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Log into Gmail on a PC via Your Smartphone

By Fei on January 18, 2012

By Ian Paul
January 18, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO – Google recently introduced a fun (and more secure) way to log into your Google account from a public terminal without entering your password into the PC, and instead using your smartphone and a QR code.

The method is similar to how Google sets up your handset for its two-step log-in process introduced in February 2011. Google’s two-step authentication system requires you to enter your password as well as a unique short code generated by a trusted device (your smartphone) to access your account.
The new Google QR log-in now being discussed on Google+ and Hacker News uses your smartphone as a kind of proxy for the desktop PC’s browser. You will be able to enter your Google account password into your smartphone and then the PC will “automagically” log you in to your Google account on the PC.
This is a neat trick to use when traveling and relying on public computers, and can protect you from a PC with keylogging software that records every keystroke entered into a compromised machine.

In my tests, I was able to log in using an iPhone as well as an Android device, it’s said to also work with Windows Phone 7.

It’s not clear when Google created the new QR code log-in system. The earliest mention I could find was on Reddit in late December, but as far as I can tell Google has never publicly announced this log-in option.
Here’s how to use Google’s new authentication process.

Get a QR Code Reader

To get started, you need a QR code reader for your smartphone. In my tests, any QR code reader will work, including Google Goggles, the search giant’s image-as-query smartphone app. You can find Google Goggles on the Android Market and as part of the Google Search app for iOS.
Once your smartphone is up and running with the QR reader app, go to https://accounts.google.com/sesame, a secure Google page displays a QR code. Next, open the code reader app on your smartphone and take a snapshot, or wait for the app to recognize the code on the screen.
Your app will then tell you the QR code is a URL. Allow the app to open the URL and you will arrive at a Google account log-in screen where you are prompted to enter your account password. The first time you use this system, you may also have to enter your username.

Once that’s done, you should see a warning screen telling you not to proceed unless you scanned a log-in bar code at Google.com. If you have arrived at this page from Google.com, select either “Start with Gmail” or “Start with iGoogle” from the warning screen.

A few seconds later, the browser window on the PC should automatically redirect to your Gmail inbox. In my tests, you could use this process whether your smartphone was using a cellular data connection or the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.

A Word of Caution

While this new log-in method is fun to try and could come in very handy at times, this is not a foolproof method for keeping your log-in credentials safe. If you are using Google’s QR code method in an airport, consider using your 3G/4G connection to enter your password instead of the airport’s free, open Wi-Fi network. That way your activity won’t be grabbed by any malicious hackers using packet sniffers to grab Wi-Fi traffic. Google’s QR authentication does use an encrypted channel through HTTPS, but it’s safer to stay off Wi-Fi anyway.

Also, before scanning the QR code, make absolutely sure that the web address is secure and coming from google.com, and not something like go.ogle.com. If you don’t see a URL that has HTTPS, and “google.com” before the “/” slash then you are not on Google’s web page. It would be very easy for a motivated hacker to set up a fake Google QR code and subsequent log-in page to steal your credentials.

Finally, keep in mind that this is a good way to protect yourself against keylogging attacks, but motivated hackers can use many other tricks to try to steal your log-in credentials and get access to your account. They could, for example, use a man-in-the-middle attack where all data to and from the PC you’re using is intercepted by a third party.

In my tests, the password had to be entered on the smartphone every time in order to get authenticated on the PC. So, if someone steals your phone they may not be able to use your device to log in using the QR method.

Google’s new QR method is a fun way to get access to your Google account, but don’t forget to log out of your account once you’re done.

My Computer Reboots When I tell It to Shut Down

By Fei on January 18, 2012

By Lincoln Spector
January 18, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO – Henry Maier’s PC reboots when he tries to shut it down.

You can easily fix this common and annoying problem. Unfortunately, it’s almost always a symptom of something more serious and more difficult to repair.

Here’s what’s happening: When you shut down your PC, something goes wrong and crashes the computer. By default, Windows reboots after crashing, producing the effect you describe. To my mind, that’s stupid behavior, since it masks the actual problem. In a case like yours, when the crashes happen at shut-down, you don’t even realize that Windows is crashing.

Fortunately, it’s easy to change this behavior. Select Start, (Start then Run in XP), type sysdm.cpl, and press ENTER. Click the Advanced tab, and then click the Settings button under ‘Startup and Recovery’ (as opposed to the other two Settings buttons on that tab). Uncheck Automatically restart.

With that change, Windows will no longer reboot when you tell it to shut down. But it will still crash.

Fixing the underlying problem is much more difficult. If you get any visible error message, study it for clues. If the error message is in the form of a Blue Screen of Death (a blue screen filled with unfriendly-looking white text), see The Blue Screen of Death Blues.

It could be a hardware or driver issue. If you added new hardware shortly before the problem started, look for an updated driver. Or try removing the hardware and uninstalling the driver to see if that helps.

The System Log may also give you a clue. You can access this through the Event Logger:

To do so in Vista or Windows 7, click Start, type event logger, and press ENTER. In the left pane, expand the Windows Logs section, the select System.

If you’re using XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Manage. In the left pane, expand Event Viewer and select System.

Dell Vostro 3450 launched

By Fei on January 17, 2012

January 17, 2012

Specially designed for small business, the durable, portable Vostro 3450 laptop helps you stay connected and in control, with style and confidence. With its 14″ screen, you get the mobile productivity your business demands, without sacrificing the power you need.

Users can experience a noticeable smooth multitasking and lightning-fast performance with DDR3 memory and Intel 2nd-generation Core processor with an upgrade to Windows 7 Professional operating system. Outfitted with AMD Switchable Graphics technology, the Dell Vostro 3450 automatically switches to the Intel integrated HD graphics—helping deliver more performance on a single battery charge. For added productivity, it comes with two USB 3.0 ports enabling data transfers at up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0. Your Vostro laptop also includes Bluetooth 3.0, which transfers at up to 24 Mbps.

Dell Vostro 3450 also features an HD webcam, digital array microphones to reduce background noise, preinstalled Skypeand SRS Premium Voice Pro software for state-of-the-art collaboration. With an optional backlit keyboard, 3450 is the ultimate productivity tool—day or night. It even comes with a fingerprint reader, Trend Micro virus protection and optional Absolute Lojack to track the laptop if it’s stolen.

Dell Vostro 3450 is distributed by MSI-ECS. For product information and availability, please call 688-3181 or email marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph.

TVs Are Interesting Again

By Fei on January 17, 2012

By Jeff Bertolucci
January 17, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO – TVs notched a starring role at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas instead of the flashier smartphone, tablet or Ultrabook thanks to a new crop of innovative and high-tech sets.
Big and beautiful TVs earned the most oohs, ahhs, and accolades at CES, including super-slim OLED displays with stunning pictures, prototype wireless TVs that ditch unsightly cords, voice-control interfaces that may ultimately replace hard-to-use, easy-to-lose remotes, and ultra-high resolution sets with many times the pixel density of today’s 1080p TVs.

Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best of the show.

OLED Stunners

Gorgeous, 55-inch OLED TVs from LG and Samsung stole the show.
Featuring vivid colors, deep blacks, and superior clarity and contrast, these displays are supper thin, too. How pretty are they? PCWorld’s Tim Moynihan, who got an eyes-on demo of the LG OLED TV at CES, had this to say: “To put it bluntly, this is probably the best TV I’ve ever seen, 3D or otherwise.”
But will consumers be willing to pay a huge premium for a better picture?
Wireless TV

Today’s wireless products for TVs, such as the AT&T U-verse TV Wireless Receiver that streams HD video throughout your home, aren’t truly wireless because your TV must still be tethered to an AC outlet. The Sharp Aquos Freestyle changes that.
A mobile TV that made its debut at CES, the Freestyle has built-in Wi-Fi and a rechargeable battery, as well as a carrying handle that makes it easy to move around the house. Battery life is reported just two hours — not long enough to watch the Super Bowl, cord-free, on the patio. But the Freestyle is only a prototype at this point. Sharp didn’t announce a shipping date at the show.

4K and 8K TVs

Want to see every pore, blemish, and cosmetic surgery scar on your favorite actors’ faces? If 1080p doesn’t provide the level of detail you’d like, there’s good news on the horizon.

At CES, LG demoed a so-called 4K TV that displays eight million pixels at 3840-by-2160 resolution — that’s four times the pixel count of a 1080p HDTV. Not enough? Well, Sharp showed an 85-inch display with 8K (7680-by-4320 pixel) resolution. There’s no 4K or 8K content for these sharp-eyed behemoths, however, and it’s unclear when (or if) they’ll ship.
Voice Control

Nobody likes using a TV remote, with its tiny, hard-to-read buttons. If 2012 CES was any indication of what’s to come, voice input may soon replace the hated remote. Numerous tech companies are developing products in this area. At CES, for instance, voice-recognition company Nuance announced Dragon TV, an app that adds speech controls to HDTVs, set-top boxes, and even remote controls.

Consumers are picky and price conscious, so it’s too early to say whether any of these innovative and eye-popping sets, once available, will resonate with people who’ve been reticent to buy HDTVs in recent months. Since 3D TV has been a bust thus far, TV makers need something new and cool to get you to upgrade.

For more blogs, stories, photos, and video from the nation’s largest consumer electronics show, check out PCWorld’s complete coverage of CES 2012.

Sony’s Google TV set-top box: First impressions

By Fei on January 16, 2012

By Brad Reed
January 16, 2012

FRAMINGHAM – LAS VEGAS — While Google TV hasn’t been a big hit so far, Sony this week gave the platform a boost when it announced that Google’s technology would power its upcoming Network Media Player set-top box.

So what has Sony done to make the Google TV platform more attractive to the masses? The big thing is making navigation through the Google TV interface a lot more like navigating on a PC with a touchpad remote control that features basic television controls on one side (i.e., channel control, volume, DVR, etc.) and a full qwerty keyboard on the other side. What makes the keyboard particularly useful is that it only operates if the remote control is facing upward, so you won’t run the risk of typing something in while you’re trying to record on DVR. At the very least, the new remote is a big improvement from a previous Sony model that both lacked a touchpad and tried to cram all of its buttons onto one side.

BACKGROUND: Google TV gets updated with simpler interface, app dev tools

HIGHLIGHTS: The best of CES 2012

The keyboard side of the controller also benefits from having a quick search key that essentially acts as a universal search button that brings up results from sources such as Google, Wikipedia and YouTube. So if you do a quick search for your favorite actor on the remote, you’ll be given a wide array of different resources to learn more about him, as well as an option to search all of the television shows, movies and music videos that he may have appeared in. Google TV’s search capabilities also let you grab both paid and free content off the Web wherever you can find it, such as Hulu, Amazon, Netflix or YouTube.

The latest Google TV interface, which was first released last year, is also a definite improvement over the original edition that the company released in 2010. Instead of cluttering the entire television screen, the Google TV interface has basically been reduced to a bar at the bottom of the screen. From here you can access your standard applications such as Netflix, YouTube and Google Chrome, as well as the newly added version of the Android Market that contains Android apps designed specifically for your television.

As you might expect, the app selection for Google TV is still somewhat limited and apps for stations such as CNN, Fox News, etc. can seem a little redundant since you likely have access to those stations already. The games are also somewhat limited, although the new Sony remote control helps things out a bit as it can function as a steering wheel for driving games and its touchpad provides much more control over games than other remotes.

The bottom line: Although I wouldn’t describe Sony’s Network Media Player as a must-have, it does show some real improvements that can be built upon for future releases. Google, Microsoft, Apple and assorted television vendors are all trying to piece together how to make the television a fully connected and interactive device along the lines of PCs, smartphones and tablets. Sony’s contribution to this puzzle is definitely a step in the right direction.

Facebook chat-based phishing attack impersonates Facebook Security

By Fei on January 16, 2012

By Lucian Constantin
January 16, 2012

IASI, ROMANIA – A new phishing attack that’s spreading through Facebook chat modifies hijacked accounts in order to impersonate the social network’s security team.

The attackers replace the profile picture of compromised accounts with the Facebook logo and change their names to a variation of “Facebook Security” written with special Unicode characters, said Kaspersky Lab expert David Jacoby in a blog post.

Facebook claims that changing the profile name can take up to 24 hours and is subject to confirmation. However, in Jacoby’s tests the change occurred almost instantly and required only the password. This was also confirmed by a victim whose profile name was modified within 5 minutes of their account being compromised, he said.

After the victim’s profile name and picture get changed, the attackers send out a chat message to all of their contacts informing them that their accounts will be suspended unless they re-confirm their information.

The rogue messages appear to be signed by “The Facebook Team” and contain a link to a phishing page hosted on an external domain. The Web page mimics Facebook’s design and asks for name, email, password, security question, country, birth date and other information needed to hijack the account.

However, the attack doesn’t stop there. According to Jacoby, a second form asks users for their credit card details and billing address. This is somewhat unusual for Facebook phishing attacks, the majority of which target only social networking account information.

“These scams are just getting more popular and we really recommend not giving out personal information, especially not email, password and credit card information over social media,” Jacoby said.

Dell debuts first Ultrabook – XPS 13

By Fei on January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Dell has unveiled its ultraportable XPS 13 laptop, the most compact 13.3-inch Ultrabook featuring an edge-to-edge glass, near “frameless” display, all-day battery life, and the latest innovative technology for a superb overall user experience. Starting at 2.99 lbs.[ii], and less than a quarter-inch at its thinnest point, the XPS 13 combines performance-oriented thoughtful design with the latest Intel technology, such as Rapid Start and Smart Connectⁱ, to enable users to be productive, connected and responsive anywhere.

The latest and most mobile laptop in Dell’s portfolio, the XPS 13 is part of Dell’s high-end XPS brand, which is now 20 percent of Dell’s total consumer laptop business. Revenue for XPS laptops has increased 207 percent over last year when the company re-launched the brand to better meet the needs of today’s mobile professionals.

The XPS 13 delivers second-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 128GB and 256GB solid state hard drive options[iii], Intel HD 3000 graphics and a bright high definition WLED 300-nit display for outstanding viewing experiences, packaged in an elegantly-designed, ultraportable laptop.

“The XPS 13 is the culmination of an extensive design and development process focused on creating the best Ultrabook on the planet,” said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman, Global Operations and End User Computing. “It is specifically engineered to help both our consumer and commercial customers be more productive and connected in every way possible. From the edge-to-edge frameless display that packs more screen into a compact body, to the innovative carbon fiber base that is lightweight and cool to the touch, the XPS 13 exemplifies our commitment to offering industry-leading mobile solutions that deliver durability and performance without compromise.”

Purposefully designed and artfully built, the XPS 13 maximizes the Ultrabook experience for users: edge-to-edge display with hardened Gorilla Glass; a full-size backlit keyboard with a large glass touchpad with integrated buttons and multi-gestural support; and up to eight hours, fifty-three minutes of battery life[iv]. All in a package starting at 2.99 lbsⁱⁱ.

The 13.3-inch high definition display with slim bezel fits in a body size similar to the form factor of an 11-inch product, making it the most compact Ultrabook available. (Other 13.3-inch laptops offer the same viewing area but with up to a 15 percent larger footprint.) The carbon fiber composite base extends the design process, offering a premium visual appeal, and is lighter and cooler to the touch than aluminum.

Keeping connected and getting online quickly is now a reality. The XPS 13 is one of the first Ultrabooks to feature Intel Smart Connect technology, which wakes periodically to detect known networks and update calendar and emailⁱ. With solid state drives and Intel Rapid Start technology, the XPS 13 boots in seconds, giving customers the performance of a laptop with the instant gratification experience of a smartphone.

“When Dell began the conversation of what an Ultrabook could be, we carefully considered how to provide customers not only incredible mobility, but also the kind of performance experience you would expect from something much larger,” said Steve Felice, president and Chief Commercial Officer of Dell. “A ‘good-enough’ Ultrabook wasn’t good enough for us. We were committed to developing what an Ultrabook can and should be with the XPS 13 and providing a superior user experience.”

“The XPS 13 represents the most balanced of the Ultrabook class of notebooks to hit the market so far”, said Rob Enderle, Analyst for the Enderle Group. “Ultrabooks started by forcing people to make a choice between beauty and practicality and Dell took the time to make sure their offering would not only be very attractive, but address the critical needs of business and education buyers as well. Perhaps the best way to describe the XPS 13 is ‘beautifully uncompromised’.”

Dell went a step further with the XPS 13 to create appeal for all customers – for work and for play – and has made it easier for IT departments to choose laptops that offer the security and services they value in a fit and finish executives and employees demand. Enterprise-friendly features include standard Trusted Platform Module for BitLocker Data Encryption and optional ProSupport [v] after-sales service and Configuration Services such as asset tagging.

Understanding its customers’ need to purchase responsible products, Dell designed the XPS 13 with the environment in mind. Its energy-efficient LED displays have no mercury or arsenic and Dell eliminated harmful toxins such as Brominated Flame Retardants and Polyvinyl Chloride (BFR/PVCs)[vi]. The XPS 13 is shipped in many locations with sustainably harvested bamboo packaging material. Every XPS 13 can be configured to be ENERGY STAR qualified, helping customers reduce energy costs. When the time comes, Dell offers multiple recycling options (learn more at Dell.com/recycling).

For more information, visit www.dell.com.

[i] Intel Smart Connect Technology: Wi-Fi enabled connection required. System must be on or in sleep mode with application running to update.

[ii] Weights vary depending on configuration and manufacturing variability.

[iii] Hard Drive: GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less.

[iv] Tested system equipped with 6-cell battery, 4GB memory, Intel HD 3000 graphics, Intel Core i5-2467M, and 128GB SSD. Based on testing using the Mobile Mark 2007 battery life benchmark test. For more information about this benchmark test, visit www.bapco.com. Test results should be used only to compare one product with another and are not a guarantee you will experience the same battery life. Battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on your product’s configuration, software, usage, operating condition, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time and use.

[v] Dell ProSupport Services for enterprise customers

[vi] Dell adopts the BFR/CFR/PVC-free definition as set forth in the “iNEMI Position Statement on the Definition of ‘Low-Halogen’ Electronics (BFR/CFR/PVC-Free).” For further details, please see our Corporate Responsibility page on dell.com. BFR/CFR/PVC-free power cables available only in specific countries.

[vii] Graphics & System Memory: GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; significant system memory may be used to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.

[viii] Where wireless access is available. Additional access charges apply in some locations.

[ix] Skype service subject to third-party service subscription terms and conditions.

Wi-Tribe Forges Partnership with Microsoft Philippines

By Fei on January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Photo above shows representatives from Microsoft Philippines, wi-tribe Philippines and Phil-Data Business Systems, Inc. with the signatories (from L-R): Rudolph Ng, President, Phil-Data Business Systems; Mon Pike, Head of Products, wi-tribe Philippines; Karrie Ilagan, Enterprise Partner Group – Director, Microsoft Philippines.

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft Philippines, the local subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, has been constantly bringing innovation and making its technology available to Filipino businesses and individuals since 1995. As a committed and trusted partner in nation-building, Microsoft Philippines has made it its mission to fuel growth and healthy communities, as well as transform locally-based businesses and empower them to compete in the global economy.

Angat Pinoy, Angat Negosyo. Angat Pilipinas.

Ozaki launches iPad 2 jacket

By Fei on January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Can your iPad 2 keep up with your active lifestyle? iCoat Versatile 360° is the most functional case for iPad 2. It is an all-in-one set which includes a free stylus and three different straps for holding, carrying, and fastening. It is also garbed in denim to match your cool and hip vibe. It offers the utmost portability and brings a perfect combination of style and function.

With its flippable cover, your gadget is fully protected and all ports are fully accessible for charging and controlling. It comes with an elastic band for a secured grip to prevent your device from slipping off. The three different straps provide added versatility to allow you to carry it on your hand, over the shoulder or even fasten it on your car seat. It retails at only Php 2, 395

Features include: 360 degree Rotation, adjustable shoulder strap, in-car strap, anti-drop strap, integrated pocket for secure holding, and adjustable stand for horizontal or vertical viewing.

Ozaki is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS. For more product information and other inquiries, email marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph, or call 688-3180 to 83.

Fortinet Appoints MSI-ECS as Distributor in the Philippines

By Fei on January 11, 2012

January 11, 2012

Fortinet and MSI-ECS, a subsidiary of leading Asia Pacific IT distributor ECS Holdings, today announced that they have signed a distributor agreement in the Philippines. MSI-ECS has an extensive channel network and long experience in the commercial and enterprise IT space, and this appointment will further Fortinet’s goal of expanding its Philippines operations and deepening its commitment to resellers and customers in the market.

MSI-ECS’s partnership will cover all industry verticals and the full range of products in Fortinet’s portfolio, including its flagship FortiGate integrated network security appliances and other solutions addressing, among other areas, wireless, messaging and database security.

“MSI-ECS’s appointment represents a milestone for Fortinet in the region,” said Jeff Castillo, Fortinet’s Country Manager for The Philippines. “The Philippine market is growing rapidly and the time has come for us to beef up our distribution layer so that resellers can benefit from broader and stronger support, ultimately enabling them to meet customer needs better.”

Fortinet chose MSI-ECS over other distributors for this partnership because of its innovative portfolio of partner programs – like first-time buyers program, bundling promotions, lecture caravan and road shows – that will extend the security vendor’s reach into new customer segments and provincial organisations.

In the coming months, MSI-ECS will roll out reseller recruitment programs and training, lead generation events, and end user programs.

For more information, contact MSI-ECS via Marie Cristhabelle Chua of the Commercial Technology Division at bchua@msi-ecs.com.ph or +63-2688-3709/ +63-9209-651-332.

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