you to boost your WiFi strength?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tonZeKP-Mi4?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque]

Why Android N is Going to Be the Biggest Change in Android’s History

While just a handful devices are expected to get Android Marshmallow update in near future, Google has announced that the next Android version will result in the merger of Chrome OS and Android. With a bigger picture in mind, Google’s upcoming Android N could be its biggest change in Android till date. 

Turning a successful service enterprise into a product company is a feat that is difficult to achieve. Microsoft has been trying hard to accomplish it and Google is moving fast on the same track from past many years.

With Alphabet restructuring, Google is focusing more on making its operations more effective. Android is one of the biggest products of Google. And understanding the growing dominance of mobile, Google is moving ahead to combine its desktop-focused Chrome OS and the Android mobile OS.

 

As the media reports suggest, this convergence of Chrome OS and Android was in talks from some time and Android emerged as the obvious winner. If we compare the both, Chrome OS is less flexible and more secure. It has emerged as a winner in the schools due to its focus on education.

With Android Marshmallow, Google has made progress on the security front with mandatory encryption and secure boot. With the upcoming Android N, to be announced at Google I/O, we can expect Google to make a move towards more laptop-type bigger screen devices powered by an advanced Android OS.

Last month, Google announced its Pixel C tablet taking inspiration from Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Apple’s iPad Pro. Deciding which OS would be suitable to run the larger screen touch devices, Microsoft invented an OS that switches smoothly between tiles and desktop mode.

With the decision to kill the Chrome OS and fold its best features in the upcoming Android Nutella (Sorry! Unable to resist, I predict this name for Android N), Google is following the footsteps of Microsoft. Talking about the name predictions, Android Nougat is another strong contender.

While Android Marshmallow focused on tightening the security hinges and making Android a corporate-suitable product, Android N will be a major change. Earlier this year, Google announced that the newer versions of Android will be free from unnecessary bloatware and Android N will the perfect platform to begin with.

Compared to Android Marshmallow, expect some bigger feature additions coming with Android N.

In the past, Google has Android-running bigger screen devices, but Android just didn’t feel right. This move to merge the Chrome OS and Android OS in Android N is Sundar Pichai’s attempt to make an OS that can run on all form factors. The Android operating system already runs on smartwatches, TV, tablets, phones – and adding the laptops in this list could be Android’s biggest step yet.

What are your expectations with Android N? Which name do you like better – Android Nutella or Android Nougat? Tell us in the comments below

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7: Which One is Best for You?

Most of the people confuse the next-gen Intel Core with a better or a faster PC.  Yes, the processor does affect your machine’s performance, but just a faster processor won’t make your PC better than your friend’s who has an overall better configuration.

Two of the CPUs most often in contention are the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7. Discounting Core i3 (mainly found in budget systems) and AMD processors, the difference between Intel Core i5 and Core i7 can seem daunting, especially when the prices seem so close together once they’re in completed systems. Let’s see some features of the mobile Intel core processors.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel core i7:

Intel has launched a number of processors of both sets, so we will compare those chips’ specification to find out which one is better for you.

All of the Intel Core i5 processors are hyper threading dual-core processors. However, the latest 5th generation i5 processors have low Thermal Design Power (TDP) than its predecessors.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Cores:

Most of the Intel i7 core processors are hyper threading quad-core chips. 5th generation Intel i5 mobile core processors- however, are all dual core chips. The number of core processors affect the speed of the CPU. So, if you plan on buying any of the two Intel Cores, just choose the higher model number of the preferred generation for better performance.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Clock Speed:

Intel i7 has higher clock speeds than i5 core processors even when the TDP for both these CPUs is same.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Cache Difference:

The Intel i7 have the larger cache as compared to i5s. And well, more cache means easy multitasking. Mobile Core i7 have 6MB or 4MB cache, whereas the core i5 has 3MB on board memory. Only Intel Core i5-5350H has a 4MB cache memory.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Turbo Boost:

It is an overclocking feature built into its processors by Intel. In Turbo Boost feature, the processor runs faster than its base clock speed when only one or two cores are required. Both i5 and i7 processors use Turbo Boost where i7 achieve higher speeds comparatively.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Addressable Memory:

All the i5s and most of the i7 core processors are limited to 16 GB addressable memory. But, few Intel i7 chips like i7-5850HQ, 5950HQ, 5750HQ, and 5700HQ can address up to 32GB RAM, ultimately giving better performance.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Integrated Graphics:

These are the graphics integrated into the CPU rather than the motherboard. Both the i5 core and i7 core come with integrated Intel HD graphics in the Core processors. With time, Intel has advanced its integrated graphics. Intel core i7 has the latest Intel Iris Pro while i5 core comes with a variety of Intel HD integrated graphics.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Pricing:

Now, one of the main factors that influence your choice of CPU is the cost. Of course, the i7 Core being the successor with better specs is costlier than Intel Core i5 processor.

So, to sum up, we can say Intel Core i5 is made for mainstream users who care about performance, and Intel Core i7 is made for enthusiasts and high-end users. If you are a normal mainstream user who cares about your Laptop’s overall performance, then i5 is the one- and if you are planning to have a blast with high-end gaming, video editing and lots of multitasking while running heavy software, then i7 would be worth the cost.

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