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How to Turn Your PC into a TV

If you're strapped for cash, the last thing that you want to do is pay both a monthly cable and high speed Internet bill. Now you don't have to choose between your link to the World Wide Web and your favorite TV series. With a few devices, you can turn an old computer into a new television. It will save you money and reduce needless electronic waste [source: CNET]. Read the steps listed below and learn about how to turn your PC into a TV.

What You Need:

  • Old computer with at least 10 GB of free hard-drive space and a fairly fast processor
  • TV tuner or USB-based tuner box

Here's what to do:

  1. Install the TV signal Physically install your hardware to give your computer screen a TV signal. This can be done with a number of devices. Which one you choose will depend on how much you want to spend and the quality of your PC. Choose between a TV tuner card (with or without a graphics card, depending on your computer's capabilities) and an external TV tuner box. The TV tuner card needs to be installed by a professional, but it provides you with a clear connection to TV channels. The external TV tuner box can easily be installed by connecting to your computer's USB port, but the connection is slower, giving you a lower resolution image.
  2. Install the TV tuner software Install the software that comes with your tuner onto your PC. The software will allow you to control the channels and volume through a remote control. It can even enable you to record live TV shows onto your computer's hard drive. Insert the disc provided with your hardware and follow the instructions to properly install the software
  3. Channel Surf You're now ready to surf TV channels on your computer screen. You'll now have legal access to TV shows that are not able to be streamed on the Internet
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How To Add Background Colour To Facebook Updates


Facebook text-only updates will no longer get lost in the increasingly flashy Facebook feed, thanks to the attention-grabbing features which Facebook has been rolling out recently.

Apart from the ‘big text’ feature that shows words in a larger font if your status is short, Facebook has rolled out a new feature enabling users who post text-only status updates to add background colors to their posts, thereby making the text posts more visual.

The feature lets users select a color that appears behind their text status in place of the normally-white background. Users that make use of this new feature can now easily make their updates stand out in a way that will make people pay attention to the updates, without having to use images or profanities.

As at the time of publishing this, only Android users of Facebook mobile app will be able to post Facebook posts with colored backgrounds, but everyone on iOS, Android, and web will be able to see them in the News Feed. Hopefully, it will be rolled out on all platforms, globally soonest.

If you want to add background colour to your Facebook update, update your Facebook app to the latest version and create a post, the normal way. You will see the background colours you can select

Should in case you want to know the version of Facebook app that supports colored backgrounds, mine is Facebook for Android version 106.0.0.26.68.

What is your take on this new feature?
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5 Reasons You're Not Making It As A Blogger Yet

Blogging has become a major source of income to many, thanks to the evolution of social media and the successful bloggers from whom many have become enticed.

Before, you’ll hear people say you should do it for the passion, but in  recent times, while a few still say it, many have given up on that idea. Most bloggers are now into it for the money. lol :)


While a lot do it for the money, many are towing the wrong path, expecting to get the right results, which is an aberration.

Even if you have Adsense account and your blog is relatively new, there is a high possibility that your ads account would be frustrating, due to the fact that your traffic is low, you don’t have loyal readers yet etc. but after reading this post, I believe your eyes would be open to why you are not earning yet.




Without further ado, lets get into why you are where you are as a blogger.

1. You are in the wrong Niche

If you are not in a niche where you are having fun, there is a high possibility you would fail (sorry to say).

If you came into blogging because of one famous entertainment blogger, consequently you named your blog “naijathis and naijathat”, with time, you’ll realize you are not enjoying yourself if you've got no passion for entertainment blogging.

Blogging is lucrative when you enjoy doing it, this way, you’ll be creative to generate ideas that would yield profit.

All you need to do, is to find something you love doing. No niche is bad. Some might look more profitable than others but if you are enjoying it,you’ll get people to like you and in no time, you’ll have made yourself an authority and a trail blazer.

Your niche should be one you can easily perform even when you are half asleep. When you find that area, never let it go.

2. You lack resources

I hear some people say they don’t have a laptop to blog with, they don’t have a modem with which to connect, they lack finance to subscribe etc…

With these excuses, how do you want to outshine one who is always online?

I wanted to give a guy a job to work for my client, since I won’t be available. To my surprise, he asked me to tell my client to pay him upfront so as to enable him buy data.  I found that ridiculous but I still cared and wanted to help. So, I obliged but my client refused and we ultimately gave it to somebody else.

How do you handle running out of data and abandon your blog for another 3 weeks because you do not have data. If you need a laptop, smart phone or any tool to help you blog right, do get it.

HOW?

Get a job.

It's more effective blogging if you have a job that funds your blog before you start making the profits’.

3. Zero, Poor or Wrong Publicity Method 

If you blog and don’t publicize, then I wonder who would read your posts.

Entertainment bloggers tend to spam Facebook groups, but that’s not easy or adviceable for niche bloggers because the traffic won’t be targeted.

So publicity is very pertinent, but the method of publicity is very crucial too because you need to take your contents to a market were it’s needed. Imagine publicizing an agric blog to a mobile phone and tech community. You’d lose cash, waste precious time and be frustrated ultimately.

SOLUTION: Identify the particular market where your content is needed; don’t just start an ad because your friends are doing it, understand the need of your readers and meet it.


4. You’re following the crowd

If you came into blogging because of someone who made a lot of money, you are likely to do this because you will follow his rules and his rules alone.

However, the very first rule of blogging is that “Blogging has no rule”. Stop following peoples template and find what works for you. Your style should be your style.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t adopt people’s style, but you should make sure they are working for you, once they don’t, forget them, there is no rule to blogging.

Develop your style and don’t religiously follow their style because again there is no law.


5. You are not rendering services

I have said this time and again; I’ve made more money rendering blog services than I have from ads.

I get paid from what firms would call consultation (I don’t call it that yet) people contact me and ask me to tell them how I do things, I get paid designing blogs, adding some codes to templates, domain registering and setting up, and many other services and these requests come in so frequently that they give me tough time updating my own blog.

If you are not rendering services then you are losing a lot. Create a page on your blog telling your readers services you render and, post on twitter and on your Facebook wall services you can render and you will start getting requests in no time.

It can be anything, you can offer to update blogs for people ( 15 posts at $50 for 5 blogs would give you $250) and that is cool money for a start, and the interesting part is that you can use the same content(if it is an entertainment blog) for your own blog with only little  or no changes.

You can do a lot of things, just be creative and see the cash start trickling in. To Your Success.

Over to you,

What are the little things you do that bring income?

What are the things you used to do that you later found out you shouldn’t or should have started earlier.

Share with us using the comment area below.
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How To Shout down Posts Views Count In Flex Mag WordPress Theme

If you install and activate Flex Mag theme for your WordPress blog, post views count will display by default, on the home page and category pages.

Unfortunately, there is no way to disable this in the theme options. If you don't want this feature, you can disable it by adding a piece of code to the css section of the theme.

How?

Sign in to your WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to 'Appearance' > 'Flex Mag Options' > 'General' and scroll down to the "Custom CSS" section.



custom css for responsive wordpress magazine theme



Then, copy and paste the code below in it and click "Save all changes"


.feat-info-views, .feat-info-comm {
  display : none;
}

That's all.

You can buy Flex Mag theme at ThemeForest.


flex mag responsive magazine theme for wordpress



About Flex Mag Theme


Flex Mag theme is a responsive magazine theme for WordPress with options and flexibility that let you set up a WordPress site in a simple, straightforward way that doesn’t overwhelm you.

It comes with a custom Fly-Out Navigation, custom scoreboard, auto-load posts, 4 different pre-set skins, 9 different Featured Posts options, 8 different article templates, 700+ Google Fonts, and so much more!
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10 Android Specifications To Look Out For Before Buying A New Phone (2017)



This is a very important aspect of phone pre- purchase tips. Let it be known to you that its very dangerous not checking out if a phone fits the bill before purchase, this mistake could go a long way to haunt you.
So here’s my advice for you, before buying a phone make sure you've checked for its specifications to ensure they actually comply with what am about to uncover below.

IMPORTANT ANDROID SPECIFICATIONS TO LOOK OUT FOR BEFORE BUYING A NEW PHONE

1. Screen Size/Resolution
This is the size of the device’s screen. It is most likely measured in inches or cm/mm.
Are you a fan of large screen phone, then you should be looking at a device in the range or larger than 5.5/6.0 Inches.
2. Android OS
Make sure it’s running on the most recent version of Android OS. As at the time of this writing, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) should be your minimum target though Lollipop ain’t bad either, just make sure it has OTA update to receive latest Android updates.
3. Camera Pixels (Front & Rear)
We are all about the power of our cameras, taking high definition selfies. So make sure your front facing camera is up to the task, the rear should also be a monster.
You should be looking at a device in the range of-(Minimum: Front=5MP & Rear=8MP) If you so love snapping pictures at night then consider buying a phone with dual lead light, going for double lead rear camera light is perfect even though some single lead camera phone could appear brighter.
4. Battery Capacity
In a country like Nigeria with rapid decadence in electricity, it’s very paramount you don’t overlook this.
The capacity of your phone should be nothing less than 4000mAh unless you want to go about carrying a power bank. 3000mAh battery capacity is manageable though.
5. Network Type
This is optional but important if you’re looking to the future of Naija telecommunication providers.
Our mobile network providers can only provide max 3.75G internet speed. Having a device that can power 4G connection is way cooler and a plus considering the fact that it will in future cover for incoming 4G LTE network.
With Ntel about to roll out its 4G connection in selected states , don’t be left behind.
6. Processor Speed
This covers the response behaviour of your phone apps and services.
If you’re the type that enjoys playing high graphics games then you should endeavour to go for a minimum of 1.4GHz. (Hexacore or Octacore).
7. RAM ( READ ACCESS MEMORY)
Don’t hesitate to get a device with minimum of 2GB Ram.
With that, you can run more apps & services at once without experiencing a crash or your phone hanging unnecessarily.
8. Storage Capacity
Internal storage capacity of your phone should be at least 16GB and expandable with SD card. With this you can install more apps plus save more pictures, documents, videos and music.
9. Quick Charging Feature (Flash Charge)
Phones are recently built with ‘Quick Charge’, this features allows you to be able to charge your phone quicker and faster using a ‘Quick Charge’ charger.
In addition to the specs above, your desired Android phone will be much more complete with such feature. I’m really enjoying it here, writing from experience.
10. OTA Update
Why get a device without OTA updates? It can be very frustrating seeing you friend get firmware updates on his/her device and you not getting, don’t make the mistake.
Make sure you confirm that phone will constantly receive updates to firmware, services and functionality before making a purchase.
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5 Important Reasons Why You Should Host Your Website Locally

More than 98% of Web hosting companies in Nigeria host their customer’s websites on servers overseas or resell services of other foreign webhosting companies. They should not be mistaken for local Webhosting companies, as their servers are domiciled outside the country.

Local Web Hosting in a nutshell, means servers are resident locally in Nigeria and support is local. Here are some reasons why you should consider hosting locally:

1. SPEED

Local hosting enables your website run about 3 times faster than hosting overseas because of ultralow latency. It is vital for you to pinpoint your business' needs before settling on a decision between hosting your website locally or overseas. Latency is better and faster when you host locally because local traffic is routed locally through the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria.

2. PRICING

One of the drawbacks of hosting overseas in this current economic situation is due to the current devaluation of the Naira i.e. the ridiculous increase in exchange rate, you find out you are paying up to 4 times more now for the same service as opposed to 12 months ago. Hosting locally beats this issue and you pay less because local hosting is not influenced by FX.
cheap web hosting in nigeria



3. DATA PRIVACY LAWS

Knowing where your information and client data resides is vital, and the data privacy laws of the country where your data is being hosted. To avoid the complexity of international Laws, once important information is being hosted outside the country the Laws of the land no longer apply; for example, if you host your data with an international service provider and they were to be involved in a case of national security and had to shut down because of a motion against them, you might lose access to your data because the laws of the hosting country will be applied against you.

4. BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY

It is said that Nigeria loses billions annually from hosting abroad. Hosting locally enables you grow the economy and also enables local hosting companies to export services and in turn generate revenue for the country.

5. LOCAL SUPPORT

When hosting locally you will also notice a better quality of support when you need it the most. For example, time difference and language will not be an issue. Using a reputable local company to host your website means you have easier access to quality support. 24/7/365 telephone, email, and/or chat support and could resolve any issue for you on the spot, where possible. One phone call connects the small business owner to a customer care rep instead of an automated phone tree.

Finally, it is advisable that you host locally rather than overseas, if your target market is local. Hosting your website locally will ensure more uptime for your website, high speed loading time for your web pages, and faster browsing for your local visitors, along with greater access to expert support and optimum access for your target market, creating great user experience.

Perhaps right now,more than any other time would be good to reassess your website hosting.

For reliable and affordable local hosting in Nigeria, go to www.garanntor.ng






ABOUT GARANNTOR


www.garanntor.ng is a local hosting company offering a wide range of services from Web Hosting, Domain Registrations, Virtual Private Servers, Cloud Servers, and Hosted Emails.Through professional partnership, Garanntor and Rack-Centre are providing world class standard Web hosting, virtual servers, cloud servers, Cloud Storage and IT Co-location services.


  • Guarantee 99.9% uptime
  • Servers are hosted locally at Rack Centre carrier-neutral data centre, the most connected Tier III design certified  data centre   in Lagos, Nigeria
  • Multiple redundant links
  • Garanntor owns its servers and network including IP ranges, ASN and fully supports them locally
  • 24/7 premium support
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Facebook’s Oculus ordered pay $500M in suit on stolen tech


A US jury Wednesday ordered Facebook and creators of its Oculus Rift to pay $500 million to gaming software firm ZeniMax in a lawsuit that claimed the virtual reality technology was stolen.
The Texas jury made the award in a trial in which Oculus was accused of basing its Rift headset on technology stolen from ZeniMax’s virtual reality software, court documents showed.
The lawsuit claimed Oculus founder Palmer Luckey and his colleagues developed the virtual reality gear using source code illegally obtained from the gaming firm.
The jury dismissed the charge that Oculus stole or misappropriated trade secrets but found Oculus liable for copyright infringement and other violations. Luckey was ordered to pay $50 million of the award and another former Oculus executive, Brendan Iribe $150 million.
The two executives were accused of violating a non-disclosure agreement with ZeniMax and copying the source code and other documents on a USB storage device.
ZeniMax had sought $4 billion in damages in the case, in which Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg testified to defend his company.

– ZeniMax pleased, Oculus appeals –
Maryland-based ZeniMax said it was “pleased” about the award for “unlawful infringement of our copyrights and trademarks, and for the violation of our non-disclosure agreement with Oculus pursuant to which we shared breakthrough VR technology that we had developed and that we exclusively own.”
Robert Altman, ZeniMax’s chairman and chief executive, said in the statement: “Technology is the foundation of our business and we consider the theft of our intellectual property to be a serious matter.”
In its statement, Oculus said: “The heart of this case was about whether Oculus stole ZeniMax’s trade secrets, and the jury found decisively in our favor.”

Oculus said it plans to appeal the verdict and was “undeterred” in its efforts to bring virtual reality technology to consumers.
“Our commitment to the long-term success of VR remains the same, and the entire team will continue the work they’ve done since day one — developing VR technology that will transform the way people interact and communicate,” the Oculus statement said.

“We look forward to filing our appeal and eventually putting this litigation behind us.”
Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014 for more than $2 billion and last year began selling the Rift headsets as part of the social network’s push into virtual reality.

According to the ZeniMax allegations, the four founders of Oculus had no expertise or backgrounds in VR other than Palmer Luckey.

But ZeniMax said Luckey “could not code the software that was the key to solving the issues of VR.”
The ZeniMax statement added that “we will consider what further steps we need to take to ensure there will be no ongoing use of our misappropriated technology, including by seeking an injunction to restrain Oculus and Facebook from their ongoing use of computer code that the jury found infringed Zenimax’s copyrights.”
The news came as Facebook was releasing its earnings for the fourth quarter.

Zuckerberg, in his opening statement to analysts, sad Facebook would “keep making big investments in VR content, and I am excited about what is coming in 2017 from games to more immersive experiences.”
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Instagram Set To Release Photo Album Feature

Good news to the lovers of Instagram. The fast growing social community now owned by Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, set to release a feature that will allow users to post photo albums. This simply means, instead of posting a picture one at a time, you will be able to post them all at the same time! Isn't that interesting?

This is really a great news for those of us who love photo albums. Remember that the closest thing we’ve had to this feature was the Layout app, which users could use to create a collage. Also, Instagram Story helped a little. However, the real thrill is not in creating an album slowly, over the years. Ain’t no one got time for that. The joy of the feature is in creating a whole new album in the time it takes to post one picture at a time.
instagram-photo-albums

However; that feature is not yet available for public use. However, it is already in beta testing. According to a report by Mashable, this feature allows users to select up to 10 photos at a time and combine these photos into a single post, thus creating an album. It is available for advertisers and a few beta testers; however, no one knows how soon they will release this feature.



Once the photo albums feature is rolled out, however, it would help users to post multiple photos at the same time. Basically, the user would hold down one picture, and then they would have the option of selecting more pictures. Then, they could either apply filters to all of them at once, or do that to each photo separately.

Well, that sounds awesome; however, I should certainly hope that the feature would not make posting single pictures less important. Also, how would viewers see the photos on the album? Would they view it open after the other, or all at the same time? So far, there has not been any word about that. However, expect the Instagram Photo Albums feature to roll out soon on Android and iOS platforms.

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How To Use Feedburner To Auto Post From Your Blog To Twitter

I auto post from this Blogger blog to Twitter account of the blog by making use of Feedburner Socialize feature. The service makes it easy to distribute your content to interested subscribers or followers on social networks using any FeedBurner feed you already have. At this time, the Socialize service only supports Twitter.

So, whenever I publish a new post on the blog, the title and a link back to the post automatically gets tweeted on Twitter. This feature utilizes Google URL shortening service to create short versions of my feed links, e.g. http://goo.gl/xyzxyz. And this makes it easy for me to track the clicks via goo.gl

I set it to generate hashtags from labels added to my posts and those hashtags are automatically added to the tweets. There is also an option to add additional text (which can also be an hashtag) at the beginning or end of the post. Inline hash tags are supported too.


If you want to use the service, sign in to feedburner.com and burn a feed for your blog.

If you have an existing feed there for your blog, click on it and click on the "Publicize" tab
Click "Socialize" and add your Twitter account. Once added, set the formatting options as desired and click "Activate"

Thereafter, if you publish a post on your blog, it should appear on the connected Twitter account.

That's all.

I hope this helps.
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