Tuesday, July 14, 2015

How to Set Up a Camera to Monitor Your Home When You’re Away


closeup of cctv camera background is a running computer

Whether you'll be away from home while travelling or just during the workday, you may want to keep an eye on it. Solutions like Nest's Nest Cam (formerly Dropcam) try to make this easy, but there's more than one way to do this.

We're not focused on full security systems with alarms and other features here — just cameras so you can keep an eye on your place with live streaming and video recordings.

Plug-and-Play Streaming Cameras

Many manufacturers are trying to make this even easier, offering plug-and-play solutions linked to web services and smartphone apps. These don't require you connect the camera to a computer or any other device — you just need the camera and an Internet connection.

Google's Nest Cam works this way — Nest actually purchased Dropcam, which pioneered this. Plug it in, link it to an account, and then you can access it from the web or a smartphone as well as setting up automatic recording. Keeping those recordings will cost you at least $10 a month, though. Storing the recordings "in the cloud" on the service's own server does have one advantage — if someone breaks in and steals your equipment, you'll still have access to the footage.

Other manufacturers have made similar solutions, from the simplicam to the HomeMonitor to theBelkin Netcam HD.

nest cam

IP Cameras

The above devices are convenient and easy to set up, but you may not want to store recordings on a service's remote servers when you could keep them for yourself.

If you want to do this yourself, you're looking for an "IP camera." This just means it's a digital video camera that can send data through the Internet protocol on a network.

You'll still have to do some legwork yourself if you want to remotely access the stream over the Internet or just have the camera save a recording to another device in your home.

If you're creating your own server, you'll need to pick some IP camera software and set it up yourself. You can hook multiple cameras up to get a more complete view of your place, and IP cameras are often cheaper than plug-and-play solutions like the Nest Cam. However, there's a good chance you'll have to pay a license fee to use whatever software you choose.Some IP cameras require a network video recorder to record to, while others can record their videos directly to a NAS (network-attached storage) device or a PC you've set up to function as a server. Some IP cameras even have built-in Micro SD card slots so they can record directly to that physical media — they may even have built-in servers so you can access the recording remotely.

Picture of Wireless IP camera on white camera

Webcams

Rather than get a full IP camera, you could potentially just get a webcam and connect it via USB to a computer running the appropriate recording software. You may even have a spare webcam you can use for this. Webcams tend to be cheaper than IP cameras, although they may lack important features like night vision for recording what happens when it's completely dark.

Unlike an IP camera, the webcam must be connected directly to the computer via USB, while the IP camera can be elsewhere in the house and connect over Wi-Fi.

You'll need to pick some sort of "webcam surveillance software" — recording and video-capture software that's designed to work with webcams and not just IP cameras. Much of this is software you'll need to pay for, but you're still saving money overall.

And, yes, if you do this, you'll need to keep your computer running 24/7 — if you want to record all day, at least.

webcam

Turn an Old Phone Into a Security Camera



If you have an old Android phone lying around, you could potentially turn it into a network security camera. After all, it has a camera, Wi-Fi, and a built-in computer — everything it needs to capture, stream, and record video. We've previously covered how to turn on old Android phone into a network security camera. If you have a spare phone you're not putting to use, it might be worth a shot.

Be sure to do your research when purchasing cameras and software. If you're getting a plug-and-play camera, understand whether you'll have to pay a monthly fee. If you're getting an IP camera or webcam, check whether it offers the features you want — not all cameras offer night vision or HD recording, for example.

​​
Mununuzi Timothy
Media Specialist - Alpha Omega Ministries
Skype: munruzi
Phone: (256)784713807
 
 
 
 

Monday, July 13, 2015

How to Use Java, Silverlight, and Other Browser Plug-ins on Windows 10

Browser plug-ins are on their way out. Microsoft Edge doesn't support ActiveX plug-ins, although it does have built-in Flash support. Google Chrome has also discontinued support for the NPAPI plug-in format used by Java, Silverlight, Unity, and other plug-ins.
Most web users can get away without these plug-ins. But some sites may still require the Java web plug-in, Silverlight, Unity, or something similar — especially old business applications.

Use Internet Explorer Instead of Microsoft Edge

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You can't use plug-ins in Microsoft's Edge browser. It only supports Flash and offers no way to install a type of browser plug-in. Even if Oracle wanted to create a Java plug-in for Microsoft Edge, they couldn't.
Instead, WIndows 10 still includes the old version of Internet Explorer 11 for compatibility purposes. Internet Explorer 11 is still compatible with ActiveX plug-ins. You'll find IE under All Apps in the Start menu — select All Apps, scroll down to Windows Accessories, and click Internet Explorer under the accessories folder. Or, just perform a search for Internet Explorer in the Start menu and launch it. You can also tap the menu button in Microsoft Edge and select "Open with Internet Explorer" to open the current web page in Internet Explorer.
You probably won't want to use Internet Explorer as your browser all of the time, but you can launch it whenever you need to use a website that requires a plug-in. To install these plug-ins, just launch IE and visit the appropriate website — Oracle's Java site or Microsoft's Silverlight site, for example.
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Any other browser that uses Microsoft's old Trident rendering engine — the one still used in Internet Explorer — should also work.
If you have to access an old web page that doesn't work with Internet Explorer 11 and requires an older version of Internet Explorer, you can use Internet Explorer 11's Enterprise Mode. This requires the Professional version of Windows 10, not the Home version.

Install Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is still compatible with NPAPI plug-ins — the plug-in format created for Netscape Navigator all those years ago.
Install Firefox and you'll be able to use all the browser plug-ins you want, from Oracle's Java web plug-in to Microsoft's own Silverlight plug-in to the Unity Web Player plug-in.
Mozilla Firefox prevents plug-ins like Java and Silverlight from automatically running, requiring you click-to-play these plug-ins when you encounter them on the web. Install Firefox and use it to access websites that require plug-ins. This may be a better option than Internet Explorer — after all, Firefox is still a modern browser that's being regularly updated. It also blocks plug-ins from running except when you specifically allow them.
Any other browser that uses Mozilla's Gecko rendering engine — the same one used in Firefox — should also work. This includes the SeaMonkey browser based on the old Mozilla suite and Firefox offshoots like Pale Moon.

No, Google Chrome Isn't an Option

Google recently disabled support for older NPAPI plug-ins in Google Chrome, so you won't be able to run Java, Silverlight, and other plug-in content in Google Chrome on any version of Windows — whether it's Windows 10, 8, or 7.
Google encourages developers to port their plugins to the modern PPAPI (Pepper API) plug-in system if they really need to continue using plug-ins. Unlike NPAPI, PPAPI is sandboxed for security. However, only Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers — like the open-source Chromium itself and the latest versions of Opera — support PPAPI. While Chrome comes with a built-in PPAPI version of Flash, no other developers have announced plans to support it.Oracle's official documentation recommends FIrefox or Internet Explorer if you need the Java plug-in.
Google added a hidden settings flag named "Enable NPAPI" that allows you to re-enable NPAPI plug-ins temporarily, but this option will be removed entirely with Chrome 45 in September 2015.

Of course, the real solution is moving on from web content that requires plug-ins. Applications created with Java, SIlverlight, and Unity still function properly outside of the web browser. Desktop applications written in Java or Silverlight are safe and will work normally.
For delivering video to web browsers, Microsoft now recommends HTML5 video instead of their own Silverlight plug-in. Netflix was the most famous user of Silverlight, and recently dropped Silverlight for cross-platform HTML5 video.
Flash is still widespread, and is integrated by default into modern browsers like Chrome and Microsoft Edge for that reason. This helps keep Flash sandboxed and updated.

Mununuzi Timothy
Media Specialist - Alpha Omega Ministries
Skype: munruzi
Phone: (256)784713807

Friday, March 6, 2015

How to set up the iPhone without a sim card

Instructions

    • 1

      Install the latest version of iTunes onto your computer. Go to the iTunes website and click "download."

    • 2

      Install Blackra1n iPhone jailbreaking software onto your computer. Go to Blackra1n's website to download software. The download screen prompts you to select either the Microsoft Windows logo or the Apple logo to download the software. Select the appropriate icon for your computer to begin the download process. This process will take a few minutes. Allow the website to complete the process without interruption until you are prompted that the software has been installed.


      • 3

        Reboot your computer.

      • 4

        Connect your deactivated iPhone to your computer with an iPhone-compatible USB cable.

      • 5

        Launch the Blackra1n software from your computer's hard drive. Click "make it ra1n." Your iPhone is now in "Recovery Mode." Do not interrupt this process.

      • 6

        You iPhone device will now automatically reboot itself and launch the standard iPhone software, apps and features as it normally would if there were a SIM card in it, without restrictions. Proceed to set up and install apps to your iPhone as desired.


    Tips & Warnings

    • Before performing any recovery or modification to your device, make certain that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Go to the iTunes website to verify the latest version. When launching iTunes, you will also usually be prompted to update to the latest version of the software


    Mununuzi Timothy
    Media Specialist - Alpha Omega Ministries
    Skype: munruzi
    Phone: (256)784713807
     
     
     
     

    Thursday, March 5, 2015

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Allow me share this broadcast; letting you out there know that the UN Regional Service Center Entebbe, Uganda (UNRSCE) is holding a job fair titled, “RSCE Job Fair” this Saturday, 7 March, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.

    The objective of the event is to attract Ugandan talent for the numerous national posts that will open up in the near future. The idea is to attract seasoned HR, Finance, Travel and Admin professionals (not students or recent graduates, but people with some work experience) and to tell them about the UNRSCE, what skills and profiles they are looking for, and create a pool of national candidates for the upcoming job openings.
    There will be stands with information about the various jobs offered as well as presentations.
    Learn about who we are and what we do
    Get to know the jobs we offer
    Hear about the skills and profiles we are looking for
    Ask questions about the application process
    Meet the managers and employees
    To register, please go to http://tinyURL.com/RSCEjobfair
    The event is scheduled to be held this Saturday, 7 March, from 2pm to 5pm (Uganda time), at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
    UNRSCE is looking for candidates with a Master’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma and at least 2 – 4 years of relevant professional experience.
    Please note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (Application, Interview, Processing, or Training).
    You are most welcome to attend, of course. In addition, it would be great if you could help spread the word.
    Looking forward to seeing you there!


    Mununuzi Timothy
    Media Specialist - Alpha Omega Ministries
    Skype: munruzi
    Phone: (256)784713807
     
     
     
     

    Wednesday, March 4, 2015

    How to quickly type special characters on any computer smartphone or table


    Female Hands Typing.
    Most characters you can type don’t appear on your keyboard, whether you’re using a physical keyboard or a touch one. Here’s how you can type them on your computer or mobile device.
    You could always perform a search online to find the symbol and copy-paste it into the program you’re using, too. This is inefficient, but works for quickly inserting the occasional obscure symbol

    Windows

    You can quickly insert special characters on Windows using Alt key codes. These require a separate numerical keypard on the right side of your keyboard, so they won’t work on most laptops. They’ll only work on desktop PCs if you have that number pad to the right of your Enter key.
    To use Alt key codes, ensure that “Num Lock” is on — you may need to tap the Num Lock key to turn it on. Next, press the Alt key and hold it down. Tap the appropriate numbers using the number pad at the right side of your keyboard and then release the Alt key.
    For example, let’s say you want to type the £ symbol for the British Pound. It’s numerical shortcut is 0163. With Num Lock enabled, you’d hold down the Alt key, tap 0, tap 1, tap 6, and tap 3 — all on the numpad — and then release the Alt key.
    The Character Map tool can help here. Open it by tapping the Windows key, typing “Character Map” to search for it, and pressing Enter. For each special character, you’ll see its Alt key code printed at the bottom-right corner of the window. If you don’t have a number pad, you can also head to this window to view a list of characters and copy-paste them into other applications. You can also find lists of special characters and their associated codes online.

    Mac OS X

    Mac OS X has its own Character Viewer, which is easier to access. In almost any application, you can click the Edit menu and select Special Characters to open it.
    Locate a symbol in the window and double-click it to enter it into the text field in the current application. If you use specific special characters frequently, you can add them to your Favorites list so they can be easily accessed here. The list is more organized than it is on Windows.
    You can also type a variety of accented letters and other special characters with Option keyshortcuts. For example, let’s say you want to type the word “touché.” You could type “touch,” press Option+e at the same time, and then tap the e key. This would instruct your Mac to use an acute accent over the letter e.
    There are also Option+Shift keyboard shortcuts, and ones that don’t use accented letters. For example, typing Option+4 gets you a cent symbol (¢) instead of a dollar sign. Washington State University has a good list of Option and Option+Shift shortcuts for typing special characters on a Mac.

    iPhone and iPad

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    You can type many additional characters onan iPhone or iPad’s touch keyboard by long-pressing the appropriate key. For example, to type the word “touché,” you’d type “touch,” long press the e key, and choose the é character.
    This also works for a variety of symbols. For example, to type another currency symbol, you’d long-press the $ symbol on the keyboard and choose your desired symbol.
    If you frequently need to type symbols that don’t appear on the standard keyboard, you can head to Settings>General>Keyboards>Add New Keyboard to add a keyboard from another language that contains those characters. And, now that iOS offers support for third-party keyboards, you could install a keyboard that offers support for a wider variety of Unicode symbols and use it.

    Android

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    Android’s keyboard works similarly. Long-press keys on the keyboard to access related characters and symbols. For example, long-press the e to find the accented e characters. Long-press other symbols — like the currency symbol — to access additional related symbols.
    This is how the default “Google Keyboard” app for Android works, anyway. Other keyboards should work similarly. Because Android offers support for more keyboards, you could install other keyboards from Google Play that are better suited to typing a wider variety of Unicode symbols.

    Other platforms with touch keyboards should work similarly. Long-pressing keys will get you additional accented characters and symbols, while other special characters will have to come from dedicated keyboards — or copy-pasting.
    There’s no single standard method for typing these Unicode characters on Linux. It depends on the applications and the graphical toolkit they use.


    Mununuzi Timothy
    Media Specialist - Alpha Omega Ministries
    Skype: munruzi
    Phone: (256)784713807