Finding a Better Mouse

Several years ago, I found myself wanting a better mouse. My computer at the time was a Mac Pro provided by my employer, and the aluminum keyboard and Mighty Mouse that came with it were downright awful. The laptop-style, low profile keyboard was terrible to type on and the mouse had a tiny ball for scrolling, which would get gummed up very easily.

At first, I simply traded them in for a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse set which I used for quite some time. It was a basic rubber dome keyboard and standard wireless optical mouse. They were okay. They worked. Ultimately, I wanted something better.

I noticed that my boss would try out other mice, but ultimately return to his old trackball. He explained that it was more ergonomic and he found it easier to use. Unfortunately, the model he used had long been discontinued and regularly sold for over $300 on eBay. Too rich for me. But I figured there must be some modern equivalents.

So I went on a search. My initial requirements were simple. It needed to cost less than $50 and I didn't want to give up my scroll wheel, which seemed to be a commonly missing feature amongst trackball mice.

Logitech M570

My first stop was the trackball mouse everyone seems to go to when they ditch a regular mouse: the Logitech M570. It is a thumb style trackball with 3 buttons, a scroll wheel and a pair of back/forward buttons. The buttons and scroll wheel performed just like the other Logitech mice I had used. That meant the ball was the only thing I would need to get used to.

Unfortunately, this mouse has a relatively small ball that doesn't have much weight to it. Because of this, I had difficulty moving the pointer any distance by spinning the ball. I also had quite a bit of difficulty with accuracy. The pointer seemed to jump around a bit. To be fair, I think I must have a thumb impediment. I never could get it to do what I wanted it to do. I can't exactly blame that on the mouse. Even though I used it for over a month, I never really felt comfortable with it.

Pros:

• Extra navigation buttons
• Standard scroll wheel
• Mouse buttons are operated with the usual fingers

Cons:

• Small, lightweight ball tended to lift out of its place a bit
• For me, movement was awkward with my thumb

Kensington Orbit with Scroll Wheel

The other mouse I tested was the Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring which I was able to find on sale. The name is quite a mouthful. There is a previous version without a scroll ring simply called the Orbit. I'm not sure why they didn't just rename it when they added a scroll ring. Anyway, it's a center ball with two buttons and a scroll ring, which I thought was very intriguing. The ball is a bit bigger than the Logitech M570 and the buttons are noticeably firm.

I quickly adapted to using the trackball with my index and middle fingers, and the scroll ring seemed completely natural after the first few days. It took a short while to get accustomed to left-clicking with my thumb, which does present a bit of finger confusion if I need to use a regular mouse for some reason.

It was easy to spin the ball to bring the pointer from one end of a dual monitor setup to the other. I was able to accurately place the pointer where I wanted, and I found that I preferred the firmness of the buttons. This became my new favorite mouse after only a few days.

Pros:

• Larger, heavier ball with smooth movement
• Center ball that you move with your fingers (or whole hand) instead of your thumb
• Smooth scroll ring

Cons:

• Using your thumb for left click can result in a little finger confusion when switching to use regular mice for gaming or at another machine
• Only the two buttons. It could use a third button or some navigation buttons

Conclusion

If I had less than $50 to spend on a trackball mouse, I would choose the Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring. I prefer the middle ball, and the scroll ring is nice and smooth. Having only two buttons may be an issue for some people, but made little difference to me.

If, however, you prefer to operate the ball with your thumb, the Logitech M570 is an excellent choice for the price.

Chris Meyers is a software developer and writer. He enjoys writing software, playing with new technology and writing fantasy stories. You can read more of his stuff here: http://www.chrislmeyers.com

Free Antivirus Software

It is important for you to install antivirus software at your computer or notebook. Antivirus software will give protection from various harmful things such as viruses, spywares, adwares, worms, Trojans, rootkit infections, and much more. The old version of antivirus only detected the viruses while the old version of spyware removers just detected spyware. Now, the limit between antivirus and spyware removers is unclear. The antivirus software available today provides better detection rates for various malwares.

Those malwares are including viruses, worms, adware, keyloggers, and many dangerous threats for your computer. Since the number of malware keeps increasing, it is impossible for antivirus software to keep up. However, using more than one antivirus can cause the conflicts and reduce the protection. Because of this reason, it is more recommended for you to choose the best antivirus for real time protection. You will be able to increase the protection using security software. Here are some free antivirus software programs which can be your consideration.

The first program is Avira AntiVir Personal Edition. Due to its high quality, many people choose to use this program. Avira faced some controversies related to re-branded Ask toolbar in their installer and temporary spate of advertisement to promote a possible scareware company. Despite of its negative issues, Antivir is still top notch antivirus. It offers outstanding detection rates of malware. The ability is higher than other antivirus programs. Because of the ability, Antivir is still a good choice for free antivirus software programs especially for high risk users.

When you are using Avira, you will not be able to scan any website or e-mail. You can only get this feature from commercial versions. For the people who are using the free version, you will not get any warn of an infected emails before you open it. However, when you open the infected email, Avira will take the action.

Another option you can get is AVG Anti virus. In the past days, this antivirus provides some shaky results in detection. Current AVG antivirus provides higher level protection due to Identity Protection. It provides very important layer of protection. The weakness of AVG free antivirus software is its big size and slow scan speeds. It also has advertisements but you can disable them.

Avast free antivirus software can also be good option. This program improves the detection rates over these past years. It offers real-time capabilities such as web, e-mail, IM, behavioral blocker, and much more. The latest version even offers more features such as internet site ratings plugin, script malware, and much more.

You may also consider using Microsoft Security Essentials. It provides outstanding detection rates. This program is suitable option for average users due to the minimal user interaction required. The update process is done automatically. When your computer is attacked by viruses, the program will remove the threat automatically. If those programs are not suitable for you, you are recommended to try other free software antivirus such as Panda Cloud Antivirus.

Nowadays have knowledge related with computer is so much fun. And its more important because computer would save your time to finish your current job task. There are so much update antivirus software that available in as free accounting software directory. All you thing to do, is read a software review, specification and read documentation after installed it on your computer.

Some Freeware Data Recovery Programs for Your Computer

Sometimes when people delete a file, they think that they cannot find that file anymore. The deleted file has been moved to the Recycle Bin. If the file remains there, it is possible for the users to restore the file to the original location. However, when you click the empty Recycle Bin, the file there is deleted permanently from the computer and you will not be able to restore the file anymore.

In some cases, people accidentally delete their important files and then realize that they need them later. You can still restore them when you install freeware data recovery software. Nowadays, you may find many types of this program in the market. Freeware data recovery software allows you to use them without any cost.

EASEUS data recovery might be the first option you can choose for freeware data recovery. This program was published by EASUS Company which specializes in file recovery and data compression software. The main concern of the company is the recovery system. EASUS offers two options of the recovery program. They are freeware data recovery and commercial version. You should purchase the commercial version before you can use it. This version has an ability to recover files from formatted sectors or deleted hard drive partitions.

However, the freeware version will be enough for the average computer users. By using EASUS data recovery, you will be able to recover the deleted and removed files from Recycle Bin. This program works well on all Windows platforms. It also offers the features for recovery in Linux system. You can also use the program on network storage devices including dynamic disk drives.

Another freeware data recovery program is NTFS or New Technology File System Reader. It has the ability to perform various server functions like creating and managing hard drive partitions. It can also encrypt the data which is found on hard drive and manage the high volume storage devices such as RAID disk drives. An advantage of this program is easy to use. You can use the program on all versions of Windows. It can also be used with Windows NT.

You may also consider using PC Inspector file recovery. This program is quiet popular among the consumers. The main reason is because it works on any computer. This program will not only recover the files from the computers, but also the data from File Allocation Tables (FAT). It supports all versions of Windows. PC Inspector file recovery has the ability to understand older or newer file architecture.

If the programs above do not meet your requirement, then you may consider other program, such as Convar PC Inspector File Recovery 4.X, Tokiwa DataRecovery 2.4.6, and many more.

Nowadays have knowledge related with computer is so much fun. And its more important because computer would save your time to finish your current job task. There are so much backup data recovery tools that available in as free accounting software directory. All you thing to do, is read a software review, specification and read documentation after installed it on your computer.

How to Make a Video Using Windows Movie Maker

One thing I like to do to professionalize my videos I record on my digital camera is that I like to use a free software called the Windows Movie Maker and this software actually comes with any PC, it is absolutely free. You will find it under your start menu. Windows Movie Maker is basically a free editing software that allows you to add titles, transition, credits and music.

The way that I use this system is that I take my raw video that I record on my canon digital camera and upload it straight up into Windows Movie Maker. Pretty much everybody has a digital camera, and most digital cameras these days have a video recording. Movie Maker tells you exactly how to do this, so I am going to walk you threw it. What you want to do is go to where it says capture video. Now you might have a webcam or you might have to import the video using a USB device, the cord that connects the computer to the camera. Then you want to click on import.

Now you are going to be able to edit it. What I like to do usually on the end of my videos I have, I like to add a title. The way I like to add a title is that I like to give them a call to action. You want to send them to your capture page or your blog etc. Some sort of call to action to go and do something.

When editing the video you want to get creative. You can get fancy with it and change the color and customize it. I like black background. Just make shore that it is easy to read. The worst thing you can do is create a call to action and the person would have to watch it like four times to be able to read it. You can make it bold so that they clearly are going to be able to see what you are trying to tell them.

I like to put music to this. We are not only here to educate people but we are also here to entertain them as well. And we want to make sense on all the different senses. And that might not only be digitally.

Now at the end of every video between the clip and the title I like to add a transition and this is to make it look a little better. There are different transitions here to choose from.

I also like to add low volume of music in my videos. I think it makes it more enjoyable to listen to. Or at the end you want some music to go with that. Just be creative with it.

If you just play with Movie Maker a little bit you get the hang of it. It is all pretty basic and intuitive stuff. Making videos is not a tech thing at all. It is just learning a few simple skill sets and you can start do video marketing which is a core marketing strategy. You can really not underestimate the power of video marketing.

Free Software - Or Maybe Not?

So, I finally decided to splash out on some new Movie Maker or Video Editing software. Like most people probably would I opted to do a spot of research before I committed. I would rather have good free software if I can get it but I am also prepared to pay for it if required.

Anyone having gone through this painful exercise before will appreciate how time consuming it is. Firstly you have to beware of all those helpful folk who creatively explain how wonderful this or that software is - usually under a title such as "Top Free Video Editors" or "Best Free Movie Editing Programs" or similar enticing titles which ultimately end up with a bias write up and a referral link to the provider through their commission account URL.

Sometimes it becomes quite clear that the writer has not even bothered to download and use the software. When they have used the software the bias is often always towards their best commission provider. This does not bother me too much.

What does bother me is the blatant advertising of products under the banner of "Free Software" which you either have to download to find that half the features do not work unless you opt for the full upgrade or when they imply "Free" they were referring to the 30 day trial.

Suffice to say that we all end up downloading tons of useless software only to have to uninstall it all again. I have made a conscious decision to no longer look at the free software unless it comes by recommendation. It simply is not worth all the trouble, deceit and broken promises.

Seriously, life is too short. If you want something then go straight to the branded products where the price is clearly stated, the support outlined in writing, and if anything is dubious then move on to the next big player. At least the branded goods have reputations they can ill afford to lose if they get things wrong.

We have all spent hours struggling with this install or that install which for one reason or another refuses to do what it is supposed to do. Our computers are all configured differently and we have a variety of programs of which any one could be causing a conflict with the new install. This is accepted. This is the norm.

However, when you are stuck, and you have reached the point where your PC is about to become airborne, you will think about contacting support and you will want that support to be there when you call.

5 Mobile Application Development Trends for 2016

1. Hybrid apps are in

Hybrid applications using technologies such as Ionic and HTML5 are gaining traction for the amount time and cost savings they account for. With Swift 3, and rumours that Android will soon adopt it, going for JavaScript over Linux, we look at a more integrated platform base. Word is out that Swift 3 will be available for Windows Phone too. For enterprise and consumer apps, HTML 5 continues to remain the platform of choice for app development. Frameworks such as Ionic, JQuery Mobile, Mobile Angular UI and Native Script have mature languages that deliver high performing user experience. Even Facebook has hopped the hybrid app development bandwagon with the React Native framework. They are currently experimenting with Linux and Windows platform to render a complete service.

2. IoT integration

IoT technologies such as GPS, Beacon and location-based Wi-Fi will be integral to many applications. We are looking at a mature Home Application on iOS 10 which will enable iPhone and iPad users to operate household appliances with instructions delivered to Siri. The Android Wear and Apple Watch will do more than track health and fitness, and go a step further to perform more complex functions. Android's biometric scanning for unlocking the device is the most rudimentary utilization of IoT technology and its voice recognition technology is fairly advanced.

3. Rapid mobile app development technologies

With growing demand for app-related services, and also the tight cost schedules, mobile application development companies are using rapid development technologies such as AngularJS and NodeJS with their reusable components. More development tools and frameworks have made their entry into the market to meet customer expectations and the technology has matured, so quality remains uncompromised. In the foreseeable future rapid development and shortest time-to-market will be an imperative so as to capitalise on the early adopters' trend. With the number of applications crossing the 1 million mark on prominent platforms such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android, to gain visibility app development companies will have to pace their new launches at a greater speed.

4. Cloud Storage

Cloud technology plays a key role in mobile app development and storage from device is shifted to a centralised cloud server for apps and device. As multiple connected devices become common, smartphone, wearable device and other internet-enabled devices will share data over the cloud. Mobile applications will also have to have cloud storage and the data will have to be stored for real-time access across devices. With free storage space of up to 10GB, and easy integration via email address authentication, people are easily adopting the technology and immersing themselves into its utility, so the next step will be to follow the maturity in usage and new application of cloud storage, going beyond storing and sharing data.

5. App Security

Security continues to remain a worrying issue for device manufacturers and more so for mobile app developers. A Gartner report from 2015 predicts that 75% mobile applications will fail security tests and present gaping holes for hackers to exploit. A uniform security guideline for mobile app developers will have to be soon arrived at to ensure app data security across devices, platforms and the cloud.

There are more complex issues that will be face by mobile app development companies while compiling an application. However, evolving development platforms and sophisticated programming languages are increasingly consolidating the app development process. With its new Swift Playground, Apple is already making app development possible for the common user.

I am Cris, A great artist, Love to develop app. I am working with Solution Analysts Mobile App Development Company as Mobile Application Developer and Web Development have expertise in developing iBeacon, iOS Swift, Android, ionic, PhoneGap mobile apps.

Battery Boots: The Alternative Power Source For The Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo touted as a bestselling voice activated wireless speaker and personal digital assistant. Most owners of this device use it for more than listening to music or asking interesting questions and requests. Other applications include being able to obtain transportation, order a pizza and the ability to control integrated smart devices inside their home.

According to the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRPs), it estimates that 3 million units of the Amazon Echo were sold in the United States. The data does not account for the sales of the new additions to the line, the Tap and Echo Dot. Novelty aside, the Echo is growing in popularity on a daily basis. The reviews of the device are above average, while the benefits are even more surprising.

Amazon is one of the leaders in digital media, but it didn't have any idea how well consumers would receive the Echo. It started out being a sleeper item until word of mouth made it a household name and not to mention, the recent appearance of commercials showing off its neat features.

The "skills" utilized by the device through the digital assistant are updated periodically and now open to outside developers to add their innovative and well-meaning list of skills for more technological enhancement. Because of the Echo is the first of its kind so to speak, they have competitors clamoring for their piece of the pie. Such as Google Home, which will have a better interactive interface and then, of course, the re-emergence of Apple TV.

The number of consumers that own the Echo is quite impressive. However, some have complained about the cost and the inconvenience of having to move it from room to room. To address these issues, Amazon introduced two additional Echo models.

The Tap, which is the portable version of the speaker, does not need to be plugged in unless the battery is being recharged. It functions the same as the Echo, but is not voice activated. The talk button has to be pressed for interaction with the device, thus the name Tap. The other new member is the Echo Dot. It is as small as a hockey-puck but has the same voice activation as the Echo. A Bluetooth speaker or stereo system can be connected to it.

I own an Echo, but for it to work efficiently, there must be a Wi-Fi connection and electricity. Without either, it will not function. Because of the need for electricity, some consumers have taken to purchasing one for each room in their house. It saves them time from having to move it from room to room and waiting for it to reboot once it is plugged into an electric outlet.

Some consumers debated whether to purchase the Tap since it's portable. However, lucky for them they procrastinated, because a few third party vendors have introduced a new accessory for the Echo, a battery boot or base.

It is now possible to enjoy the device in more than one room without having to be tethered to an electric outlet. However, there is still a need for a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. There are several battery boots to choose from according to the needs of the user. The more popular model has its own 18-volt proprietary power adapter that will charge up to 18 hours.

There are other battery boots that can hold a charge for up to six hours. For these models, the Echo's power adapter cord can be used to recharge them. The Echo can be used while it is charging. The battery will remain in a standby state, so it does not drain while plugged in.

The bases fit snugly on the bottom of the Echo like a cup and does not present a bulky appearance. Both devices appear to meld together once fitted properly. The bottom of the boots is composed of non-slip materials that provide stability for the Echo.

A couple of the battery bases have LED lights on the front for low battery and charging status. Portability and convenience make these battery cases a welcome power alternative option for the Amazon Echo.

Since the battery boots have been introduced, the Echo can be used anywhere without worrying about the location of an electrical outlet. For additional information and more, visit my blog at http://www.coolgadgetsforyou.net.