Digital Grog — Australia’s Tech, Gadgets & Digital Life Unfiltered

Digital Grog is Australia’s go‑to tech blog for sharp reviews, digital trends, AI tools, gadgets, cybersecurity updates, and practical how‑tos covering the latest in Aussie technology

Multiple personalities? How to protect your identity online

by Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the stories about people who have had their identities stolen, whether it is their credit card details, their email address, Social Security number, or their driver’s license or passport. Identity theft isn’t just something that you hear about on the news though – in today’s high-tech society, it’s becoming easier for thieves to steal your identity online.

protect yourself online with McAfee® All Access

Restrict access with McAfee® All Access

When you shop online, you input your name, credit card details, and address – and it’s the same when you do your online banking, or fill out account registration forms. Our personal information is scattered across the web, which means we could be all the more susceptible to thieves who are operating online.

However, there are ways to ensure your information is kept secure. If you want to protect your identity online, here is some information that will help you.

Firstly, why should I care?

In the US, a 2010 report found that 11.1 million adults were a victim of identity fraud. What’s more, every three seconds, an identity is stolen and in 2008, Americans incurred $54 billion in loss from identity theft.

Identity theft can occur through credit card charges, bad credit, loss of social security benefits, criminal charges (such as traffic violations or criminal records), and even medical theft. In 2009, it was estimated that one in four Americans is expected to become a victim of identity theft.

How do thieves steal your identity online?

There are multitudes of ways thieves can steal your identity online, even if the websites you are visiting have security measures in place.

Thieves can send phishing emails or instant messages (SPIM) that pretend to be from a legitimate person or organisation (such as Paypal) in an attempt to lure you to give personal information. Hackers could also install spyware, Trojan horses, or malware into your computer that can take control of your computer or direct you to invalid sites.

On top of this, thieves can install keyloggers onto your computer that log your keystrokes so hackers can record your passwords and credit card details as you type online. Also, if your wireless network at home is unsecured, thieves can use this to access data on the computers you have connected to your wireless router – this is known as Wardriving.

So how can I protect myself?

If you’re reading this and panicking, don’t despair – there are measures you can take to protect yourself online!

First off, be aware! Make sure you are aware of all the different online tricks and scams that thieves can use to obtain your personal information – this way you’ll know what to look for. Keep your personal data private and never disclose it to strangers, and also make sure to check the URL of websites before you enter any vital information. Ensure your passwords contain letters and numbers, secure your wireless network, and don’t log into banking and credit card sites while using public hotspots.

When browsing the web, use a comprehensive antivirus software such as McAfee Total Protection Software, which will protect you from spyware, malware, and viruses, as well as steer you clear of any fake websites that are trying to get your personal information. Also remember to use a firewall to block any unauthorized access to your computer or network.

If you do become a victim…

…it’s best to notify the credit bureaus and create a fraud alert, and also file a police report. Be proactive as well and contact any financial institutions or agencies where your accounts may be affected. In the worst case scenario, put a credit freeze in place or consider legal help – after all, your identity is on the line!

Have you or any of your friends or family been a victim of identity theft?

Special offer for the readers of Digital Grogdigitalgrog special offer mcafee protection

30% off McAfee All Access 2014

Promotional code link ==>    http://promos.mcafee.com/offer.aspx?id=564708

McAfee® All Access

Safely enjoy your digital lifestyle on the devices you use to connect. McAfee All Access delivers the security protection you need for the devices you use at home and on the move. You can connect, surf, and socialize online, knowing your computer, laptop, netbook, smartphone, and tablet are safe from malicious websites and hackers, viruses, scammers, cyber bullies, and identity thieves. You can even track, lock, or remotely wipe your missing smartphone or tablet. Our comprehensive protection lets you connect with confidence and enjoy the convenience your digital lifestyle offers.

· Secure your PC, laptop, and netbook against hackers and identity theft
· Fend off threats to your Mac
· Protect your smartphone and the precious information it holds
· Guard your tablet against attacks and theft

Tablets fighting back against smartphones

by Leave a Comment

tablets or smartphonesAt one point in time, there seemed to be a clear distinction between smartphones and tablets: the former was your go-to device for calling, texting, and checking email, while the latter was used for recreational purposes like gaming and video steaming. However, as more tablets begin to offer calling capabilities, the line between the two devices has become somewhat blurred. Let’s take a look at what improved calling capabilities mean for the future of tablets:

Could a Tablet Replace Your Primary Phone?

Whereas users once had to download apps like Skype and Viber to make VoIP and video calls on their tablets, the next generation of tablets is equipped with all the features you need to turn it into your primary phone. The new Nexus tablet comes with the option of 4G LTE connectivity, as does the new Samsung Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note devices. The new ASUS Fonepad incorporates full 3G-phone functionality so that users have fast, reliable coverage whenever they want to make a call.

For those who think that a tablet is too large to make phone calls with comfortably, consider this: you don’t have to hold the tablet up to your ear to make a call. Instead, you can take advantage of in-line mic headphones or a Bluetooth headset, thereby eliminating concern over the awkward sizing of tablet devices.

Phone, Tablet, or Phablet?

samsung galaxy note 2 flip case vs diary case

In reality, tablets aren’t that much larger than top-of-the-line smartphones. After all, the latest trend in smartphones is to make larger displays that are better for browsing, viewing, and gaming. You need look no further than the HTC One or the Samsung Galaxy S4 handsets for examples of this point. The HTC One measures a whopping 137.4mm (5.41”), while the Samsung Galaxy S4 measures 136.7mm (5.38”). Needless to say, it’s a struggle for the average person to fit either one of these devices in the palm of their hand.

By contrast, tablets are more compact than ever. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes in a 151.2mm (5.9”) model, while the Asus FonePad is offered in a slightly larger size—152.4mm (6”). The Samsung Galaxy Tab, Nexus 7, and Asus FonePad all come in 177.8mm (7”) models as well. In fact, the differences between smartphones and tablets are so indistinguishable these days that some of these smaller tablets with phone capabilities are actually being referred to as phone tablets, or “phablets.”

Smartphones and Tablets Go Head to Head

Whether you decide to invest in one of the new phone tablets or stick with a more traditional mobile device like the BlackBerry Z10 or iPhone 5s, one thing is clear: by offering more functionality, tablets are fighting back against smartphones for control of the global market share. But tablet makers have a lot of catching up to do. According to statistics from Tech Crunch, smartphones accounted for 60.1% of the global market share in 2012, while tablets accounted for just 10.7%. It is worth noting that while tablets control only a small portion of the market, sales of these devices grew 78.4% year-on-year in 2012, and are forecasted to grow a whopping 109.9% through 2017, surpassing both desktop and portable PCs in market share. Test out the next generation of tablets to see what everyone is talking about.

Smartphone App launched by Dan Murphy’s Australia

by 4 Comments

If you like a glass of wine or beer or spirit, getting your favourite beer or wine has just become easier with the new DAN MURPHY’S SMARTPHONE APP. Dan Murphy’s has just launched their new application for smartphone that makes it easier for you to browse what’s available in their store on your smartphone and even place an order

review of apps australia

I downloaded the Dan Murphy’s smartphone app this weekend and was quite surprised with the professional looking and functional app that they have produced. The app screen makes it easy to browse and search the store for wines, beers and other alcohol and the weekly deals etc. are conveniently placed just in reach of a quick tap on the screen.

Dan Murphy’s gets social with smartphone launch

 

Right now they are offering the special smartphone application launch deals… so go grab it. When i checked on my phone there was the “ Yellowglen Vintage Perle”  white wine award winner for $89.40 for a case of 6 bottles with delivery. That brings the price down to $14.90 for a bottle for this classic vintage wine (definitely a good deal to get delivered to your home).

The Dan Murphy’s app main screen is as below (in pic)

dan murphys New mobile app

If you tap on the left bottle icon , you get taken to the screen with weekly deals/offers, search , store finder and  your account. Its advisable to  create a account if you get alcohol regularly from  Dan murphy’s. You can shop for alcohol right from this app and either get it delivered ( if available – mostly on six or 12 packs )  or pick it up from store. The bottom right shopping cart button on the screen shows what alcohol you have already checked in or bought via the smartphone app

The Dan Murphy’s story in short

In 1952 a bright young man, Daniel Francis Murphy was working in a liquor store owned and run by his father Timothy Murphy. Dan looked around one day and decided that he could run the shop better than his father and requested to take the reins and the rest is history.  Today  he has about 140 stores all around Australia and it is part of the Woolworths chain.

appstore dan murphy app australia

App download screen in Google play

According to wikipedia

“Dan Murphy’s is an Australian liquor supermarket chain owned by Woolworths Limited, which also owns BWS, another liquor chain with smaller stores. Dan Murphy’s competes principally with 1st Choice Liquor Superstore”

I tried out a special feature on the Dan Murphy’s  app, this app has got label recognition technology built in to the app. If you just click a photo ( via camera icon/button in app- see pic below) of  a label of the bottle in your bar or fridge and if the item is stocked at Dan Murphy’s, the app will come back with the current price of the bottle and also provide  information and reviews on the drink ( pretty neat huh).

smartphone app of dan murphy australia[how%2520the%2520dan%2520murphy%2520app%2520works%255B4%255D.jpg]

Img from:http://australianchinwag.blogspot.com.au/

This new app from Dan Murphy’s could possibly do wonders for many undiscovered small brands or relatively unknown wineries, by bringing them  into focus and increasing their audience  by putting them on  show to the world.

With an increasing number of smartphone users now using their devices to research products or services on-line, apps like this one are becoming the norm for tech-savvy shoppers. The Dan Murphy’s App is free to download onto your android and apple devices.

Customers can download the Dan Murphy’s App for free on their iPhone or Android device by searching for “Dan Murphy’s” in the App Store.

For more information on the Dan Murphy’s App and to view an instructional video, please visit:www.danmurphys.com.au/guides/app-content.

So go give this app a whirl , say cheers to me  and my blog “Digital GROG” and let me know your views on the app

When woo rank chuck a Hissy fit on my blog

by 1 Comment

That’s Right “woorank” was not happy with error on my site and a whole 12 of them to fix too. You can check  my blog digital grog report  too ,  woo rank successfully passed me on 24 factors , then told me i had room to improve on 4 ( reminding me of my strict little  school teacher

Check my Website Seo tool

the woorank ranking teacher dont miss class

 

And then told me i failed miserably with woorank chiding me for having 12 errors in my blog  and not having any friends on Facebook and twitter etc  . HOW RUDE. I have a separate twitter account @undermarrest and plenty of friends  on that account . I even have a pinterest account Woo-rank .

 

Here i what woorank had to say about my blog in a snapshot

the digital frog report

 

I have 289 pages indexed by Google and they tell me its not enough , geez they are a hard taskmaster

This rank was mazing

963061th most visited website in the World

and so i forgave woo rank for its previous miss-demeanours.

Tho  it  recorded my social behaviour as a bit weak  ( check pic below)

digital grog social rank

 

If i am not mistaken Woo rank has a free trial program  you can check it out here.I don’t have a membership but if their free service is so good, definitely their paid service has got to be of value.  If you do check it out let me know your opinion

The smart-one that charges you gadgets

by Leave a Comment

Gadgetaustralia.com was lucky enough to trail the “new portable charging device” produced by Smartone.

gadget australia webite with samrter charger

Charge all your devices with back up battery

The little gadget know as “smartercharger” may be something you may browse past when looking at mobile accessories but after having one of these in just a few days the little pocket rocket can really make an impact; proving very useful and a great little lifesaver is certain situations.

Smartone is an all Australian company based in Adelaide, South Australia.

the smarter charger from australia

The smartcharger is a small USB based fuel source for multiple modern day devices. The smartcharger is only 90mm x 20mm and can be very versatile in its use as well as easily and discretely stored in your luggage, handbag or a great tool to keep in your car.

The smartcharger is easily charged via a USB port, this can be on your home/work pc/laptop or even via a 5v “USB wall charger” or even in your car.

The smart little device can hold a full charge for approximately 100 days.

Specifications

Output

5V/1000mA (Max)

Input

5V/600mA

Capacity

2600mAh

Size

90*20mm

Working Temperature

Charging Time

3 Hours

Weight

68 grams

Cell Type

Li-Polymer Battery

First of all when looking at the product its definitely well built, and for the price retailing at $29.95AU it’s a fair investment of your hard earned dollars.

Img from http://eftm.com.au

We trailed the white version of the product and it looks and feel quite classy, the product is also available in a total of seven different colours, so it’s really take your pick.

The power adapter cord is quite versatile in its use; covering a range of new products including the latest apple attachment.

Within having the product just for a few days it really did come in handy and quite the saviour.

While being on the trip home from the office sitting on the train with my addiction to candy crush at max resolution and brightness and forgetting to charge up, smartcharger came to its first use.

The smart charger supported carry on use of the handset while continuing to give a steady charge to the device.

Overall the smartcharger does the job its designed to do while offering consumers great value for money.

Get your own smartcharger at www.smartcharger.com.au and visit www.gadgetaustralia.com for more gadget news  and releases

Talk is cheap – except in Australia

by 2 Comments

New cost of living figures reveal the price of a pre-paid mobile phone is nearly 9 times more in Sydney than Los Angeles.

Whether it’s surfing the net, grabbing a bite out with friends after work or going to see the latest blockbuster movie, on average Australians are paying some of the highest prices in the world.

Comparison of a night out in AUSTRALIA Vs UK vsUS

Below is snapshot from the comparison website

The comparison  below is  for a night out  if  you are visiting   any of the cities London , Sydney or New york and the price of the beer, wine or cocktail

numbeo compariosn cost of living by budget direct us uk australia

Comparison tool link url : http://www.budgetdirect.com.au/costofliving/

The tool is quite handy and you can compare living costs, shopping  and getting around costs  in most major cities, though  the comparison is only focussed to a few  cities  and i would much rather have some more cities in the list  to get a better comparison figure (Comparison website  link below)

One of the differences that stood out was the cost of a pre-paid mobile phone tariff. Australians are paying on average nearly four times more for this than the US and nearly three times more than they are in the UK. When comparing the individual cities, LA costs $0.11 per minutes compared to Sydney, which is nearly 9 times more at $1.00 per minute.

It’s not only chatting on the phone that’s more expensive. Surfing the net costs considerably more in “Australia than the US and UK”. Regardless of what politicians future plans are for Australia’s NBN the data shows that Aussies are currently paying on average over 80% more than the UK and over 25% more than the US.

On a more positive note, the data shows Australians do have the highest median monthly disposable salary after tax.

The comparison guide uses data collected primarily from Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data, which allows users to compare three cities across a number of key categories including their weekly shop, living and getting around.

To find out more about the data and make your own cost comparisons, please click here to try the tool yourself.