Encryption uses complex mathematical equations to hide information from outsiders, converting documents, messages and files into incomprehensible gibberish. Normally, encrypted files require a key to decipher, but in some cases hackers can bypass encryption schemes to steal privileged information. You can counter many of these techniques by using good security and encryption practices. Writer Bio

Protecting Your Tweets You can enable account protection via your Twitter settings. After logging in to your Twitter account, click the gear icon button on your home page and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Click the “Security & Privacy” tab in your settings, then locate the “Privacy” section in the main panel. Check the box next to “Protect My Tweets” and then click the “Save” button to save your changes....

Most cellphone carriers will retain subscribers’ text message data for a short period of time, usually for about a week or two. However, given the vast amount of text messaging data sent over carriers’ networks, carriers can only keep text messages for a short amount of time because of storage space limitations. Some law enforcement agencies have asked carriers to keep text message data longer for criminal investigation purposes. Writer Bio

Using the right monitor for a video chat can make the difference between a clear view of who you are talking to and an image that is too small. Using a television as your monitor provides you with a bigger screen, which can accommodate multiple speakers in the same room. With the right cords and software, connecting your laptop to your TV for video calls is simple.

While not as well known as some of the bigger electronics companies, Coby produces a full line of MP3 players, ranging from the simplest USB stick models to more advanced models with video capabilities. Here we’ll look at a couple of Coby models–the MP300 and MP610–and give you the basic instructions for getting started. Writer Bio

Compaq PP2150 is a laptop model in the Compaq Evo notebook series 1020v. In 2001, Compact retired the Deskpro, Armada and Professional Workstation computers and launched the Evo Notebook. The Evo, short for evolution, was designed to compete in the computer industry as computers were moving from simply personal computers to full-service access devices. The 1020v Evo series was launched in 2002. Writer Bio

Copy and Paste is a function most programs have that allows you to copy text from one area and paste it elsewhere. It is often used with word-processing programs, such as Microsoft Word. Copy and Paste tends to fail if Word is not launched properly or if Windows did not boot correctly. If the function is inoperable in Microsoft Word, and you are working on a document that you can’t close, there is a way to work around the problem until you can save and close the document....

The terms “deleting” and “purging” have different meanings when working with data entry. Database administrators use different methods when purging and deleting. Purging means moving data from one source to another, and you keep an archive in case you need the data in the future. Deleting data removes it permanently from the tables, and you can no longer reference the records. Writer Bio

You don’t have to be a computer programmer to encounter the concepts of “unallocated” and “free” space in computer storage. Both terms refer to storage space that does not contain data, but it refers to this space in different ways. If you’re trying to translate an error message from your storage or memory system, you may encounter these terms. If you’re planning or modifying your computer system capacity, it may also be important to know what these data structure terms mean....

Resetting an iPhone can mean several different things. In most cases, you will only need to reboot the operating system by turning the device off and on. You can also reset the settings on your phone, with or without erasing all your data as well. If you want to completely reset your phone to like-new condition and reinstall the operating system, you can connect the phone to iTunes to restore the system....

Disable Description Field Link Open your Tumblr dashboard, then click the “Posts" tab in the right sidebar. Locate the post to edit. Click the gear icon in the bottom toolbar of the post, then click “Edit.” The post opens in Edit mode. Drag the cursor over the text of the link in the Description box, then click the broken chain icon in the post formatting toolbar. The hyperlink is removed from the description....

It’s easy to see the benefits of Internet banking. It’s easy, convenient and, unlike a bank’s physical location, the Internet doesn’t abide by any business hours. Further, you can make instant transfers between accounts, pay bills electronically to save postage, and you can access your bank account from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection. But despite all the pros associated with online banking, there are some disadvantages and risks associated with it as well....

So the cat has determined that your open laptop is a warm bed on which to rest each time you go to refill your coffee. Maybe the toddler finds the keys particularly entertaining and previously unknown functions have been executed by the little one’s imaginative keystrokes. Maybe the keys just get a little dusty. Whatever the case, it’s easy to protect your laptop keyboard from such daily household elements with the addition of a simple homemade keyboard cover, customized for your unique needs....

Apple’s iPhones are expensive items containing valuable personal information, prompting a natural instinct to protect the device with all kinds of cases and screen protectors. While prevention is generally a healthy attitude with delicate electronics, the reality is that the iPhone 5 already incorporates enough protective features into its design to make items like screen protectors unnecessary. Strictly speaking, you don’t need a screen protector for your iPhone, but you might want one if it provides extra functionality....

There are three types of HDTV broadcasting resolutions: 720p, 1080p and 1080i. 1080p is a video resolution for a high-definition television that is often referred to as Full HD by television manufacturers. Full HD means that the TV has the capability to display a 1080p signal and to upscale lower resolution signals such as 720p and 1080i to 1080p-quality pictures on your TV screen. AT&T Uverse broadcasts most of its channels in 1080i, not 1080p....

Kaspersky Labs reports that there were over 1.5 billion browser-based malware attacks in 2012. That’s an alarming number that continues to increase. Tumblr, like any other website, can contain links that take you to sites that can infect your computer with malicious software. If you’re simply posting content on Tumblr, you won’t get a virus or other malware infection. However, it’s wise to use caution when interacting with content you find on Tumblr or any other website....

Cox Communications cable is compatible with several DVRs available on the market. DVRs made by TiVo, Sony, Phillips and Motorola can all be used with the Cox cable box. DVR recorders digitally record and store television programs and work like a VCR. You can set the recording time and the channel to record, but, unlike the older technology, you store programs right onto the hard drive of the DVR and can record two programs at once....

The Magnavox 5130 series Blu-ray disc players come equipped with built-in wireless connectivity and the ability to stream movies through services such as Netflix and Vudu. Netflix has thousands of movies and television show episodes available for on-demand streaming. Connecting to Netflix through your Magnavox Blu-ray player requires that you have an active Internet connection and an active membership to Netflix. Writer Bio

In an age of commercial-free digital music, streamed around the clock over the Internet or a cable TV feed, transistor radios might seem as outdated as the eight-track tape. In truth, they’re still a practical, low-cost way to listen to music, local news or other programming. They also remain a useful part of any emergency kit, using battery power to keep you informed or entertained during a blackout or natural disaster....

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology makes telephone service available over the internet by converting voice to digital signals. Making the switch from traditional landline telephone service requires setting up a VoIP phone or phone adapter. Users switching to VoIP phone service can either request a new phone number, or choose to port (transfer) an existing phone number to the new VoIP provider. Writer Bio