How to Password Protect Files and Folders on PC

You must be having some personal data on your PC or laptop that you won’t like to share with anyone. In that case, you can password protect your files and folders. Find out how.

If your computer or laptop is being used by other people, then you definitely need to password protect your personal data that you don’t want to share.

For example, if you have written down your passwords on a text file or spreadsheet, you won’t like your sister or parents to find out your facebook password! However, I recommend you to use a password manager software to store your passwords.

Ok, that was just an example. There could be other data as well that you want to protect. It becomes more important when you have some sensitive business data stored on your PC.

Unfortunately, Windows operating system doesn’t have this feature in built to help you password protect your files or folders.

Thankfully, there are several software that help you password protect your files or folders on your PC. You set the password and only you will be able to access that data.

Make sure you remember your password though! Again, think about a password manager software.

Software to Help You Password Protect Files and Folders on PC

There are few good software available for file and folder password protection. Here are some of them:

TrueCrypt
One of the most effective utility to help you safeguard your sensitive data. TrueCrypt is open source (and hence free) utility that is supported on multiple platforms.

Though it initially requires some efforts for the set up, it’s really peace of mind once you start using it. You can rely on it. If someone hacks your PC and tries to decrypt your password protected data, they will have a really difficult time cracking it.

My LockBox
My LockBox is free and simple software which adds a password to a folder and hence put security on your sensitive data.

The folder which you had given a lock using this utility will be hidden from any user and applications from your computer system including administrator. If you had given lock to the folder, it is difficult to access it from local computer and internet.

Free Hide Folder 2.0
Another simple utility, just like My LockBox. It also helps to add a password and hide the folder that you select.

Hide Folder Ext
The folders you choose will be completely invisible, even on an external drive. Just add the documents and click on Protech and Quit and it’s done.

7-Zip
Though it’s a utility for archiving purpose, there is a feature to password protect your data. So you can add a password to the archive. However, the files and folders will not be hidden. They will be listed along with other files and folders. But anyone will require a password to open it. You can hide your archive data manually from the properties.

What is the Difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

USB is an industry standard for creating connections between computers, computer peripherals and other devices supporting USB. It’s functionality includes detecting, loading and identifying the genuine and potential software drivers which suits best for particular USB devices.

USB is short for Universal Serial Bus, a data transfer device that manages power according to its versions and give efficient results.

USB 2.0 was launched earlier and due to its less compatibility with certain devices, USB 3.0 was launched with better and faster data transfer speeds.

Usually computers have both the types of ports compatible for 2.0 and 3.0 ports. Both the versions work best with their portable devices only as 2.0 always acts more compatible for 2.0 devices and same for 3.0 devices.

Also read: USB Device Not Recognized In Windows 7 or 8.

USB 2.0

Hi-Speed certified USB was released in 2000 and was known for its high speed capability with 480 megabits per second.

Specifications: It uses Half-duplex polling method in which signaling is done one sided only, either you can send data or receive data.

For 2.0 devices, USB 2.0 is best as it is less expensive and compatible as well. USB 2.0 usually requires up to 500mA power supply as it have 4 wires within its cable. Cable is usually 5 meters long.

USB 3.0

USB 3.0 superfast device was launched in 2008 and is approximately 10 times faster than the original USB 2.0 version.

Specifications: It provides 4.8 Giga bits per second speed. Full duplex asynchronous signaling mechanism is followed in USB 3.0 version and this way one can simultaneously send and receive data. As compared to 2.0, this is little more expensive but with the amount of fast speed it provides it is worth.

900mA power supply is used in this version which provides better efficiency. With the help of this one can connect and provide power supply to more than one device. Its cable is mainly 3 meters long and one can connect more wires with it as well.

The major difference between these two versions categorized in following pointers:

Rate of data-transfer: The transfer rate of both the devices varies almost with 10 times difference. USB 2.0 transfers data with 480Mbps speed while USB 3.0 offers 4.8Gbps speed which justifies its invention over 2.0 versions.

Increased connectors: USB 2.0 contain limited ports where only few wires can be connected but 3.0 cables have more than one wires, with almost doubled connectors.

Power required: both the cables varies in their power consumption capabilities which makes it easier for the customer to choose one over another.

Bandwidth: Half-duplex and full-duplex are two types of communication mechanisms which are followed by USB 2.0 and 3.0 respectively. Preferring 3.0 over 2.0 lets the user to have full control over data transfer and this way one can send and receive data simultaneously. This helps in better time consuming and efficient way.

Compatibility: one can use USB 3.0 cable with 2.0 devices but it is not compatible for vice versa situations.

Color difference: one can easily detect USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables just by identifying their color. 2.0 come in grey color while blue color is prominent and depicts USB 3.0 cables.

Plenty of Fish POF Dating App Review

POF dating app is one of the largest free dating app with more than fifty million users keenly looking for casual dating and serious relationships.

It is a very well-designed dating app with so many unique, interesting and remarkable features and capabilities.

Basically, people can start by providing some essential profile information such as marital status, number of kids (if any), pastime activities, religion, occupation, earnings, previous relationships (if any) etc.

Your interest list and few lines about yourself can also be given to give a personal touch to your dating profile. There is a fun questionnaire called the Relationship Chemistry Predictor which is designed to evaluate compatibility.

It gives a number of statements to make an assessment of a user’s personality. According to your responses to these questions, it matches you with other users.

Another optional interesting tool called the Relationship Needs Assessment finds your known and hidden requirements in a relationship. After the assessment, it provides you a list of questions and topics to discuss with your possible matches.

If you are already familiar with POF website, you will surely love this app as it includes all the main features and presents them in a simple and easy-to-use design.

The point to be mentioned here is that the application is actually simpler and uncomplicated than the POF website itself, so one can actually just let the website go entirely.

The navigation part of the POF application is exceptionally user-friendly; moreover users can upload their pictures directly from their devices as well. Users can easily communicate with their matches by sending and receiving messages.

The icon of the app is a blue fish which is quite different from other dating sites’ icons with some really awkward cheesy lines.

As mentioned earlier, the POF app is 100 % free to download and use which means you can create, search and communicate with your closest matches on this app without any charges.

POF also includes an exclusively feature for Android users, it allows you to make a private call to someone without giving him/her your contact number. You just need to tap the phone icon shown in your chat in order to place a voice call immediately!

However it is to be noted here that the voice call feature is still in testing phase and only available to very few users as of now. These voice calls are placed using the app, so you need to keep a check on your data limit as well.

The POF app uses the GPS feature of your device to find the matches in immediate vicinity; while the app allows you to check if a person is within 500 meters area from you, but it doesn’t display the exact location of that person due to privacy issues.

POF app is available internationally and can be used in a number of other widely spoken languages like French and Spanish etc. Existing members of POF website can use their username and password for logging-in to the application whereas new consumers of this app need to first launch the POF application and tap the “Sign Up” button on its main page and follow simple steps to create the account.

A photo can be uploaded within few moments using this application. The POF app lets you edit your dating profile and make necessary changes by following some simple instructions.

The POF app makes use of the GPS or zip code (if GPS is disabled) to find out your location. The app gives you an option to decide whether you want to receive alerts or not when you get a new message from someone.

POF app provides you access to one of the largest online dating communities in the world. With over fifty million users, this dating app seems quite promising in helping those who are actively searching for a large pool of potential matches in their close vicinity. Generally speaking, the POF app is the best online dating application available out there with tons of amazing features and options.

25 Best Android Apps You Should Try

Android is one of the leading operating system for which many applications and games are launched every month. Android compatibility is checked whenever one is looking for new mobile or tablet. Some of the top notch applications available in android mode are as follows:

AppSurfer:

Price: Free
This android app is a discovery tool that helps showcase the applications. Additional benefit of this app is that it will let the user try it before downloading it. To use this app is very easy and it’s best to have a preview before buying any new app which is only possible if you have AppSurfer. There are times when you test an application and pay for it and later it turned out to be total waste, then one should definitely prefer using this application as it will let you try the app properly before downloading it.

Silencify:

Price: Free
To have a smarter control over your devices in terms of volume, Android introduces a powerful profiling application which is known to be very easy to use. There are many such applications available in the market, but this is unique as it focuses mainly on the sound. It’s main plus points are it’s easy to use, free of cost and designed beautifully.

CloneBoard:

Price: $0.99
For all those professionals who have a habit to jot down their important work and make reminders, this application is must. CloneBoard is like a whiteboard where one can draw or write down the important stuff in points. This is yet another easy to use application provided by Android.

Snap Camera:

Price: $1.99 (Free Trail)
Next in the list of best android apps, Snap camera is yet another interactive and easy to use application which is a camera application. It provides minimal interface which reduce the clutter and allows multiple yet instant picture and video facility. It provides a slick gallery which have both basic and advanced photo editing features including instagram facility. For the starters, it provides free trail package and once you are comfortable with its features, one can download it.

Handy Photo:

Price: $1.99
An immense yet powerful features offered by android is Handy Photo. This is another photo editing tool which has many more interesting and creative features. It is easily available at Google play and can challenge any editing software abilities as it provides many innovative features as well.

Glovebox:

Price: $3.75
One of the stealthy application launcher which is used to hide the shortcuts and provides the user liberty to access them from anywhere the user can be is Glovebox. One can simply swipe it from the side and ready to use the application whenever wanted. This is somewhat similar to Wave application but with this one can actually customize the properties plus it is very easy to explore.

Clean Master:

Price: free 
Clean master as the name depicts is used to clear the space of the Android device. This utility tool helps to clear the cache memory which is usually stored when we are continuously adding and removing applications into our device. Once the unnecessary space is cleared, Android device acts more efficiently and faster speed. One need to use this device to understand its power, though cleaning the space is its primary function but not its only function.

PlayPozz:

Price: $6.99 per month and $49.99 per year
Android is compatible for not only utility tools but also very interactive and exciting games for children of all age groups. Playpozz is one of top creative games offered for Android devices which help children increase their knowledge and skills regarding mathematics. One can play their favorite titles in this game by earning points (called pozzts) which can be collected by completing various quizzes and puzzle levels. For those kids (<11 years) who are addicted to their phones, this game can be very educative by improving their arithmetic skills.

Perfect365:

Price: free
Perfect365 is amazing and something new available in market. This application is more like an editing tool with which one can add more beautiful effects into their pictures by adding makeup to it. For those who are looking for makeover, this application can help you give a preview of what you might be expecting.

Ondigo:

Price: free
Ondigo is an application ideal for those users who own their business. This is more like customer relationship management app which maintains a contact list in Android devices. Its slick user interface offers great features with which one can arrange all their contacts and can easily remain connected to their clients and potential customers with simple customization feature.

Scare Timer:

Price: $0.99 (free trial demo)
For those people who loves to play pranks on their friends, this application is appropriate for them. This “record and play” prank app enables the user to set a response video in delayed mode for scream or ghoul. One can customize the sound by adding evil laugh, scream or loud ghoul and then hand it over your Android device to your friend to play game, read a message or email and at particular set time, boom! This app allows recording the after response in a video and then you can always use that video to tease them afterwards. This easy to use application is usually for free but its professional version is paid.

9GAG:

Price: free
An official application for picture sharing especially made for Android devices is 9GAG. Get all the current funny images, videos, motivational posters and trendy memos absolutely free here. This application has auto updating facility plus it’s an interactive app which is easy to use.

Alien Hive:

Price: Free (optional in-app purchases)
Alien Hive is amazing combination of challenges and creativity mashed up into one game. This puzzle game is addictive for children and its new match 3 version is full of new adventures.

Zombie Minesweeper:

Price: $0.99
Yet another interesting app especially designed for Android device users in which player has to guide a girl through various interesting and dangerous levels and has to take her to the last level avoiding all zombies in between.

SpellTower:

Price: $1.99
After its mega success in iOS users, spelltower has made its way through Android market and as it sounds this easy to use game is very popular. In this, one has to accumulate all the letters together in grid format base and on the basis of optimal arrangement scores are given to the player.

Brain Puzzle:

Price: free
Consider it more like an IQ test where one can play various quizzes and puzzles to keep their minds active yet engrossed. This addictive game is well designed and has various eye-catching animations which are the reason of its popularity.

Rocket Island:

Price: free
Yet another addictive and interesting game for Android devices in which tapping the hexagons on the island will allow you to turn them into rockets and launching them in space in the end.

Sporos:

Price: free
Sporos is a fiendishly challenging puzzle game in which user has to light up the cells in the puzzle using sporos seeds. Ones job is to figure out how to manage all types of seeds which expand in various directions.

Word Soup:

Price: $2.00
For all those word game lovers out there, Word Soup is a game of one of kind in which one has to make new words form a collections of letters available. This interactive yet educative game is available for Android device users and can easily be downloaded from Google play.

Clear vision 2:

Price: $0.99
For all those users looking for action and adventure, clear vision 2 is one of the best android apps option in games available for Android devices. This game is like hitman sequel in which stick figures are used as targets. This game is free of cost but its bigger version is paid.

Fancy:

Price: free
In the world where everyone is making mobile applications, there is an app which force us to think outside the box. A more social version of Amazon, The Fancy provides an interactive platform to the user through which he can discover new items available in the market.

SwiftKey

Price: $3.99
For Android device users, swift key is like a blessing. It’s a replacement to the keyboard which is so comfortable and convenient that one can never think of going back to previous keyboard. This app detects the former pattern in which you text, email and on the basis of that suggests you new writing styles.

Utorrent

Price: Free
UTorrent is also one of the best android apps and that too for free. It helps you to find and download torrents on your smartphone or tablet. This app doesn’t put any speed limit or size limit on the downloads.

Robin

Price: Free
This is one of the best android apps for those looking for a virtual assistant on the road. This can be used for local information, GPS navigation, facebook & twitter news, weather information and much more. The developers are promoting it as the Siri challenger.

Instagram

Price: Free
Instagram android app helps you to make and share great photos on your android. You can apply various effects to your photo and then share it in a simple photo stream with your friends.

Top 10 Security Tips for Smartphones

1. Using public Wi-Fi hotspots
It might be tempting to use a free of cost Wi-Fi hotspot, but an unsecure connection can always be dangerous. It might be an invitation for hackers or can even make your data public. So always connect to a secure network, the one you trust or only connect using VPN service.

Connecting to a wireless network leaks your identity and location details so always enable automatic disconnection in the places you think are without secure connections. Also clear the list of networks which you no longer use.

2. Mobile banking
If you find it easy to make transactions using a smartphone always make sure you do not save the usernames and passwords. Even if you shop online immediately sign out after the payment has been made. It is highly recommended that you don’t use a public Wi-Fi for transactions.

3. Lock your phone
Always lock your device. There are many ways to lock it like codes, passwords, swipe patterns, finger trials or even face recognition unlock mode.

This is important as it won’t allow anyone apart from you to unlock the phone and will prevent leakage of the things you want to keep personal. By using this tip you don’t have to worry even if you keep your phone unattended for a while or someone simply tries to use it for a minute.

4. Autolock
Always enable the autolock feature, otherwise even if you set the passwords and codes but leave the phone without locking it, you might make your data vulnerable to thefts. So always keep the autolock setting enabled. By using this tip you don’t have to worry even if you keep your phone unattended for a while or someone simply tries to use it for a minute.

5. Data encryption
Always keep your important data encrypted. Because even if your password protected phone gets stolen or someone takes it away from you, it can be connected to a PC and and all the data can be accessed. So always encrypt your smartphone and prevent data theft.

6. Apps & their permissions
Most of the apps today are free and have a very fancy description. They certainly catch your eye and also tempt you to use them. Since these apps can bring malwares and viruses to completely crash your device, it’s better to download only from genuine sites. Also check the permissions an app demands, sometimes they might request access to your contact or any other personal information.

7. Antivirus Software
Always keep a genuine antivirus and update it regularly. Make sure it warns you before opening a risky site and blocks malicious content.

8. Phone Updates
Always update your phone at regular intervals and keep in touch with latest available versions. Updates often increase the compatibility, speed and security of the device.

9. Backup and Recovery
Always create a backup of your data so you can restore it if it gets lost or corrupt or if someday you have to format your device.

10. Spam messages and links
Never reply to spam messages which demand your personal information. Never click on links of unknown parties as it might get you billed for an unwanted app or might even involve you in a phishing scam.

So these were the top 10 security tips for smartphones. If you have any tip, please feel free to add in comments.

How to Reset or unfreeze an iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Classic, or iPod Shuffle?

Ever since the discovery of gadgets, people are drawn towards it and its demand is gradually increased whether it is mobile phones, music players or appliances controlled by IPs.

For any gadget freak, it is essential to have basic knowledge of gadget they are using for times it may freeze or corrupted. Apple is one of the leading brands which are popular worldwide for its phones and music players.

iPod is yet another greatest invention by Apple corp. that rules the market with its many devices: IPod touch, nano, classic and shuffle.

For every minor fault or functionality issue, you don’t want to look up to Apple customer center. This is where we enter, clicking too much? Virus sneaked in? Result: Freeze!

The mechanism to unfreeze an ipod is same in all ipods – only the name of buttons differs that make all the change. Let us have a look:

How to unfreeze an IPod Nano

iPod Nano is available in many versions. To reset or unfreeze an IPod Nano 1st to 5th generation IPod Nano, only two steps are required.

First, hold onto the Hold button and set it ON and OFF.

From Menu, keep pressing Select button. This you have to do until the logo of Apple appears. And voila, your device is reset again.

But when it comes to latest versions of Nano, the task is not that easy. 6th generation iPod Nano requires clicking Sleep and Volume button together for at least 6-7 seconds.

On the other hand, 7th generation iPod Nano requires Sleep and Home button for apple logo to appear which will help unfreeze the device.

How to unfreeze an iPod Touch

Nothing goes wrong when it comes to iPod Touch as it only contains two buttons: one is for Sleep and other is of Home.

So in order to unfreeze an iPod Touch, simply hold on to both the buttons together and as soon the logo of Apple appears click and reset it. If your device is freezed, it may not respond to the action quickly so keep pressing it till the device is turned off.

How to unfreeze an iPod Classic

Same as IPod Nano, first step is simple hold onto the Hold button and slide it to ON and OFF. From Menu, keep pressing Select button until the logo of Apple appears. And voila, your device is reset again.

Sometimes these steps also don’t work and device remains freeze. In such cases, make sure to connect your device to power adapter or directly to computer which is turn ON and then follow these steps again.

How to unfreeze an iPod Shuffle

iPod Shuffle also has four versions for each generation and in order to reset them only the name of button differs but the function is exactly same. Make sure your iPod is disconnected from ITunes mode if your device is freeze.

Resetting Shuffle includes only two steps: a button must be present on top or side position of your device from which you can switch on or off the device.

Turn off or slide it off the power button.

First two generations of iPod Shuffle only requires 4-5 seconds but rest of the two generations requires at least 10 seconds for the device to be completely switched off before you turn it on again. Following these two steps only can help you refreeze or reset the iPod.

So these were the exact steps that you need to follow if you want to know how to unfreeze an iPod. Hopefully, your problems would be resolved.

Best Free Android Apps of 2014

1. AppSurfer

Price: Free

This application is a discovery tool that helps showcases the applications and additional benefit of this app is that it will let the user try it before downloading it.

To use this app is very easy and it’s best to have a preview before buying any new app which is only possible if you have AppSurfer.

There are times when you test an application and pay for it and later it turned out to be total waste, then one should definitely prefer using this application as it will let you try the app properly before downloading it.

2. Silencify

Price: Free

To have a smarter control over your devices in terms of volume, Android introduces a powerful profiling application which is known to be very easy to use.

There are many such applications available in the market, but this is unique as it focuses mainly on the sound. It’s main plus points are its easy to use, free of cost and designed beautifully.

3. Clean Master

Price: free

Clean master as the name depicts is used to clear the space of the Android device. This utility tool helps to clear the cache memory which is usually stored when we are continuously adding and removing applications into our device.

Once the unnecessary space is cleared, Android device acts more efficiently and faster speed. One need to use this device to understand its power, though cleaning the space is its primary function but not its only function.

4. Perfect365

Price: free

Perfect365 is amazing and something new available in market. This application is more like an editing tool with which one can add more beautiful effects into their pictures by adding makeup to it.

For those who are looking for makeover, this application can help you give a preview of what you might be expecting.

5. Ondigo

Price: free

Ondigo is an application ideal for those users who own their business. This is more like customer relationship management app which maintains a contact list in Android devices.

It’s slick user interface offers great features with which one can arrange all their contacts and can easily remain connected to their clients and potential customers with simple customization feature.

6. Rocket Island

Price: free

Yet another addictive and interesting game for Android devices in which tapping the hexagons on the island will allow you to turn them into rockets and launching them in space in the end.

7. Sporos

Price: free

Sporos is a fiendishly challenging puzzle game in which user has to light up the cells in the puzzle using sporos seeds. Ones job is to figure out how to manage all types of seeds which expand in various directions.

8. Utorrent, Robin and Instagram for Android

Price: free

All these three apps are known in web world and are now available in you device. For downloading movies, editing images and expand your virtual assistant capabilities these versions are exclusively available for Android users.

9. 9GAG

Price: free

An official application for picture sharing especially made for Android devices is 9GAG. Get all the current funny images, videos, motivational posters and trendy memos absolutely free here. This application has auto updating facility plus it’s an interactive app which is easy to use.

10. Alien Hive

Price: Free (optional in-app purchases)

Alien Hive is amazing combination of challenges and creativity mashed up into one game. This puzzle game is addictive for children and its new match 3 version is full of new adventures.

So these were the top 10 free android apps according to me. What do you thing about these apps? Do let us know in comments below.