Heads up Android Owners, there are bad folks out yonder.
by nicholasapolk on Aug.02, 2011, under Polk Project
After reading this article on ZDnet. I thought it was worth sharing two quick tips.
1. You need to be aware of what permissions the application utilizes. For example, if you are installing a “wallpaper pack”, the app doesn’t need access to the phone or contacts. Do yourself a favor and DON’T install it.
2. Install Lookout Security from the market. Free app, free to register. It will even help locate your phone, should you lose it(and it is still powered on).
Geosense
by nicholasapolk on Aug.21, 2010, under Polk Project
I ran across this sweet little plug-in that uses your IP address to determine your location and provide it to certain Windows 7 applications. Currently Google does this within the browser (with your permission) if you are running Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. This helps with your search results and of course, their targeted marking. I utilize location based searching on my Android phone and it definitely comes in handy when looking for local places and services.
Currently the best application is the weather gadget that comes with W7. It comes in handy when you travel with your laptop/netbook. The default W7 weather gadget needs manual input of city, state or zip code. With this plug in, your location and local weather will be auto populated.
Sounds great, how do I get it?
- Determine whether your OS is 32bit or 64bit (hit the Windows key (bottom left of the KB) and pause/break (usually the top right of the KB). The System Info will pop up and System Type (in the middle of the window) will display 32-bit Operating System or 64-bit Operating System. At this point, just make a note of which type you have.
- Open your browser, and navigate to http://geosenseforwindows.com/ . Download the appropriate version for your system.(I always just save it to my desktop to find it easily)
- Run through the installation.
- After installation, go to the Control Panel (open the start menu, on the right hand side)
- Enable the location sensor:
- If you are in category view: Click on Hardware and Sound, then Location and Other Sensors, Enable the Geosense Location Sensor and hit Apply.
- If you are in icon view: Click on Location and Other Sensors, Enable the Geosense Location Sensor and hit Apply.
- Use the Search at the top right of the control panel, enter “Location”, Click on Location and Other Sensors, Enable the Geosense Location Sensor and hit Apply.
- Right Click the desktop in an empty area, the left click on Gadgets, Double Click on the Weather Gadget
- Enjoy the weather gadget that keeps up with you.
I expect this will get more attention in the future.
W7 = Windows 7
KB = Keyboard
Ninite
by nicholasapolk on Feb.15, 2010, under Polk Project
I had a friend point this my way, so I figured I would share. www.ninite.com
Whether you are reloading a computer and want to quickly load your favorite apps; or you want to quickly update your favorite apps; Ninite is the way to go. You simply check what programs you want and it downloads a custom installer for you. It also bypasses all the toolbars and other junkware that companies try to throw on you.
If you are using Windows 7 RC
by nicholasapolk on Feb.02, 2010, under Polk Project
If you are still using the Windows 7 Release Candidate; you need to backup your data, and either revert back to your old Operating System(ex. XP, Vista) or purchase a copy of Windows 7. If you have a question about what version you may need; don’t hesitate to give me a shout.
Here are some dates you should know about if you are still running Windows 7 RC:
February 15 – They’ll start seeing notifications on their PCs, warning them that their operating systems will expire soon and reminding them to back up their data.
March 1 – Users’ systems will reboot or go to a blue screen every two hours, depending on their system failure settings.
June 1 – The Windows 7 RC license will expire.
When it expires, the customer will receive notifications which are more intrusive and occur when logging on and when accessing system components such as the control panel. Finally, the desktop background will turn black with a non-genuine watermark.
Bumptop
by nicholasapolk on Feb.01, 2010, under Polk Project
For those looking for something new for their computer (windows or mac), try bumptop. It is a unique desktop interface that makes your virtual desktop a little more realistic due to it’s 3D visuals and slight use of physics. I gave it a try over a year ago, and it was VERY buggy. However, I now use it on my desktop and laptop. If you have a decent graphics card, give it a try.
http://bumptop.com/
Updated Website
by nicholasapolk on Feb.01, 2010, under Polk Project
Just updated the website…lemme know whatcha think!
