Best Android Tablet Computers - How To Choose The Right WiFi Or 3G Tablet PC

By Paul M Banks

When shopping for the best Android tablet computers, bearing in mind a number of factors like, size, display resolution, connectivity, battery life and camera will help you choose the right WiFi or 3G tablet PC. Here is a look at these factors.
Size
The larger the size of your slate PC the heavier it is. Most 7 inch Android tablet computers weigh in at between 14 ounces and 16 ounces, whereas their larger counterparts - the 10 inch slate PCs, weight in at between 20 ounces and 24 ounces.
7 inch WiFi or 3G tablet PCs are ideal for viewing small publications such as novels and textbooks. They are therefore popular with children and students. Examples of 7 inch touch tablet PCs include, the Kindle Fire and Nook Color. 10 inch slate PCs are ideal for viewing large publications such as newspapers and magazines. Their large display makes them better suited for web browsing, watching movies, and playing games.
Display Resolution
The display resolution determines how sharp text and images appear on a touch tablet PC. The higher the display resolution the sharper the images appear. A device with a display resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels per inch is recommended. Top tablet computers like the new iPad have twice as much - 2048 x 1536 pixels per inch.
Connectivity
Most Android tablet computers come in two versions i.e. a Wi-Fi only version and a Wi-Fi + 4G or 3G version. The former requires you to be near a Wi-Fi hotspot to get connected whereas the later gives your ubiquitous high-speed data connection.
Wi-Fi + 4G or 3G tablet PCs costs more than the Wi-Fi only tablets by roughly $100. They are ideal for travelers because they give you coverage everywhere around the world. You thus avoid the hassle of having to look for hotspots and set up connections when traveling.
Battery Life
The battery life of your WiFi or 3G tablet PC determines how well it can serve its purpose as a mobile computing device. An Android tablet PC that can deliver more than 7.5 hours on normal use is desirable. Top tablet computers like the Eee Pad Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 can last for up to ten hours on a single battery charge.
Camera
Some of the best Android tablet computers have a 3-megapixel camera or better. A 3-megapixel camera enables you to take satisfactory still and video shots and gives you a good video chat experience.

Start your quest for a slate PC by checking out the 3 top tablet computers as well as read reviews of the best Android tablet computers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Banks

Safety When Installing Applications on Your Android Phone or Tablet

By Atanu Shaw

The main thing that makes you so susceptible to these things is the fact that you can never know if something is dangerous to your phone or tablet; since they don't exactly put a warning sign right next to it. One of the things that can act as a pointer to software's intent; so to speak is its name. Consider software that goes by the name: 'Sexy Feet'. The name itself sounds very fishy and dodgy; and as such risky to your Android. Another element to take note of are badly spelt words. Something like 'Supre Contact Transfer' instead of 'Super Contacts transfer' should be avoided. If it was all about the labeling though; then avoiding spy ware and malware would be easy as pie.

The real issue comes in when the software looks as legitimate as software can be. If you wish to avoid malicious software then first off, you will have to understand the risks that you are taking by installing such software either into your android tablet or phone.

Some of the general things that malware can do to your phone or tablet include: sending text messages to premium services that cost money; send you call log and malicious emails to all the people in your address list; record your passwords; using your device as part of a botnet to attack websites and even redirecting your web browser to where it wants you to go. These acts can be very damaging to you not to mention cause needless embarrassments when it starts sending emails and messages to people they were not intended for.

If you wish to avoid any of the issues that these malicious software's' might give you; you have to take certain precautions before simply downloading anything off the internet. There are some specific things about an app that you have to have a look at; the first of these being the number of times the app as been installed. You should go for apps that have been installed by a number of people. The popular one have probably been installed millions of times; and of the millions who have installed it one would've found malware in it if there was any.

The second thing that you have to look out for is the developer of the app. You are better off going with apps that have been created by large and reputable companies such as Google. If one has been created by an individual, check out any of the other apps that they have written as well as their website. If both look legitimate; than you are good to go but if they appear questionable in any way, you are better off not taking the risk.

If you would like some more tips on what to look out for to avoid installing malicious applications on your Android phone or Android tablet simply visit any of the 'android-safety-101' websites. You are sure to get what you are looking for.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Atanu_Shaw

To Upgrade or Switch: The Android Dilemma

By Yvette Marmito Divino

Tablet PCs are definitely the "in" thing to have right now. It is common to see people bringing them along wherever they go. They not only provide entertainment but are also very useful for those whose work requires them to be mobile most of the time. They are much more convenient to use as you can work with them even when you are standing without looking for a place to sit down with a table to put the laptop on. That is why a lot of stores now sell iPad.
With the many models of tablet PCs being launched lately, one will surely be overwhelmed about which model to get. You will find people who sell old iPad for extra cash. One thing is for sure: You would want to get the one with the latest operating system available. For Android-based tablet, most are still on the Android 3.0 operating system or even lower. It really depends on the CPU as well as the internal memory as to what operating system the manufacturer will include in the package.
Do I Need to Upgrade?
The question now is can these Android tablet PCs be upgraded to the higher version of the Android operating system without any hitches? It really depends on several factors but on a general scale, it should be able to accept and install the upgrades, as this would help the tablet PC work more efficiently. The manufacturer should be able to foresee this situation or else it would just work against them and their tablet.
The "upgrade-ability" of a tablet PC's operating system readily depends on the manufacturer. When Google comes out with a new version of the Android operating system, it is usually the general version of the software. It now depends on the manufacturer if they will make their own version of it to cater to their particular tablet. It is the manufacturer that tweaks the operating system, making sure that it will work with their product. That is why the roll out of Android updates is not as seamless compared to the iOS updates Apple users get. Some may already be ready to upgrade their software because some particular models are already available for download, while some are still waiting for news as to when the upgrade will be available for them.
Compared to the iOS
When Apple announces upgrades for its iOS, you can expect that all units of their product can be upgraded on the very day that the software will be available for download. Since Apple controls everything about its products, including hardware and software, the company is able to improve on the systems with just one go and make it available for all their devices since almost all of them run on the same platform.
After this discussion, it is really much easier to do upgrades for iOS devices or exchange cash for iPad. However, it is still a personal preference whether you go for an Android tablet or go with the iOS of the iPad.

Yvette Divino is a freelance writer. She is writing stuff about business and technology (especially electronics, tablet, iPad tablet). Sometimes she tends to write articles for marketing, internet, and computers. She's now currently writing an article for Cash For iPads.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvette_Marmito_Divino

Android As an Ideal Platform for Application Development Solutions

By Simmar Kumar

It's an age of mobile gadgets where people are readily accepting all types of smartphones and tablets. To provide a robust mobile operating system to such mobile devices, Android has been launched by Google with a view to provide the best user experience.

Many businesses have been using this platform to develop a variety of business applications and mobile game applications for smartphones and tablets. Let's consider few points that make Android as an ideal platform for application development solutions:

1. High ROI in Limited Budget: With huge number of Android app development companies available, there is no problem in hiring Android app developers who are capable to develop robust and intuitive applications for the end-users. They develop and test all the apps to ensure its functionality on the Android platform. This helps businesses to earn higher ROI by making one time investment.

2. Using Java as the Basic Language: Java is considered as the most trusted and robust language. It is the basic language on which most of the Android apps are written. All the Android application developers are adept in using Java to develop effective applications.

3. Easy to Stay Up-to-Date: As Android is an open source platform; it is easy to start using it for development purposes. Moreover, all the updates are available for everyone so it's not difficult for an Android app developer to keep their knowledge up-to-date.

4. Integration is Easy: Android is a suitable platform for those who want to integrate applications or cross promotes them for different purposes.

5. Easy Distribution: The Android applications can easily be distributed to different marketing channels so as to promote them globally. You can choose Google Play store or create your own distribution channels to sell them in huge numbers.

With so much of benefits of using this mobile operating system, businesses won't mind in making investment on this platform. Moreover, the best part is that there are adequate numbers of Android apps developers who are willing to work on your idea to make it unique and robust in nature.

The applications based on Android can be any business application or any game application that can make your work systematic and easier. So, there's only need to identify your customers' requirements so that the developed application can be very well accepted by large number of people. Start your market research today, identify the needs, hire a developer and become successful in your mobile initiatives.

Icreon Tech. Inc. is a Mobile Application Development NY company. Contact Icreon Tech. Inc. to hire Android Application Developers NY.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simmar_Kumar

iPhone Vs Android Battle Royale

By Pete Moulton

Which smartphone is best is the perennial question? No matter how you answer this question, fervent fans of the posh iPhone or the Android phones will always demonstrate to prove that their preferred smartphone is best. This is similar to the "Occupy Any Where - QAW© to make our point and get free stuff" movement. One smartphone is not truly better than the other but rather one of these choices is more suited to your needs and budget. Having used both helps me understand what you should consider when selecting a smartphone. Before picking your next smartphone, you should read this article to help you in the decision process.

The active iPhone family includes the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S. These phones are supported on the big cellular networks of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint as well as others. The active Android family is larger because Android is a Linux-based software Operating System (OS) for mobile devices including smartphones and tablet computers. The Android OS is maintained by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. The current Android OS named Gingerbread runs on a wide variety of cell phones and other devices.

The first difference between the iPhone and the Android phones is that the iPhone is tightly controlled by Apple. In contrast the Android phones are in a "Wild West" open source market influenced by Google. Tight control results in exclusivity, higher costs, and dependency upon Apple. The result is that the iPhone is the posh phone that everyone wishing to be important desires. Please do not get me wrong, the iPhone is a darn good phone which I depended upon for three years. Android phones in contrast are more flexible, easily work with Gmail, and support new hardware features that on paper are better than the iPhone. The hardware feature differences are not enough to warrant picking an Android phone over an iPhone.

In the three years of time with the iPhone there was one failure issue. One day the iPhone 3GS just quit while I was driving using the GPS navigation feature. When I say just quit, I mean that is died so completely that I could not even make a 911 call. I have a very old Blackberry phone that is no longer in service upon which I can make a 911 call today if needed. There is likely a Federal law or FCC ruling that requires all cell phones to always dial 911 no matter what has happened to them. The only excuse for not dialing 911 is a dead battery and no available power. Apple replaced the phone without charge.

Two other iPhone observations are there was a death grip with the iPhone 4 that caused calls to drop and that the battery is not replaceable by the user. The first issue is solved by an iPhone cover that separates your hand ever so slightly from the phone.

The second issue impacts iPhone longevity. Not being able to change a battery means that at some point you must buy a new iPhone. The battery is good for two or more years depending upon usage. All batteries develop memory that limits the battery charge. This battery charge supports the iPhone operation in standby mode, in data mode, in text messaging mode, or when talking on the phone. To maintain the longest battery life, the battery be fully discharged before it is recharged. At first an iPhone may run for two days without recharging with moderate phone usage. After some time, the phone will need daily recharging. Older phones often cannot run a full day. This may be solved using expensive external batteries for an iPhone. No external batteries have worked to my satisfaction. Sticking with the iPhone battery is best. The short battery life issue is solved using car chargers and carrying an iPhone charger.

In contrast the Samsung and Motorola Android phones do not have a death grip. Both phones support battery replacement with a second battery running about $50. They are light on power consumption unless you connect to 4G service. When using 4G service these phones eat power like football players eat steak.

The Android phones have iPhone "apps" (application programs) rebuilt for Android phones. These "apps" are downloaded to the phone from the Android market. There was no issues finding my most frequently used iPhone "apps" for the Android phone. It took a short time to acclimate to operating the Android phone because the controls work differently than the iPhone. The Android phone needed a case because it was too thin to stay in my shirt pocket. It kept falling out. This was very bad, but the problem was solved by purchasing a $20 case.

The new iPhone 4S has a helpful voice application that is changing how we use our cell phones. It responds with answers to spoken commands when you know how to use that feature effectively. In contrast the Android phones have excellent speech to text input which permits you to dictate email messages and perform other limited tasks. While the voice recognition is excellent, the editing, and other functions are rudimentary and not very smooth. It can be very useful when combined with the Evernote.com "app". In the longer term the Android phones will catch up and include a feature similar to the new iPhone feature.

Unfortunately, the Android phone diminished my public image that was built using the iPhone. This can be important when you are a nerd. The Android phones are not often used by movie stars and other notable people.

The last important item is which cellular service should go with your iPhone or Android phone? A nerd's most important criteria is unlimited data. Unlimited data is not provided by AT&T and Verizon.

Both AT&T and Verizon seem to have better cellular phone reception coverage than Sprint. In the Baltimore area all have good 4G (4th Generation) cellular coverage. In theory 3G data can go up to several Millions of bits per second (Mbps) and 4G data can go up to several hundred Mbps. In fact 3G phones operate typically using 500 Kbps to 700 Kbps and 4G phones operate using 3 Mbps to 5 Mbps. The high speeds provide greater capabilities and more communications features such as phone to phone video calls. If I visit my family in Binghamton, NY; AT&T, Verizon and Sprint cellular networks only provide 3G service.

Also you want coverage that permits you to make a call and use the phone at the same time. Newer smart phones have a wireless hot spot capability built into them. Using the hot spot capability adds an extra monthly charge to your bill. On 3G networks phones support the hot spot feature, but you must either use the hot spot or talk on the phone. Both functions do not work well when used simultaneously.

Unfortunately cellular speed costs money. When data is limited, you may be surprised by an unexpectedly high bill or two. It is easy without realizing it to run up a tab using text messaging or data while streaming videos. It costs to use the new phones up to their true potential. Sprint provides unlimited data but its service coverage is not quite the same as Verizon and AT&T.

Voice minutes are less important. Today anytime voice minutes are charged when you talk from cell phone to land line. This is a holdover from the old telephone tariffs of the 1980's. Cell phone-to-cell phone calls in many plans are unlimited.

When you are picking a cell phone important considerations beyond the blow by blow feature comparison are:

1. The prestige of owning the most expensive and desired phone.
2. The utility in terms of battery life and dropped calls.
3. The "apps" you most frequently use and new functions you may use.
4. The service plan cost as it relates to data, voice and messaging.
5. The cellular network phone reception coverage.

Comparing phone feature by feature is marginally helpful because the features are so similar that they rarely make a difference between phones. Smartphones are the future and the future is now. They can only get better and make us unable to live without them at our side.

Pete (the nerd) Moulton is "Your Friend on a Technically Challenged Planet"©. Helpful videos and other information from Pete are posted at http://www.dialanerd.com. If you have questions on technology or any published article, please e-mail Pete at dialanerd@verizon.net. Check out Pete's most recent book "Pete The Nerds Do It Yourself Virus Removal" found at http://www.amazon.com/Nerds-Yourself-Virus-Removal-ebook/dp/B005K013W4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315457289&sr=8-1. Thank you for your time.

© Copyright - Pete Moulton. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Moulton

How To Develop Android Apps: Getting Started

By Tony L Mathews

In this article, I will give an introduction on how to develop Android apps. I will not get into many technical details but rather give an overview of the approaches you should consider before you get started.
Smartphones are taking the World by storm. In may 2012 a news item appeared which stated that in Europe, more than 50% of all new mobile phones sold were smartphones. In 2011 the worldwide sales figures of Android phones exceeded those of the iPhone, the phone that started the "smartphone revolution".
With the growing number of Android phones, the number of available apps (small programs designed to work on these devices) has also grown explosively. In addition to mobile phones, other devices such as tablet computers that run on the Android operating system are also gaining popularity. The consequence of all this is that there is a growing need for Android apps.
The Google Play Store (formerly Android Market) is growing at an enormous rate: there are now over 500,000 apps available. These are very diverse: utility apps such as text messengers, task managers and email clients but also a host of games. The most popular apps are being downloaded millions of times. Other interesting categories are apps that enhance businesses. Examples of these are apps that enable customers to purchase products right from their mobile phone or apps that provide the location of a company branch in the vicinity of the user.
The increasing popularity of mobile apps gives rise to many interesting business opportunities. This trend is unlikely to change any time soon and established business around the world are acknowledging this fact. Not only have many businesses produced mobile apps to grow their revenue or enhance their image. The rise of mobile apps appears to be changing the way businesses and consumers think about software. A telling example comes from Microsoft: the new Windows 8 operating system has a "mobile look and feel" and the software programs in the system are now referred to as "apps".
So, if you want to learn how to develop Android apps where should you start? It depends on your previous experience (if any) and the amount of time and money you are willing to spend.
The most obvious route is doing all the programming yourself. To do this you need knowledge of the Java programming language and the Android Software Development Kit. If you have never programmed before, you will have to learn a lot about subjects such as object oriented programming and working with the necessary developer tools. This is the long, hard road to becoming an app developer... however, if you succeed at making your first few apps, it can be extremely satisfying and you will have gained a lot of useful knowledge!
If you do not know how to program and don't want to learn how to write Android apps then, fortunately, there are other options. Several software products exist which make the app for you. Most of these are online applications that use "wizards" and templates. A limitation of this approach is that you will not have as much control over the result as you would when doing all the programming yourself. Some of these app makers are free, others offer a subscription service or a one time payment.
If app creation software doesn't suit your needs, a third way is to hire a freelancer or a company to do the developing. If you are an individual hobbyist or running a small business, this may seem intimidating and expensive. However, using a resource such as oDesk we now have access to many cheap freelancers living outside of North America and Europe. Many are very capable at their job, so developing your app this way does not have to cost much at all.
Personally, I started out trying to do all the programming myself. I couldn't find an online app maker that suited my needs and I did not want to spend a lot of money. However, although I had a little coding experience, I am not a software developer by profession. So when a relatively simple programming problem reared its head, I got stuck.
After some hesitation, I decided to let a freelancer solve the problem and this sped up the development of my app enormously! It did not cost me a lot of money (around $100) and I was able to get the app to the market much faster than if I had done everything myself. This allowed me to start testing the responses of customers sooner to see if it was a viable business idea.
This "hybrid" approach worked for me but you will have to find out for yourself what works best for you. Which method you choose doesn't matter as long as you reach your goal: making the idea you have right now for your app a reality. Something that people can use and enjoy, and perhaps will make you some money or help your existing business!
In conclusion, there are several ways to get started developing Android apps. With so much information and services at your disposal, you have the opportunity to make your "dream app" a reality!

I hope you found this article useful! If you want to learn more about Android app development, visit my website at
http://www.howtodevelopandroidappsnow.com/
http://www.howtodevelopandroidappsnow.com/android-app-development/how-to-develop-android-apps-now/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_L_Mathews

Exploring Android

By Maristella De Asis

The competition in the smartphone world these days is between phones running on Android and those manufactured by the Apple. Instead of betting on the side of Apple, the world's renowned smartphone maker, developers seem to not care about it; thereby deciding to bet on the green side of Google's Android. This should be one of your considerations when you are contemplating selling your old smartphone. Should you stay with a smartphone or should you switch to an iPhone?
But before you go ahead and made a decision, here's a brief overview of Android for those who are used to iPhones.
What is Android? It just happens to be the world's most popular mobile platform. Android is an operating system created by Google to run on mobile devices. Each version is named after a type of sugary sweet food (for example, the latest version of their OS is the Ice Cream Sandwich). It is based on Linux and is the main competitor of iOS on the market.
The Android is an open source OS, meaning that many companies have created handsets running on Android. In fact, a majority of mobile devices these days run on Android. Samsung, HTC, and Sony Ericsson are just some of the manufacturers of smartphones that run on Android technology. Used by numerous smartphones, such as the G1, Droid, and Nexus One, Android is open source, meaning it is not linked to a particular cell phone manufacturer or service provider.
The Android OS also supports third-party apps, which are often downloaded from the Android Market, Google's online software store, which has been renamed Google Play. As of the moment, Google Play, despite being used by more people for more gadgets, seems to have fewer apps, not to mention that in certain areas, its functionalities are fewer. For example, in Asia and South America, only apps are available, meaning an Android user can source music, eBooks, and video files elsewhere. In the iTunes store, any iPhone user anywhere in the world can buy anything from it, as long as you have an iTunes account. If you are a traveller or love to stay overseas for long periods, you may want to consider this in deciding whether or not to sell your used smartphone and switch to an iPhone or not.
What It Does?
Android powers millions of phones, tablets, and other devices and brings the power of Google and the web within your reach.
By having an amazingly fast browser, multi-tasking capabilities, more convenient ways to connect and share, cloud sync, and the most common Google apps (and thousands of other apps available on the Android Market) your Android powered device is way more than just being 'smart.'
According to Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, "Android is going to be attracting the lion's share of developer interest over the next six months, with developers preferring to create apps for Android's Ice Cream Sandwich rather than Apple's iOS. "
With all of Android's promise, the iPhone still manages to outsell it, though. What's behind the seemingly magical allure of the iPhone? Your guess is as good as mine, but if you are excited to get cash for used smartphones, there's never been a better time than now. Explore the possibilities and you'll never be sorry.

Do you want Android instead of your old smartphone? Sell it online and change to Android, click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maristella_De_Asis

Android Battery Saver App Is a Malware

By Marigold Henry Montana

There are many malwares running rampant on the internet and any user who is unaware of it is vulnerable to the attack. Moreover, with changing technology, the malware too is evolving and the means of infecting the system too is changing fast. At this time, it becomes essential to know more about the prevalent malware threats and scares as these are harmful and damaging to the system. Recently there has been news about Battery Saver App for Android. Most of the users who are unknowingly looking for the latest updates on Android may have fallen to this latest online gimmick. At one glance, it may seem that free software is provided online for enhancing battery life but the truth is regardless of what seems to be. Let us find out what is the truth behind this.
Knowing that the Android has a vulnerable spot when it comes to battery life the designers of malicious programs targeted this area. An application that seems to enhance the battery life of the device was created to lure the users of Android. The cybercriminals in fact designed the app that in turn adversely affects the battery life of the device and reduces it.
The havoc it wreaks
The battery saver app for Android is in fact a malware. This is potentially harmful to the user who downloads it on the device thinking that this will help enhance the battery life. Once a user downloads it, it wreaks the following havoc:
• Reduces the battery life
• Steals contacts from the phone book
• Steals e-mail ids
• Steals data stored on the phone including pictures and other such files
• Transmits the information to the cybercriminals
Symantec initially discovered this battery saving malware and then the threat was made public to stop people from believing on the hoax app.
About the malware
This malware is freely available online by the name of Android.Ackposts. It is in fact a Trojan horse that is designed for Android devices. Once a user downloads this app in the device, the Trojan enters and starts steeling all the available data. It immediately transmits it to the location determined by the cybercriminal. This information is then used for carrying on illegitimate activities. This Trojan is loaded on the phone by the name of BatteryLong.apk that comes attached to the so-called battery life saving software.
Commonly the means of propagation of a malware is through third-party apps available on numerous stores that are not officially associated with the OEM in any way. The other means is that of getting hold of a store most probably like Google Play store where the user will trust the source and download the app. Unbeknown to the user this app then enters the device carrying a Trojan and starts wreaking havoc. Apart from the above said modes, this app uses another mode. This app is said to be promoted by a Japanese e-mail that is a spam, it has a downloadable link attached along the message for installing the malware on the device. The message claims that the app is helpful in reducing the battery consumption in turn increasing eh battery life but nothing of the sort happens.
How it works?
As soon as the user downloads the app on the device, it seeks the permission of user for the following:
• Installing Network Communication: This enables its access to internet and uploads the personal data of the user
• Access Personal Information: This is done to steal the user information and the contacts stored on the device
The user is greeted by a start up screen for set up purpose; it appears for a few seconds.
The user gets a message that says something like:
Your device does not support the app
This is just a sham message, when actually the app has already entered the device and started stealing the data.
Keeping all the above in mind one must stay alert as to the hoaxes related to saving battery power, increasing internet speed and even enhancing the PC performance by installing an app. Although, there are some software available for the purpose but these are provided either by genuine source or by well-known experts in the field of technology. Therefore, without finding an authentic source or actually conducting research on the given app or software it is advisable not to install it either on the system or a device.

Marigold Henry Montana is a technical expert who deals with various computer related issues. She is capable of handling the software as well as hardware troubleshooting. She advises people on basic upkeep and maintenance of their PC, Laptops, Notebooks and Tablets. She is working as a freelance technology writer and as fulltime online tech support for a well known IT software company. Her aim is to spread the technical know-how to the people all around the globe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marigold_Henry_Montana

Android Operating System

By Vincent J Astorino

The Android system is driven by open source software, based on Linux, and allows for creativity and custom screens to be created en mass. Icon driven screens allow you to place your favorite icons anywhere you want them. Android was created to be the customizable, open source, iPhone killer. The system is quite similar in appearance to the iPhone but the internal operations are quite different.
Requirements for the Android system hardware are virtually nonexistent due to its open source base. There are Android phones ranging in price from $100 to $800+ based on the hardware they are made from. This is due to the system being extremely adaptable from beginning conception to fit all shapes and sizes. If you want a better phone you have to pay for it. If cost is a larger factor you may have a smartphone for in many cases no cost. The ease of availability has pushed Android to the forefront and has allowed it to directly challenge the iPhone for smartphone supremacy throughout the world.
The system is capable of multi core processing, 32 gigabyte removable storage, 1080 screen resolution, full multi tasking, mobile Flash, Chrome browser, multi touch screens, GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, magnetometers, thermometers, and you get the point. If it can be done on a phone it will be done on Android. The Android system is highly prized by techs due its extreme functionality. Android has many branding contracts. As an example most will refer to all Androids as Droids however the Droid is actually a brand of Motorola Android phone. Android has a very fast growing app store with over 500,000 apps and growing rapidly.
On the down side open source and a fast growing app store can lead to malware and security problems as well as system fragmentation issues. During 2011 there was an "unprecedented growth" of mobile malware attacks, with Android up a "stratospheric 3,325 percent", according to a report by the Juniper Networks Mobile Threat Center. For the full article: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/report-android-malware-up-3325-in-2011/18449. One may reasonably protect themselves by installing malware protection on your phone and taking care not to download new apps unless you know the app publisher's name such as Rovio (Angry Birds), Pop Cap (Plants Vs Zombies), and Google (Android) and wait until there are a few legitimate positive reviews about the app. Android should be protected with the same care as you would your PC. The system fragmentation issue is caused by so many hardware configurations being capable of running Android but so many apps being created for low to high end specifications. As a general rule Android developers try for a rough 80% compatibility rate. http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/02/android-qa-testing-quality-assurance/
The Android system has the backing of the Open Handset Alliance and predominantly Google. A large part in the pricing of Android Systems and apps is based on advertisement subsidies. No one advertises better than Google and it shows in the lowering of prices. Android is the only mobile phone operating system that includes Adobe Flash in the browser enabling more internet than any other cell phone. Adobe has however stopped its mobile Flash program due to complications to concentrate on HTML5.
There are 7 versions of the Android system. Currently Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, and Ice Cream Sandwich are the most popular versions. Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest version and Jellybean will be the next. These all differ in functionality and security. Always check to make sure which version you have and if you can update as the next generation may solve any user problems you may have with your current version.
As with any system there are checks and balances. With the open source programming there can be security holes however there is an app for what you want to do and customization to let you do it easily or create the app yourself. Android is very versatile and a great choice if not the best choice for those who don't mind putting a little thought into the use and functionality of their phone.

Hello, I'm the owner and operator of http://www.cellularelite.com/. I'm interested in getting information out so customers can make an informed decision and not just blindly buy cell phones based on a clerks biased opinion or sales contest. I'm a Windows Phone guy but have recommended Androids and iPhones-(that I do not sell) based on the needs of those who contact me. Please check out my site and my FAQ. Thank you and I appreciate you making my knowledge relevant.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_J_Astorino

Cisco Internetworking Operating System

By Manolis Skoras

Now about the CLI (command line interface), you enter configurations for routers and switches by typing them in, on a console screen. You enter a command and press (Return - enter) and then do it again for all the following commands. Several words can be entered on the same line.
Cisco IOS lesson materials contain really a lot of pictures and step by step instructions that will help you understand all the learning topics very well, even if you do not use a network simulator. However, I strongly recommend you to download and learn how to use the free Cisco Packet Tracer simulator, because this way you will also be able to follow my labs and after gaining the required knowledge, you will be able to create your own network designs and go deeper to the subjects that are more important for you.
It is vital to comprehend the different prompts you can find when configuring a router or switch so you are able to know where you are at any time within configuration mode. In the next lab, you will learn how to move between different prompts on a Cisco router. You must check every time your prompts before making any changes to a router's configuration. You can go to different mode levels interacting with interfaces and devices. Most commands are mode specific. That means that several commands work in one mode but not in a different mode. That is why you have to change modes, when you want to enter a specific command. However, with the do command you can now enter privileged mode commands in global configuration mode.
Most Cisco Internetworking Operating System (IOS) commands do not have to be entirely spelled out. To be able to enter commands faster, you only have to enter part of a command, plus, each word in a command can be shortened. For example the command enable can be shortened to en. A different example is the command show running-config. You can just type in sh run. The router or switch recognizes what you mean and properly understands and carries out that command. You must type in enough letters for each word in a command for the router or switch to properly recognize and interpret what you are trying to do. If you do not, you will get a comment that one or more of your words are ambiguous. This happens because the letters in one or more of the words in your command can be used to spell out other words also.
Usually after making changes to a device you want to permanently save them, so they are not lost after rebooting the device. Your running configuration is only in memory and after a normal reboot or a power failure, running configuration is lost. That is why you must save your running configurations that exist in DRAM, to the permanently stored startup configurations that exist in NVRAM. You can save the configuration file from DRAM to NVRAM by using the command copy running-config startup-config. Of course you can also use the shortcut command copy run start.
Hope you got the basics of Cisco IOS.

Manolis Skoras has highly developed technical skills in problem identification and implementation of effective IT solutions. Comfortable with analyzing and understanding complex network and system environments, working under time pressure and with a proven track record in IT Consulting, IT Training, IT Project Management. Delivered more than 10.000 technical training hours How to study For CCNA

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manolis_Skoras