Who Says You Need An Air Printer?

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With the release of the new iPhone 5, Apple has once again set the standard in the smartphone industry. A bigger screen and an even lighter body weight are just a few of the newest features. But even with the updates, you’ll still need a printer enabled with Apple’s proprietary AirPrint if you want to print anything from your new iPhone.

Or maybe not. Thanks to some ingenious code writers, you can now turn any USB printer on your network into an Air Printer with a free app called Air Print Installer. A member of the Apple-centric website, MacRumors.com, wrote an application that lets you print from your iOS enabled device to any USB printer that shares the same network. A few simple clicks of the mouse, a few taps on your i-Device, and sure enough, you can print everything from notes to web pages to photos. And the best feature? It’s completely free!

Keep in mind that the app is an unendorsed product with little to no support from the creators. However, with its easy installation and straightforward interface, the app is a breeze for even the most novice users.

Have questions about Air Print Installer? Need assistance getting you iPad to print? Send an email to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com for more information or to schedule a service call today. And don’t forget to ask about the computer repair services available in your area, as well as our weekly specials.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Save Money Without Even Trying

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A new browser extension makes it easier than ever to save money while you shop online. InvisibleHand works in the background while you’re shopping travel sites and online retailers. While you’re browsing, InvisibleHand compares prices of the products you’re searching for. A small notification bar appears and lets you know if the product or flight you’re looking for is available from another site at a better price.

InvisibleHand works with Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. The developers have established relationships with over 600 online retailers, including Sears, Amazon, Target, and Wal Mart. They’re also working with over 500 airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. InvisibleHand currently operates in three countries: the United Staes, Great Brittain, and Germany, and it is completely free.

If you’d like more information about InvisibleHand, send us your questions to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Be sure to ask about our computer repair and mobile technology services in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Get Skype And Get Connected

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Skype let’s you make calls to anyone in the world. Using their free app, you can call your long-lost aunt in Australia or your brother in Borneo. It’s a full-featured service that enables voice and video calls through the internet. Best of all, it’s free.

Skype can be used on your computer, your mobile device, and is now available on many televisions, Blu-Ray players, and gaming consoles. The app is free for download to almost all mobile devices, and for just a few dollars a month, you can upgrade your account to access many convenient features. For example, with a paid subscription, you get unlimited calls to the country of your choice, group video calling, conference calling, and more.

Skype is compatible with all mobile devices and is a great solution for budget minded small businesses. Calling land lines or mobile devices that don’t have Skype can cost as little as 1.9 cents per minute. Other features, like call forwarding and SMS messaging, are also available.

If you have questions about Skype, or would like more information about getting a Skype account set up, email us at sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Don’t forget to ask about the computer repair services available and weekly specials available in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Slingbox Streams Your TV Anywhere In The World

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Whether you’re just on the go or away on vacation, Slingbox makes it easy to keep up with all of your favorite television shows. Slingbox is a device that allows you to watch your TV from your PC, your laptop, or your mobile device. You can fast forward, rewind, pause, and even change channels with a virtual, on-screen remote control. You can even set your DVR to record your favorite shows while your away.

Slingbox comes in two versions, Solo and Pro. The Solo broadcasts in standard definition, the Pro in full 1080i High Definition. The Pro edition also lets you connect up to three additional AV sources for a complete entertainment center at your fingertips. Both come with easy-to-install pass-thru connectors.

Slingbox is compatible with both PC and MAC, with available support for the iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Blackberry, Windows Phones, and Palm devices.

If you have questions about Slingbox, drop us a line at sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Don’t forget to ask about our new specials and the computer repair services available in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

A Guardian Angel In Your Pocket

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A new app available for the iPhone has brought personal security into the 21st century.

myGuardianAngel is an app that will notify your friends and family if there’s an emergency. It allows you to pick members of your contact list and add them to an emergency contact group who will get an alert when the app is “triggered.” The people on your list receive a text and email that there may be trouble. The message contains your GPS location and a link to audio and/or video captured by the phone.

When activated, the app will record 30 seconds of audio and video footage. The recordings are uploaded to a secure server almost instantaneously, so in the event of a crime being committed, destroying the phone won’t destroy the evidence. The app can also be used in situations that aren’t quite dangerous, but potentially could be. By concealing your phone, audio recordings sent to the server could be just enough to let your loved ones know that you may be in trouble.

myGuardianAngel is available for iOS devices, and at just .99¢, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

If you have questions about myGuardianAngel or need assistance setting the app up, send us an email at sweettips@friendlycomputers.com, or call us at 888-PCFRIEND.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Don’t Fall Victim To Phony Tech Support From Microsoft

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Recently, many consumers have been faced with strange telephone calls from people who say they are technicians from Microsoft. These “technicians” claim that your computer has been infected with a virus and that they need to log into your computer to fix it. Of course, these people are not from Microsoft. They’re part of new breed of cyber criminals who’s one and only goal is to scam consumers of their hard earned money.

The con has been around since 2008, but the latest incarnation employs new technologies and professional looking websites, all used in an effort to convince you of their legitimacy. And from the latest reports, the new tactics appear to be very effective at luring people into the scam.

The calls are generally from individuals with heavy foreign accents. They guide the victims to an area of their computer where error logs are recorded and inform the consumer that these are a direct result of the virus. The next step is to lead them to a website that will give the imposter complete access and control over their computers. Then, they’ll inform the end user that their Microsoft license has expired and they need to pay money to renew it. It only seems to get worse from there.

Friendly Computers wants to help keep you protected from these ruthless criminals. First, Microsoft will never call you to say your computer is infected with a virus. If someone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft, hang up immediately. Second, never give someone access to your computer unless it’s a company that you’ve worked with in the past or with someone you know personally. And third, keep your usernames and passwords in a secure place and never share them with anyone.

If you have questions about the Microsoft Scam, or if you’ve received one of these calls, call your local Friendly Computers for assistance in ensuring your information is secure. Or send us your questions to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Don’t forget to ask about other computer repair services available in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Splashtop Gets a Makeover

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Back in February, we told you about Splashtop – a mobile app that gives you access to your computer when you’re on the go. Splashtop just released an update that demands a second look at this helpful, easy to use app.

If you’ve used Spashtop before, you’re already familiar with its features. But with the recent update, there are a host of improvements that make the app more intuitive, more secure, and more reliable. The update takes advantage of the new iPad retina display, resulting in a sharper, brighter image. The enhanced user controls also contribute to a more user-friendly interface. But the most impressive aspect of the update is the addition of XDisplay.

XDisplay lets you use your iPad as a wireless second monitor for your computer. It features full audio and video support, auto orientation for landscape and portrait viewing, a virtual on-screen keyboard, and much more.

The new update currently works with Windows 7, Vista, XP, and MAC OS X10.6+.

For more information about Splashtop, please call your local Friendly Computers or send your questions to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Don’t forget to ask for your coupon for a free in-shop diagnostic at participating locations. And be sure to ask about all of the computer repair services available in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Cloud Computing In The Palm Of Your Hand

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iTwin is a portable USB device that connects two computers without the hassle of clunky software or costly subscription fees. The iTwin comes with two USB “keys” that create a link between two online computers. When plugged in, the iTwin opens up a file folder that lets you drag and drop files from one computer to another. Accessing and editing files across two computers has never been easier.

The iTwin works with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OSX 10.6 and above. The device features AES-256 encryption technology, and can be registered so that if you ever lose it, it can be remotely disabled.

If you’d like to know more about the iTwin, send us your questions to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Be sure to ask about all of the computer repair services and weekly specials in your area. And don’t forget to call us for your free diagnostic certificate, good at any participating Friendly Computers!

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Affordable Wireless Security Cameras

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Home security continues to be a growing concern for many people. This week we’re taking a look at a new wireless security camera available at your local Friendly Computers location.

The camera is packed with many great features, including the ability to pan and tilt, infrared night vision, and built-in two-way communication. The camera can be mounted to just about any surface, and because the camera transmits images wirelessly, you won’t be tethered with long cables.

The camera can be accessed from any computer and supports mobile devices as well. So if you’re on the go, out of town, or simply want to check up on things while you’re at work, you can view the camera from your Smartphone.

But the best feature about this camera could be the price! For a limited time, Friendly Computers is offering an incredible summer sale that includes the camera and installation for one low price. If you’d like more information about this sizzling summer special, or any of the other computer repair services Friendly Computers offers, send us an email at sweettips@friendlycomputers.com.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!

Google Reveals Its New Tablet

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Google has officially thrown down the gauntlet with the announcement of their new tablet, the Nexus 7.

The Nexus 7, named after its 7” screen, is the first tablet of its size. Smaller than both the iPad and Microsoft’s Surface, the tablet weighs in at just 12 ounces, and is only 3/8 of an inch thick.

Google’s new tablet will run Android 4.1, which promises to be a more streamlined, smoother operating system than previous versions. The tablet has only one camera, but there are many other features that set the Nexus 7 apart. Integrated Bluetooth, voice search, and preloaded Google products are just a few.

The Nexus 7 will come in 8 and 16 gig versions, and is priced at $199 and $249 respectively. For a complete overview of the Google’s new tablet, be sure to check out this week’s Sweet Tips & Tricks.

Still want to know more about the Nexus 7? Send us your questions to sweettips@friendlycomputers.com. Don’t forget to ask about our sizzlin’ summer specials and the computer repair services in your area.

Remember, Why Call A Geek When You Can Call A Friend!