How to browse Facebook 'secretly'

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"> </div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">BERLIN: If you regularly check your Facebook account while travelling, be sure to use an encrypted connection. That way you can make sure no one is peeking at what you do on the online social network. <br> <br>Facebook does offer an https standard, but its activation is not automatic. To do so, users have to go to Account, then Account settings and then to Security. <br><br>There, under Secure Browsing, pick the option to Browse Facebook on a secure connection (https) when possible. But https has two disadvantages: it makes the connection slower and it disables some Facebook functions.</div> </div>

How to browse Facebook 'secretly'

  BERLIN: If you regularly check your Facebook account while travelling, be sure to use an encrypted connection. That way you can make sur...

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How to import Outlook mails on Yahoo, GMail?

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"> </div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px"><span style="font-weight:bold">I have Windows XP installed in my Home PC (Dell Inspiron 530i) and I use MS Office 2003. Please advise if I can use MS Outlook for my Yahoo & Gmail accounts. If yes, how can I configure Outlook? </span><br> --Vivek Awasthi <br><br>Launch Outlook and go to Tools>E-mail accounts. Click on 'Add a new mail account' and select POP3 as your server type. In the next screen, you will need to enter your name, email address and login information that you use for your Yahoo/Gmail account. In the server information box enter '<a href="http://pop.gmail.com">pop.gmail.com</a>' for incoming server and '<a href="http://smtp.gmail.com">smtp.gmail.com</a>' in outgoing server box for Gmail. For Yahoo, enter '<a href="http://pop.mail.yahoo.com">pop.mail.yahoo.com</a>' for incoming and '<a href="http://smtp.mail.yahoo.com">smtp.mail.yahoo.com</a>' for outgoing server. Now click on the 'More Settings' button and in the pop up box select the 'Outgoing Server' tab. Here, check on the box that says 'My Outgoing server requires authentication'. Next, click on the advanced tab and enter 995 as incoming server and 465 as outgoing server(same for Gmail and Yahoo). Click on ok to close the pop-up box, and then click on 'Test Account Settings'. Once the test is done, finish the new e-mail setup and you can send/receive mails using your Yahoo/Gmail account from Outlook. Note: For Gmail, you need to first login to your account on the browser, go to Settings > Forwarding and POP and enable POP for all mail. <br> <br><span style="font-weight:bold">I am interested in buying a low-cost laptop for high speed Internet that provides good battery backup. Would a tablet serve my purpose too? If yes, can it also be used to play PC games? </span><br> — Utkarsh Singh <br><br>If your main requirements are high-speed Internet browsing and a good battery backup — you can either get a netbook or a full-fledged notebook, depending upon your budget. Check out the Samsung N150 netbook, which comes with a 10.1-inch display , 1.5Ghz Intel processor, 1GB RAM, 250GB storage and Windows 7 Starter. It offers a battery life of over 7 hours and is priced at just 17,990. If you want a full-fledged notebook, go for the Acer Aspire 5830T. It is powered by Intel Core i3 processor, 2GB RAM, Intel HD 3000 graphics, 500GB storage and has a 15.6-inch display with 6 hours of battery backup for 32,959. A tablet can serve your purpose as well. There are various options available such as Apple's iPad2, Acer Iconia, Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 730 and 750. All of these offer great battery life, access to thousands of applications and superb Internet browsing using Wi-Fi or 3G (select models only). The tablets are available in sizes ranging from 7-inch to 10.1-inch display and are priced between 25,000 (Galaxy Tab P1000) to 46,900 (iPad 2 64GB Wi-Fi +3G variant). You can play a variety of games available through the respective application stores of the tablets, but they will not allow you to play PC games (unless a version of the PC game is available for that tablet). You can also consider Windows 7 tablets like the Acer Iconia that will allow you to play some basic PC games.</div> <div><br></div></div>

How to import Outlook mails on Yahoo, GMail?

  I have Windows XP installed in my Home PC (Dell Inspiron 530i) and I use MS Office 2003. Please advise if I can use MS Outlook for my Ya...

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How to create partitions without formatting

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"> </div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px"><span style="font-weight:bold">Question: </span>I want to create a partition in my Windows 7 machine. Currently my system shows a single drive with 141 GB total space of which 27 GB is used. I want to create two more partitions without going through the process of formatting my system. How can I do this? <br> <br><span style="font-weight:bold">Answer: </span>There are various applications available that can solve your purpose. You can download Easeus Partition Master Home Edition from <a href="http://partition-tool.com">partition-tool.com</a> or Paragon Partition Manager from <a href="http://paragon-software.com">paragon-software.com</a>. Both are free and allow you to create, delete or resize partitions without the need to format the entire drive. <br> <br>Please make sure that you backup all your data before you partition your drive. Choose the option to resize the existing parition in both the applications and run the wizard to make the process simple. You will be required to enter the size of the new partition to be created so make sure to enter the exact size of the new partition. <br> <br>Although the application offers the option to make multiple partitions at one go, we would recommend that you create only one partition at a time to avoid any issues. Once the partition process has started, it should not be interrupted by a power failure or reboot — this may cause the hard disk to crash and become unusable. <br> <br>--Abhishek Aggarwal <br><br><span style="font-weight:bold">Question: </span>I have recently bought an LG Optimus One. After setting up all the accounts I have noticed that my prepaid account balance gets deducted multiple times in a day without me doing anything. I am clueless as to why is it happenning. Kindly suggest a way to stop this. <br> <br><span style="font-weight:bold">Answer: </span>The Optimus One runs Google's Android operating system. Since the phone syncs with your google and other social networking accounts, it is constantly checking for updates online. Even if you do not start the GPRS connection on your own, the phone is set by default to check for new emails, notification and updates in the background. <br> <br>You can either disable background sync of the phone or just switch the GPRS connection off. To disable background sync, go to Settings > Accounts & Sync and on you will see options for 'Background Data' and 'Auto Sync'. <br> <br>Uncheck both options to completely disable automatic updates. You can launch an app and manually refresh to get updates. Although this limits GPRS usage, it will not completely switch it off. To switch GPRS off, go to Wireless & Networks >Mobile networks and disable Data Transfers. Simply enable data transfer by repeating the same steps when you need to access data. </div> </div>

How to create partitions without formatting

  Question:  I want to create a partition in my Windows 7 machine. Currently my system shows a single drive with 141 GB total space of whi...

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How to share file with groups

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"> </div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">'Simple file-sharing for groups' is how Boxify describes itself — a description that couldn't be more spot on! When you first open <a href="http://www.boxify.me">www.boxify.me</a>, all you have to do is click on 'Start'. <br> <br>You don't need to sign up or enter any information. Clicking the button creates a 'box' with a private URL. Share this link with as many people as you like and each of them will be able to upload and download the contents in the box. <br> <br>You can also rename the box to make it shorter and easier to remember. So http:// <a href="http://boxify.me/jsgTyehdn6538kjJuks">boxify.me/jsgTyehdn6538kjJuks</a> can become http:// <a href="http://boxify.me/box/dossier">boxify.me/box/dossier</a> — making it much easier to send it via SMS, for instance. Apart from this one customisation, there's not much else in terms of features — just plain and simple uploading and downloading of files (you can upload multiple files at one go to save time). <br> <br>There's no restriction on the type of files you can upload - video files, documents, HTML files, PDFs, images. There are no ads, no popups and no intrusive elements, only all the files that have been uploaded with a file name, an icon which indicates what type of file it is and a date-time stamp that shows when it was uploaded. <br> <br>A few downsides though: there are no security features — anyone with the URL can access all the files uploaded to the box. Plus, the service does not mention any file size limit or how long a box remains active. One can only assume that it remains active as long as it's in use. <br> <br>The uploader uses Adobe Flash, so you can't use it on every device. Finally, there's no telling how long such a service will be around — several similar services have been launched and have fallen just as quickly, so don't rely on the box contents as an online backup. Just make the most of it while it lasts.</div> </div>

How to share file with groups

  'Simple file-sharing for groups' is how Boxify describes itself — a description that couldn't be more spot on! When you firs...

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How to use Gmail, Calendar, Docs offline

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"><br></div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">The great thing about Web apps is that you can access your information on the go, and on variety of devices like mobile phones and tablets. <br> <br>However, there are occasions when you don't have an internet connection making you often fret on the utility of these apps. But, starting today you will be able to access Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs offline. <br> <br>Gmail Offline is a Chrome Web Store app that's intended for situations when you need to read, respond to, organise and archive email without an internet connection. <br><br>This HTML5-powered app is based on the Gmail web app for tablets, which is built to function with or without Web access. After you install the Gmail Offline app from the Chrome Web Store, you can continue using Gmail when you lose your connection by clicking the Gmail Offline icon on Chrome's "new tab" page. <br> <br>Google Calendar and Google Docs let you seamlessly transition between on- and offline modes. When you're offline in Google Calendar, you can view events from your calendars and RSVP to appointments. <br><br>With Google Docs you can view documents and spreadsheets when you don't have a connection. Offline editing isn't ready yet, but we know it's important to many of you, and we're working hard to make it a reality. To get started using Google Calendar or Google Docs offline, just click the gear icon at the top right corner of the web app and select the option for offline access.</div> </div>

How to use Gmail, Calendar, Docs offline

The great thing about Web apps is that you can access your information on the go, and on variety of devices like mobile phones and tablets...

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Does it matter which charger I use?

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"> </div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">Recently, news about two people getting electrocuted by counterfeit iPhone chargers made its way to the internet. Though Apple has officially started a programme to exchange fake chargers with genuiune ones (for a cost), many still prefer to use such third-party adapters to charge not only their smartphones and tablets, but also their laptops and other gadgets. <br> <br>But is it safe to use third party chargers (fake or branded) on a regular basis? Here's what you need to keep in mind... <br><br>Make sure the plugs are right <br><br>The first thing you really need to consider when you're grabbing a charger is the most obvious: if the connector fits. That means the plug on the end of the charger actually fits into your gadget properly. <br> <br>For something like a cell phone, this is usually a USB cable (of which various sizes exist), unless it's an Apple device with a special 30-pin or Lightning connector. Older phones might have a cylindrical connector. Likewise, laptops have all kinds of connectors, and many of them are proprietary to the manufacturer. In some cases, you'll need to order a special charger just for your device. <br> <br>What all this means is that if you have a charger that fits into your gadget, you're on the right track, but you're not done yet. It's time to look at the technical details. <br><br>When voltage, amperage and wattage matters <br> <br>After you've figured out that you can actually connect the charger to your gadget, you need to figure out if doing so will make it explode or not. This means checking the voltage, amperage, and wattage on your charger to make sure it'll work with your device. <br> <br>On most chargers, you'll find the voltage listed somewhere on the power brick. Voltage is what pulls energy into the device. If the voltage is too high, you might end up shorting out your devices because you'll overload the circuits. <br> <br>For mobile phones and other mobile devices like the Kindle that charge with USB, the voltage is typically 5V. A laptop charger might be as high as 14V or 15V. You can usually find the voltage your device needs on the device itself, on the battery, or if all else fails, on the manufacturer's web site. You'll almost always find the voltage supplied by your charger on the charger itself. You want the the voltage on your device to match the voltage provided by the charger. <br> <br>Likewise, amperage is just as important. Amps are the current that's supplied to your device. Think of it like a river, and the amperage is how wide that river is. Amps are usually listed on your power supply as something like, 2.7A or 1A. This regulates how much power flows through from the power supply to your device. The amperage listed on your power supply needs to match or exceed the amperage required by your device. <br> <br>You will also often find wattage on your power brick, and that makes a difference as well, but it's not dangerous if your wattage doesn't match. Watts are supplied "on demand" to the battery that's being charged, so even if you're over the device's limit, it doesn't cause problems. <br> <br>For example, an iPad charger puts out 10W, whereas an iPhone charger puts out 5W. You can charge an iPhone with an iPad charger just fine, because the iPhone's battery will only take in 5W, even though the charger can supply 10W. A laptop will typically call for watts between 45 and 100. Not all chargers will list the watts, but if the amps and voltage match you're usually in the clear. <br> <br>As Popular Mechanics points out, there's a bit more to picking the right charger, but for most of us voltage, amps, and watts all we need to consider. As Extremetech points out, if you're using a USB charger it doesn't really matter because they're almost all the same, but it's still worth double-checking to make sure you're in the clear. <br> <br>When to stay away from knockoffs <br><br>Chargers can be expensive for no good reason, but you're better off sticking with official chargers or off brand chargers as opposed to knockoffs. <br><br>The reason is that counterfeit and off brand chargers are poorly made, and that means they put your device (and your house) at risk. Many ignore safety standards completely, but they also just don't charge your devices that well because they don't push the amount of power they're supposed to. This means you're spending more time with these devices plugged in, which causes a larger risk to your safety, as well as your device. <br> <br>That's about it. If you pick the right charger, your devices will charge as quickly as they're supposed and your house won't burn down. <br></div></div>

Does it matter which charger I use?

  Recently, news about two people getting electrocuted by counterfeit iPhone chargers made its way to the internet. Though Apple has offic...

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How to clean your mouse and keyboard

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"><br></div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">Before cleaning your mouse and keyboard, shut down your computer. Unplug the mouse and the keyboard. For keyboard: Tilt the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove the dust particles that might have accumulated inside. <br> <br>Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the keyboard keys. For mouse: Turn your mouse upside down after unplugging it from the system. <br><br>The rubbery feet at the back of the mouse usually gather dust. A cotton swab dipped in alcohol should be used to clean them. Use a different cotton swab to clean the central eye of the mouse. Wipe your mouse with disinfectant wipes to clean the remaining area.</div> </div>

How to clean your mouse and keyboard

Before cleaning your mouse and keyboard, shut down your computer. Unplug the mouse and the keyboard. For keyboard: Tilt the keyboard upsid...

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Essential toolkit for your PC

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"><br></div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px"><em>It's the secret software that tech support engineers rely on.S N Reddy must-have tools that will keep your machine shipshape. Don't worry, they are all absolutely free and easy to use</em><br> <br><strong>1) The PC takes time to boot to the desktop; opening and searching for files and folders is slow. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: Auslogics Disk Defrag Free</strong><br><br>Your computer's hard drive needs to be given a break once every month. The constant moving and deletion of files and folders results in data being stored in bits and pieces all over the hard disk. Accessing these fragments starts taking a toll on the drive's performance and longevity. Auslogics Disk Defrag Free (ADDF) is a light and effective tool that sets things straight; it does it while you're working on your PC (unlike the built-in Windows tool that requires you to stop all tasks while a defrag is in process). Additionally, ADDF can also strategically place system files on the hard drive where access times are the lowest, thereby improving performance. <a href="http://www.auslogics.com">www.auslogics.com</a><br> <br><strong>2) The browser seems slow, and the PC becomes sluggish while connected to the internet. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware</strong><br><br>There is a likelihood that your PC has been infected by malware - a trojan, worm, a rootkit, etc - that insidiously works in the background for all the wrong reasons, of course. They are meant to simply cripple your machine; turn it into a bot to relay information or steal login credentials of your various online accounts. Enter Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware , a software that uses its database and heuristics to deworm your PC to the pink of health. Just make sure you use this cleaner every week and keep it updated. <a href="http://www.malwarebytes.org">www.malwarebytes.org</a><br> <br><strong>3 ) You accidentally deleted important files, permanently, and you need them back! </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: Orion File Recovery Software</strong><br><br>You will be pleasantly surprised to know that clearing the contents of the Recycle Bin does not necessarily mean that the data has been lost forever. What Windows has done is taken the record of the files' existence off its shelf. The files still exist on the hard drive, but only for a short while until they are replaced by other data. Assuming the location where the files were stored on your hard drive have not already been refreshed with new data, you can fire up Orion File Recovery and hunt them down. In fact, it can be used to scan memory cards and USB drives as well. And on the flip side, Orion can also be used to permanently delete "deleted" files. <a href="http://www.nchsoftware.com">www.nchsoftware.com</a><br> <br><img class="gwt-Image" src="http://m.timesofindia.com/photo/21753678.cms" style="width: 288px; height: 208px;"><br><br><strong>4) You have no idea of your machine specs, and don't know whom to ask. </strong><br><br> <strong>Solution: PC-Wizard </strong><br><br>It is not important to know your PC<br>config by heart, but it is extremely useful to have a spec list handy, especially when you're seeking tech support from friends and your service engineer. There might be a time when you'll need to share details like the amount and kind of RAM, hard disk size and type of processor with your local tech support guy. CPU-ID's PC-Wizard is a simple info tool that scans and lists all the devices and components it discovers in your system. The list can be saved in various formats, including as an image, PDF, and HTML file. <a href="http://www.cpuid.com">www.cpuid.com</a><br> <br><strong>5) You have uninstalled programs, but still see their folders in Windows Explorer. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: Revo Uninstaller Free </strong><br><br>Uninstalling software with Windows' built-in utility is good enough, right? Most of the times, yes. Sometimes, however, you might come across folders of software that you've uninstalled ages ago. Some programs do not remove all data unless explicitly instructed to do so via a check box. Others don't bother to offer such customizations and leave residual files that are usually of no use. Revo Uninstaller Free is your uninstaller on steroids; removing remnants and also including eight tools for more control over the clutter that's clogging your PC. These tools are neatly arranged in tabs and can be used to control the programs that are loaded on startup; remove junk files; and even permanently clear out data you thought you had deleted a long time ago. <a href="http://www.revouninstaller.com">www.revouninstaller.com</a><br> <br><strong>6) Your PC keeps freezing, restarting or just crashing "randomly". </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: </strong><strong>WhoCrashed</strong><br><br>Even though it might seem that your PC is randomly doing these bizarre things, most of the time there is a pattern before which it has a seizure. Even if you aren't able to put a finger on whether it locks up after you start playing music files, opening the browser or playing a game, you can try WhoCrashed and find out whodunit. The software reads the file that's created each time a PC crashes and throws up an inference to the errant device driver. While this may not always be completely accurate, it is a simpler way to get to the root of the problem. The resulting diagnosis can also be used in technical forums, if you need more guidance. <a href="http://www.resplendence.com">www.resplendence.com</a><br> <br><strong>7) The hard disk is running low on space and you would like to get rid of files that are not required. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: </strong><strong>CCleaner</strong><br><br>Bloated temporary files and folders are a perennial problem, a problem that worsens if you prefer to use multiple web browsers. There is another issue that may arise from this problem - malware. The temporary internet files may harbour rogue files or cookies that are tracking your browsing habits and sending data back to servers on the sly. These activities not only hog system resources, they also slow the browser down. CCleaner is a one-stop shop where you can delete the temporary cache of files, cookies, and history from all your browsers - Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Opera. It will even scan the rest of the hard drive for files that it feels need to be cleared out and 'spring clean' the Registry for you. <a href="http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner">www.piriform.com/ccleaner</a><br> <br><strong>8) You would like to know when updates are available for the software and drivers on your PC. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: </strong><strong>SecuniaPSI</strong><br><br>An up-to-date system has its advantages - it means that all your hardware will be running current drivers; Windows will always be primed with the patches for any reported vulnerabilities; and all installed software will sport the latest version. But you will only get to know there is an update available when you specifically start looking for one. The easier way out is a tool that shows you a neat little dashboard with a list of all the installed hardware and software - and whether they need an update or not. This is where SecuniaPSI will come handy. It will notify you when security updates for Windows are available for download as well. If this is also too tedious a process, just set it to automatically do the dirty work for you and you are sorted. <a href="http://www.secunia.com">www.secunia.com</a><br> <br><strong>9) Taking a backup of all your important stuff with Windows' built-in backup utility is more tedious than you thought. </strong><br><br><strong>Solution: </strong><strong>FBackup</strong><br><br>Windows does have a decent backup and restore system in place; unfortunately, it isn't intuitive or straightforward enough for the average user. Try Fbackup. The software lists simple backup and recovery actions that can be initiated at the click of a button. What's more - the software can be further configured with the help of free plug-ins that can also make a copy of program data and settings so you don't have to do it all over again after recovery. <a href="http://www.fbackup.com">www.fbackup.com</a><br> </div></div>

Essential toolkit for your PC

It's the secret software that tech support engineers rely on.S N Reddy must-have tools that will keep your machine shipshape. Don'...

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How to find a lost device that is in silent mode

<div class="stname arttitletxt" style="font-size:1.75em;line-height:28px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;float:left;margin:0px;padding:10px 0px 5px 10px"><br></div><div class="storycontent_outer" style="font-size:0.91em;line-height:20px;font-family:georgia;margin:0px;padding:1px 5px"> <div class="storycontent" style="font-size:16px;line-height:normal;margin:0px;padding:5px">I lost my tablet somewhere in my house and have been searching for hours. It's an Android device, which seems to have Wi-Fi-enabled (responds to pings), but doesn't seem to react to cloud-based messages. Furthermore, I have Cerberus installed on it, but cannot connect to it. Is there a way of physically finding the device by measuring the signal strength from different locations in my flat? I know it's theoretically also possible to triangulate a Wi-Fi signal, and even though I have four Linux based Wi-Fi receivers, I don't know any non-commercial software that is capable of doing so.<br> <br><strong>Plan B</strong><br>Not a direct answer to your question, but Plan B app is specifically for situations where you've lost track of your Android device and didn't have any sort of "finder" app on it. Note: Plan B only works with Android 2.0-2.3.<br> <br><strong>airodump-ng</strong><br>I know you can get the signal reception using airodump-ng (part of the aircrack-ng tool suite) if you have a compatible Wi-Fi card and a Linux distro up and running. You'll see something like this with the signal reception listed as PWR (in decibels). If you keep pinging the device throughout this, you should see the airodump-ng screen update much quicker with the MAC address of the device. You should then be able to move around with your laptop, trying to increase the PWR until you find the device.<br> <br><strong>Homing Cone</strong><br>Something that may work: Go to the hardware store and buy some brass mesh and build a cone. You'll probably need to layer the mesh, then hold your phone in the middle of the cone. The brass mesh should block all radio signals, so if you get a signal, it's coming from the direction of the open area of the cone. In theory, you can use this to home in on the device. FYI, the brass mesh is one component in building a SCIF.<br> <br><strong>Ethernet & More</strong><br>Some Wi-Fi routers have a signal strength measurement on them. I know DD-WRT has this. If yours does, then you can do something like this:<br><br>*Get a long Ethernet cord.<br>*Plug one end into the router and one into your cable modem, internet connection, etc.<br> *Move the router around your apartment and see where you get the strongest signal. (Keep in mind, water pipes, metal studs etc can all distortWi-Fi signals.)<br>*Another option would be to make your own directional antenna, kind of like this. You could also check out this page for some useful command line Linux Wi-Fi commands.<br> <br><strong>Triangulate</strong><br>One-storied home? You can sort-of triangulate using signal strength alone. You have to assume that signal strength is proportional to distance from the transmitter, which isn't very accurate, but it could be accurate enough to help narrow down the search space. How to measure signal strength from 3 points in your house:<br> <br>On a floor plan of the home, mark your three points, and with a drawing compass, swing an arc across the flat with a radius proportional to the signal strength so that the arcs enclose a fairly small space within the home.<br> <br>If the assumption we made were true (and your measurements and drawing were accurate), your tablet should be within the space between the arcs. It's not quite true but hopefully not too far off either.<br><br>Start your search near that space. Hopefully its location will remind you of where you actually left the tablet. If not, search out from there, possibly repeating the above steps at a shorter distance from this location.<br> <br>Multi-storied house? Same idea, only now plotting is more complicated by the third dimension. Easier would be to repeat the above for each floor. Now you have two or three more spaces to search but that'll be more information than you had before.</div> </div>

How to find a lost device that is in silent mode

I lost my tablet somewhere in my house and have been searching for hours. It's an Android device, which seems to have Wi-Fi-enabled (r...

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