Having a slow computer is not something most users fancy, but that is what most of us end up with after prolonged usage despite having the latest hardware. Understandably, there are also a few of us who are trapped with a low-end PC and are forced to get as much out of it as possible. This article caters to both these type of users as it not only explains how to make your computer as fast as it
How to Use Perk TV with Multiple Phones
Perk TV is an application for Android and iOS that pays you to watch ads. What sets Perk TV apart from other applications like this (e.g. Swagbucks) is that ads continually play without physical interaction (pressing buttons) for hours at a time. Taking advantage of this opportunity, you can easily buy some phones, install the app, and start earning passive income. Setup is easy, and you can be making $30+ per month per a phone starting right now!
Before you start, check to see if your internet service provider has a data cap, since streaming videos 24/7 chews up a lot of data.
Step One: Sign Up
Sign up for Perk TV
Step Two: Purchase Phones
If you are going to buy phones to run Perk TV, go with cheap Android devices that meet the minimum requirements for Perk TV. Currently, the requirements are just Android 4.0 or higher and WiFi. One of the most popular phones for running Perk TV is the Kyocera Hydro. At the time of this article the Hydros can be purchased on Amazon for about $30 and Amazon will buy the Hydros back for about $9. Because the Hydros earn around $1 a day, you would only have to run the phone for 21 days ($30 - $9) to break even if you choose to sell the phone back after that point. Anything afterwards is profit. Also note that you can have up to five phones per an account.
Step Three: Prep the Phones
To maximize earning potential on your phones you will want the following applications:
- Perk TV - The application
- Always On - Keeps the screen on
- Screen Filter - Dims the screen to save electricity
Optional: If you root the phones you can freeze (disable) all unnecessary applications with Titanium Backup Pro to conserve resources for Perk TV.
Step Four: Setup
Plug your phones into a cheap surge protector or a multi-port usb wall charger near your wireless access point and you (Perk TV's terms and Conditions state that users must physically be in front of the phone(s) when using Perk apps). When you open Perk TV you have the option to play application trailers or movie trailers. Start with application trailers as they earn faster. The phone will automatically switch back to movie trailers after a while, but that's alright.
Step Five: Maintenance
Although not always required, reboot the phones once a day to prevent them from crashing. Phones can sometimes go days without a reboot, but it is better to reboot daily to avoid this risk.
Step Six: Earn and Redeem
That's it! Welcome to the world of perking!
I currently have four Kyocera Hydros that earn about $120+ dollars a month, which pays for my groceries.
Using Perk TV already or coming up with ideas on how to set your phones up? Tell us about it in the comments section below. If you liked this article, check out my post on How to Make a Passive Income from an Idle Computer. Happy perking!
UPDATE: Perk TV now gives a prompt every 5 hours reading "Are you still watching?" Although annoying, it is not a huge inconvenience given the rewards you still get, and if you are physically in front of the phones when using Perk TV--like their Terms and Conditions state.
Using Perk TV already or coming up with ideas on how to set your phones up? Tell us about it in the comments section below. If you liked this article, check out my post on How to Make a Passive Income from an Idle Computer. Happy perking!
UPDATE: Perk TV now gives a prompt every 5 hours reading "Are you still watching?" Although annoying, it is not a huge inconvenience given the rewards you still get, and if you are physically in front of the phones when using Perk TV--like their Terms and Conditions state.
All You Need To Know About Firewall In Windows 8
by : John Reddy
If you have recently installed Windows 8, then you need to secure it so that it does not face any security hazards. To maximize the security in your Windows 8, it is important to activate Firewall in your system. Firewall is set of software codes that provide online Windows help by protecting your system from hackers and malicious software. It acts as a filter between your computer and internet. It checks for every information sent or received between your system and network and either allows it or blocks it from your computer system.
Many users think that the working of antivirus and firewall are same. However, this is a myth as Firewall protects you from hackers while antivirus protects you from viruses and other malware. In order to protect your system, you require antivirus as well as firewall security. Firewall comes as a part your Microsoft Windows 8 and is activated, by default.
However, you can alter the settings for your Firewall. As per the expert technicians providing online support for Windows, your firewall should be activated for all the network connection and types like private, public or domain.
How Can A User Turn On Or Turn Off Windows Firewall?
Turning off the Firewall is never recommended. However, if you want to turn it off due to certain software and then want to turn it back on, then follow these steps:
• You will require the administrator password to turn on/off your Firewall. From there wither you can turn on the Firewall under the type of network and click on OK or you can turn in off under each network type and Hit Enter key.
Other than turning the Firewall on or off, there are other settings as well that you will need to completely protect your system. Some of your apps or software might stop working due to activated Firewall. You can either turn off the Firewall protection or get online Windows help and support to allow such application to work on your system by including them on the allowed apps list.
A Firewall blocks all incoming information to maximum protection. However, you can still view majority of website and mails, work on instant messenger, and access your email account. You can also turn on the notification about the new app locked by your Firewall. With this option, you can choose whether to block or unblock the software applications.
Security of Windows operating system is must for everyone. That is why it is important to secure your computer with the help of Windows Firewall.
How to Configure Windows Server as a Ntp Server
by : David Evans
The Microsoft Windows operating systems from Windows 2000 onwards has a built-in time synchronization service – ‘Windows Time'. This article describes how to configure the Microsoft Windows 2003 and Windows 2000 time service as a NTP time server. It shows how to modify registry entries to configure the Microsoft Windows Time Service. The Windows Time service allows a Windows network to provide synchronisation of all machines within a domain.
Windows 2003 Server Configuration
Windows 2003 has expanded on the original Windows 2000 time service by providing a true NTP implementation. The time service, installed by default, can synchronise to a NTP Server. Indeed, by manipulating registry settings for the service it can act as both an NTP server and client to synchronise other network clients in the domain.
The 'Windows Time' service should be present in the systems service list. The application executable is 'w32time.exe'. The parameter list for w32time can be found in the registry at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time
Before modifying registry entries it is good a dood idea to backup the registry settings. The registry can then be restored in the event of problems being encountered.
To configure a Windows 2003 machine to synchronise to an external NTP server, edit the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config\AnnounceFlags
Set the ‘Announce Flags' registry entry to 5, to indicate a reliable time source.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NTPClient\SpecialPollInterval
The ‘Special Poll Interval' registry entry defines the period in seconds that the Windows 2003 machine should poll the NTP server. A recommended value is 900 seconds, which equates to every 15 minutes.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\NtpServer
The ‘NTP Server' parameter is used to provide a list of IP addresses or DNS names, separated by a space, of NTP servers that the Windows 2003 machine can synchronise to.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NTPServer\Enabled
Changing the ‘Enabled' flag to the value 1 enables the NTP Server.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\Type
Change the server type to NTP by specifying ‘NTP' in the ‘Type' registry entry.
Windows 2000 Time Service Configuration
Windows 2000 has an integrated time synchronisation service, installed by default, which can synchronise to a NTP Server. Indeed, by manipulating registry settings, the service can act as both an SNTP client and SNTP server to synchronise other network clients.
Before modifying registry entries it is good a dood idea to backup the registry settings. The registry can then be restored in the event of problems being encountered.
The 'Windows Time' service should be present in the systems service list. The application executable is 'w32time.exe'. The parameter list for w32time can be found in the registry at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters
Windows 2000 can operate as an NTP client and synchronise to an NTP server by setting parameter 'NTP Server' to the IP address of a NTP Server.
By default, the Microsoft Windows 2000 machine will synchronise to the specified NTP time server every 8 hours (or 3 times a day), which may not be enough to maintain accurate synchronisation. The period can be reduced by setting the 'Period' parameter to how many times a day synchronisation is required. Setting the period to 48 will activate synchronisation with the NTP server once every half hour.
Windows 2000 can also be configured to act as an NTP server by setting the 'Local NTP' parameter to '1'.
After editing any of the registry entries for the windows time service, the service must be restarted for the settings to take effect. The services can be started or stopped from the service control applet in 'administrative tools'. Alternatively the service can be controlled via the DOS net command thus:
net start w32time
net stop w32time
NTP Troubleshooting
A number of problems can be encountered when configuring the Windows Time Service. NTP operates using the UDP protocol over TCP/IP. Therefore the TCP/IP network infrastructure must be operational for NTP to be effective. Synchronisation issues may arise when NTP attempts to synchronise to an inaccurate time reference or if network delays are excessive.
Synchronising Time on Network Devices
As well as synchronising Microsoft Windows servers and workstations, NTP can also be used to synchronise network devices, such as hubs, switches and routers. Any network device that can synchronise to a NTP server can be pointed to the Windows server to achieve time synchronisation. In this way the whole network and accompanying infrastructure can be synchronised.
Convert any Video to ASCII using VLC Media Player
VLC is a video player with a lot of tricks. While you definitely would be aware about converting videos with it, the feature of converting any video to ASCII is one that is slightly less known. As ASCII version of movies like Star wars are very popular online, I think this feature of this amazing media player can be used to have lots of fun.
An example of a video in ASCII form
All you need to
Windows and Apple: A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock'n'Roll
by : Catherine Coloff
Whether you have good vibrations for Macs, or too much respect for Windows to consider any other operating system, enough software and cloud solutions are available to meet your needs!
MS Office for Mac is a robust version of Office that is very similar (almost identical) to Office for Windows. Although Microsoft does not offer Access or Publisher for the Mac version, full versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are available for use. The files you create are compatible and able to be opened, read, and changed back and forth using Mac and Windows version of Office. Some people may be dancing in the street knowing they can get a Mac and not be concerned with compatibility! Others may have been sittin' on the dock of the bay, and may now feel guilt free with the thought of having a Windows computer and a Mac to get their work done, and not be concerned about compatibility.
If you already own a Mac and have decided to use Pages and Numbers instead of purchasing Office, that's fine too! Although not identical, both Pages and Numbers offer a "save as" feature that allows you to save your files in an alternative format to make them usable through MS office.
Still can't get no satisfaction? Don't be cruel! Let's shake, rattle, and roll toward cloud options that cater to both Mac and Windows alike!
Do you find yourself emailing file attachments back and forth all the live long day? Google Docs may be a great option for you! Think of Google Docs as your personal file share service on the Cloud. Rather than worry about getting all shook up on which file version is the most recent one in your list of emails, just keep one copy of the file saved in Google Docs, and provide key people access to your Google Drive, so everyone can work from the same file copy, and not go crazy keeping track of who has the latest revision! Google Docs also offers simplified versions of office applications, all for free, and all cross compatible with existing versions of MS Office. And, of course, Google Docs is friendly to both Mac and Windows!
At last, the debate between Mac and Windows' usability may be coming to an end! What a wonderful world it is today! And if you are still California dreamin' and you still think Macs are for graphic designers, even Adobe Creative Suites has joined the cloud with Adobe Creative Cloud. Graphic designers can keep on keeping on with Windows or Macs, and can share files with each other too!
If, after taking in all this information, you catch yourself saying, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for," IT Radix recommends giving your trusted IT provider a call. Based on your needs, they'll tell you what you want, what you really, really want.
Making Older Desktop Pc Wireless
by : Austin Luna
Okay so your looking for information on making a desktop PC wireless. You'll be happy to know that just about any desktop PC can support a wireless internet connection. Even older desktops can connect to the internet via a wireless internet connection.
First, make sure your desktop PC is in good working order. What I mean by good working order is just to make sure the desktop PC is free of unwanted spyware and other harmful files which could make a desktop computer's wireless connection slow down to a crawl. If you plan on making an older desktop PC wireless then you should really scan your computer for spyware and infections because the last thing you want is something stealing all your system resources when you don't have very much to begin with.
WHATS NEEDED TO MAKE DESKTOP PC WIRELESS
Let's start by assuming you already have an internet service (not dial-up) and are cruising the web with ease. You should have a cable modem connected to your desktop PC. If this is the case, then you're ready to begin your wireless setup. If you don't have an existing internet service and a cable modem then you'd better stop reading this because a wireless internet connection on your desktop PC can't be accomplished legally without them.
MAKING PC WIRELESS - WIRELESS ROUTER
First, before anything, you need to purchase a wireless router. If you've never owned a wireless router before then grabbing the most expensive model probably won't benefit you all that much unless you plan on receiving a wireless internet connection from inside of a multiple story building. In this case a more expensive router will offer a few features that are worth the extra money.
Remember when you go ahead and purchase a wireless router in hopes of making your desktop computer wireless you'll be happy to know that you'll be halfway done with your mission for wireless internet on your desktop. The only thing left is a wireless PC adapter.
MAKING PC WIRELESS - WIRELESS DESKTOP ADAPTERS
It's actually very easy to add a wireless desktop adapter to your comupter's arsenal of computing tools. There are two different types of wireless networking components that you can choose from. They are as follows.
1. Wireless USB adapter
2. Wireless PCI adapter
*both wireless devices are packaged with a setup CD-ROM which quickly installs everything needed to configure and use your PC's wireless internet connection.
A wireless USB adapter is the easiest way to make a desktop PC wireless. The cons of using a wireless USB adapter are the signal strength which is considerably weaker than a wireless PCI card. Most people experience no problems with signal strength as long as they stay within range of the wireless router that's sending out the wireless signal.
Basically, installing a wireless USB adapter plugs into any available USB port. In reality, it only takes a matter of seconds to plug in a USB adapter and start using the internet without the wires.
The second wireless device that can make desktop computers wireless is called a wireless PCI (PCI = white slots inside a computer) card adapter. This device enables high performance wireless connectivity for your desktop PC with extended range.
Installation is not as hard as you might have thought. Simply remove the side panel from your desktop PC and insert the wireless PCI card into any one of the white slots inside. There is only one way the card can be installed. Reading the directions that are included when you purchase your wireless networking device is by far the best thing you can do to ensure a smooth installation and launch of your wireless connection.MAKING DESKTOP PC WIRELESS
