How to Share Your Computer Internet with Your Android Phone

There are times when we feel like sharing our computers internet connection with our android phones or any other WIFI enabled devices, it might be because

• We got accessed to a free local area network(LAN) like Ethernets
• Our mobile phone data is exhausted and our modem subscription has plenty of data left 
• We want to carry out some heavy mobile applications upgrades
• In situation where we need to do some firmware upgrade

Whatever the reason might be, there are several ways to achieve your goals no matter whether you are running windows or Macintosh one of these techniques will surely work for you.

If your android phone is HTC you don’t need all these as it has an in built system that allows you to share your computer internet through USB cable connection.

Windows 10 users

In case your computer is powered by windows 10 operating system, no new software will be required in order to share your computers internet with your android device. As long as your windows 10 operating system is up to date, this will surely be available. If its missing either update your windows or install the latest version of windows 10. To access this application just go to 

Start menu>settings>Network and internet connections>Mobile hotspot

Now just click the on button and you are good to go

Note: The computer must have a modem attached to it or an Ethernet (cable internet) and only a maximum of 8 devices can be connected at a time. You can also you use the ‘’Edit’’ option to set up a network name in order for your devices to easily identify it and a password to prevent free loaders from depleting your valuable data.

Windows XP, vista, 7, 8, and 8.1

There are several ways to share your computer internet with your android mobile phone on these windows, both most of these ways are way too complicated and take a very long time to set up. Here is an easier and more relaxed way to achieve it. First you need to go to the UC browser website to download the windows version of the browser for your computer. 

Click here for the download page

The file is less than 100mb, after you are done install the UC Browser and launch it. It looks pretty much like google chrome so there isn’t much difference with the ones you are used to. The only difference is that UC Browser has another awesome feature, which is generation of free WIFI hotspot

• Once the browser is launched, click on the WIFI Icon on the top right side of the browser

• Click on ‘’Turn on WIFI’’ 

• Make sure your computers wireless adapter is on
• It will initialize for 1-2 seconds then it will connect and that’s it

The number of devices that can be connected at the same time cannot exceed 10, Not only can you share the internet with your Android Mobile phone, both your IPAD, PSP and any device that has WIFI can access the hotspot. It also has an option to allow for password protection to keep away unwanted visitors from connecting to your hotspot.

Other free softwares that allow your computer to share internet include

MH Hotspot

My Public Wifi
160 wifi

They support all windows operating system from XP to 10

Connectify hotspot is also a software that can help you share your PC internet connection with your mobile phone and any other WIFI enabled devices, this software is very easy to use and can maximize your internet connections speed. Allows custom IP configurations. The software has some really powerful built in features that you can’t get on others The only down side is that, connectify is not free and you have to buy a premium license from the company’s website in order to use it. Click here for connectify website.

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Easy way to Recover Deleted Files from Computer and Storage devices

The computer hard disk is usually the first place we think to store our personal files, this files could be some family photos, Mp3 collections, office documents etc. Although some people usually have an external hard drive to store these sort of things separately. Somethings we just get too lazy to bring out such storage devices if they are way too far away. Although your files might be significantly safe inside our hard drives there might be a situation where our files end up getting deleted. 

But what exactly happens to lost files

In cases of computer hard disk files usually go to to the recycle bin when deleted normally. But external hard disks, memory cards or flash disk don’t exactly go to the recycle bin and stay there when deleted. In situation where it’s a memory card or flash disk, the files disappear directly when deleted. But even if the files are permanently deleted and does not exists in the recycle bin, it does not mean the files are gone forever, there is still have a chance to recover them if you act fast. 

The main caused of file deletion might be due to one of the following

Human error: we all make mistakes sometimes. There are situations when we end up mistakenly deleting important files that we actually need instead of that unrequired junk.

Malware Attack: We usually meet things like this online in the process of visiting unsecured sites, downloading executable contents from untrusted sources. Malware attack simply has to do with viruses, Trojan horse and worms. Some of these malicious program infects the computers and end up deleting several important files without our knowledge.

Carelessness: Poor handling of our storage devices and computers might end up causing serious data loses.

Forceful ejection of storage devices: External drives, memory cards, or flash disk forcefully without following the proper procedures for safe removal. A file might be open or in the process of being copied to and fro the said storage device. Removing the devices without waiting for the process to be completed may lead to data loss.

Dropping the storage device: Storage devices aren’t exactly very sturdy especially external hard drive. So when they hit the ground from a high location, they might get damaged which might lead to data loss. Although expensive ones like Transcend hard drives are designed to absorbed shock, not everybody can afford them.

Sudden power surge, power failure, Hardware malfunction or accidentally dropping the storage device.

How do I recover my lost files?

On personal computer the first thing you should do is

• Right click on the folder which the missing files are situated in prior to their disappearance
• Navigate to properties 
• Select the previous versions tab
• Select an earlier version of the folder to roll back to a date when the files were still in existence

Note: This will only work if your system automatically creates restore points at certain intervals of its operation.

On external hard drive, Memory cards and flash disk

These storage devices are not usually connected to the computer so when your files disappear you kind of seem at lost because they don’t even go to the recycle bin except for external hard drive. The best way to recover deleted files from these kind of storage devices is to use file recovery programs. This programs are very good at bringing back deleted files like photos, videos, Songs, documents etc. as long as they used to be on that same storage device. Some of these programs include

Recuva

undelete 360

Pandora Recovery

Wise Data Recovery

Restoration

They are all free and easy to use, efficient and fast in data recovery. However best way to keep your data form being lost is to handle  your computer and storage devices with care,.

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How to extend the battery life of an Android phone

Android powered devices are the latest tech gadget as its being used by majority of people worldwide. Android phones and devices are loaded with so many awesome features such as High definition cameras, Video calling, Wi-Fi, ability to play high quality 3D games etc.  Android phones allow you to run different applications at the same time. But with all these features all active at once, it leads to quick battery drain. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the rate at which your battery is discharged and in the process increase its life

Check the amount of power your applications are Consuming 

In simple terms some applications consume more power than others. What you want to is disable the particular function that consumes power in that app or disable the application if you are not currently in need of its services. To check the power consumption of all running application on your phone go to Settings> Battery> Battery Usage

Halt uneeded services and applications

Every single application requires different amount of processing power, which means the more RAM is consume by an android application, the faster your battery is discharge. Android phones don’t really completely close certain applications when we exit, they continue to run in the background. But when too many of such applications are active at the same time, it consumes RAM which ends up draining battery fast. To deactivate such applications just go to

Settings> Smart manager > Ram (this is only applicable for Samsung devices) 

Settings> Applications > Running apps (for other android phones)

Stop any application that you don’t need.

Disable WIFI & Bluetooth after each usage

This is pretty much self-explanatory, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they are not needed as they consume a lot of battery power.

Slow down on the Multitasking

I got to admit this is a very cool feature on android phone, it allows you to switch between active applications easily without exiting from the current one. This means the devices is simultaneously processing more than one application at the same time. This translates to faster battery consumption. It’s advisable to close applications that are not in need. this not only reduce battery consumption, overall performance and speed is also increased.

Turn off Data after usage

There is no need to be online 24/7. When your android is always connected to the internet, applications will take this chance to constantly check for updates and update themselves. This will drain your battery even when you aren’t exactly using the phone at that time. 

Disable GPS

The GPS is an in built feature in all android device, what more it’s always active. It constantly connects to the satellite to update your location. This consumes battery life and data, that’s why sometimes your phone may feel hot, most especially if it’s in your pocket or somewhere with low data signal. I personally see this feature as a big security risks. Anyways to deactivate this feature go to Settings> privacy > Location 

Disable Hotspot when done

This application has an extremely high power consumption. It discharges your battery extremely fast. Always turn it off after each use to reduce the rate at which your battery discharges. Better yet make sure your android phone is connected to an external power source before turning on this feature.

Reduce Display brightness

Phone brightness significantly affects the rate of battery consumption. Turning it down to the barest minimum will help your battery charge to last longer. In case you are using the latest android phone, just enable the Auto display option, this effectively controls brightness depending on environmental lightning.

Enable ultra-power saving mode or Power save mode

Power save mode can be found on all android phones. But Android phones powered by marshmallow (6.0.1) and above have power saving mode together with ultra-power saving mode. As the name says, its saves more power than the normal power saving mode by at least twice as much.

Don’t overcharge

Contrary to popular belief overcharging your phone battery does not increase battery life. It instead damages it. Disconnect your phone from the adapter the moment its fully charged.

Upgrade your android operating system

Upgrading your android to the latest firmware or operating system is one of the best ways to increase battery life. This is because new updates and upgrades come with new functions that increase android phones overall performance at reduced rate of power consumption. Click here for an article on how to update your android phone

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How to Detect a Fake Micro SD Card (Memory Card)?

The MicroSD card which is also called memory card is one of the most remarkable piece of technology ever made, despite its small size its able to carry tremendous amount of data. Memory cards/SD cards exists in different capacity from 16 megabytes(MB) to as high as 512 gigabytes(GB) which is the current largest, but of course it’s expensive as its sold for $800. There is no doubt, the micro SD is good invention, but like all good things, there are fake ones out there. This articles will show you how to spot fake micro SD card so you won’t end being dup by the seller. 

The price is just too Good

When you expect something to costs 2000 naira and the seller is offering the same product at 300 naira, then you don’t need a genius to tell you it’s fake, I once saw a buyer selling a 64GB memory card for 1000 naira. His product was fake.

The packaging and design

Put some serious attention on the packaging you will notice it pales in comparison to the real thing, Sometimes the label on the memory card. What the package label is describing will end up different from the products itself. You will also notice some serious grammatically errors.

The specific Card type

All MicroSd cards have specific name that indicates which capacity range they fall under, these include SDSC, SDHC and SDXC. They are listed below with the amount of storage range each of the three capacity families have.

SDSC or SD has a capacity of only 1-4GB

SDHC starts from 4GB-32GB

SDXC starts from 64GB-2TB

A fake Micro SD cards may have a capacity of 64GB with a card type label SDHC, which is obviously supposed to be SDXC. If you see such cards quickly return it to the seller and go to the next shop. That card is fake.

The Back side of the card

Every SD card has two things behind it, the country which it was made, mostly Taiwan and the serial number of the card. What you want to pay attention to here is, if the card is original the part number and the country which the card is made is etched. So if you touch it with your hand it will feel rough and it will seem like it has been written with something sharp like a needle. This information is usually written in golden color. The fake Sd card however have that info printed, and if you spot any golden sticker on this side. The card is fake

The Product Number on the SD card

Fake SD card have common product number no matter how many of them for example this particular one MMB3R08BUACA-GE. Sometimes it may differ a bit but ‘08’ is always the same, this shows the exact size of the card which 8GB, so if the label says 32 or 64GB and you turn the back side only to see a product number with ‘08’ after the alphabets. The card is fake.

The Technical method

This method requires either a computer system or an android phone. Android phone users can search for an application on google play store called SD Insight. Download and install it on your phone.Click here for the link. Now before you buy an Sd card. Put it into your phone and lunch the application. It will scan The Sd card and display its original size, Manufacturing date and the real model number. If what is displayed is the same as the said card label, then your good to go, the card is original. But if the size is higher or lower than what was described in the card label, then it’s a fake card. If you have a computer system you can use the following software. Click on them to goto download page

FakeFlashtest

H2testew

All these soft wares are pretty straight forward and easy to use. You don’t need to be tech savvy to operate them. They will show you the exact size of the Micro SD card at the end of every completed scan. Well, keep your eyes open.

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How to block your ATM card when its lost or stolen

The ATM card is that all important key that provides access to your bank accounts. Therefore, it should be kept well protected and safe at all times/ but what happens when your ATM card gets stolen or lost. As nobody is perfect in this world, so sometimes we might end up losing important stuff. There are situations were by it gets stolen by criminals who want some of that hard earned cash you have packed in your bank account. So when you find out your ATM card is missing or stolen and you are very sure you left home carrying the card. Then follow this easy steps to contact your bank to immediately block the card as it usually takes hackers less than 2-3 hours to crack your passwords and withdraw money from your account. If you are unlucky and the ATM card was stolen, then there is a very high chance that your pin is already known. And you have about 30-60 minutes before the culprit starts clearing your account. Here are some ways to easily blocked your ATM immediately you couldn’t find it.

• Once you figured out the card is absolutely gone, check the time, is the bank still open, if yes rush to the bank as soon as possible. Once you get inside, go straight to the customer care representative, explain as simple and as quick as possible. They will block your card after a you provide just a few personal information about your account that is only known by you personally. The ATM card will be blocked immediately.

• In case the banks are already closed and you have access to a cellphone, then immediately call the customer care number of that bank. The number can be found on the banks website, their ATM machines, advertisement billboards and behind your ATM card. When you call, they will confirm your NUBAN (Account Number) number together with some information that only you the owner of that account will know and they will swiftly block the card.

Note: The call is not toll free, which means you will be charge for every second you spend speaking. The trick here is when you make the call and they tell you to wait for the next free agent, wait only for 15-20 seconds then hang-up and call again. Although some banks answer calls immediately, others are not as swift in this aspect.

• If you have access to the internet you can email the bank but this way usually takes a bit of time, it isn’t ideal especially if you keep hearing alert of thousands of naira disappearing from your bank account. The trick here is go to banks twitter or Facebook page (there is always a bank agent active on that page) what you want to do is post or tweet on that page that your ATM card has being stolen, you want it blocked. They will respond immediately through a direct message to your inbox. Which you will provide a few information about your account and just like that, the card will be blocked.

It is also possible to block the card through your internet banking platform, just log into your account and select the option to disable the card.

Note

If you have an account with Gt Bank (Guaranty trust Bank) you can send a message to the following number together with your bank account number, the message must be sent with the mobile phone number that your bank account is attached, all you need to do is send “HOTLIST (your account number) to this number 08076665555

For those with Union Bank account, you can block your card by send an SMS in this format
"BLOCKCARD your account number"  to 20123 e.g
BLOCKCARD 012987654  then send it to 20123.

Diamond bank account holders not only can they block their cards but they can unblock it via the Diamond bank mobile application. They can also block it by sending a text message with the following contents "card off" to 30811. To unblock it incase you find your ATM card, just send "card on" to 30811.

This message should be sent via SMS and with the phone registered and attached to the account number in question. You should also know that normal SMS charges apply.

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How to easily update and upgrade your android phone

The process of updating or upgrading your android phone is really easy, despite the fact that the android operating system has in the recent years dominated the mobile phone sector, majority of people having android powered devices don’t know that they can easily update their android operating system without having to buy a new mobile phone all the time it shows up in the market. There is no any trick, all android phones perform almost the same functions, the only difference is, how fast, easy and smooth they complete such actions. Now if you have a decent android powered phone from reputable companies like Samsung, LG, Sony etc. There is a very high chance your phone will receive update on its operating system, this update could be Security updates, enhancement of phone operations and the whole upgrade of the operating system. That is to say, you can easily change your android OS from 4.1 to 6.x or better known with names like jelly bean( 4.1,4.2,4.3),  KitKat (4.4.x),lollipop ( 5.x), marshmallow (6.x, this update is available to almost all android devices especially Samsung), or the latest upgrade, which is android 7 nougat (not yet widely available for most android phones). Updating your phone is very easy you don’t need to pay as high as 4000 naira to some dude who will probably just use the Airtel 200 naira 1.5gb midnight data plan to update your phone. 

 It should be noted that updates will always be automatically checked and prompt you to download as long as your phone has access to a WIFI network. This procedure is in case you don’t have access to a wireless network or that option isn’t working for you. To update your android operating system just follow these easy steps. It’s the same procedure on all android powered devices either tablet or phone.

• First back up your contacts, videos, pictures and anything important. Make sure you have at least 1gb of data on your mobile and you are connected to the internet. Go to your mobile phone app menu and select settings, just like in d picture below

• It will instantly open another location where various phone settings can be toggled, but just scroll down to the very last options that says “About device” and select it.

• In the about device menu there are various options to choose from in order to check for and update your phone, although the "download updates automatically" option is always activated, this might not work for especially if you live in Nigeria or any country were the main source of internet is for phones is mobile data.

• You will want to select the Download updates manually; this might give some warning message about extra cost but only data is required and nothing more. Just proceed with the update and a window like this will pop up, it will only take a few seconds to check for the updates and display what updates are available at that time. Updates might be as low as 500kb to as high as 700-800mb.

Note

• I repeat only update once you have backed up all your mobile phone data on your memory card or your personal computer (This is just a precaution, I did updates and upgrades several times and nothing happened to the personal data on the device).
• It is advisable to have your phone connected to a power source (i.e. charging) during, download and installation of updates to avoid system failure or phone brick in case of sudden lack of power.

• Update will refuse to install after complete download unless you have enough battery charge. It should be more than 50% battery.
• Your phone will restart and go back to recovery mode were it will show a progress bar as the updates are being installed. This is very normal. Updates might take 5-10 minutes to install and adjust depending on your phone.
• After an update has being successfully completed all your phones settings and data will be restored the same way you left them. Updates and upgrades will be ingeniously incorporated into your phone without a hitch.

Make sure you choose a time when the data network is strong, stable and fast.

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The Instant banking Ussd Codes for Banks in Nigeria

Several banks in Nigeria now offer the USSD code for various types of transactions. Nowadays you don’t have to physically go to a bank in order to transfer money to any part of the country as long as you have the account number of the beneficiary. The best thing about this service is that it does not require internet connection, it can be used on all phones as long as its screen and keypad are functioning, even the old Nokia phones are eligible for it. In order to use this code first, you need to set up the following

• Bank account with the said bank you wish to transact with.
• A phone number connected to the said bank account.
• A debit card issued to you when you open an account, it might be valve or master card.  Some people call it ATM card.
• A mobile phone with good service, good screen & functional keypad (for those not using touch screen phone). It doesn’t have to be an android phone, it could be java, Symbian, or one of those old touch light phones.
• Your brain, eyes and hands.

These are the USSD codes in used by different banks in Nigeria

Diamond Bank

Use this USSD code for diamond bank *710#, then follow the on screen instruction where there are variety of options like Balance enquiry, Airtime purchase, Bank to Bank transfer etc.

Eco Bank

Dial the following USSD code on your phone line that is connected to your eco bank account, the code is *326#, this takes you to another screen where you can check your account balance, buy airtime, transfer money etc.

FIDELITY

The code for this particular bank is *770#, it will take you to a menu where several options can also be selected just like all the other banks.

F.C.M.B (First City Monument Bank)

If you use this bank use the following code *389*214#, another screen will pop up with options for different services like Balance enquiry, Top up, transfer funds etc. choose based on what you want to do.

First Bank

Simply dial *894# to use the non-internet mobile banking for first bank of Nigeria, it also has almost same options as other banks like check balance, Airtime purchase, Pay bills etc.

Gt Bank (Guaranty Trust Bank)

In case you happen to be the customer of this bank use the following USSD code which is *737#, this pops up another menu with options like Airtime-self, Airtime Others, Burrow Airtime, Buy data, Transfer funds-GT bank etc. just like the picture below, just choose what you want do & follow the on screen instruction.

STANBIC IBTC

The USSD code for this bank is *909#, then follow the onscreen instructions to select the action you desire to do at that time whether Checking balance, Airtime purchase etc.

Sterling Bank

Simply dial *822#, after the pop up, chose the option you desire based on the action you wish to take. Sterling bank USSD code isn’t free, you will get charged N5 each time you dial the code on your phone.

Sky Bank

Sky bank customers should use *833#, to start, choose from Airtime purchase, balance inquiry, Transfers etc.

UBA (United Bank for Africa)

UBA customers should use this code *919#, then choose what you want to do out of the giving options.

Zenith Bank

The USSD code for zenith Bank is *966#, this will give you a new pop up with some options just as shown in the picture below.

Access Bank

This bank is bit of an exception you have to download their app from google play store, in order to have access to most of the services offered by USSD codes of other banks in Nigeria. But you can check your balance using SMS.

All you have to do is send ‘’BAL your account number’’ to 08160000612

 for example, BAL 01987654327

The number you should send the SMS to is 08160000612, after that you will receive a message about your account balance. You can buy recharge card easily from them by dialing *906*Amount# e.g to recharge N100 dial *906*100#

Note

• Using any of the USSD codes for the first time will prompt you to register for the said service (its free). After that you can start using the code.

• After each transaction is completed you will receive an SMS alert informing you about it.It usually takes less than 10 minutes for the transaction to be completed.

• In case of network error during the transfer of funds, where the beneficiary failed to receive the money after 24 hours and you have been debited. Call the customer care of the bank, their numbers will be on your ATM card, they will rectify the issue and return your money to your account. Unless you know somebody at the nearest bank branch it’s better to call customer care. But you will be charged for the call, it aint toll free.

• Some of the banks require the last four digits of your debit card number (14 digits’ number displayed on the front side of debit card).

• You can use the codes of all the banks listed here on one phone number as long as you have a bank account with each them. Also the number must be registered with all of the banks.

                                               

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Apple ultimate mobile device ( project titan) might be scrapped

The awesome tech giant company apple, the guys that make all that expensive phones, iPad & mac books which costs hundreds of thousands of naira per unit decided to venture into the automotive industry. In case you don’t know Apple, they are the ones who made the iPhone 7 & all the other iPhone which was the main reason a lot of girls lost their virginity, am not judging. They plan to make the car driver-less, meaning the vehicle will drive itself, not only that it will also be electric. This was a project that was started way back in 2014. They estimated to make a profit of over $6.7 trillion by 2030. The stats convinced them to hire lots of workers at that time. They wanted the car to take the automotive industry by storm just like the iPhone did in 2007. According to Carl Icahn (Apple investor) Apple will venture into the automobile market in 2020 & the vehicle to be made at that time will be the ultimate mobile device. The car will recognize its owner by fingerprint, it will autonomously drive around with the press of a button. Perhaps it will allow you to connect with your iPad, iPhone, mac books & I watches. Well, that was all in the past, recently there have being whispers that apple may shut down this project. Well personally I think it is due to the recession currently griping the whole world. As most of their customers don’t exactly have the cash to buy their product as much as they would have liked. Anyways apple has decided to draw back on their ambition, this has led to thousands of people losing their jobs. Instead of building their own personal car from top to bottom they have decided to re purpose project titan into something much smaller, they have chosen to develop a super driving system that gives Apple the opportunity to have different friends who are already making driver-less car, although they might return to building their own car in the future, when there is enough money to go around.

According to some of their workers Apple executives have given a deadline of late 2017 to prove the effectiveness & versatility of the self-driving system as this will allow them to make the final decision on which direction to follow. Google also tried making their own car, but they found out it isn’t easy. So they stick to apps. Looks like apple is also learning the hard way.

Apple thought with the way it easily secures exclusive rights on mobile phones parts supplies due to their influence, they believed it will be easy when it comes to automotive parts as well. They struggled to gain access to exclusive automotive supply chains, but due to the significant chunk of investments required to supply those parts, the automotive companies are not quite eager to rush in their products to a vehicle like the one Apple is planning to build which they might have shipped a bit in small quantities.

Several engineers and software developers have also quit working in the said project, while others were let go. Over a 100 software engineers working on the vehicles operating system together with test procedures were also fired. The project also suffered from constant change in leadership. It looks like project titan may be completely scraped, which is shame, because I heard the car design was supposed to be super as awesome, it was to be that ultimate product Apple plans to produce. I will love to see this product out; I wonder what some people who are so in love with apple product will sacrifice to obtain the ultimate mobile device. I heard the iPhone 7 made some people to even sell one of their kidneys just to have enough money to own that gadget.

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