Top 5 Free Antivirus Software to Protect Your Computer

Antivirus software plays an essential role in protecting your computer from a vast array of viruses, worms, Trojans, AdWares, spywares, browser hijackers, keyloggers, ransonwares, rootkits & backdoors, which are just lurking in the World Wide Web. Anyone who goes online-- may it be surfing the Web, using email client software, using chat applications, or other online-based programs are vulnerable to threats and could get potentially infected with different types of viruses. For the past few years, new computers already come with pre-installed antivirus software for temporary security. However, these security programs are just trial versions, which eventually expire and leaves the computer unprotected. It is then the users’ responsibility to install a good antivirus program on their computers if they want to keep their computers clean and secured. Most users may not purchase an antivirus software for a new computer due to the fact that they’ve already spent money for the device itself. You don’t have to worry though, because there are a lot of free alternatives out there. I’ve listed the top 5 free antivirus programs that you can take advantage of.

Avast Free Antivirus

The software has a very straightforward installation process and has simplistic interface that makes it user friendly. A quick first scan should detect any potential threats on your computer with just minimal impact on the system performance. Avast have the most features compared to other free antivirus software with full real-time capabilities including e-mail, web, P2P, IM, network shields, behavioural blocker and boot-time scanning. Avast Free also has some useful extra features, too. It has a Software Updater that alerts you about program updates that you've missed, for instance, while its Browser Cleanup tool provides a simple way to get rid of unwanted and malicious add-ons from web browsers. Check it here.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

This is also a good choice for a free antivirus because it has a good range of features: an email scanner, identity theft protection, antivirus engine, and LinkScanner Surf-Shield to keep you safe on the Web. The interface may seem to be complex at first glance because there are plenty of tiles, menu entries, and buttons, though you will eventually get used to it. Based on actual test, AVG Free is very effective in cleaning up a computer from malware infections. Check it here.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

It is recently released free software from the famous commercial antivirus. This software also offers user friendly solution because of its minimalistic interface. The fact that the engine is the same as the commercial version makes it an excellent virus protection software. Check it here.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a great choice for average users with simple interface and automated features with automatic updating, detection, and removal of malware. The detection level is absolutely high, which makes very reliable. It also uses 'cloud' technology to provide a much quicker release & installation of updates because all definitions are already stored in the cloud. Therefore, the moment Panda updates their list, all users of Panda Cloud Antivirus with an Internet connection are protected from threats. Check it here.

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition is another good quality free antivirus program. The program has been famous because of its outstanding detection rates of malware, higher than almost every other antivirus according to tests. Though the interface may look a little complicated for average users, it still remains a very capable and effective security program. Check it here.


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By: Heroine Lloyd Barcatan

About the author: Heroine has been in the tech support industry for more than 5 years now and most of it spent at Supportrix. Aside from being an awesome tech support engineer, she love writing blogs and creating knowledge base articles.

Useful Tools to Help You Diagnose Computer Problems

Technology continues to evolve. The market constantly releases new updates that will entice consumers to avail of the new features they offer. The computer is not exempted from this fast innovation. With new updates from different operating systems, whether it may be Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and the like, you can't deny the fact that it has glitches - flaws that you can't just ignore but you have to deal with. We have to admit that life is so much better with computers. You can transact business online, make online job so you don't have to go to the office just to earn money, we pay bills online and a lot of things that we can do over the Internet. Imagine life without Internet, difficult right? But there are things that users tend to overlook when it comes to computers. Computers just like our pets need extra love and care. It needs maintenance in order for your computer to be operational and for us to save money for repairs.

That's where PC Diagnostic tools takes place. There are a lot of tools that we can use to diagnose computer problems. For me, having this tool is a necessity, a must and not just an option.

One example of this tool is HIREN's BOOT CD. Hiren's boot CD also known as HBCD is a bootable software CD that contains numerous programs that will diagnose computer problems. This will help you recover your computer from any malfunction or recover any lost data. Hiren's BootCD is known to be a collection of freeware tools. Because of its reliability, it creates controversy that it can be used as a hacker tool that violates copyrights. Well, not bad though.

Next is System Information for Windowzs (SIW). This tool is used to check the interior of your Windows computer. You just have to download it and run the application. It will give you detailed information about your system that includes the temperature of your hard disk. It gives you a rundown on the hardware or software installed on it. It will also give you information about your system set-up, network driver, motherboards, and all peripherals installed in your computer. Basically, it will give you complete information and status of your computer so you would know if there is something wrong with it.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. As a technician, I usually use this tool to remove adware, malware, or any viruses that might infect my system. Malware are the ones that will disrupt the operation of your system so it needs to be removed to prevent your computer from crashing.

Iobit Advance System Care is another tool that you have to consider. Same with other software, it will also check if you have malicious software installed in your computer and get rid of it. It will perform disk defragmentation and repair registry problem.

CCleaner. This is a tool that ranks when it comes on cleaning your windows computer. It is a secured software that will protect your privacy online. This tool makes your computer much faster because it will clean temporary files, delete cookies and history, or any programs that needs to be fixed.

Microsoft Fix It Center is another type for diagnostic tool. You just have to run it and it will check your system if there's something wrong. It also gives you an option to fix it.

There are still a lot of tools that you can use when it comes on diagnosing computer problems. You can always Google it, a primary tool that gives you all the information you need including the entire tool mentioned above. Google is the number one tool among all the tools. But take note, you should be very careful in choosing the right tool. With the new changes, people are getting smarter and with their intellect, it's often used and misused. There's a lot of good and bad fish over the Internet. You just need to catch the right one. The best tool is be smart, BE AWARE and BEWARE!

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By: Princess Palacio

About the Author: Princess is one of the tech support engineer of Supportrix who loves to write about the latest in the world of technology; reviews, tech tips, troubleshooting techniques.

Awesome and Helpful Apps for College Students

As we all know, the way to a better career is to go to college.  However, not all college students think the same way.  They come from different shapes and sizes, diverse attitudes, and beliefs. The good thing is, with the advent of mobile devices, developers come up with different apps tailored-fit for college students, regardless if it’s education-related, music, or entertainment.

I have come across different sites, and as I sift through these articles, they differ in some, but they have some things in common.  Having said that, here are the six most common apps used by college students:

1.    E-reader apps – Colleges and universities no longer require books in coming to school.  I mean, college students nowadays won’t bother bringing books to school.  They bring their tablets or E-book readers with them loaded with e-books for their subjects.  It provides convenience for them because they don’t have to bring a lot of books, because you can load your tablet with a lot of e-books, which contents resemble to an entire huge library.  Examples of which are iBooks, BlueFire Reader, Kobo Books, etc.

2.    Note-taking apps – College studs don’t need a pen and notebook anymore.  That’s all archaic.  Remember that everything is already automated and paperless, including taking notes in a class discussion.  All you need to do is simply pull out your tablet and type everything with an onscreen keyboard or speak while listening to your professor.  Notable examples of these apps are Evernote, Penultimate, Note Taker HD, AudioNote, SoundNote, etc.

3.    Math solving apps – Most college students don’t like Math.  Good thing, there are apps that can help you answer any mathematical problems, may it be arithmetic, calculus, algebraic, geometric, or trigonometric.  Notable examples are Free Graphing Calculator, YourTeacher, Pi Cubed Lite, Formulus for Calculus, etc.

4.   Spreadsheet apps – If you are tasked to create some spreadsheets in school like Financial Statements, and other accounting stuff, you can make them all right from your tablet.  There are apps that can allow you to create spreadsheets similar to Microsoft Excel.  Notable examples are QuickOffice, Documents Free, Google Apps, etc.

5.      Online storage apps – USB thumb drives are still in use, although in recent years, there is what we called cloud or online storage that allows you to store all your files online.  These are very useful for on-the-go college students who want to store all their school stuff in the cloud.  Examples are Dropbox, GoogleDrive, SkyDrive, etc.

6.     Social media apps – lazing around and interacting with friends are the most favorite past times for college students.  If they feel bored, they can just surf, chat with friends, post, like, comment, and share content online.  Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tout, Pinterest, and Instagram are the most commonly used social media apps.

Written By: Arnold Castillo - Tech Support Engineer at SUPPORTrix

Best Alternative Tablets That Won't Break Your Wallet

The modern wave of tablet began in 2010 when the first Apple iPads were delivered to customers in the United States. Three and a half years later, tablets became common. As with most tech products, the price of tablet computers has dropped while their capabilities have grown significantly. New version tablets running Google’s Android operating system are regularly advertised for as low as $99, while the top of the line offerings from Microsoft, Samsung, and others continue to pursue the envelope with smoother and sharper screens, faster processors, and thinner and lighter bodies. Somewhere between the two extremes, a handful of incredible values are waiting to be had. For $150 or less, you can get the best budget tablet to fit your needs without breaking your wallet. Below are my picks for the best budget tablets for 2014.

No-Name Tablets (clone tablets)

I don’t recommend any of these tablets simply because it’s very difficult to track quality control and customer service across so many new and fly-by-night companies getting into the Android game.

An Android tablet for less than $100 certainly sounds like a great deal, but before you invest on it, think about a few things. First, cheap tablets are generally made from cheap materials, whatever the specs might say. Just because a tablet has a quality high-resolution display, for instance, doesn’t mean the display is actually going to look good or be responsive. Check out to see what version of Android comes pre-installed on your device, as you may be stuck with it for a while. Lastly, check to see if the tablet works with the Google Play Store before you purchase it. Tablet manufacturers have to obtain Google Play certification or else their devices won’t be able to access the Android world’s main source for unique apps, books, music, and video content. A cheap tablet may not look like such a bargain if you can’t load any apps on it.

Best Barnes and Noble Tablet

Barnes and Noble Nook HD+ (starting from $149)

Believe it! Barnes and Noble have been making Android tablets for three years now. The original Nook Colour was one of the first 7” tablets in the market, offering a customized Android-based experience combining web and email access with the bookseller’s own catalogue of e-books, apps, periodicals, and digital media. Today’s Nook High D and High D+ tablets offer the recent add on of Google Play support, bringing access to hundreds of thousands apps, movies and songs via Google’s own online Store.

While Barnes and Noble may or may not be getting out from cutthroat tab game, they’re still selling the current Generation Nook HD line at low bargain prices. Your best bet is the Android high-powered Nook HD+, a 9” slate with a 1920 x 1280 full HD display, dual core processor, and micro SD card slot starting at a mere $149. Nook HD can’t quite keep up with the Nexus 7 performance-wise, but its display is simply the best for reading and watching videos. Nook HD+ is easily modified to run the latest stock versions of Android OS, turning it into a “Poor Man’s Nexus” device at a lower price.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 8 in.

·         Weight: 11.1 oz.

·         Storage: 8GB, 16GB

·         Operating System: Android 2.3

Best Budget Tablet if You Own a Samsung TV

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (starting from $179)

Samsung has become Apple’s top rival in the smartphone game by offering advanced powered devices packed with cool features and designed to play with the company’s ecosystem of TVs, home theatre equipment, and other best gadgets. The Galaxy Tab line of tablets offers Android-based alternatives to Apple’s iPad, and the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 slots in as an iPad’s less rival at roughly half the price. The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is a light, sleek, and responsive tablet with a 7” display that’s compatible with all of the apps and media in the Google Play Store. Samsung pre-installs a handful of cool and quality apps on the Tab. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is still a solid value backed by an established name in the consumer electronics space.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.5 oz.

·         Storage: 8GB

·         Operating System: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Best Tablet for Amazon Prime Members

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7” (starting from $229)

Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HDX line might be the device you really want to have. Press a button on the device’s screen and you’ll be connected through video chat to a tech support representative who can walk you through whatever tablet-related help you need. Amazon tech reps can even draw on your tablet screen to show you exactly what buttons to tap and settings to tweak. Mayday is one of the amazing feature, and whether or not it actually catches on; it’s a boon to the tech un-savvy and the relatives who run phone support for them.

Beyond Mayday, the 7” Kindle Fire HDX is a worthy iPad mini and Nexus 7 competitor, particularly if you frequently shop at Amazon. With a 1900 x 1280 displays, quad-core processor, and optional cellular connectivity, HDX is one of the most capable 7” tablets in the market. It is very sleek and light to boot. But Amazon’s tablets are built to keep you in the Amazon ecosystem as much as anything else. On one hand, that means free access to thousands of streaming videos for members, and a user interface designed to recommend all sorts of products you might want to buy next. While on the other, that means less access to the Google services other Android tablet owners enjoy. Kindle Fire owners get their apps from Amazon’s own App Store, whose selection is very limited compared to Google Play.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.7 oz.

·         Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB

·         Operating System: Fire OS 3 Mojito

Best Budget Tablet

Google Nexus 7 (starting from $229)

Google knocked this out of the park with the original Nexus 7, and this year’s model adds a “Super High Definition” 1920 x 1200 display and Quad-Core processor to the mix. The result is a thin, sleek, light, and fast tablet with a gorgeous display suitable for everything from browsing the Web or watching full HD video. Nexus devices also are first in line to receive the latest updates to the Android OS. That means the Nexus 7 will claim the benefits of the new KitKat (Android 4.4) OS long before other Android tabs.

The excellent “Google Now” service shines on Android devices, and the OS widgets and notification system are preferred by many over the iOS and Windows 8 systems. If you want a tablet suited to one-handed use and don’t specifically need an iPad, the Google Nexus 7 is my bet.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.2 oz.

·         Storage: 16GB, 32GB

·         Operating System: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

So there you have it! Those are my top picks for tablets that will surely suit your budget. If you happen to know more budget wise tablets that I missed, then feel free to add them in the comments.

By: Robert Guinanao - Tech Support Engineer at Supportrix

Setting Up and Organizing Your Calendar in iPhone4S

Apple iPhone 4S is one of the most powerful smartphones in the market today. You’ll be able to do a lot of things with the iPhone’s fifth generation; one of them is setting up and organizing your calendar. Calendar is one of the core applications on mobile devices. The Calendar app, which has been included in iOS when it was launched in 2007, assists and helps you keep track of what you're doing. There are several ways to use the calendar -- you can either simply use it by itself or you can sync it with iCloud, Microsoft, Google Calendar, and others. It is the default way to add and find appointments and events. Setting up your calendar is smooth and as easy as what you think since each calendar gets its own color. You can conveniently hide or show individual calendars. If you don't need them anymore, you can simply and easily delete them as well.

If you want to create calendar on your iPhone, please refer to the following steps:

From your iPhone’s Home screen, launch the Calendar app.

Tap on the Calendars button.

Tap the Edit button.

Tap on Add Calendar.

Give your calendar a name by tapping the name field.

Then tap the color you prefer to use for your calendar. For example, we chose Green.

Tap the Done button after choosing the colour and giving a name to your calendar.

Your calendar will be added and you can start creating events and appointments.

To delete calendars on your iPhone, simply go back to the Calendar app then tap on the Calendars button located in the upper left-hand corner of the Calendar application. Tap the blue arrow next to the calendar name you'd like to delete. Scroll the way down to the bottom and tap the Delete Calendar button. The calendar you deleted will no longer show up on your iPhone.

Let's discuss the steps in setting up Google Calendar on an iPhone 4S. As of January 30, 2013, Google stopped allowing new iPhones, iPads, and other devices to be set up using Google sync. The existing Google sync setups will keep working, that's why the next time you want to add Google calendar to your device, you need to use a different service like Google CalDAV. CalDAV is an Internet standard that is used to sync Google calendar with your iPhone 4S or other Apple iOS devices. To sync with your device, first you need to go to Settings from your device's Home screen. Then go to Mail, Contacts, and Calendars. Select Add Account, and then select Gmail. Fill up the following information -- in the Name field, enter your name as you'd like it to appear on others. In the Email field, enter your full Google Account or Google Apps email address. In the Password field, enter your Google Account or Google Apps password. If you are a 2-step verification user, please use an application-specific password instead of your regular password in this field. In the Description field, enter a description of the calendar (example: Personal Calendar). Select Next at the top of your screen. Make sure the Calendars option is turned on. After the setup is complete, open the Calendar app on your device. Syncing will automatically begin. Please take note that by default, only your primary calendar will be synced with your device.

If you have additional calendars that you would like to sync, please visit the following page from your device's mobile browser: https://www.google.com/calendars/syncselect. Google apps users can go to https://m.google.com/sync/settings/. You can select the calendars you'd like to sync, then click Save. The selected calendars will be displayed on your device at the time of the next sync.

Syncing via CalDAV is only available for Apple devices running software version 3.0 or higher. You can check your software version by tapping Settings on your device's Home screen. Then tap General, and then tap About. Your device's software version is listed next to Version.

Setting up and organizing calendar on your iPhone 4S is a great way to stay organized! You can easily keep track of all your events and appointments right from your smartphone.

This article is written by: Rachele Joy Galang

Google's Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics Tool Makes Network Troubleshooting Easier

Have you ever been through a scenario wherein you're downloading your favorite movie or uploading hundreds of pictures of your travel adventure abroad when suddenly your connection comes to a halt? You're confident that you never accidentally kicked off your Ethernet cable under the table. You also paid your last month's bill so there's no reason why you'll get disconnected. All of a sudden, you need to act as a tech whiz otherwise, you'll be left high and dry in front of your useless computer. But we all have to admit it, troubleshooting connectivity issues is a bloody task every computer owner has to undergo. With hundreds of tools that promises to get the job done, you're dumbfounded whether which one will really work for you in the quickest time possible.

Enter, Google's Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics tool makes network troubleshooting a breeze, even for novice users. It's a free app that contains various networking tests and lets you view the results in an easy to read format. The tests range between the basic diagnostics such as checking if your computer's WiFi is turned on, to the complex ones such as checking if there are any blocked ports on your connection. However, the app only lets you find out the problem that is causing you network connectivity issue. It does not fix or correct the issue automatically for you.

First, go to the Chrome Web Store then download the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics app. Upon installing it, launch the tool via the Chrome App Launcher and it will start running the necessary tests.

If there is an issue detected, it will be shown under the Failing Tests section. You can click on the gear icon, then select Show Passing Tests to display all the tests and results.

Clicking on a result will allow you to view more information about the said result and a link to its actual test logs.

If all tests have successfully passed, you'll be prompted with the message "Your network connection appears to be operating correctly," along with a picture of a smiling robot. So to be prepared in case a network problem will arise in the future, we recommend downloading and installing this useful app. It will definitely make your tech life a little bit easier.

Easy Tips in Keeping Your Gadgets in Tiptop Shape

Gadgets, whether it's a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or all of the above, are our most dependable "virtual friends" in this highly tech-driven life. Believe it or not, they too, need some tender loving care so that they'll last as long you want them around. So how can you return the favor? Here are some of the most practical tips on how to keep your tech devices and gadgets in mint condition.

Always Keep Your Gadgets Clean

Always doesn't necessarily mean that you have to clean your gadget(s) every hour or so. It is ideal to clean them when it's needed, since we all know that they can also transmit germs and other harmful viruses due to everyday use. Avoid using cleaning materials that can damage the screen or surface of your gadget. There are many safe cleaning solutions and materials out there that are specifically designed for use on gadgets that you can buy. After all, they are our best companions and it will also reflect our personalities on how we handle our personal things.

Don't Block the Air Vents of Your Laptop to Avoid Overheating

Curling up on the couch while watching your favorite TV show or movie may be a little bit too cozy for your laptop's taste. Laptops generate a fair amount of heat; the warmth can be nice on a cold winter's night but it needs to be dissipated if your laptop is going to last. Your laptop has what it needs to stay cool already, you just have to be careful not to block the air intakes. If you hear the fan on your laptop kicking into high gear, it's time to let it cool down. Your laptop is happiest when it's sitting on a hard surface with plenty of air flow around it. You can also place a small book or flat item under your laptop when it's sitting on a desk. This way, the slight tilt will allow more air to flow under the laptop. Watching videos on your laptop on the couch is fine, but bundling it up like a baby and falling asleep? That's not such a great idea.

Don't Wrap Cables and Cords Too Tightly

Do you find your phone cable and headphones end up in a tangled mess? Or worse, do you find the casing on your charger cable cracked? Make sure your cables are in good shape by not wrapping them too tightly when storing. Instead of tightly wrapping the cable around itself to store, wrap it around your outstretched fingers. Wrap the bundle with an elastic band or use a binder clip to secure it. Just make sure you're not pinching any of the wires to avoid damage. You can also buy some cheap cord/cable holder or cable tie because elastic bands have a tendency to become brittle and break over some time.

Avoid Exposing Your Gadgets to Direct Heat and Sunlight

Sunlight, as we all know, can be very bad to your gadgets. If you think you'll be gone for quite a while, never leave your laptop or any type of electronic device inside your car, especially if you're going to park it in an open outdoor parking lot. When storing, be sure to keep your gadgets in room temperature to protect it from any damage.

Manage Your Apps Properly

If your once speedy tablet is now running slowly, don't fret. Every once in a while, it helps to fully shut down and restart your tablet fresh. But before doing so, make sure to close out any apps that you're not actively using. Keep track of apps that you're not using anymore, or at all, and delete them. Some apps take up a lot of space and this can greatly slow down your gadget.

Buy a Protective Casing for Your Gadget

You'll never run out of places to buy a protective casing for your tablet or smartphone. Keep in mind that they are not made for nothing. Not only will it make your gadget more personalized, it will also provide extra protection against dents, scratches, water, and shock. You can even have a million designs to choose from that will surely match your taste and style.

Avoid Draining the Battery When Storing Your Gadget

Before storing, charge your gadget(s) to 50% and then turn it off. Leaving a tablet or any gadget unused for a long period of time with a dead battery can damage its ability to hold the charge.

Bring Your Gadgets to an Authorized Service Center

If in case your gadget breaks down, make it a point to bring it to an authorized and legit service centers only. If you think that you'll save more if you have it repaired on cheap repair shops, think again. There's a great chance that the technician doesn't have proper training and handling skills to repair your gadget, which may cause you to spend more in the end.

We hope these tips will help your tech devices last a really long time. Always keep in mind that gadgets can be very fragile. Being careless on your gadget is not a very practical thing to do, because you'll end up buying a new one just because you missed doing some of these very simple things.