Printing from your iPhone or iPad certainly isn’t a new concept. But a new app written by some clever programmers makes it possible, without the added expense of buying a printer equipped with Apple’s AirPrint.
Air Print Installer, authored by a member of the popular MacRumors.com forum, is an app that installs on your computer and enables printing to your current USB printer. With a shared printer on the same network, printing from your iDevice is just a few taps away.
The easy-to-use app makes installation a snap, and using the program couldn’t be simpler. One stand out feature is the price – it’s completely free. However, because it is unendorsed, there is little to no support for the software, and an update to iOS could disable it.
If you have any questions about Air Print Installer, or would like some assistance in setting up your iDevice, send us an email at sweettips@compren.com. Be sure to ask about our custom-built computers, repair services, and weekly specials.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, We don’t just sell computers. We create solutions!
InvisibleHand is a browser add-on that helps you find the best price for products and airline flights. It works by analyzing the products you’re searching for, and then scouring the web to find you the lowest price. It works for airline flights as well.
The program stays completely invisible until it’s found something you’re looking for. And it works in real time, so it refreshes pricing every time you use it. InvisibleHand will also search for deals for items it hasn’t seen before. A small notification appears showing you the best possible price for the product or flight you’re looking for.
InvisibleHand works in Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox. And best of all, it’s free!
If you’ve got questions about InvisibleHand, send us an email at sweettips@compren.com. You may also want to ask about our latest weekly specials on computer repairs and mobile technology deals.
Remember, at Computer Reniassance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions!
Skype has been available for quite some time, but this week we thought we’d bring you up to speed on some of the latest features of this amazing application.
Skype is a communication service that enables voice and video calls to anywhere in the world, and it’s totally free. Using the free app, two computers or mobile devices enabled with the program can place voice and video calls. If you need to call a phone that doesn’t have Skype, the rates can be as low as 1.9 cents per minute.
As feature-packed as the free version is, the super low priced subscription plan is better. Call forwarding, SMS messaging, unlimited international calling, and video conferencing are just a few. Skype is an affordable alternative for small and medium businesses looking to cut costs on communication expenses.
Skype is compatible with both PC and Mac, and works with practically all mobile phones and other mobile devices. Skype is also now being included with newer televisions, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, and web cameras.
If you’d like more information about Skype, send your questions to sweettips@compren.com. Be sure to ask about the computer repair services available in your area, as well as our weekly specials and hot deals on computer systems.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sale computers. We create solutions!
With football season fast approaching, we know many of you will be glued to your sets to catch all the big games being broadcast this season. But why should you miss out on the game just because you’re out to dinner? With Slingbox, you don’t have to.
Slingbox is a set-top box that gives you the ability to watch your TV from any mobile device. With Slingbox, it’s like sitting in front of your TV: you have complete control to change channels, fast forward and rewind, pause, and even set your DVR. A handy, on-screen remote makes the interface fun and easy to use. And with a complete program guide, finding your favorite shows is a snap.
With support for both PC and MAC, Slingbox is for everyone. Slingbox works with iPhones and iPads, Android, Blackberry, Kindle, and more. It’s available in two version: Solo and Pro. The Pro Edition broadcasts in full HD, while the Solo broadcasts in standard definition. Both come with pass through connectors for simple installation on standard and High Def televisions.
Want more information about Slingbox? Send us your questions at sweettips@compren.com. Be sure to ask about new specials and coupons for computer repair services in your area.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions.
myGuardianAngel, available in the app store for just .99¢, lets you choose people from your phone book to set as emergency contacts in the event of trouble. The app will send the people on your list a text and email with your GPS location, and a link to a secure server with audio and video footage captured from the phone.
After launching the app, a red “Help” button is displayed. By pressing help, the app instantly notifies the people on your emergency list that there could be something wrong. The app automatically begins to record sound and video and uploads the recordings to a secure server, so destroying the phone won’t destroy the evidence. It also keeps tabs on your location so your friends and family can send help or come to your assistance in the event of an actual emergency.
Be sure to watch the video for more information about myGuardianAngel. If you have any questions about myGuardianAngel, send us an email at sweetttips@compren.com, or call us at 888-Compren.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions!
Over the last several weeks, reports have poured in from consumers about phones calls they’ve received from phony Microsoft technicians. These “technicians” are calling end users in an attempt to gain remote access to their computer systems and swindle them out of money to renew software they claim has expired licenses.
Scams like these started several years ago, but these latest variations have become more sophisticated and employ tactics that could easily convince many consumers. Websites with professional looking designs, advanced software for remotely accessing computers, and a slick sales pitch are just a few.
The victims are instructed to open several windows on their computer, revealing error logs that appear to be very severe in nature. The consumers are told these errors are related to a virus infecting the computer, and that it must be fixed before the computer stops working completely. The end user is directed to a website to download software, and before they know it, the “technician” has gained access to their computer. The con continues with the “technician” revealing to the consumer that their software license has expired and that they’ll just need a credit card to renew.
Ultimately, there is no expired licensing, and the consumer has fallen prey to the person with the thick foreign accent on the other end off the line. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars later, the computer is in worse shape than before and the end user is left to clean up the mess.
Computer Renaissance has some tips that may help ensure that you don’t fall victim to this scam. First, Microsoft will never call you to advise you of a virus. If someone claims to be from Microsoft, hang up immediately. Second, never allow anyone to gain access to your computer through the internet, unless it’s a company that you’ve worked with before or a trusted friend or family member. And third, keep your usernames and passwords private. Never share them with anyone.
If you have received one of these calls, or if you have questions about staying safe online, call your local Computer Renaissance immediately. Or send us an email at sweettips@compren.com. We’ll here to answer any questions you have. Don’t forget to ask about our weekly specials and summer promotions on computer repairs in your area.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions.
We introduced you to Splashtop a few months ago, a mobile app that gives you a connection to your PC or MAC when you’re away from home. But late last week, an update to Splashtop was released and we just had to tell you all about it!
The new update to Splashtop features a battery of improvements that makes the app easier to use, more secure, and even turns your iPad into a second monitor on your PC. The update optimizes the new iPad’s retina display to the fullest extent, creating a richer, cleaner user interface. It also enhances the reliability of the app over any network, wired or wireless.
The greatest part of the update is the addition of Splashtop XDisplay. This new feature lets you turn your iPad into an additional monitor for your PC. With full audio and video support, pinch-to-zoom capabilities, and support for Windows 7 Aero display, XDisplay is an update worth taking a look at.
If you have questions about Splashtop, call your local Computer Renaissance or send us an email at sweettips@compren.com. Don’t forget to ask about our weekly specials and the other computer repair services available in your area.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions!
The sweet tip for this week is about a new way to access your files remotely.
The iTwin, named after its identical USB “keys,” is an inexpensive tool that gives you the ability to access and share your files on two computers. The keys plug into USB ports; one on each computer. The keys work together to create a virtual “cloud,” with no limitations on storage, no recurring monthly subscription fees, and military grade encryption technology.
The iTwin grants complete access to practically every file on your computer. With keys inserted in both computers, you can edit documents, transfer files and folders, and share your data. Because the files are stored on your computer and not the device, you don’t have to worry about your sensitive data being subjected to unauthorized access. The iTwin works with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 as well as Mac OSX 10.6 and above.
If you want to learn more about iTwin, send us your questions to sweettips@compren.com. Don’t forget to ask about our incredible weekly specials and computer repair services available in your area. And for a limited time, you can call in for a free diagnostic certificate, good at any participating Computer Renaissance.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions.
It used to be that security cameras were often very expensive, difficult to set up, and somewhat unreliable. That’s not the case anymore. This month we’re taking a look at a new wireless security camera from Computer Renaissance that is high quality, affordable, and easy to use.
The wireless internet camera boasts great features, like infrared night viewing, pan and tilt capabilities, and integrated two-way communication. It’s compact, lightweight design makes it easy to install on just about any surface. And without the hindrance of extra wires, the camera can go in any room in your house.
Want to check in on Fido while you’re at work? Remote viewing is available on any computer that has an internet connection. You can also access the camera from your Smartphone or tablet as well.
For a limited time, Computer Renaissance is offering the camera and installation for a one great price. If you’d like more information about this sizzling summer special or the other computer repair services available in your area, send us an email at sweettips@compren.com.
Remember, At Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers. We create solutions!
Google recently revealed details about its upcoming entry into the tablet market, the Nexus 7.
Boasting Android’s latest operating system, Jelly Bean, the software promises to run faster, smoother, and more streamlined than its predecessors. The Nexus 7 will feature all the familiar Google staples, with Gmail, YouTube, and Chrome.
As the first 7” tablet, the Nexus 7 should gain a lot of attention. It features a high resolution display, a 1.8 megapixel camera, and a battery life of 8 to 10 hours, depending on usage. The table will come in two versions; 8 and 16 gig. Both will have WIFI capabilities, integrated Bluetooth, and Voice Search. And with over 600,000 apps available, they’ll be something for everyone.
For Music lovers, Google Play makes it’s easy to enjoy your iTunes library on the Nexus 7. Importing your library into Google Play gives you access to your music on any Android compatible device. With free storage space of up to 20,000 songs, you’ll never need to worry about syncing your music again.
For the full story on the Nexus 7, be sure to watch this week’s Sweet Tips and Tricks!
If you’d like to know more about the Nexus 7, send us your questions to sweettips@compren.com. Don’t forget to ask about our great summer specials and the computer repair services available in your area.
Remember, at Computer Renaissance, we don’t just sell computers! We create solutions!
