How to Run Android Apps on Windows PC / MAC

 Want to install your favorite applications and play the most beautiful Android games on your Windows desktop, laptop or MAC...? You can run Android apps and even the Android operating system on your current PC using just what we call an Emulator.

 Andy is the best Android emulator available. It provides an easy way to download and install Android apps and games for your Windows PC or Mac. All for FREE unlike BlueStacks and YouWave !
 

 It also provides users with unlimited storage capacity, PC and Mac compatibility. Also, with phone as a joystick, you will never have to sacrifice the multi-touch or gyro elements of gaming, and thanks to seamless connection between desktop and mobile. You can receive a SnapChat phone picture on the street and see it on your desktop at home or even a Whatsapp or Viber message.

 Requirements:

 You need to be aware of certain requirements of Andy software which must be matched with your PC:
 1 - Your computer should be running on Windows OS which is Vista or any other higher like 7, 8, 8.1 or even 10. Windows XP won’t work in this case because it’s too old.
 2 - Check that your computer is having at least 4GB of RAM. If it’s just 2GB then you may face lots of performance issues.
 3 - Consider having at least 512MB or higher storage of graphics/video card.
 4 - Make sure that the graphics driver version is updated and compatible to play HD content pretty easily.

Check : Best Free Sources to Search and Download Drivers for your Computer

 Once you’re sure of these requirements then you won’t find any errors at all.

 Install ANDY and run Android apps and games on Windows PC or MAC for free:

 - Download and install Andy from Official Site.

 - Make sure that the Virtualization is enables in the BIOS settings.

 Download Microsoft Hardware Assisted Virtualization Detection tool from official site here.

 - Tap on Apps icon and synchronize with your Google account’s e-mail and password..
 

 - Open Google Play and search, for Candy crush for exemple, and install it.

 - Once installed, the Candy crush for PC application is ready to use which supports both Windows as well as Mac computers.

 Read also: How to Stream your Smartphone Screen (Android / iOs) on Your PC / MAC

 Enjoy running and installing all your favorite applications on your PC without any issues.
 Share your experience in comments below :)

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How to Instantly Lock your PC / MAC

 When leaving home for few minutes and you want to lock your computer but don’t want to shut everything down, so that no one can access your data. Here’s the way to make the screensaver show up as soon as you lock your PC and you can then retrieve your session as you left it but you’ll have to enter the password to get back in.

 How to instantly lock your Windows:

 First, make sure your screensaver is enabled (Right-click on the desktop > Personalize > Screen Saver)

 Method 1: (Recommended)

 1 - Press the Win+L keyboard keys simultaneously

 2 - Your session is locked. On your return, enter your password to unlock it.

 3 - You'll gain your session as you had left it: running softwares, opened documents...

 Method 2:

 Create a shortcut that will lock your computer:
 1 - Right-click on the desktop, choose New then click Shortcut.
 2 - Past this into the location box:

rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation

 3 - The screensaver should show up instantly.

 How to instantly lock your MAC:

 First, make sure you have configured your Mac to ask for a password after sleep or screen saver. If you do not have the password required feature enabled, then follow these steps:
 - Launch System Preferences.
 - Open the ''Security & Privacy'' preference pane and select the ''General'' tab.
 - Click the checkbox next to ''Require password after sleep or screen saver begins'', you can select either immediately or a preferred time interval.

 - Close System Preferences and you’re done.

 Now you are ready to lock your OS screen by putting the display to sleep performing either of the following:
 1- Hold down the Control+Shift+Eject keyboard keys together (if your Mac has an internal Optical Drive and an Eject key).
 2 - Hold down the Control+Shift+Power keyboard keys together (if your Mac does NOT have an internal Optical Drive or an Eject key).

 Note: This is not sleep mode so your Mac will still function, press any button to wake the display up and you should be asked to authenticate with your user’s password to unlock the screen.
 Tested on OS X Mavericks v10.9.1

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How to Type Symbols and Special Characters on Windows and Mac

 You have often wondered know how to type this bit weird character in a text? How, for example, to type the following characters: ~ ™ Δ Σ © and many others? To make this easier, here's how to enter the main special characters you can possibly need in your wording. To do this, you simply need to use the keys "Alt" and "Shift".

 NB: These key combinations work with most text editing programs including Word, Facebook, Email and Excel. However, it is possible that certain combinations may not work in specific applications.

 Main special characters: Alt + Number Keypad Cheat Sheet:

 * The main key combinations to type special characters on WINDOWS:

(Hold down the ALT Key then enter the code using the numeric keypad. Make sure Num Lock is on)

 * The main key combinations to type special characters on MAC:

 
 OS X also offers an interesting function called "Substitutions". This function allows some text substitutions, and symbols.

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How to Install Avast AntiVirus with a Free Registration

 Avast Antivirus (formerly avast! Home Edition) is a free software. However, it requires an activation key to operate beyond 30 days. This key is free and valid for one year. There are two ways to retrieve and install this free license and get a free protection on your computer.

From the official website of avast:

 - Go to Avast Free Registration Web Page.
 - After filling the form, you will receive an email that will contain the activation key.
 - Copy the key received on your e-mail.
 - Open Avast from the bottom right of your status bar of your Windows desktop
 

 - Go to: Settings > Registration , Click Insert Activation Code then past the key and validate. (I'm already registred on my screenshot below)

 From Software:

 Method 1:

 - Open avast, (the bottom right of your status bar)
 - Click Upgrade and then Select Standard Protection on the left (i'm already registred on my screenshots below)
 - Complete the registration form then click Register with your e-mail address.
 - Click Stay with your basic protection.

 

 

 Method 2:

 - Open avast
 - Click Settings > Registration
 - Click Register now
 - On the left, in the Standard Protection, click Select
 - Complete the registration form and click Register with your e-mail address.
 - Click Stay with your basic protection.

 Enjoy One Year free protection from viruses and spyware !

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How To Screen Record and Create Your Own Video Tutorials

 In this tutorial I will show you how to capture video from your computer's screen! That is to say that whatever you do (what you see on your screen) is recorded in a video! (You can also define a part of the screen). It's useful to show how to do something in a tutorial.

 If you record with the highest quality possible, you will have an excellent video quality! What I mean is that with CamStudio, the record is very good (unlike other capture software).

 To make a video capture, use CamStudio (free). Download it from official site: http://camstudio.org/
 Install it.
 Before you start recording, configure the software: choose the "place" of the screen to record, the quality of the video...
 - Setting the Region:
 Let's start by determining the area of the screen you want to record. You have the choice between:
Full Screen Mode: All the screen will be captured.
 Click: Region > Full Screen.

 
Fixed Region Mode: Choose a specific part of the screen that will be recorded.
 Click: Region > Region Fixed.
 In the window that opens, click Select, and choose the part of the screen using your mouse by moving the cursor.

 - Video Adjustments: We must now set the video options; This option is used to edit your video quality. The higher quality will be beautiful, the more it'll be heavy on the hard disk.
 Click Options > Video Options.
 To get the best possible quality, set the options as in the picture below:

 I advise you not to set quality below 75.

 - Cursor Options: Mouse cursor appears or does not appear on your video? Depending on your desire...
 Click: Options > Cursor Options. You can choose to Hide or Show Cursor with Actual or Custom Cursor. Click OK.

 - Sound Adjustments: You can choose to not record sound, record from microphone or from speakers (for eg. if you listen to music while recording, the music will be recorded)

 That is, the software is configured!

 What is a Layout?

 A"bubble" (with text) that appears on the screen while you make your video capture. This helps explain what you do while recording.To create a Layout click:
 

 
 - Go to: Library > Insert Shape Library > Choose Default.Shapes then click Open.
 - Right click on Orange Gradient select New Shape. Check Blank Image.
 - Below, type the text to be displayed in the layout. And click OK.

 - A Layout appears on your screen, right-click it. If you want to change the text, color, font, size... Click Edit Text.

 - You can Edit Layout Transparency (Move the cursor to the left, the layout will be more transparent).
 - If you want to change the image of the layout click Edit Image and select Create cutout using a pre-defined shape then select a shape.

 - Move the Layout where you want it to appear on your recorded video. Right-click it, then click Save Layout.
 - In the Layout tab, your Layout appears!
 If you want to use several Layouts during video recording, create others; but beware of the order of Layouts, it must respect this rule:
"In the Layout tab, the one at the top will appear first"

 Keyboard Shortcuts:

 They will be used to:
 * Start recording the video
 * View a layout
 * Hide (remove) a layout
 * Show the following layout
 * And stop recording.

 Set your shorcuts as you desire.

 Recording:

 Before you start recording, minimize the software (To not appear in the video). We will use keyboard shortcuts to control the software.

 I hope you enjoyed the post? Feel free to comment it below! :)

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How to Reinstall Mac OS X in a Few Clicks

 If you experience hanging problems or system bugs, it might be time to do ''spring'' cleaning on your Mac. Prepare your backup and follow the steps in this tutorial to restore your Mac to factory settings.

 You must remember, when you have unpacked your Mac for the first time, you had no CD. Indeed since the release of Mac OS X Lion, Apple gives no longer installation CD. I tell you through this tutorial how to reinstall Mac OS X without difficulty in case of problems.

 Beforehand, it is imperative to backup all your data, either manually or via the utility offered by Apple: "Time Machine". Small note which is important: to restore your Mac, you need to have an internet connection, because restoring files are not stored on your hard drive but on Apple servers. It is possible that when the process initiate, Apple asks for your Apple ID to verify your eligibility.


 - Start your Mac and hold the "ALT" key at startup. When the two disks appear, select using the arrow keys "recovery 10.9" and confirm with the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

 If you encounter problems starting the recovery 10.9, Apple offers online utility "Internet Recovery". To start the tool, simply restart your Mac and hold down the Command and R keys at startup.

 - Before executing the reinstallation, you must format the internal hard drive of your Mac. In the window, select "Disk Utility" and click "Continue".

- On the left column, choose the hard drive of your system, by default is "Macintosh HD". Then on the right of the window, go to the "Erase" tab. Ensure that the disc format is to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)". Then click "Erase" at the bottom right of the window. Formatting is complete, you can close the window.

 Your hard drive is now formatted. Click "Reinstall Mac OS X" :

 - Accept the terms and conditions, then select the disk on which to install your system, here, I have kept the same name as the original "Macintosh HD".

 Apple verify your eligibility with servers, and can ask for your Apple IDs.
 Well, it's over, just wait while rebooting your Mac. The restoration takes at least 3 hours depending on your internet speed and servers.

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Surfing on the Web: Fast tips for better use

 

•  Tabs: display multiple pages at the same time:

 Sometimes, we need to view multiple internet pages simultaneously. To avoid goings and comings between sites, a trick allows you to open them simultaneously. So you can move from one page to another with a single click.

 When you open a page in Google Chrome for eg, its name appears in a tab above the address field. To open a second page, click the small button on the right after this first tab.

 A second tab called "New Tab" is displayed next to the original tab. And at the center of the window, a white page with thumbnail (s) for different web pages that you have visited several times in the last days. If the page where you want to go is listed, click on its thumbnail; otherwise, enter its address in the address search-bar area and press Enter.

 The second page displays, but the first tab is always there, so you can switch between the two pages by clicking on the respective tab. And nothing prevents you from viewing a third page by repeating the first two steps.

•  Re-open accidentally closed tab:

 When surfing the internet, it can happen that you accidentally close a tab by pressing the small cross at the top right of the web page. To find the Internet tab closed, here's a tip:
 1. Press " Ctrl " and " Shift " and the letter " T " at the same time.
 2. The last closed page will reopen to the right of the page you're currently viewing.
 3. If this does not open the desired tab, then repeat the operation several times. All pages previously closed will open one after the other in chronological order of their closure.

•  Search for a word in a web page or a text document:

 Using a simple keyboard shortcut, you can quickly find a word, name or phrase ... in your text documents, or on a web page.
 Do you know the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + F" for PC and "Apple + F" for Mac? This shortcut will save much time avoiding you browse all the pages of a text document or web in search of a word or phrase.
 1. When both keys "Ctrl" and "F" (for PC) or "Apple" and "F" (for Mac) are pressed together, a window appears at the top right of your screen.
 2. Type in the word you searching for.
 3. The desired word then appears highlighted in your page.
 4. To switch to the next found word, press the Enter key (or click on "next" or use the arrows for some versions of Windows).
 This shortcut is universal: it works for all programs: web page text document, PDF...

•  Take a Screenshot:

 The screen shows something amazing? Photograph it!
 No need for a camera, just press the Print Screen key. Then go to Start > Programs > All Programs > Accessories, then click Paint. Pull down Edit menu then click Paste.
 The photo appears. You can save it.

•  Add favorites to your browser:

 You often visit the same websites that are your favorites. You can make them quickly accessible from your web browser. Your favorite sites can be accessed directly from the Favorites bar of your browser.
 - Go first to your favorite site and grab the icon on the left of the URL with your mouse and drag it by sliding it under the URL box of the navigation window. Do the same with all your favorite sites.  You can then click on it directly without going through a menu or typing the URL.
 - The name that registers is often too long and occupies too much space in the Favorites bar; it is preferable to shorten it. To do this, right click on the name, click Edit, or Properties (depending on the browser) and then Rename.

•  Hide the screen very quickly !

 Someone enters the room and you want to hide your computer screen? A keyboard shortcut allows you to do this!
 Simultaneously press the '' Windows '' key and '' D '' and all the windows disappear. To find them, press the same key combination.

Note: Here's the Windows Key:

 Have questions or tips to add? Comment below :)

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How to use your tablet as a computer screen monitor

 If you have a tablet that you no longer use (or in use), before sell or give, try this trick: use it as a monitor for your computer! This tutorial also works for smartphones, but the size of the tablets makes this more practical, you can always try if you own a phablet.

 The way we will proceed to pass this tutorial is very simple, you only need to install a software on your computer and an application on your tablet. Each step will be described for you to succeed without worries. The software for your computer is Splashtop Streamer, available for Windows, Mac and Linux and the Extended Splashtop HD application is available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone.

Prerequisites:
 - Having a tablet (or smartphone) Android, iOS or Windows Phone.
 - A computer running Windows, Mac OS or Linux.
 - Having these two devices connected on the same network.

 How to use your tablet as a second monitor for your computer:

 - Download Splashtop Streamer.
 - Install like any software, create a Splashtop account.

 - Install Splashtop Extended Display HD application on the Android device, if you have an iDevice use this free iOs version.
 - To connect the two devices, create an access code, for this, return to the software in the Security tab:

 - Return to the application on your Android or iDevice, enter the code created above.
 - The computer and the tablet are now connected.
 - Configure the display, press on your tablet using 3 fingers, the Display Setup window should appear on the computer.
 - Moving the second screen to the right or left of the first according to the tablet position.

 Once connected, you can use your tablet to just keep an eye on one of your softwares or use the tablet itself to write text for example. The practical side of a tablet as a screen instead of a real monitor is the touch-screen (faster and more convenient).
 The disadvantage of this solution is that it's only a trial (5 minutes continous connection), so do not hesitate to buy the full version if you need.

 Like & share the trick :)

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How to Split or Merge PDF files

 

1/ How to Split a PDF into several pages? (divide it into parts)

 Just use a virtual printer and print only the desired pages:
 - For this, it's necessary to have virtual printer as PDF Creator. Download and install it.
 - Open the desired PDF document
 - Take notice about the pages to keep. Note them somewhere if necessary.
 - Go to: File (ALT + F)> print (or CONTROL + P)
 - In the printer name (ALT + N) choose with down arrow the virtual printer you just installed (PDF Creator).
 - TAB to "Pages" (or ALT + G)
 - Now indicate the number of pages to keep, it will therefore be the same effect as cutting a PDF.

 Example
 - To keep only multiple pages, for example: from page 3 to 8: Write 3-8
 - To keep a single page: write its number
 - To keep certain scattered pages: 2;6;8 (separated by semicolon)
 - To keep some pages that follow with separate pages and then one page, for example page 1 and from page 5 to 9 and then page 13 and page 16: we write 1;5-9;13;16
 - Hit Enter to OK (or TAB to the OK button)
 - Give a name and check the location where your new file will be saved.

2/ How to Merge multiple PDF?

 To assemble multiple PDF files into one, you can use, also, PDF Creator (free) which is used as a printer.

 - To do this open all PDF files that you want to gather. Then, for the first file, click: File > Print, select PDF Creator as a printer and start printing. PDFCreator opens a dialog box: you must click on "Wait collate" Button.
 - Open the second file and click: File > Print ... And so on until the last PDF file.
The PDF Creator's window "Print Monitor" displays the list of all files (they must all be highlighted).
 - Go finally to "Document" menu and click Merge.

 Having troubles? Ask your question in a comment below :)

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How to reserve your free copy of Windows 10

 Microsoft is now pushing Windows 10 via a notice suggesting you reserve a copy. Windows 10 will officially roll out July 29. That means it will be available on any PCs you purchase as of that date and as a free upgrade to your existing Windows 7 or 8.1 tablet or PC.

 Windows 10 comes packed with new features, such as a redesigned Start menu, the Cortana voice assistant and a new browser called Edge. The new OS will also offer a more unified experience among PCs, tablets and smartphones as a way to convince consumers to go the Windows route for all their devices. (See: How to test Windows 10 without installation)

 How to reserve your free copy of Windows 10?

 - First, you must be running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1, and you must have installed a March the Windows update dubbed KB3035583, according to blog site VentureBeat. That update will already be on your PC as long as you have Automated Updates enabled.

 - Peek at your Windows system tray in the lower right corner, and you should see a new icon displaying the Windows logo. Hover over it, and the popup messages says: "Get Windows 10."

 - Click that icon, and up pops a window that explains how the free upgrade works. Once it's available, Windows 10 will automatically download onto your PC. You'll receive a notification after the download is complete so that you can choose an appropriate time to install it.

 - You can scroll through the various screens of the Get Windows 10 window to read more about the new OS.

 - When you're done, simply click the button to reserve your free upgrade.

 - The reservation screen asks for your email address so you can receive the notification. Enter your email address and click the Send confirmation button. You can now close the Get Windows 10 window.

 - Should you change your mind and wish to cancel the reservation, just click the Get Windows 10 icon again.

 - Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner to display the menu and click the link for View confirmation.

 - Then click the link to Cancel reservation and click the button for Cancel reservation to confirm your choice.

 Note: The free upgrade applies ONLY to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1. So if you haven't upgraded Windows 7 to SP1 or Windows 8 to 8.1, you'll have to perform those tasks first. Also, you have one year from July 29 to upgrade your PC to Windows 10 for free. After that year is up, you'll have to purchase Windows 10 yourself ! (Windows Home will retail for $119. Windows 10 Pro wil sell for price of $199. And the Windows 10 Pro Pack, which lets you upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro, will cost you $99).

 Like & share :)

 Source: cnet

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Refine and certify your computing skills Online

 Do you want to learn new skills? Do you wish to enter the growing mobile and computer industries? And even earn a Verified Certificate in these areas?

 I'm providing in this post a collection of high-quality courses and online classes to develop computing skills and/or to provide a solid foundation for future studies in Computer Science!

 In the world today, the ability to think computationally and program effectively are tangible skills that can differentiate a jobseeker from their competitors. For technical disciplines, these skills are immensely useful and a requirement in many areas. This series is designed to give you those skills.

 Programming for all! (Python)

 This course aims to teach everyone to learn the basics of programming computers using Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. Learn more and get the course from here.

 CS For All: Introduction to Computer Science and Python Programming

 This computer science course provides an introduction to computer science that’s both challenging and fun. It takes a broad look at the field of computer science through a variety of demonstrations and projects. It will cover both low- and high-level concepts, from how the circuits inside a computer represent data to how to design algorithms, as well as how all of this information affects the technology we use today. Additionally, it will teach the basics of Python programming, giving a way to put your new CS knowledge into practice. No need to know any programming before starting the course; you’ll teach everything you need to know along the way. All you need to start is a good grasp of algebra, and you can fall in love with both the concepts and the practice of computer science. Start from here.

 Interactive computer graphics with WebGL

 

 Applications of computer graphics are ubiquitous, ranging from animations in movies to computer aided design of mechanical parts. In this course, you will learn how to create three-dimensional interactive applications using WebGL that run within the latest web browsers. You'll find open discussions about all aspects of computer graphics from hardware to software to applications. Here where you can start with this Course.

 The illustrated networks: principles without calculation

 This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles that govern all aspects of our networked lives. You will learn about companies like Google and technologies like the Internet in a way that requires no mathematics beyond basic algebra. Join for free here.

 Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems:

 Google’s Android OS runs 81% of smartphones worldwide and has shipped over one billion units this past year alone. Meanwhile, the search for talented Android developers continues, making it one of the most in-demand software development skills today.
 This course introduces you to the design and implementation of Android applications for mobile devices. You will develop an app from scratch, assuming a basic knowledge of Java, and learn how to set up Android Studio, work with various Activities and create simple user interfaces to make your apps run smoothly. If you want to learn Android app development, and have a background in Java, this course then is for you! Course Part 1 / Course Part 2.

 Programming Cloud Services for Android Handheld Systems: Spring

 In this course you'll learn how to connect Android mobile devices to cloud computing and data storage resources, essentially turning a device into an extension of powerful cloud-based services on popular cloud computing platforms, such as Google App Engine and Amazon EC2. Engage from here.

Read:  EXCLUSIVE ! Make a QUIZ application for Android

 Web Technologies:

 WWW, the world wide web or shortly the web - really nothing more than an information service on the Internet – has changed our world by creating a whole new digital world that is closely intertwined with our real world, making reality what was previously unimaginable: communication across the world in seconds, watching movies on a smartphone, playing games or looking at photos with remote partners in distant continents, shopping or banking from your couch… In this MOOC on web technologies you will learn how it all works. Enroll for this course that will start in just two days from here!

 A selection of other free courses you may like:

 Introduction to Cloud Computing: Develop an understanding of the economics and architecture of various cloud computing models.
 Introduction to Computer Programming, Part 1: This nine-week course provides students with a foundation in Computer Programming.
 Building Cloud Apps with Microsoft Azure: Learn to build real-world cloud solutions from Microsoft experts.
 Begin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game: Learn basic Java programming by developing a simple mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone, or tablet.
 Exploitation de text et analytique: Explore algorithms for mining and analyzing big text data to discover interesting patterns, extract useful knowledge, and support decision making.
 Introduction to Genomic Technologies: The basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used for measurement. This is the first course in the Genomic Big Data Science Specialization.

 Comment & share the post :)

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