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With fast pace life and unlimited responsibilities, there is a possibility that you accidently delete important data.  These unexpected ways whether someone else mistakenly clears the data, or data is lost in transfer, can be recovered by using software available in the market these days. Choosing best amongst numerous options is a daunting task.

Following are top 5 data recovery tools with the help of which one can save their confidential and important data.

• TestDisk
• Recuva
• PhotoRec
• Restoration
• Puran File Recovery

All above data recovery tools are compatible with Windows operating system and two amongst then can also work on MAC and Linux.

TestDisk: An open source tool known for its data recovering capabilities:

1. Recovering all the undeleted FAT, NTFS and ext2 file systems
2. Creating backup and rebuilding boot sector
3. Fixing FAT tables and MFT
4. Copy deleted files from partitions to recovery media
5. Lost partitions can also be found for particular data recovery

TestDisk have no graphical user interface and hence command line prompt is available where commands are given for specific task. Command line functionality makes it little restricted but its menu and documentation helps you guide in proper way.

Recuva: Another Window based data recovery tool which is famous for its user-friendly interface. This tool gives user liberty to choose among manual or automated mode through which one can doing stepwise procedure can recovered required data. One can recover files that are lost for sure using file recovery wizard as its stepwise procedure resurrect that which you are not aware how to get it back. One can easily narrow down the search locations by using this wizard, this way Recuva searches only video/audio or some specific location only for searching lost data. On the other hand, if you are sure about the location where your lost data might be, you can simply switch to manual mode and obtain desired results. Preview of files that are available for the recovery can also be seen in this tool.

PhotoRec:  Just like TestDisk, this data recovery software is compatible for Windows, MAC and Linux operating systems. PhotoRec tool is also available in command prompt form only and similar to TestDisk it is also capable of recovering all FAT and NTFS add to it this tool is known for its deep recovery features which makes it more popular than other software. Unlike TestDisk, this too without disturbing the normal functioning of boot sector, search for lost files in more secured and read-only mode. This tool is designed mainly to recover photos and is popular for safely transferring deleted files to another disk space.

Restoration: The requirement is similar but the way is different. Restoration is yet another data recovery tool which is compatible for all Windows operating systems. It may not recover data in refine way as compared to other tools but for systematic sorting of files found according to their size and filename can only be done by using this data recovery tool. With its minimum memory consumption, Restoration weighs only 406k and is mainly recommended to be used as a valuable part of USB toolkit of Windows-based devices.

Puran File Recovery: Known for its better quality and advanced functionalities, Puran File recovery tool is finest free tool. This easy to operate tool can scan any drive that Windows. It is capable of handling large range of files and scanning it for lost data as compared to other tools. This way larger area is covered at a time and lost data is recovered pretty soon. Lost partitions can also be identified and recovered by using this tool.

Internet has become a vital part of everyone’s life and as its usage has increased over time. People desire for fast browsing speed. With many people – salaried and self employed alike, working remotely, everyone wants to be connected most of the time.

Since no one likes to loose Internet connectivity, it is important to have a better connectivity medium. When you are facing low internet speed problem, things gets worse than becoming good. Fast internet is the future and every Internet Service providing company wants to launch new and advanced devices and services for faster Internet.

Considering all the problems related to slow Internet one can face even though while using best devices and service, below we have listed down tips one can use to increase Internet speed:

Troubleshoot

Using high quality devices and connections plus managing them in proper way can help increasing the internet speed. Basic guidelines which if considered properly can give better results are as follows:

1. 1. Modem ON/OFF: When dealing with internet connection through modem, it is beneficial if you turn off your modem and restart it again. This way speed eventually will differ. Even turning router off and restarting can helps in same way but then sometimes one has to reset the settings as the router is restarted again.
   2. Keep your connections tidy: Any gadget or device should be properly maintained for regular and future usage. Regular cleaning of all the cables, modems and router connections is essential as many times dust gets deposit on them which eventually results in loose connections to slow internet speed. To avoid overheating of the devices, one must ensure proper ventilation in the devices.
   3. Less is more: Multitasking is supposed to be the topmost advantage of computer devices but it will results in slow internet connection speed. It’s better to avoid running multiple applications at the same time. When multiple devices runs at a time; television, computer, phone, tablet , etc…all release their radiations which will effect each other and hence this is also considered as the main reason for slow speed. It is preferred to run fewer devices to take their maximum benefit.

Clear the Crowded Area

Sometimes over loaded memory of the browser also becomes the main reason for slow internet speed, thus it is essential to clear the area as regular as possible.

• • 1. Clear cache memory: Make a point to clear the cache memory and delete cookies on regular monthly basis. In Internet Explorer, there is an option of deleting browser history and delete cookies. In Firefox, tools option has clear recent history option. By clicking on that option one can clear all the browser history, in many versions the time duration is asked where one can select since when user wants to delete the previous history.
    2. Computer scan for virus attacks: Internet speed is highly affected by computer speed which many times get slowed due to unwanted attacks on the system. Always have a habit of having an anti-virus in your computer and keep updating them regularly. Unwanted guests on the computer clog its memory which eventually results in slow speed of the system. This can only be cleared if computer scan is being done on regular terms.
    3. Wi-Fi-channel change: Sometimes same channel is used by lots of people which will eventually decrease the speed of the connection. When the strength of the range is less, it is better to analyze the channel through Wi-Fi analyzer or scanner and switch to that channel where fewer crowds are registered.
    • Time to purchase new equipment: We usually blame the service or the area for poor internet speed and the thought of having bad or defected equipment never dawned on us. It is better to consider this option and check all the connections including the condition of the equipment.
  • 1. New model up gradation: While connecting devices to your system, always make sure to use shorter cables for more clearance. Always buy advanced version of modem or router which will increase the speed.
    2. Prefer Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi: Ethernet is no doubt better option for network connection over Wi-Fi as physical connection gives more surety of better service then wireless. Plus one can replace or change the cables once they become very old and used.
    3. ISP help: The range provided to each Wi-Fi connection depends on the range given by the ISP (internet service provider). If there is any problem regarding the range, one can ask for more range by ISP and they can give you a ballpark area. There are many internet sites available where one can check the internet speed. 40-50 MB range is usually sufficient enough for any network connection. If the speed of your internet connection is same as that offered by ISP then ask for more range and if not then one can complaint to the company for troubleshooting the problem so that it can be repaired soon.
    4. DSL connection: Sometimes due to lose connection of DSL line, the speed of internet is suffered. When DSL is used on landline phones it is important to have good Quality filters so that better range and coverage is being considered.

Even if the internet speed is slow, one can increase the browsing speed by following certain tips and tactics:

• • • While sending multiple files via email, one should always compress them and then send which will increase the sending speed.
    • One can also turn off the graphics facility in the browser settings which will help load the webpage at faster level and downloading at better speed.
    • Using cached exchange mode of outlook for sending mails is also better option as it will help increase the speed of sending messages faster than the usual online mode.

Clearing cache memory form the browser at regular terms will also help in increasing the speed of the internet browsing even if one is dealing with slow internet speed.

PDF files are generally smaller in size and preserve the formatting same as that of the original document. Unlike Microsoft word and other programs, the size of PDF files is generally small. Also, the modification of contents of a PDF file is not so easy. There are options to prevent other users from copying the text or printing from the PDF documents. This makes a PDF document more secure and reliable.

PDF file format was initially developed by Adobe. These files come with an extension .pdf. At present, there are more than 2.5 trillion PDF file documents in the world.

There are some reasons why the PDF document format is so well liked for all sorts of articles like presentations, invoices, AutoCAD drawings and even legal forms.

You can open a PDF document on any computer, as well as recent smartphone or tablet using free programs like Adobe Acrobat reader. Google Chrome, Safari and other modern browsers also have this ability to open PDF documents without installation of any additional plugins.

Edit PDFs with Free Adobe Acrobat Alternatives

By default, the PDF documents are in read-only format. However, there are other ways to edit the content of these documents.

This can be done without spending money on any services or premium tools. If you are looking to update the content of a PDF document or even changing the structure itself like rearranging pages, refer to below listed options.

Basic Editing Tasks: Using Online PDF Editor

Sometimes you may need to make small changes in a PDF file. For eg, you may want to just hide your phone number or deleting some personal information from a PDF file before you send it to someone.

You can do this easily using one of the free and secure online tools. You will need to upload the PDF file using your browser and make those changes. Once you are done, you can go ahead and download the modified PDF file.

SmallPDF.com, PDFEscape.com are some of the examples of popular online PDF editors.

Change Metadata of PDF Files

The metadata of a PDF file consists of the information about the document for eg author’s name, copyright information, keywords etc. If you don’t want to send this information along with the PDF file, you may need to change the metadata for that PDF file.

For changing or removing the metadata of a PDF file, use a software utility called BeCy PDFMetaEdit on your PC to edit the metadata of PDF documents. You will also be able to remove passwords from a PDF file or even encrypt it using this tool.

Alternatively, use some online tools to edit the PDF file’s metadata such as PDFCandy.com, 2pdf.com etc.

How to Edit the Text inside a PDF File

If you are looking for making changes to the text inside a PDF file, you can use Microsoft Word! Yes, that’s right. Microsoft Word allows you to edit PDF files.

Launch Microsoft Word and drag and drop the PDF file onto it. It will show a dialog box that the file will be converted to Word, which is fine. You can click on OK and move ahead with editing the document.

Once you have done the changes, you can save it, go to File > Export and then choose “Create PDF/XPS Document”. The modified document will be exported in PDF format.

The only problem with this workadound is that if your document has several images, Microsoft Word might mess up with the alignments.

Alternatively, you can use one of the online PDF editors for free. Sejda is one of the free online PDF editors that you can use.

Advanced editing of PDF Files

There may be some scenarios when you may want to do advance editing of PDF files. You may want to replace images, remove or replace blocks of text, put signatures – and you may want to do everything in the same file!

If that is the case, I would recommend you to use PDF-XChange editor. It’s a free PDF viewer and editor that you can use to enter the text directly in any PDF file. Or you can put an image file or replace an existing one using this tool.

So, these were some of the methods and tools that you can use to edit your PDF files successfully. And you don’t need to spend a dime for doing that!

FBI virus is a ransomware created by cyber criminals few years back. This virus makes you think that your computer cannot be accessible unless you take an action. And the action these cyber criminals want you to take is to pay them money.

The FBI virus blocks the user from accessing his computer and perform usual tasks. They demand users to pay money that goes to the creator of this virus. Just like most of the other ransomware, these internet criminals ask users to pay money using Moneypak, uKash, CashU or similar services, so that it becomes hard to trace them.

These criminals exploit the name of FBI to scam unsuspecting users. However, as you may have already understood by now, no government agency or authority would do this i.e. locking access to your computer and asking money.

FBI virus: How it comes to your PC?

You might be wondering how the FBI virus enters your PC?

When a user visits a website or download the files which is infected, these type of viruses or malware enter your PC. If your PC is not secure and you are not using any up-to-date antivirus software, then these viruses or malwares enter easily to your PC and go unnoticed. Another ways of getting these virus is infected files attached in emails or links in social media messages.

How do you detect FBI Virus on your PC or Laptop?

Now since you understand how FBI virus might have entered your PC, let’s take a look at how you can detect this malware.

When FBI virus is installed on your computer, it displays a pop-up message that your computer has been blocked because of using inappropriate materials. So, whenever you try to log on to the computer it locks the computer and other programs/applications as well. It then asks for money to be paid as a fine.

This virus also affects the installed Webcam and also has ability to access it. When FBI virus affects the webcam, it displays a bogus message which shows what is happening in the entire room.

FBI virus also shows the user’s current location on the desktop of the infected computer and asks for the payment. The criminals always make changes in the virus and also change the design of the screen.

However, you should understand that FBI or any other authorities will never lock your computer and will not interrupt you during your online activities. Additionally, always keep in mind that you never ever pay anything for such type of demands.

How to Remove the FBI virus

You can remove the FBI virus using one of the following ways:

System Restore

In order to remove the FBI virus, you can restore your system to one of the previous dates. This will help get rid of the virus from your system. Follow below steps for this option.

1. Restart your PC and tap immediately F8 key repeatedly. It will boot you to ‘recovery mode’ where you have to select advanced repair option. Click on Troubleshoot—Advance option—Windows Startup settings—Restart computer— You will see Advance Boot option.
2. Select safe mode with command prompt—Press Enter—at command prompt write rstrui.exe – Press Enter—System Restore starts
3. When system restore is completed start your computer in Windows regular mode.

Malwarebyte Software

1. Shutdown your computer and disconnect the internet.
2. Download the Malwarebyte on another computer to a thumb drive.
3. Reboot the computer.
4. Install the Malwarebyte Software.
5. Run Malwarebyte and Quick scan the entire computer.
6. Click on to the show result button.
7. Make sure all the infected files are been ticked.
8. Click on the Remove selected button.
9. Virus is removed.
10. Restart your computer.

I am sure one of the above methods will definitely work for you to remove the FBI virus from your computer and you should be able to use your PC as usual.

Avast Free Antivirus is one of the leading antivirus available in market, under the license Freemium which means that its basic version can be used for free. If you want to use the premium features, then only you will need to pay for it.

Let’s face it; we tend to think that freebies or cheaper alternatives are of inferior quality or may be even compromised!

However, that’s definitely not the case with Avast Free Antivirus. This is one premium product developed by AVAST Software. It delivers what it promises.

A good AntiVirus should fulfil the following criteria :

• It should be easy to download and install.
• It should have a high detection rate i.e. Should be able to detect viruses quickly and efficiently.
• It should not hog up all system resources i.e. It shouldn’t slow down the computer.

Gladly, Avast Free Antivirus delivers on all these fronts.

Avast Free Antivirus: Features, Specifications and System requirement.

Avast Free Antivirus is said to work extremely fine on almost all Windows based operating system, Linux, Palm OS, Macintosh, Android etc.; Though it might not support a few versions of each.

To highlight its key features, we will begin with understanding how easy it is to download and install this product. This freeware comes with an organized user interface, which makes it easier for all technical as well as non technical people to follow.

Anyone can easily follow the instructions and download it properly. Beware of the other products that install themselves along with Avast Free Antivirus though. At the time of installation, you would need to uncheck any unwarranted products besides the product you intend to install.

Secondly, existing users are very much impressed with its quick scanning abilities. The users could opt for any four scans namely “Quick Scan”, “Removable media scan”, “Full System Scan” & “Select folder to scan” , as per their own requirement and time limitations.

There are dedicated tools for each of the web applications ranging from “File system shield”, “Web Shield”, “Mail shield” to “IM Shield” and “Network shield” which provides multiple layers of protection making your computer robust.

Apart from other regular features, developers of Avast Free Antivirus have introduced “Intelligent scan” a feature that reduces the scanning time to almost half by not rescanning the already scanned and potentially safe files, unless they are changed.

It also comes with a silent/gaming mode which disable pop ups and other on screen notices, enhancing the security of the computer. Avast Free Antivirus does this and a lot more without weighing down CPU’s performance.

Avast Free Antivirus: The Cons

Since we all know that no product is perfect, there are a few drawbacks of Avast Free Antivirus as well. Though this product is loaded with some fantastic features, users complain that most of these are accessible only in its paid version. A feedback for full scan and boot scan has revealed that it takes a long time and still a few of threats go unnoticed.

Also, note that Avast Free Antivirus needs a free registration to be able to function post 30 days of its installation.

Avast Free Antivirus: The Verdict

With some mind blowing features, its ability to tackle the newest of the virus and the fact that its pros outweighs its cons, Avast Free Antivirus is definitely one of the most recommended AntiVirus by experts.

Markets in today’s time are flooded with gadgets. While customers welcome these wide array of products, the choice of which is better than other often leaves them bewildered.

Personal computer has gone drastic changes ever since it was discovered. From a bulky, space occupying object to something that is so handy that you can carry it anywhere and everywhere; the evolution is commendable.

If you are a gadget freak or someone who is planning his next purchase, you must be undergoing the same turmoil of whether to choose a good quality laptop or the latest tablet like iPad, isn’t it?

Sweat not! This article would highlight some significant features of both which will definitely help you decide better.

Laptop Or Tablet: Usage

First and foremost what is your purpose or what is that you intend to do with either of these gadgets?

You should first try to sort out your need. Are you looking for a gaming console or you are making purchase for office/business work?

When it comes to multi-tasking, Laptops win hands down. Not only that they are useful in doing office work, but also you could play a game or two, if your machine supports graphics card.

But if your main aim is Internet surfing, social media, music and little bit of gaming you would want to invest in a tablet, which kind of specializes in it. You could do all this while travelling with just your gadget and Internet dongle with you.

Laptop Or Tablet: Memory and Storage

Other features where laptop beats tablet is Memory and disk space. An average laptop comes with a storage capacity of 500GB, which is huge. You can store/save as many videos, music, files or photos as you want without having to worry about its performance hindered. Laptops also have a choice of expandable memory which would take care of your future needs.

But with tablet the memory is restricted and most of them do not have the provision of getting it expanded, even the high branded ones likes iPad etc. So, you can do a little but transfer the extra load to another gadget, which defeats the purpose.

Just like the storage capacity, the memory (that your device uses to store data temporarily) is also limited in tablet as compared to laptop. This is because they are not meant for heavier work loads.

Laptop or Tablet: Size & Weight

Yes, laptop is lighter than the traditional desktop PC but is it like the lightest? No. A Tablet wins this round when the comparison is about being light weight and comfortable to carry around. They are usually in range of 7 to10 inch in the size and weight as less than one pound.

It is easy to carry the tablet in a purse or back pocket (well not all of them but at least some) and use it as often as required. While laptop needs extra care and love, and you would need to carry a bulky laptop bag to take it from one point to another.

Laptop or Tablet: Performance

Whether it is the question of being fastest or ability to multitask, laptop beats tablets, thanks to high powered processors.

Tablets comparatively have low power processors making it difficult for them to process a lot of data at one time.

You would not be necessarily bothered when you check emails, surf internet, listen to music or play games but once you start more complicated task, you would realize that laptop scores past the tablets.

Laptop or Tablet: Cost

Another deciding factor that influences most of the purchase is cost. Tablets bring with them the latest of technology so have a premium charge, but then do they cost more than laptop? Usually not!

While you might find high end tablets of better configuration charging a bomb but on an average tablet is pretty much affordable. While you might find laptop at much lesser cost, but you surely wouldn’t want to compromise and buy one with most basic configuration.  A decent laptop with good processor and RAM should cost you around $600 and above.

So, these are the basic points of comparison between laptop & tablet. None of these necessarily makes one better than another. However, these points do highlight that your purchase should be driven by need and usage.