What is the difference between G, E, 3G, H, H+ and 4G symbols?

You would have noticed different symbols appearing on your smartphone or tablet’s status bar at different times such as G, E, 3G, H and H+. Ever wondered what do they actually mean? Many readers have been asking  me their exact meanings and why those symbols keep on switching. I have created a small table which explains the meaning of all these symbols.

Note 1: 8 Bits = 1 Byte. Hence, you need to divide the above speeds (displayed in bits/s) by 8 to get the speeds in KB/s, MB/s or GB/s.
Note 2: HSPA is further divided into HSDPA (download) and HSUPA (upload ) to denote upload and download speeds respectively.

Note 3: Also, all these download and upload speeds are just theoretical maximum limits and not indicative of the actual real-world speeds. Real-world speeds vary depending upon a lot of factors such as the QoS, signal strength and network congestion.

If you happen to be a celebrity, a politician or public figure, you will find yourself reaching facebook’s friends limit in no time and when this happens, you can neither send nor receive friends request. Unlike twitter where thousands can follow you and google+ where you can be added to a countless number of circles, the limit facebook places on friendship looks rather ridiculous. But wait a minute, is it really possible to have 5,000 real friends?

To be candid, most of these people you call friends are actually fans and it’s for this reason the idea of fan pages was brought to life. Facebook pages allow you to connect with millions of people without any limit but taking a critical look at the whole thing, you might want to agree with me that the limit facebook places on the number of friends you have has a number of advantages. Knowing you would reach the limit soon, you should be mindful of people you send friends request to and those you approve. This also reduces spam to some extent.

Lots of people might see you as a snub but you don’t need to approve every request. Have you even noticed most of those 5,000 friends you have don’t even talk to you? Purging your friends list can be a good idea but if you can’t do this, there’s only a way out to pass the five thousand friends limit.

How Do I Add More than 5,000 Friends on Facebook?

Do you want to hear the truth and nothing else but the truth? You can’t possible have more than 5,000 friends unless you convert your personal profile to a fan page.This is the only way to exceed the limit but you should understand that those you’ve added as friends before are automatically changed to fans who have liked your page.

The socializing aspect of facebook may be gone after migrating as your news feed is replaced by posts from pages you like and you can no longer comment on your friends’ status updated and photos. It sucks, huh?

Well, that’s the only way out and your social life on facebook may become so boring after doing this. However, you can still receive messages but you won’t be able to use facebook chat any longer and there are lots of things you’re going to miss so you have to be sure you know exactly what you’re doing.

To convert your personal profile to a fan page, click here.

You should download your personal data containing your photos, comments among other things because according to facebook, only your profile photo and friends will be moved to your new Page.  No other content will be moved.  You will still be able to log in from your original email address and password.

If you still go ahead to convert your profile page to a fan page, you can create a new profile for connecting with just a selected number of friends and family. You should then set the new profile as that fan page administrator to make it easier.

Tc & Be Safe

#facebook

#gotoarif

The Benefits of Google Business Photo for Small Businesses

Google Business, Don't Miss Out

Most consumers are familiar with Google Street View, finding their way around the world virtually, searching for local attractions using the 360 degree view service and now its even more exciting! Not only can you see local shops and businesses on Google maps but you can also virtually enter their doors and conduct your own tour online.

However, unlike Google Street View, Google will charge a small fee, and a signature at the bottom of a contract before you can be shown on one of the biggest search engine services in the world. The sound of a small fee may instantly put you off, however we believe there are significant benefits of using this service.

In fairness, the cost of actually being upon Google Business Maps is in fact free and the nominal fee (dependent on the size and complexity of the tour) is for a highly skilled, Google approved photographer to take the 360-degree photographs. This is a one-off cost, unlike most marketing activities which rely on repeat subscriptions.

The Benefits

Google Business Photos can bring your business to life! With the benefit of a 360-degree interactive tour you are allowing your customers to explore and interact with your business like never before. Although this may be seen as a more perfectly fitted service for businesses that are very visual such as design companies, art gallery’s, car showrooms or night clubs, its clear that just about any client-led business can benefit from this innovative marketing tool. People buy products and services with their eyes first, and if your premises appeal to your customers the likelihood is that your goods will too.

Competitive Advantage

Being featured on Google Business Maps instantly gives you that competitive advantage. Current and future customers are able to virtually explore your products, services, shop/venue layout, or even just to get a feel of your brand identity. It can increase traffic to your shop! If your business doesn't look appealing from the outside, customers may not be aware that you have the most beautiful interior, thus, judging a book by its cover.  The trusted photographers take high quality photos that you own full copyright of. The images can include your ‘points of interests’ including opening times, business details, awards, merchandise/brands stocked, menu’s, front vista, wide angle interiors and décor. Therefore you can showcase all the details you and your regular customers love about your company.

Increases Search Engine Results

The images taken by the photographer will not only appear on Google Maps, but all Google searches, including Google+ local. You have full control and power of your images therefore have the ability to share them via social media, include them onto your company website and more. Businesses adding this 24/7 marketing tool enhance their online visibility. Usually a search result is a couple of lines of text and can easily be overlooked. Once your photos are uploaded your listing will expand to almost a whole computer screen, displaying you more colourfully, eye-catching and stimulating. You immediately stand out, potentially attracting new customers.

Potential customers are all around you on their devices; with Google Business maps they get directions straight to your business. This service is mobile friendly, therefore online browsers can enjoy a fully immersive, interactive experience both at home/work or when mobile. The technology runs fluidly on Windows and Mac, Android devices and Tablets, and also Ipads/IPhone’s. With pretty much no viewing limitation, it is the perfect piece of marketing for your company.

With over 90% of consumers starting their search for local services, products or information using the Google search engine and 55% of UK adults already regularly using Google Street View, we see this innovative technology as an invaluable addition to not only a small business but any size or type of business too. Give me a call to see how best to capitalise on this new addition to the Google toolbox.

Tc & Be Safe

#googlebusiness

#seo

#gotoarif

Hacking Someones Facebook Password Using Some Software Or Website? Reality or Scam

Do you know there are over thousands of websites and software that claim to hack Facebook password of any account? They'd ask you the victim's profile ID, maybe your credentials and some money too and will reportedly tell you the password which, to be honest, never works. Ever wonder why? Let me tell you why, they're FAKE! They're a scam which tricks you somehow in losing your money or your own Facebook account. Just give it a thought, why would Zuckerberg and his team spend Billions of Dollars on Facebook if one could hack it in less than a minute? Today, we'll take a look at this topic in detail with some example websites and software and get answers to some common related questions.

Back in 2005, I came across a mechanism that reportedly hacked Yahoo mail password for a user using some simple tricks. It didn't work for me for obvious reasons but I didn't stop believing the possibility until I grew up to realize how helpless I am here. One of the major concerns of large organizations like Facebook and Yahoo is security because of the super sensitive information about people they have. Several hundred million dollars are spend yearly by these organizations to ensure security and then there's these websites that claim to undo all that protection in less than a minute.

The Facebook password cracking Websites and Software

Let's start with some examples here. I googled the subject and picked the top results without order. Didn't care to search harder because there are thousands such and I know that all are FAKE.

So let's look at this GETFBHACK.com.

Their FREE Facebook hacker program is said to be capable of cracking the password of any Facebook user within a day. Sounds cool, I could try it out, but my Norton Antivirus rejected the file straight away.

I also picked up another one. This Hack-Fbook-Password asks me to enter the profile ID of a user and it will crack the password. I said Okay and began the process.

It ran certain algorithms to determine the password and finally landed me on a page that said I could DOWNLOAD the password IF I fill an online survey first. Those of you who've been redirected to surveys would know they don't work and are put just so to get traffic and earn money.

I said maybe I should leave the website now but hey, they gave me a prize!

So I just became the luckiest person in my city just like that!

Now tell me, how can a sane person believe in all this?

The truth!

Let me get this straight to you, these websites do nothing at all just waste your time and are never able to do the job. In fact, downloaded programs just make the situation worse when you run them. I had my Norton Antivirus to guard me otherwise I could be in severe danger currently.

These software are mostly keyloggers and tracking programs that record your keystrokes and action and steal personal information from your computer in the background and send it to their master servers. So ultimately a hacker wannabe gets hacked, how ironic!

From now on in the post, I'll be using the word 'Hacker' for these websites and software since you're no more in the position to be called that.

Why do these 'Hackers' do all that?

Setting up websites, maintaining them and developing software is not an easy task. It requires some money. So why do these 'hackers' do all the hassle? It's because they get equivalent or more money in return. They can extract your credit card details and other banking info from your system and use it for their advantage. They can hack your account and use it for wrong purposes. Give me one reason why one wouldn't stealmoney and hack accounts for no loss.

Why people fall in their webs?

Why do people try to use such unreal hacking procedures? It's because it's unreal to me, it's unreal to you but not to those who are not much familiar with the working of a software. They get in the web of these hackers and eventually get screwed up pretty bad without consent.

The websites give guarantees and also portray their 'imaginary' happy customers so as to trick a reader. Such tactics are simple but really powerful and serves to their advantage in most cases. This is also why there are thousands of such websites available.

So is Facebook account an 'unbreakable fortress'?

Well, NO. Facebook accounts can be hacked. No online service is foolproof and that is because of the flaws and bugs in their software. There are several ACTUAL hackers in the world who can analyse a website's security and use that against it thus making hacking a reality.

But I'm 100% sure none of them uses these scam and fake websites that claim to do the impossible.

I'll end the 'lesson' with an idiom, "look before you leap". Focus, think and then follow. In case of any queries or confusions head over to the comments section. Cheers :)

Tc & Be safe

#Facebook

#Hacking#gotoarif

The Essential Android Security Features You Should Enable Right Now

Your phone is probably the most personal device you own. You carry it with you at all times, and it can access a large chunk of your most sensitive data. Here's how to keep it secure using just the basic tools provided by Google.

The following features and services are available to nearly every Android device without third-party software or services.Lookout is a great security suite on top of what's already built in, but even if you don't want to install extra software, the following are the most basic security measures everyone can (and should) set up as soon as you get your phone. Remember, the user is the weakest link in the security chain. Even adding these basic things can make you more safe than the average person.

Track Your Device with Android Device Manager

Google has historically left the responsibility of device protection to third parties. Over the last year, however, the company has introduced and beefed up the Android Device Managerm which allows you to remotely locate, lock, wipe, or ring the device. It's not a perfect security system, but it's the minimum everyone should have.

You don't actually have to install anything on an Android device just to track it. You can enable it in your Google settings here. However, if you have multiple Android devices, you can install theDevice Manager app to locate one from the other. For example, if you have your phone on you, but can't find your tablet, you can use ADM to ring your tablet, even if it's on silent.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication isn't just protection for your phone. It protects your entire Google account. If you aren't already using two-factor authentication, you should start using it. On Android, you can install the Authenticator app (or an alternative, if you so choose) to easily access your codes, or you receive codes through SMS.

If you don't have two-factor authentication enabled on your account, you can get started here. You should also be aware of all the other places you can enable two-factor authentication. Some can use Google's Authenticator app, too. If you're planning to use the app, set it up first and then move on to other accounts.

Encrypt Your Phone

Encrypting your phone is something that, at the very least, you should do before you sell it. However, encrypting your phone is a good habit, even during daily use. The one downside is that, on some older or slower devices, encryption can mean a bit of a performance hit. However, most modern devices will experience a barely noticeable speed reduction.

To encrypt your phone, go to Settings > Security > Encrypt phone. The initial process will take some time (an hour or more), and afterwards you'll need to enter a PIN or password when you first boot up your device. You'll need to have your device fully charged and plugged in to begin. The system won't even allow you to begin if you're not. If the process is interrupted, you could lose data forever.

Lock Your Screen

You'd think this goes without saying, but there are multiple ways to lock your phone built right into Android, including a PIN, pattern, password, or even face unlock. Use one of them. In 2013,Consumer Reports found that 39% of users don't take any kind of security measures on their phone. While this isn't limited to lock screen usage, it implies that even the most basic security is not a given for everyone. Even if it should be. You can find all the various screen lock methods under Settings > Security > Screen Lock.

If you're like me and hate using a lock screen inside your own home, Unlock With WiFi allows you to disable your protection when you're connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Unless you're protecting your phone from someone inside the house, you can probably rely on your locked front door to protect your phone, rather than a lock screen.

Add Owner Info to Your Lock Screen

Not everyone who gets their hands on your phone has malicious intent. If you lose your phone, and you're a bit lucky, it may be found by someone who would try to return it. Help them out by adding owner's info to your lock screen.

You can add your name, contact info, or in case of emergency contacts to your lock screen under Settings > Security > Owner Info. Even with a lock screen enabled (you read the last section, right?) anyone with your phone can see this information, so make sure it's something they can reach you (or your emergency contact) at, even if you lose your phone.

Tc & Be safe

#Android
#gotoarif

How a Google+ Brand Page Will Benefit Your Local Search Marketing

Google+ is Google's version of social media and it arguably carries more weight than the other when it comes to search engine rankings. Given that it is Google's website, it does give you a slight advantage in some ways that the other websites cannot provide. Although Google+ is far from being as popular as Facebook, there are some more practical reasons why you would want to create a page there for your local marketing.

The benefits

A Google+ Page is very similar to a setting up a profile, but the only difference is that it is designated for businesses. It includes basic information about who you are, what you do, as well as a photo. Part of the reason why Google+ is beneficial is because Google+ activity and posts can and does show up in search engine results and getting lots of +1s can also assist in this process. That is not say that your search engine rank will skyrocket as soon as you create a page, but the there are certain residual effects of posting. Also, given that this is a social media website, you have the benefit of connecting customers, interacting with followers, and posting valuable, shareable content.

Create a complete profile

People tend to trust organizations and people that have complete social media profiles. This means that you should include a complete description of your small or local business using relevant keywords, include photos, and and current contact information. It is also really important that you include a link back to your website in order to reap the benefits of using this site.

Sign Up for Google Authorship

One of the most important things you should do is sign up for Google Authorship. All you have to do is sign up with your email address. This basically allows your business to be credited for all its posting in the search engine results and your content will come up with your profile.

Link to other social accounts 

Google+ Pages allows you to also link to your other social media accounts and you should definitely take advantage of this. Link to all of your other active social media accounts on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, About.me,Instagram etc.

Take advantage of Google+ by creating an account and posting at least a couple of times a week. While you will not see results overnight, it will give more authority and potential to rise in the search engine rankings. It is much easier to start now because Google+ is not as saturated with businesses, so it is best to get started as soon as possible.

Tc & Be safe

#Google
#Seo
#SocialMedia
#gotoarif

What Is Google’s End Goal With Android One smartphones?

Google recently launched the Android One program, which Sundar Pichai says will conquer ‘The Next Billion’. While the program is ambitious, I feel that the western media is blowing it out of proportion and giving Google way too much credit. At the risk of giving out anti-Android vibes, let me say it out loud - this is not about targeting the next billion.

Let’s be clear, when Google said that it is launching Android One program for developing countries, it’s not fooling anyone. The program has been designed for the Indian market, which is why local OEMs like Micromax, Karbonn and Spice are the partners.

Android One

Google has launched this program to standardize the low end smartphones brought into the market by these local OEMs, which are actually causing trouble. Google is great at identifying problems early on. It knows that when a person buys a low end smartphone, they are more likely to upgrade to a better specs one the second time around if they feel that their current device has helped them in any way. And here, the low end smartphone makers are troublesome for Google. If they don’t get a seamless experience, consumers are not only going to blame the brand but also Android. These users would not upgrade into the same ecosystem. And these are the consumers Google would care about. Let me explain.

Let’s say Micromax actually comes up with a decent phone at $100, which at current rate would be Rs 6,000. I am pretty sure these users won’t be able to completely enjoy the smartphone experience. Let’s assume the quality of performance of these Rs 6,000 would be of what current phones at Rs 12,000 provide. I am currently using one, Xolo Q1000 which I bought for around Rs 12,000 last year. At the max, I am able to install 15 apps, above which it throws me a storage full error.

Anyone who uses a smartphone would agree that apps are the essence of a smartphone experience. From what I saw at the Google I/O, the Android L is going to be an issue. All those new animations in the app, are going to make the app bulkier and thus leading to even less amount of storage. I really hope to be wrong here, for the sake of my own smartphone experience.

That said, the number of Google apps that come uninstalled with an Android device are increasing day by day, which is again making the device sluggish. There’s also redundancy in the apps. For example, I have an SMS app by the OEM and Google Hangouts, then I have a gallery and Google Photos, and two browsers. This is going to bring down the Android experience.

Now that’s one point. Secondly, Google wants us to use Android so that we can use these apps or Google’s service. This enables them to collect a lot of data from users and give it to advertisers to earn some cash. Are the target users, who can’t afford a one time price of Rs 10,000 going to pay Rs 250+ per month for data packs? The answer is no.

Funnily enough, I’ve seen instances where people buy devices like Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and don’t subscribe to any data packages. Such kind of users would be of no use to Google.

Having said that, the western media just sees that India has a population of more than a billion. What it ignores is whether this billion strong population can afford or even need a smartphone? When you consider this, you’ll realize that the target audience is not that huge anymore.

In my opinion, irrespective of what Sundar Pichai said at the Google I/O, Android One is not about conquering the next billion users but more about putting a leash on OEMs that are providing a sub-par experience.

Tc & Be Safe :)


#Android #google


#gotoarif