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    An idiot’s guide to protecting yourself online

    As the recent Symantec ISTR brief shows, the internet is filled with a lot of bad people. These new breed of hackers and malicious code writers aren’t looking for fame or notoriety – they’re looking for cash. Cold, hard cash. They do this by any means necessary – by infiltrating your personal networks, your social networks, the places you hang out in virtually – and take your identity and your cash. As the massive data breach in Sony’s PSN shows, even the big boys aren’t safe. There are ways to protect yourself online, and most of it doesn’t require expensive antivirus software and whatever. All it requires is for you to be alert and practice a lot of common sense.

    Seriously, go change it right now.

    First thing you have to do – change your passwords. Seriously, if you’re the type of guy to have a single username and password across every account you own, from Facebook to Gmail, change it, now. One of the main reasons of hackers and people who break into forums and community sites is to farm usernames and passwords. It’s human nature to be lazy and use the same username and password across all the sites you go to, and it’s exactly that nature that these people prey on.

    Don't worry, we won't judge you

    Have at least two email accounts – one for serious things like your Facebook and financial stuff, and one to join groups, forums and other sites. The rationale behind this is that your second account is your throwaway email – if it gets compromised, it’s not a big thing, most they’ll get is your forum account registration to My Little Pony, not your Facebook password or anything embarrassing.

    OMG, THIS ISN'T REAL

    Speaking of Facebook, here’s something that you need to put in your head, right quick. There is no application to see who viewed your profile. There is no [INSERT FAMOUS STAR HERE] sex video that’s only viewable through Facebook. Those are all scams, spams and malicious links that compromise your account when you click on them. If you feel the urge, stop. Don’t. It’s the easiest way to gain control of an account, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort, since it prey’s on people’s natural sense of curiosity. Facebook is a particularly easy place to spread these links, because of its very nature – people can start farming information about you and the social groups that you hang out in and tailor specific attacks and viruses to your social group and interests because a lot of the information you put in Facebook is public. You want better security? Lock your account down to just your acquaintances and people you know personally. Another thing: don’t blindly go to short URL links that people link you through chat. If someone you’ve not spoken to in awhile pops up in your chatbox and asks you to visit a link, stop. Ask him/her what the link is for. Chances are his/her account has already been compromised and is sending out automated scripts to further spread malware.

    IM IN UR PC, GETTING YUR FILEZ

    For the love of god, STOP forwarding chain letters in email. Sure, it’s funny and hey, we can all use a good laugh now and again, but it’s extremely easy for people to include malicious links in the email chain, and even in the pictures themselves. It’s one of the reasons why Gmail and other email providers asks you for permission to show the pictures in emails. You need to stop the chain before it goes any further.

    Always make sure that the site is secure.

    Another thing you need to remember when you’re browsing your email is that financial institutions, game servers and whatever don’t ask for your username and password through email. Those kinds of emails are usually phishing scams – they usually say that there’s a problem in your account, and link you to the site in question to “verify” your username and password. Remember, if there’s a problem in your account, you’ll want to log in through your browser by typing the site in question – never follow the links in your email.

    It's the best antivirus program ever made.

    Last but not the least, always keep your antivirus program up to date, and keep your OS updated to guard you against vulnerabilities.

     

     

    Google searches around the world visualized

    We’ve shown you the visualization of Android activations from around the world, now the team from Mountainview has made a visualization of a single day’s worth of searches via WebGL. WebGL is a new tech that uses your computer’s hardware to generate 3D images but unfortunately your browser needs to be able to handle it for it to work. Naturally, Chrome handles WebGL perfectly, so it’s worth a download if the browser your using isn’t compatible. You can plainly see the number of searches in developed countries almost go through the roof, in contrast to developing nations and countries where there isn’t widespread internet access. Check out the source links below to see for yourself.

    Via: Google Blog

    Source: Search Globe

     

    Globe brings iPhone 4 in White to the Philippines

    They say, “once you go black, you never go back.” But in the case of mobile phone owners, this may not necessarily hold true as people like a little variety in their gadgets as well as something that will add more character and personality to the individual user. So if you think black is beginning to look a little bland, here is something that might just completely brighten up your day and hand-held communicating experience.

    Globe Telecom announced that it will bring the white model of iPhone 4 to subscribers in the Philippines, after launching the earlier black version in September of last year.

    “The long wait is over. Globe is changing everything again by bringing the white iPhone 4 exclusively to mobile phone users in the country. The white iPhone 4 is perfect for customers who want to personalize their iPhone 4 experience with a different look while keeping everything that makes iPhone 4 amazing,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor of Consumer Business at Globe Telecom.

    Apart from the Philippines, white models of the iPhone 4 are also available in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the United States.

    iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple’s stunning Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone resulting in super crisp text, images and video, and FaceTime®, which makes video calling a reality. It also features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple’s A4 processor, a 3-axis gyro and up to 40 percent longer talk time—in a beautiful all-new design of glass and stainless steel that is the thinnest smartphone in the world. iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, which includes over 100 new features. The revolutionary App Store provides access to more than 205,000 apps including the new iMovie app built just for iPhone 4.

    Available in Globe Stores nationwide beginning May 7, 2011, the revolutionary white iPhone 4 will be available under the all-new Globe MySuperPlan. Get your white iPhone 4 for free at Plan 3799 for the 16GB model and at Plan 5000 for the 32GB model. It is also available with one-time cash out at lower plans or via prepaid phone kits.

    Beginning May 10, 2011, the white iPhone 4 will also be available on the brand-new Globe My SuperSurf Plans, an array of fully-customizable unlimited data plans which provide users with uninterrupted surfing, consumable monthly fees, bonus call and text services, all starting at just Plan 999.

    Visit the nearest Globe Store or call the Globe Sales Hotline at (02) 730-1010 to get your iPhone 4 in White now.  For more information on iPhone 4, you can also visit www.globe.com.ph/iphone or www.apple.com/iphone.

     

     

    Impossible announces their newest film: the PX680 Color Shade

    While there are certain apps and plugins that attempt to emulate the very distinct image quality of analog film, no amount of digital data can recreate the real thing.

    Impossible, well known for their endeavor to revive the production of instant film, has announced its newest stock, the PX680 Color Shade, which features a new 600 ASA color system.  The much awaited successor to the classic Polaroid 600 is still in the beta-testfilm stage but is available for order now (if stock is still available).

    The PX680 Color Shade is available for order over the web via Impossible’s online store.

    Google creating indoor shots of businesses for Street View

    Google maps has become a necessary navigation aid for me, especially when it comes to traversing the unfamiliar roads of Manila and Makati. People living in the US and other countries get an additional view level when using Google maps, called Street View that allows you to (virtually) look around the street and check if the instructions you got are the same on the map. Now Google’s stepping up Street View up a notch by including interior shots of selected business establishments via Google Business Photos, a new service that lets Google take photos of your establishment for use with Google maps. Hey Google, how about giving the Philippines the Street View treatment?

    Via: Arstechnica

    Source: Google

    Smithsonian organizes “The Art of Videogames” exhibit, runs from March 16, 2012 through September 30, 2012

    I’ve never been shy of showing my undying love of videogames – that crazy love/hate relationship I had with the moving pixels on the screen has only improved over the years. Now the Smithsonian Institution has recognized the importance of the electronic entertainment medium and has organized the “The Art of Videogames” exhibit that’ll run from March 16, 2012 through September 30, 2012. The exhibition will explore the 40‐year evolution of video games as an artistic medium, with a focus onstriking visual effects, the creative use of new technologies, and the most influential artists and designers. You can expect some priceless gems like the original Legend of Zelda on display, as well as fairly modern games like the exquisitely hauntingly beautiful Shadow of the Colossus and the original Portal.

    Source: Art of Videogames

    Game dev makes a $25 USB stick PC, warms our nerd hearts

    There’s been a lot of talk in making a low cost PC/notebook that’s so cheap it can be mass produced like crazy and be given to needy kids everywhere. The OLPC project was made exactly for that, but it seems they’ve been beat to the punch by our new favorite human being ever, Game developer David Braben. Aside from making games like Rollercoaster Tycoon series, ThrillvilleLost Winds, and most recently Kinectimals, David has found time to create a tiny USB stick PC that has a 700MHz ARM11 processor with 128MB of RAM and runs OpenGL ES 2.0 and allows 1080p output(!) via an HDMI port. The build is cheap enough and small enough that it’s easy to distribute it to schools, villages, literally anywhere that needs a PC.

    [Thanks for tip, Alissandro!]

    Via: Geek

    Source: BBC

    SMART: Life Made Extraordinary Contest

    Remember the days when “mobile” phones were as big as those satellite phones in the 90s, with calling plans that cost an arm and a leg, letters were mailed at a post office, and friends could only meet up at a certain spot during a certain day and time, otherwise, there would be no other way to know for sure when you would see them again? Communication and staying connected has come a long way since then and one service that has made it easier for people to keep in touch is Smart.

     

    Everybody has his own unique story, which tells something about person’s character, personal views of life, the way they were shaped in the context of their extraordinary lives toward inspiring change and innovation.

    Do you have such story? Do you have something important to share with others? Do you believe your story can help somebody? Then, do not hesitate to participate in SMART Extraordinary Lives “How has any SMART service or innovation changed your life?”

    This contest is open to all SMART subscribers from May 8 to June 30, 2011. Stories may be submitted in any format, through the following channels: smart.com.ph/extraordinary in either video or text format; participating radio stations; drop boxes in any Smart Store near you; and watch out for the SMART Extraordinary Lives booth in upcoming SMART events.

    Users may submit many stories as they wish, provided they are all different. All submissions will be reviewed before posting on the website. Any story that contains lewd, obscene, pornographic or offensive material will be disqualified. Likewise, anything that is derogatory to the brand SMART, its image, logo and reputation, will also be disqualified.

    Qualified entries will be posted on the microsite beginning May 8, 2011. One story will be featured in leading broadsheets and tabloids nationwide. Stories will be judged based on the following criteria: Relevance to the theme (It should be a SMART service or innovation) – 40%; Creativity (How the story is told) – 30%; and Originality (How unique is the experience) – 30%.

    At the end of the contest, the judges will score each entry based on the above criteria. The three highest scorer based on weighted average wins P100,000 (1st place), P30,000 (2nd place) and P20,000 (3rd place).

    Starting July 1, the microsite is open for visitors to vote for their favorite story. Registered users simply login to vote. The highest vote-getter by the end of the voting period will be declared the People’s Choice winner and will be awarded P10,000 cash.

    Winning stories may be featured, in part or in full, in SMART’s new TV commercial.

    SMART My Life Made Extraordinary story contest is per DTI NCR Permit Number 3870 Series of 2011.

    Gadgets Magazine May issue out now!

    Hey gadgets lovers, our May issue is now out on newsstands, and we have the simply stunning cosplay queen herself, Alodia Gosiengfiao as our cover! The May issue is chock full of gadget reviews, product features and a spotlight on Alodia’s favorite eco Facebook game, Alter Space. Pick up a copy now!

     

    G-Form Extreme Sleeve for laptops

    G-Form demonstrated their new Extreme Sleeve for laptops by throwing it from a 20 foot high balcony with a MacBook inside of it.  Miraculously the laptop was retrieved without a single hint of damage. See the video here.

    How does it work?  These sleeves are made of PORON XRD, a lightweight and lithe substance that has the amazing ability to absorb 90 percent of the energy generated from impact.

    G-Form, a company known primarily for manufacturing skateboarding knee pads, has gained internet notoriety for their extreme demonstrations of their products.  In fact, they tested their Extreme Sleeve for the iPad by throwing it off an airplane that was 500 feet high in the air.

     

    The Extreme Sleeve for laptops is available for pre-ordering at G-Form’s website.

     

    Source: Engadget

    Sony PSN aftermath: Anonymous provided cover for the intruders

    After the malicious attack that brought the PSN network down, we’re finally piecing together what happened in one of the biggest data breaches in history. According to a letter sent by Sony’s Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCEA Kazuo Hirai to the subcommittee hearing of congress last May 4 (in which Sony was absent), Sony was a victim of a “of a very carefully planned, very professional, highly sophisticated criminal cyber attack.”

    In addition,  Hirai says that in his letter that the intruders had planted a file on one of our Sony Online Entertainment servers named “Anonymous” with the words “We are Legion”” – a common calling card left after the groups’ attack. He further explains that previous DDoS attacks from the group served as fuel to the fire, with the malicious entry happening “at or around the same time as these servers were experiencing a series of denial of service attacks.”

    The letter also tells of Sony’s detection of the attacks around April 19, 2011 at around 4:15 PDT, with the discovery of unauthorized transfer of data (possibly user account information) occurring on April 20, 2011. The delay between detection, confirmation and announcement to the public that their accounts have been compromised was a direct result of the scope of the intrusion and the software and hardware involved – 77 million accounts, 130 servers and 50 software programs.

    Source: Playstation Blog

     

     

     

    Game review: World of Tanks

    There was a time when I was a kid that I was absolutely crazy about tanks. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Being able to command 30 tons of steel and weaponry combined with the massive boom that comes with firing a tanks’ main gun is every pre-teen boy’s fantasy.  Now there’s been a few tank simulators in the past, and some first person shooters have made tank levels on their titles, but there’s never really been a true tank based, massively multiplayer game until World of Tanks arrived.

    World of Tanks is a free to play game that allows players to compete in a PvP setting with 2 groups of 15 players duking it out in a variety of maps, from close quarter city battles to sprawling deserts and hills. There’s a variety of tanks available from 3 main factions – the Germans, Russians and Allies. There are 3 classes to choose from regular tanks, tank destroyers and self propelled artillery. Regular tanks do most of the hard work, and depending on your tier (level), you can use light tanks (arty spotters and recon specialists), medium tanks and heavy tanks. Tank destroyers are direct fire and ambush specialist, able to penetrate armor from afar. Self propelled arty rain indirect fire, though they can be used to shoot at other tanks directly if need be.

    The game requires a delicate balance of different tanks to work, and teamwork to win. There’s a definite learning curve involved in playing the game and just like any other free to play online game, there’s a lot of grinding involved. You start of in 3 light tanks from each faction, which you can upgrade by researching new parts and eventually unlock new tanks from the tech tree. Your tank is also manned by different crew members, depending on the tank. My Russian AT-1 TD needed a crew of 3 – a gunner, commander and a driver.

    There’s a unique damage system in place in WoT. Each shot is computed depending on a bunch of factors – the overall damage capability of the gun firing, the ammo loaded (regular anti-tank, high explosive anti-tank and premium rounds), the armor of the target and the angle of the tank being fired upon. This is where some of the tank classes differentiate themselves – a TD usually has high frontal armor and a powerful main gun but lacks the mobility to go toe to toe with regular tanks, etc. In addition, several tank modules can get damaged by shots, from the tracks and engine getting hit resulting in your tank being immobilized to your crew being injured and/or killed due to spalling damage.

    The game survives on micro-transactions, and there are several benefits of buying gold in exchange for some real money. One, it allows your account to become a premium account, which allows you to organize parties and earn more experience and money than a regular account. Gold also allows you to unlock some premium tanks without having to go and research them. You can also exchange gold for in-game currency to beef up your purchasing power.

    Probably the biggest flaw in the game is its matchmaking system. Since free accounts don’t have the ability to create parties, you’ll always be assigned to a team with strangers. This makes teamwork tricky, especially since the game is so focused on working together to win. Another annoying issue is that you’ll sometimes be pitted against other tanks that you won’t be able to damage with your gun.

    Still, WoT has proved to be an enjoyable experience, especially when you opt to make your account a premium one. It does have some flaws, but the game is constantly evolving, and it’s definitely worth a download. You can download the 1.8GB installer from www.worldoftanks.com.

     

     

    Hot This Summer: Samsung’s Newest Mobile Phones

    School’s out and summer’s in full swing. People are all about going out, whether to the beach or to a much cooler vacation spot, and would probably want nothing more than to spend some much deserved quality time with friends and family. Samsung may know just how to help. Stay connected, stylish, and sizzling this summer with Samsung, as they bring mobile phones that make your vacation a more worthwhile experience.

    United Graphics Mobile’s Kenneth Sytin with Samsung Product Manager Mylene Gabriel, HHP Director Glenn Glinoga and Management Trainee Adriene Rivera

     

    Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) launches just in time for summer its hottest mobile phones – perfect for getting in touch while staying in style under the scorching summer sun.

    First in the line up of its newest mobile phones launched this summer is the Samsung Corby II. Banking on the success of the first Corby mobile phone, SEPCO celebrated the funky style and the ultra functionality of the Samsung Corby II with Corbyville 2: Fashion Nation for the stylish yet feature savvy individual. A whole-day event marked with busy booths such as a hair and makeup booth, a styling closet by Forever 21, a coffee shop with Wi-Fi access and a photo booth brought the Corby II phone to life, highlighting its faster Wi-Fi connectivity (WiFi b/g/n) and stylish Form Factor (3.14” screen and 1.17 cm thin form factor).

    TV and radio personality Rizza Diaz hosted the colorful and fashionable event while Caren Marangan, Audry Dionisio and Alex Montemayor, members of the all-girl band General Luna, together with celebrities Boom Gonzales and Aaron Atayde, walked down the runway, each with their favourite color of the Samsung Corby II.

    In a separate event called Galaxy AppNation, held at the Trinoma activity center, Samsung’s latest additions to its array of Android-powered smart phones were launched – the Samsung Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Pro, Galaxy Fit and Galaxy Mini. All powered by the Android 2.2 OS, the Samsung Galaxy Phones bring smarter mobile phone experience.

    Fabio Ide, Steff Prescott, Kelly Misa and Hideo Muraoka showing off their favorite Samsung Galaxy Smart Phone

     

    Samsung Galaxy AppNation gathered four different personalities who fell in love with the different Samsung Galaxy Phones. Young celebrity entrepreneur Kelly Misa loves the Samsung Galaxy Fit which offers functional user experience and smooth web browsing on the go. Funky and stylish young star Steff Prescott chose the Samsung Galaxy Mini for its great productivity and performance while boasting a magnificent display. Brapanese TV personality and model Fabio Ide had a lot of fun with the Samsung Galaxy Pro which is a one-of-a-kind smartphone which combines a physical QWERTY keypad with a touch screen display. And one of the most promising male models today Hideo Muraoka enjoyed the premium smart phone experience with the Samsung Galaxy Ace – a compact and comfortable handset that does not compromise on capabilities.

    All the Samsung Galaxy phones give more access to thousands of Android applications, which currently has more than 100,000 apps. It also comes with Social Hub which seamlessly integrates all social networking site updates, instant messenger, emails, and calendar accounts in one page. Plus, users can customize their social media experience the way they want it.

    The summer season’s slew of activities requires new, better and more reliable gadgets and Samsung offers a great variation of smarter and funkier mobile phones with higher functionality. All these new mobile phones are now available in all Samsung Mobile authorized dealers nationwide.

    DPS becomes the country’s first green campus courtesy of HP

    Former Senator Nikki Coseteng has taken great strides in transforming Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) into one of the Philippine’s top educational institutions.  Not only does she believe in a fundamentally sound curriculum, but the former Senator (who is also CEO and President of the school), also proposes that a student’s surroundings contributes greatly to their learning.  Instead of simply redecorating the architecture and interior of the campus however, she decided to team up with HP in making the DPS the first “Green-Designed” school in the Philippines.

    Through the use of HP’s revolutionary and environmentally friendly Latex technology and large format printers (including the HP Scitex LX600 and HP Designjet L65500), the classroom walls were decorated with odorless PVC-free wallpaper.  Since there was no air pollutants in the materials used, the classroom could literally be occupied by its students right after the wallpaper was put up, which unbelievably only took one day.

    Today, DPS showcased their achievements to the media and other visitors.  There were several guest speakers as well, such as DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and Congresswoman Naida Angpin, who both praised the DPS for their achievements in promoting a green Philippines.  The keynote speaker was the business development officer of HP, Mr. Shaun See, who outlined the various ways in which companies, institutions and individuals can further implement environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives.

    (A more in-depth article regarding this matter will appear in the print version of Gadgets Magazine)

    Samsung NX11 unboxed – promises SLR like performance without the bulk

    I had spent a lot of time with the Samsung NX10, as I was fortunate enough to use one during a particularly long event coverage. The compact nature mirrorless cameras lend itself well to ease of use and transport, and Sammy’s interpretation is no different. We managed to get our hands on a retail version of the NX11, the successor to the NX10. The NX11 comes in a nice little box that holds the power cable, the lens and NX11 body.

    The bad boy itself. The NX11 closely resembles the layout of a traditional DSLR, so users who are migrating or upgrading won’t have trouble adjusting.

    The NX11 features a 3-inch AMOLED display on the back and due to the nature of the design, has an electronic viewfinder.

    Side view of the NX11, with a traditional DSLR thrown in to compare the overall depth.

    Front view of the NX11. Here you can see the difference of the mirrorless and the traditional DSLR design. The NX11 uses a 14.6-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and an image engine that can shoot images from ISOs of 100 to 3200.

    The NX11 uses Samsung’s own lenses, dubbed i-Fn. The particular lens included in the package is a 18-55mm deal with OIS. It’s a decent lens for the package.

    And that’s it. Watch for our review of the NX11 in the coming days.