e-flo-computers

DoE Procurement Base Model Laptop Comparisons

Mon, 11 May 2020 12:00:00 GMT

DoE Procurement Base Model Laptop Comparisons

Every year the DoE offers a number of different devices to schools and sometimes it can be hard to decide which one is best for your schools needs. See below comparison base models which are aimed towards the students due to their portability, light weight and low cost design.

HP ProBook x360 G4

Processor: Intel® Core® m3-8100Y
Memory: 4GB RAM, No free slots
Harddrive: 128GB M2 SATA-3 TLC SSD
Screen size: 11.6″ LED-backlit TFT LCD with integrated multi-touch
- 1366 x 768 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
Weight: 1.44kg
Warranty: 2 Year Next Business Day Onsite Warranty

Acer B118-G2-RN

Processor: Intel® Pentium® Silver N5000
Memory: 4GB RAM
Harddrive: 128GB Solid State Drive 6GB/s
Screen size : 11.6″ LED-backlit TFT LCD with integrated multi-touch
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
Weight: 1.59kg
Warranty: 2 Year Next Business Day Onsite Warranty

Dell Latitude 3300

Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-7020U Processor
Memory: 4GB, DDR4
Harddrive: M.2 128gb PCie Class 35 Solid State Drive
Screen size: 13.3″ FHD WVA with Embedded Touch
- 1920 x 1080 Resolution
Batttery Life: 14hr 19 mins
Weight: 1.56 kg
Warranty: 4 Years Onsite + 4 Year Battery Warranty

Performance

Of the three laptops the Dell offers the better overall performance, with the HP and Acer following close behind. What the other two lack in processing power they make up in other areas however.

The Dell features a M.2 hard drive which will see boot and load times shortened compared to the 2.5″ SSD the other two use. The Dell also features a larger screen by nearly 2 inches for those who prefer the better visibility.

While the Acer has the same screen size as the HP at 11.6″, it features a sharper display with its larger screen resolution. It is also the cheapest device amongst the group making it the cheapest portable windows device available from the DoE.

Battery Life and Weight

The HP has the longest "claimed" battery life at 15 hours as well as being the lightest of the three laptops at only 1.44kg. It also has a slightly thinner profile than the others whilst still remaining ruggedised for the education market.

Dell provides a 4 year warranty on its laptop compared to 2 years for the other two.

Summary

Overall you can't go wrong with any of these laptops. The HP does feature a slightly better overall package but what the Acer lacks in performance it makes up with its cheaper entry level pricing. The Dell is around $250 more expensive than the others but does have the largest screen and longest warranty.

Ultimately the the decision on which laptop you purchase will come down to a number of other factors, including your budget and what devices you already have at the school. While each of the three devices have minor differences they are all solid devices that would work well in a school environment.

If you need help deciding or imaging and setting your new devices you can contact us at sales@e-flo.com.au .

How to setup Zoom on Chrome

Mon, 04 May 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Here is a simple guide on how to setup Zoom on your Chrome browser.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Go to Zoom's download centre on Chrome web browser – https://zoom.us/download

Step 2. Under the 'Zoom Extension for Browsers' heading, click on the 'Get from Chrome Web Store' icon. This will redirect you to Zoom's app on Chrome Web Store called Zoom Scheduler.

Step 3. Click on the 'Add to chrome' button to start installing Zoom Schedular onto chrome.

Step 4. A confirmation message will pop up. Click on 'Add extension'.

Step 5. Zoom's logo will appear on the top right corner of the web browser. Click on the zoom icon to start using zoom.

How To Setup Zoom On Your Desktop

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Here is a simple guide on how to download and install Zoom on your computer.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Go to Zoom's download centre on your web browser – https://zoom.us/download

Step 2. Click on the download button under the 'Zoom Client for Meetings' heading to download the installer.

Note: The installer is usually located in your downloads folder after downloading it

Step 3. Open your zoom installer with administrative rights by right clicking on the launcher for the pop-up menu and selecting 'run as administrator'.

Note: If your account does not have administrator privileges, you will need to contact your local IT support team or someone that has administrator privileges.

Step 3.5. You may receive a Microsoft confirmation message informing you that Zoom is not a Microsoft–verified software. If you do, click on 'Install Anyways'.

Step 4. Zoom will start installing automatically. When the installation is complete, zoom will automatically open and be ready to use.

Zuludesk is now rebranded to Jamf

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Jamf, the standard in Apple management, acquired ZuluDesk.

How will this impact you today?

As a ZuluDesk reseller/customer, you will expect the same ZuluDesk product and feature set as you do today, but will now also benefit from Jamf which is a community of 75,000+ Apple IT administrators.

To sum up, when it comes to the rebranding to Jamf – interact with it as you previously did with ZuluDesk.

Who is Jamf?

Jamf's mission is to help organisations succeed with Apple. Like ZuluDesk, Jamf is laser focused on Apple, for both the education and commercial markets. Founded in 2002, Jamf was born from the desire to create a better technology management solution for the Mac. Since that time, Jamf has maintained their commitment to Apple technology, supporting the management of iOS and tvOS too.

Jamf's success is based on the principle of empowering users while also simplifying device deployment, inventory and security for IT. Through its MDM solutions Jamf Pro (for IT professionals) and Jamf Now (for teams and small businesses), Jamf brings the legendary Apple experience to businesses, education and government organizations. To learn more, visit: jamf.com .

Nintendo Labo

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Last week Nintendo announced an exciting new way to engage with their existing Switch console. It's called Nintendo Labo, and presents a great opportunity for use as an educational tool in classrooms.

It involves the construction of cardboard creations, called 'Toy-Cons'. The Switch controllers are then placed inside. The infrared sensor, physical buttons and motion sensing of the Switch controllers are utilised to turn the cardboard creations into interactive toys. The initial release includes two packs. The first, called the Variety Pack, contains a remote control car, fishing rod, house, motorbike handlebars and piano. The second, called the Robot Pack, contains a wearable robot suit.

The user is given instructions on the portable screen of the Switch, which includes explanations of how each 'Toy-Con' works, as well as how to build it.

The packs include the cardboard creations plus the software they are used with. A Nintendo Switch console is required separately.

For more information check out nintendo.com.au

Apple makes iMovie, GarageBand, and iWork Apps free

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Apple today updated several of its Mac and iOS apps, making them available for all Mac and iOS users for free.

iMovie, Numbers, Keynote, Pages, and GarageBand for both Mac and iOS devices have been updated and are now listed in the App Store for free.

Previously, all of these apps were provided for free to customers who purchased a new Mac or iOS device, but now that purchase is not required to get the software. Many Apple customers were already likely eligible to download the software at no cost if they had made a device purchase in the last few years.

Apple's iWork page has not yet been updated and continues to say that customers will only be able to download Pages, Keynote, and Numbers after purchasing an eligible Mac or iOS device, but new wording may be added shortly following the price drop. Apple's apps have also been removed from the Top Free app charts in the App Store.

Apple has been offering these apps for free to new Mac and iOS device owners since 2013, but dropping the price to free for all users makes it less confusing and opens up downloads for those who have not recently made a new device purchase.

Meet Cubetto

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Cubetto is the friendly wooden robot that will teach your child the basics of computer programming through adventure and hands on play.

Made of tactile and hard-wearing wood he's your child's guide into the world of coding. Screenless, friendly and ready to play.

Cubetto removes the complexity of language and screens from coding. Helping children get a head start in one of the most valuable skills for the world we live in.Using coding blocks which is a coding language you can touch and manipulate like LEGO®. Each block is an action. Combine them to create programs.

Cubetto introduces a host of programming concepts, including 'algorithms', 'the queue', 'debugging', and 'recursions'. By removing unfamiliar distractions such as screens and keyboards this allows children as young as three to write and execute their first programs, using our tangible, block-based coding language.

Cubetto has been specifically designed to be most useful for children aged 3-6, meaning we've paid a huge amount of attention to every last detail. From the child-friendly language in our stories, to the machine-washable maps.

For more information visit www.primotoys.com

e-Waste – Why you shouldn't just throw old electronic devices in the bin

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 09:00:00 GMT

We live in a world dominated by electronic devices. It is almost impossible to go through life these days without coming into contact with them, everything from the alarm clock that wakes you in the morning, the kettle that boils the water for your coffee, your smartphone, computer, television etc. These devices inevitably reach the end of their working lives at which point you buy a new one and just chuck the old one in the bin, right? Well no, actually.

E-Waste, as it has come to be known, has become a huge environmental problem. Of the 15.7 million computers that were disposed of in Australia in 2008, less than 10% were recycled. This means 90% or more ended up in landfill. This presents significant environmental health and sustainability issues.

When put in landfill, the toxic chemicals in tech devices can leech into the surrounding soil and water. These include Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Lithium, Mercury, and Lead. The elements within tech devices are also a finite resource meaning that if devices wind up in landfill, much of their material contents are lost.

So what should be done instead? E-waste is defined as 'electrical and electronic equipment that is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to function (including all components, sub-assemblies and consumables which are part of the original equipment at the time of discarding)'. So essentially, any device with a power cord or battery becomes E-Waste. This includes household appliances like kettles, microwaves, and washing machines, as well as computers and smart phones etc.

There are many recycling services now available for the collection of E- Waste. These services will break down the components of devices, extracting the various elements and recycling them for further use in new devices. Some collection services are independent businesses, though many councils now offer dedicated e-waste collections in additional to regular council clean-ups. Check your local council website for E-Waste collection dates and times, or alternatively, try these collection services:

Password Security

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:00:00 GMT

Almost everything we do online that involves personal information is protected by a password. In many cases, this password can be the weakest link in the line of defense between your data/information, and prying eyes that would love to get hold of it. For this reason, a robust and secure password is essential.

Passwords can be subject to a 'Brute Force Search'. Essentially, every possible combination of letters and numbers is attempted until the correct combination is discovered. Simplistic passwords are easily discovered using this method. The strength of a password is measured in bits. A 42-bit strength password would require 242 attempts to exhaust all possibilities. For this reason, the longer and more complex a password is, the harder it is to discover.

An easy way to create a strong password it to think of a phrase, for example, 'She sells sea shells by the seashore'. Alter this phrase using symbols and numbers in place of the letters and words to create a password. E.g. Sh3se11sCSby7heCsh0re. It may seem complex at first, but by remembering the original phrase you can more easily remember the combination of letters and numbers. Plus, once you've typed it multiple times, it often comes from simple muscle memory. You might not even need to look at the keyboard!

2 Step Verification

You may have heard of a security method knows as 2 Step Verification. It is available for many services including Google, Apple, and Microsoft accounts. It adds an extra layer of security to your passwords. It works like this: With 2 step verification set up, you type your password to access your account. Your log in attempt now requests a security code. This code is sent to your mobile phone in a text message. You type in the code and access is granted. If an unauthorised person gains access to your password, they would still not be able to access your account as they would not receive the code that was sent to your phone. This also alerts you to the fact that someone is attempting to access your account, letting you know that your password may have been compromised.

Other methods include having the code sent to an app on your phone, or to an email.

Password Managers

Using a single complex password for all your accounts is better than a simple one, but it's even better to use a different complex password for each account. This can make remembering them all a bit tricky! To get around this you can use a password manager. This will store you're your passwords in a program protected by a single master password. It can be built in, such as Apple's Keychain, or 3rd party, such as Dashlane.

Some of these programs can even generate highly complex passwords for you to use, however this makes using the manager necessary to access accounts, as they are often too complex to remember. They also require a complex master password, which can be subject to the same sort of Brute Force search mentioned above. Provided your master password is a complex and secure one, all of your additional passwords should be safe.

The Importance of data backups

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 09:00:00 GMT

Have you ever lost a lot of really important data? Or, alternately, have you ever had a moment of panic where you thought you did? Backing up your data regularly will help you to avoid the crushing feeling that comes with finding out that all your hard work and treasured memories are gone.

The Importance of Backing Up

Let's face it, no matter how great your computer is, one day it's going to wear out. That's just the nature of any piece of hardware. Your local computer repair shop might be able to get the data off the drive, but then again, they might not. When you don't back up, that's the gamble you're making.

Worse, the Internet is full of threats to the integrity of your data. Viruses and Trojans don't just steal your data. In some cases, they erase. There's also the growing phenomenon of ransomware. This is where a hacker puts a virus on your computer that encrypts your data. You then have to pay hundreds of dollars to have them unencrypt your data. If you've backed up your data, this is less of a concern. You can just wipe the hard drive and restore to your latest backup.

It doesn't matter if you lose your data because of mechanical failure, a natural disaster or criminal malice, your data is gone. However, the data doesn't need to be lost. You can back it up.

How to Backup Your Data

There are a ton of ways to backup your data. Each is going to have its own different procedures. Still, there are some general guidelines when it comes to making a good backup.

Local Backups are any kind of backup where the storage medium is kept close at hand or in the same building as the source. It could be a backup done on a second internal hard drive, external hard drives, CD/ DVD –ROM or Network Attached Storage (NAS).
Cloud storage offers a number of advantages over local storage. For example if your house is flooded your backup will likely be gone, unless you stored it in the cloud. Examples of cloud storage include Dropbox , OneDrive, and many more.
The more places you have data backed up the better. Don't feel like you have to pick between a locally stored physical backup and backing up in the cloud. Backing up both is your safest bet.
Identify what you need to back up. For example, some of your applications might be stored in the cloud whether you realize it or not.
Your documents are going to be the most important part of your backup. Take some time to organize your documents if they aren't already. That's going to make it easier to ensure that you've backed up everything that you need to.
Backing up isn't an "all or nothing" proposal. It's a good idea to have a thumb drive on hand to back up recent important documents. Again, you want as many layers of backup as you can get.

The chances of losing all of your data in a disaster aren't great, but they're greater than zero. Backup is definitely one of those "better safe than sorry" type of things. It costs little and takes little time to do, but the cost of not doing it can be a lifetime of regret.

Introducing Microsoft Office 365

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Bill Gates first announced Microsoft Office on August 1st of 1988. The suite of programs initially included Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but has grown in the 29 years since to include additional programs and features like Outlook and OneNote, as well as a version for Apple MacOS. The latest advancement for Microsoft Office is Office365.

Since its release in 1990, a new version of Office has been released approximately every 2-3 years. This latest version would be installed to your PC and would serve you well until the next release, at which point you would have to decide whether it was worth upgrading. This presented a dilemma, for businesses in particular, as having the latest version with all the newest features can be advantageous for a business, but buying new licenses every 2-3 years can be a costly expense.

Office365 presents a better option. It is a subscription service, charging a set price per year for each license required (each license allows installation to either 1 or 5 different devices depending on the version purchased. Business versions require 1 license per user).

With the advancement in internet download speeds over the last 10 years or so, it is now common for most software to be purchased, and installed, entirely over the internet. In fact, many PC's and laptops are sold these days without CD drives at all! Office365 takes advantage of this to give you the latest version of Microsoft Office, installed over the net, at all times.

All versions of Office365 also provide OneDrive storage to the cloud. This allows you to save your files securely to Microsoft's cloud servers, giving you access to them from any device at any time. No need to carry your files around on a USB, as long as you've got an internet connection, it's all there in the cloud. All versions also include a minimum of 60 minutes per month of Skype call time.

In business versions it is also possible for Office365 to host Outlook Email, providing an easier and more secure alternative to running a business's email server on site. On-site email servers are at risk of a server failure, and would require constant backups to secure data. By hosting your email with Office365, these backups are all taken care of by Microsoft.

By ensuring you always have the latest version, as well as the many cloud based features offered by Office365, it presents a great value for money option. For more information visit: products.office.com/en-au/what-is-office-365 .

iOS 10 and iOS 10.2 features and updates

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:00:00 GMT

iOS 10.2 brings out more than two-dozen new features, including new wallpapers, widgets and emoji, Apple's dedicated channel guide app, the Emergency SOS feature from the Apple Watch, the option to preserve camera settings, a pair of brand new screen effects for Messages and much more.

How to install iOS 10 on iPhone and iPad

You can install iOS 10.2 over the air in Settings → General → Software Update on your device or via iTunes: connect your device to a computer via a USB cable, launch desktop iTunes and select the device, click the Summary tab, then click Check for Update .

Apple's release notes

Here are full iOS 10.2 release notes from Apple:

iOS 10.2 introduces new features including the TV app (US Only), a new and unified experience for accessing your TV shows and movies across multiple video apps. Emoji have been beautifully redesigned to reveal even more detail and over 100 new emoji have been added including new faces, food, animals, sports, and professions. This update also includes stability improvements and bug fixes.

TV

Use Up Next to see the movies and shows you're currently watching and pick up where you left off
Get recommendations for new movies and TV shows in Watch Now
Discover new apps and the latest iTunes releases in the Store
Access the Library for your iTunes purchases and rentals

Emoji

Beautifully redesigned emoji that reveal even more detail
Over 100 new emoji including new faces, food, animals, sports, and professions

Photos

Improves stabilization and delivers faster frame rate for Live Photos
Improves accuracy of groupings of similar photos of the same person in the People album
Fixes an issue where Memories might generate a memory from photos of screenshots, whiteboards or receipts
Fixes an issue where the camera would stay zoomed in after switching back from the Camera Roll on iPhone 7 Plus
Additional support for RAW digital cameras

Messages

Adds new love and celebration full screen effects in Messages
Fixes an issue that sometimes prevented the keyboard from displaying in Messages

Music

Swipe up the Now Playing screen to more easily access Shuffle, Repeat and Up Next
Choose how to sort Playlists, Albums, and Songs in Library

News

Stories you've saved for later now appear the new Saved section
The best paid stories from channels you subscribe to will now appear in a dedicated section in For You
It's now easier than ever to get to the next story, just swipe left or tap Next Story while reading

Mail

Fixes an issue that caused the Move sheet to persist after filing a Mail message
Addresses an issue with long press activating copy and paste in Mail
Fixes an issue in which the wrong message would be selected after deleting a Mail conversation

Accessibility

Adds BraillePen14 support to VoiceOver
Fixes an issue where the braille table could switch unexpectedly with VoiceOver
Fixes an issue where sometimes Siri enhanced voices were unavailable to VoiceOver
Fixes an issue where VoiceOver users could not re-order items in lists
Fixes an issue where Switch Control was sometimes unable to delete Voicemails

Other improvements and fixes

Adds notification support for HomeKit accessories including window coverings, occupancy, motion, door/window, smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leak sensors
Adds notification support for HomeKit accessories when software updates are available to HomeKit accessories
Improves Bluetooth performance and connectivity with 3rd party accessories
Fixes an issue that could cause FaceTime participants to appear out of focus
Fixes an issue that could cause FaceTime calls to appear with incorrect aspect ratio and orientation
Fixes an issue that prevented some Visual Voicemail from completing playback
Fixes a Safari Reader issue that could cause articles to open as empty pages
Fixes an issue that could cause Safari to quit unexpectedly after marking an item as read in Reading List

Originally Posted by iDownloadBlog.com

Windows 10 is here

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Get the new and improved Windows when you upgrade to Windows 10. You'll soon discover that Windows 10 is familiar to Windows users, but a more personalized experience that takes everything you already love about Windows 7 and 8 to the next level.

Windows 10 delivers an even better Start Menu, expanding the possibilities and bringing over your favourite apps and pins so they're easily accessible. Not only does it make multitasking easier than ever, it also integrates well with software and hardware you already have, allowing you to stay productive whenever you need to get to work. Specifically, you can view up to four apps and all open tasks at one time.

Windows 10 tips and tricks

1. Make Windows 10 behave the way you want it to

Besides Control Panel, Windows 10 has an easy to use PC Settings window where you can easily change and control the settings related to Windows Updates, Networks, Apps, etc. Manage your System, change Network and Internet Settings, change Windows 10 Privacy settings , manage your Devices, Personalize your PC, manage your User Accounts, set your Time & language, use tools for the differently abled and manage Windows Update and Security here. To know what all changes you can make from PC Settings window, read How to open and use Windows 10 Settings app.

2. Open individual settings using Desktop shortcuts

You can create Desktop shortcuts or Context Menu items to open various Settings in Windows 10. See the URI for Settings apps that open the particular Settings page directly.

3. Edge browser tips and tricks

There is much to Microsoft Edge than what appears. At the core of Edge is the EDGEHTML rendering engine that was developed from scratch to provide a better browser. These Edge browser tips and tricks will make you an Edge ninja!

4. Using Internet Explorer in Windows 10

The default browser in Windows 10 is the all-new Edge. Windows 10 also contains Internet Explorer for legacy purposes which I think will be continued to be used for a considerable time to come. This tip will show you how to open Internet Explorer in Windows 10.

5. Using Cortana in Windows 10

Windows 10 features Cortana, a personal assistant that goes as far to provide you with local information and replace typing in Windows 10 taskbar search box with voice. To give you an idea of how it works, it is like Apple's Siri. Check out how to set up Cortana in Windows 10 to start using it. If you do not use it, you can disable Cortana . Know how to use Cortana in Edge ? There are many Cortana Tips and Tricks here.

6. Make File Explorer open to This PC instead of Quick Access

Windows 10 users may have noticed that by default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access. Make Explorer open his PC folder . If you don't use it, you may disable Quick Access .

7. Booting in Safe Mode

This post will show you how to enable and start or boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode . There may be other ways, but we will cover only 2 of the most convenient ways.

8. Change the look of Windows 10 Start Menu

The Start menu in Windows 10 is divided into two parts: one contains apps and settings, the other part towards the right allows displays live tiles and allows you to pin apps in groups. Check out how to customize Start Menu in Windows 10 to be able to customize Start menu according to your interest and ease of usage.

9. Make Start more private

The major components of Start Menu in Windows 10 are Most Used List, Recent Programs List, PC Settings, Power Options, and Apps Sub-menu. Show or Hide Recently added apps group . Remove Most Used list from the Start Menu in Windows 10.

10. Enable Start Screen or Full-screen Start

Miss the Start Screen? You can enable Start Screen by enabling the Tablet Mode . If wish to enable Start Screen without enabling the Tablet Mode, then the best option for you would be to enable full-screen Start .

11. Add Blur to Start Menu background

Don't like Transparency? Remove it and enable Blur in Start Menu background.

12. Make your Start Menu and Taskbar colorful

See how you can show or change the colors of your Start Menu and Taskbar . Don't like the default taskbar colors? Add a new custom color for Windows 10 taskbar . More tips here on how to customize Windows 10 taskbar .

13. Change Taskbar Search default search provider

The Taskbar Search textbox allows you to easily search your device as well as the web. The default service provider when you install Windows 10 is Bing. But if you wish to change it to Google, you can do so easily. Read Set Google as Default Search in Windows 10 taskbar search.

14. Record screen using Xbox app

The new built-in Windows 10 Xbox app also includes a screen recording feature that lets you record the screen of the active window, as well. To use it, start the Xbox app, click Win+G to open the Game bar and select Screenshot or Start Recording.

15. Change Theme, Wallpaper, Lock Screen

One of the first things to check out after upgrading to Windows is how to personalize it according to your taste. Read Personalization settings in Windows 10 to know what all settings you can change. You can also set up personal lock screen, wallpaper and control themes in Windows 10. To know more on the topic, please read Change Theme, Lock Screen & Wallpaper in Windows 10.

16. Use Dark Themes

Enable the Windows 10 Dark Theme or use the Dark Theme in Edge – really easy on the eyes!

17. Prevent Windows 10 Themes from changing desktop Icons

Desktop icons help you locate and run a program. Different people like different looks of the desktop icons. The traditional icons are appreciated more. But there are chances that if you install a theme, it will change the desktop icon images too. You can prevent that using the PC Settings option. Check out Allow or Prevent themes from changing Desktop icons in Windows .

18. Customize Screensaver

Still use a screensaver? These tips will help you customize Screensaver in Windows 10.

19. Install or move Windows 10 Apps to another Drive

Running out of disk space on your system drive? Get smart change the install location & move Windows 10 Apps to another drive.

20. Change default programs

Don't like the default browser? This post will show you how to change default programs . Change and use your favorite the media player, browser, etc, to op.en file types.

21. Change default Credential Provider

Windows 10 comes with multiple sign-in options available. This is possible due to presence of various Credential Providers. This regitsry hack will let you change your default Credential Provider in Windows 10.

22. Using Virtual Desktop Feature

With Windows 10, you can create many desktops and run applications from each individually, so that each desktop shows only the applications running in that virtual desktop and thereby reduce the clutter in the taskbar. See how you can use the Task View or Virtual Desktop feature . If you don't use this feature, you can remove the Task View button easily.

23. Using Windows Hello

Windows Hello is a new feature in Windows 10 that is meant to increase the security of the system you are using. It uses fingerprints and Iris scan to let you login. But not all computers will be able to use the feature as it needs special hardware. Check out the list of PCs that support Windows Hello .

24. Use Snap Assist or disable it if you don't

The Snap feature was introduced in earlier version of Windows. It has now been improved in Windows 10, and called Snap Assist . Use it or disable it if you wish.

25. A new CMD tip

Microsoft has added CTRL+C and CTRL+V keyboard shortcuts that let you copy and paste content respectively.

26. Use these Media center alternatives

So what if Windows 10 removed Windows Media Center… you can use these Media center alternatives .

27. Windows quick tips

There are always those classic Windows tips and trick that can help you get the best out of your Windows PC:

Hold down Shift key as you drag a folder or file to the Recycle Bin to delete it instantly
Hold down Alt & click on file or folder to open its Properties box
Press F5 to add the date and time to a Notepad
To open an elevated Command Prompt window from the Desktop, press Win+X and A at the same time
To quickly create a shortcut, hold down Ctrl+Shift and then drag and drop the file or folder icon in the desired destination folder
Open an extended context menu, by just pressing and holding down SHIFT Key while you right-click your mouse button
Press Ctrl+Shift and then right-click on the Taskbar. You will then see the option to Exit Explorer.

See all these and more such quick tips to a faster way of working with Windows .

28. Turn off Notification sounds

Notification sounds can be annoying – especially if you are playing games, watching videos, or listening to music. But you can always turn them on and off. To know how to do that, read Turn Off Notification and System Sounds in Windows 10.

29. Download maps for offline use

Travel around a lot? Download and use maps when you do not have an Internet connection . The Maps app lets you do so.

30. A new way to change Screen Resolution

Windows 10 lets you change the Screen Resolution in a smarter way.

31. Tricks to use the new Windows 10 Calculator

The new Windows 10 Calculator includes some new features. These tips will help you use it to its fullest potential.

32. Make Windows 10 battery last longer

Use the new Battery Saver mode and make your laptop battery last longer.

33. Work faster with these new keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard junkies, you definitely want to check out these new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 .

34. Using the new Mail app

See how to create multiple email accounts, add multiple Live Tiles for multiple Email Accounts and more in the new Windows 10 Mail app . These Windows 10 Mail app Tips & Tricks will help you get the best out of it.

35. Sign in securely using PIN

Use a Password, PIN or Picture to sign in to your Windows 10 . In addition to traditional password-based logon, Windows 10 also includes PIN and Picture Password logon for the safety and security of users.

36. Set time delays in Snipping Tool

While the Snipping Tool lets you capture screenshots, you can now also set time delays for capturing screenshots using the Snipping Tool.

37. Make Windows 10 Forget Wireless Network Profiles

Maybe the list has become big or maybe you want to preserve your privacy …whatever the reason … this post will see how you can remove, delete or forget Wireless Network Profiles .

38. Use, or not use Wi-Fi Sense … that is the question!

Windows 10 will now allow you to purchase paid Wi-Fi via the Windows Store using the Microsoft Wi-Fi app . The OS also introduces Wi-Fi Sense . But should you be using it?

39. Using non-Microsoft Store apps

Enable Developer Mode and SideLoad apps , to use your favourite apps which are available outside the Windows Store.

40. Create a folder without any icon or name

Be cool! Create a folder without any icon or name ! Will work on all Windows.

41. Recycle Bin Tricks and Tips

There is a lot you can do with the humble and neglected Recycle Bin in Windows, using these Recycle Bin Tricks and Tips .

42. Notepad Tricks

The humble Notepad in Windows actually offers a lot more than the eye can see. These Notepad Tips and Tricks will work on all recent Windows versions, and help you get the maximum out of it. Change the font, add a date, customize the page setup, etc.

43. Magnifier tricks

See the real colors on a negative image using the built-in Magnifier. There's more at this Windows Magnifier Tips and Tricks post.

44. Mouse tricks

Don't just use the mouse to click open a program or document, open the context menu and to select and drag-and-drop files or folders. There are many other useful Mouse Tricks you want to know as a Windows user.

45. Move Clock & Date to old position

After installing the Anniversary Update on your Windows 10, you will notice that the Clock & Date which used to be located at the extreme right end of the taskbar, has been shifted to the left and in its place you now see the Action Center icon. You can now move Windows 10 Taskbar clock & date back to its old position.

46. Block Windows Updates

There is no option to turn off Windows Updates in Windows 10. But you could disable Windows Update . But you don't want to do that, if your objective is to block only unwanted updates. Use this tool to block unwanted Windows Updates , from Microsoft instead.

47. Rollback to your previous versions

If you upgraded to Windows 10 and are facing problems, you need not worry. You can rollback from Windows 10 to your previous version of Windows within a month of installing Windows 10.

48. Have problems? Use the Contact Support app

Microsoft has made it easier for you to contact Support if you face any problems while using Windows 10. See how to use the Contact Support app .

49. Improve Windows 10 wallpaper quality

You can disable Windows 10 Wallpaper compression & improve the background image quality by using this trick.

Source: thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-tips-and-tricks

Heartbleed bug: What you need to know!

Fri, 04 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT

An encryption flaw called the Heartbleed bug is already being called one of the biggest security threats the Internet has ever seen. The bug has affected many popular websites and services (ones you might use every day, like Gmail and Facebook) and could have quietly exposed your sensitive account information (such as passwords and credit card numbers) over the past two years.

For more information: CNET

3D Printers in Education – A new innovation!

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMT

What is 3D printing?

A 3D printer works by "printing" objects – but instead of using ink, it uses more substantive materials – plastics, metal, rubber, and the like. It scans an object – or takes an existing scan of an object – and slices it into layers it can then convert into a physical object.

In fact, what it is you're actually producing depends on what is being printed: if it's toy jewelry, rubber balls, and plastic chess pieces your after, you're printing not an analogue of the real thing, but the real thing itself. Confused yet?

As far as how this can be used in education, it's a matter of bringing objects out of the computer screen and into the hands of students for inspection, analysis, and other processes that can benefit from physical manipulation. In that way, 3D printers may eventually be able to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital – use a screen to find what you need, then print it into existence.

What Is 3D Printing and How Does It Work? | Mashable Explains (VIDEO)

Watch the video on YouTube

Tomorrow's engineers, scientists, designers and problem solvers need the best tools to build their futures. Just about every aspect of the Australian curriculum system can benefit from incorporating 3D printing.

11 Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used In Education

Engineering design students can print out prototypes
Architecture students can print out 3D models of designs
History classes can print out historical artifacts for examination
Graphic Design students can print out 3D versions of their artwork
Geography students can print out topography, demographic, or population maps
Cooking students can create molds for food products
Automotive students can print out replacement parts or modified examples of existing parts for testing
Chemistry students can print out 3D models of molecules
Biology students can print out cells, viruses, organs, and other critical biological artifacts
Math students can print out "problems" to solve in their own learning spaces, from scale models to city infrastructural design challenges

Source: teachthought.com