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How to save battery life on you cell phone

Friday, October 26th, 2012

In a previous post we gave you some tips on saving your cell phone’s battery life and received such a positive response, we decided to continue with a follow-up.

The demand and expectation to be available and connected at all times, is constantly increasing. However, few things are as frustrating as having to make an important call or send an e-mail and our phone suddenly dies on you.

A dead cell phone battery is inevitable, but you can take small measures to ensure that it does last a little bit longer.

1. Wi-fi, 3G and Bluetooth

If any of these functions are activated by default they will constantly try to connect to any available service or device in the area. If you do need to be connected all the time, disable them and connect when needed.

2. Back light

Do you really need a bright back light on your screen in the middle of the day? Your phone needs energy to generate the light and the brighter the screen, the more battery life you sacrifice. Rather set the light less bright.

3. Apps

Sure, it’s very cool having all the latest apps giving you all sorts of information. Just keep in mind that apps need a lot of power to run.Power you might need to make an important call.

4. GPS

Using your GPS for checking in on Twitter or other social networks may be handy, but it will make a huge dent in your battery life. And when your GPS fails and you get lost, how will you make that call?

5. Alerts

Are you one of those forgetful people who has to reminded of every appointment and task on your list every hour? Notifications on cell phones are very handy, but putting your phone on vibrate and receiving regular notifications take up a substantial amount of power.

(SOURCE: http://www.makeuseof.com)

Tags: 3G, wifi
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Quick tips and tricks: Cell phones

Friday, October 12th, 2012

Out of power?

Find out where to switch off 3G on your smart phone. If you disable this function, you’ll save a huge amount of power – power you might need in case of an emercency.
Buy an extra USB cable and store it in your office. If your cellphone battery is out of power or your charger is lost, you can still charge your phone with your pc. These chargers cost less than R80-00 at most shops.
A protective cover for your cell phone will prevent it from heating up too fast, using unnecessary energy and battery power.
When you charge your battery, place it on a cold or neutral surface and not on a warm area where it will build up heat.

Drive safely

All of us aren’t great multitaskers, especially when it comes to driving. Rather get yourself a bluetooth headpiece before you’re fined, or worse, cause an accident. You don’t have to buy the most expensive model on the market, even a basic model, like this, will do the job.

Keep in contact

Save all your contacts in one central place online, for example in a Google account. Smart phones can sync your contacts from the account and you don’t have to struggle to get hold of people when your phone is stolen or decides not to work anymore.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY JURGEN MOOLMAN, IT SERVICE CENTRE

Tags: Connectivity, smart phones
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What is ransomware?

Friday, October 12th, 2012

The term ransomware will leave most people flabbergasted. How can software hold something ransom or is technology becoming so clever it can take over anything?

However, this description isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. Ransomware forms part of a group of malicious computer software called malware, which cunningly installs itself on your pc and then has t he audacity to demand data or money from you. This type of programme can be installed by means of an e-mail attachment, an infected programme or unsafe website with malware installed on it. Ransomware” is also known as a a cryptovirus, cryptotrojan or cryptoworm.

The software indeed “kidnaps” your data by encrypting or limiting your access to it and then sending you a message demanding money to regain your access. The only way access is possible again, is by acquiring an encryption key from the creator of the ransomware at a fee.

A more recent version of the software will not notify the user that ransomware has been installed, but will merely block all access to the data and depend on the victim to search the internet for information on their “problem”. This search will then lead them to legit websites selling software to remove the ransomware, which of course is sold by the creator of the original culprit.

Ransomware is nothing new. In 1996 security experts at Columbia University and IBM wrote an essay called “Cryptovirology: Extortion-Based Security Threats and Countermeasures” to describe the software. At that time businesses were the main targets of ransomware and not individuals.

In March 2006 ransomware called Crypzip of Zippo was sent to a group of internet users. Those who received the programme also received an e-mail demanding a ransom of $300 if they wanted to access their data again.

Most antivirus vendors have ways of detecting and blocking the most known ransomware. However, no data is 100% safe. To ensure you don’t find yourself in this tricky situation, try to back up data regularly, be cautious when browsing the internet and under no circumstances open e-mail attachments from unknown sources.

More info on the latest ransomware targeting Skype users.

SOURCE: Wikipedia, Microsoft en Techtarget.

Tags: data, malware, ransomware, security
Posted in General, Security | Comments Off on What is ransomware?

QVT Terminal makes way for Tera Term

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

The current administrative programme, QVT Term was outomatically upgraded to the new Tera Term this week and university staff now have a brand new administative tool at their disposal.

The icon for Tera Term looks slightly different than the previous QVT icon, (see image to the right), but do not despair, it’s functionality is the same. Apart from the programme’s general functionality, Tera Term also has added security – a necessity for the type of work done by the software. Another advantage is it’s ability to print directly to your default printer as set up in Windows. Extra set-up for is printing no longer needed.

To start using Tera Term, go to Start, All Programs, Tera Term and select Sentrale Rekenaars. The log in screens look slightly different, but just follow the instructions. If you still struggle with logging in, more detailed instructions can be found here.

We’d recommend you to start using Tera Term as soon as possible as the outdated QVT system will be phased out shortly.

Tags: QVT, Tera Term
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IT Mobile Survey produces interesting results

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

Last month the Information Technology Division’s Mobile Technology task group, which includes members from the Centre for Teaching & Learning, Library & Information Service and e-Communication, ran a short online survey concerning students’ present and future preferences about mobile phones and tablets . The main aim of the survey was to ensure that Stellenbosch University is able to track trends in students’ mobile device choices so that relevant university mobile services are rolled out in future.

We all know that students love cool mobile apps, but we also know that most don’t have high-end Apple or Android devices – yet. We need to understand how fast that picture is changing so that we can ensure that mobile services and apps that make a real difference to students’ academic career and campus life are rolled out timeously.

The electronic survey invitation was sent to 25817 under- and postgraduate students and 13% participated. Results will be used in aggregate and statistical summary to inform the university’s mobile strategy. Thanks to the survey, we came across some interesting facts regarding mobile use and expectations of students.

Most students choose their cell phone based on its cost-efficient communication with friends and family and not necessarily as a status symbol, nor for its functionality. It does seem from the results that there might be a significant move away from Blackberrys to Android and iOS (Apple) phones over the next year, although Blackberrys remain popular on campus.

More than half of the survey participants would prefer it if the university suggests specific types of tablets for academic-related use. The most important mobile applications, listed in order of importance, are exam results, exam and class schedules, task information, calendars (class, modules, academic, sport, etc.) and learning content.

The survey was anonymous and no response was linked to any individual. One lucky winner did walk away with a R1500 Incredible Connection voucher. Thank you to all participating students for their valuable input.

A similar survey will be run in approximately six months’ time.

Tags: mobile, surveys
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