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smart ® Acer Iconia Dual-screen, double the fun

Nintendo 3DS Portable gaming goes 3D

Homefront Home is where the war is

THE MOBILITY ISSUE WWW.TECHSMART.CO.ZA ISSUE 91 April 2011 ISSN 1726–3358

EDITORIAL & HIGHLIGHTS The Mobility Issue ›› April 2011

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11 13 19 32

BBC or BAC? y grandpa told me the other day that he is tired of being a MBBC. “A BBC?” I asked. “Yes, a Born Before Computer,” » Reviews came the reply. So, one notebook and a wireless modem later, he’s not only working on his new PC but also connecting to the Toshiba Portégé R700 web. Helping him through the process it struck me how Can a notebook be both small and powerful? Yes, if it’s daunting it can be to learn to use a PC if you have no experience Toshiba’s R700 thin-and-light. 9 of it before. Simple things PC users take for granted, like moving the cursor on screen, when to double click and how to expand Motorola Defy and minimise a program, are not as straight forward as one Motorola’s Android powered Defy looks set to live a might think. But luckily it’s easy to master with a bit of practice, hard-knock life. 11 and from what I can gather from emails received from a number pertoire, and proprietor. of our older readers, once these Silver Surfers are connected to the web there’s no turning back. Nintendo 3DS In this issue we’re introducing QR codes with many of our Portable gaming goes 3D with the highly anticipated reviews. These make it easy to quickly link to the relevant 3DS. Is it worth the hype? 13 review on techsmart.co.za via your smartphone. We give a full explanation of what QR codes are and how they work on p27. Norton 360 V 5.0 Try it out, it might just change the way you browse the web. Is this the anti-virus package that has it all? We delve through Norton 360’s vast functionality. 19 Enjoy the issue, Mike ([email protected]) » Interviews Homefront interview We talk to David Votypka, general manager at Kaos Studios and Frank DeLise, executive producer at THQ, 32 about their new title.

TechSmart exclusively uses the LG W2794V monitor for all reviews.

Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved. No material, text or photo graphs may be reproduced, copied or in any other way transmitted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the editor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their respective owners. TechSmart shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon. All prices were correct at time of going to print.

Editor TechSmart & TechSmart.co.za 97 902 Mike Joubert > 083-290-2889 copies per month [email protected] Consumer: SciTech Business manager [Oct – Des 2010] George Grobler [email protected] Print media manager Published by Suzanne Rall [email protected] Advertising manager (Agencies) Carmel Anne Singh > 079-515-8708 [email protected] Sales administrator Marlien vd Westhuizen > 012-362-2732 SMARTPUBLISHING [email protected] MASS MEDIA SPECIALISTS Designer Brett Wilson Tel: 012-362-2732 Contributors Mike Joubert [MJ], 1218 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pta Hanleigh Daniels [HD], Johan Keyter [JK], www.smartpublishing.co.za Linda Pretorius [LP] Accounts & subscriptions Distributed by Ronel Keet > 012-362-2732 [email protected] Distribution Renier van Vuuren > 073-166-1515 smart distribution [email protected] Ten letters. The longest length of a word you can type using only letters from one row of your keyboard, such as typewriter, re such as typewriter, keyboard, can type using only letters from one row of your letters. The longest length of a word you Ten

techsmart.co.za l April 2011 3

NEWS TOP TECH TITBITS Google starts local tech IE9, Firefox 4, Chrome 11 Beta MWEB now targets hosting incubator launches

oogle has launched Umbono, its t’s been an extremely busy month on ust as local service provider MWEB Gnew technology incubator based in Ithe browser scene, with all and sundry Jdid when it introduced the first Cape Town. This initiative brings releasing new versions. Microsoft’s IE9 affordable uncapped ADSL offerings in together seed capital, Google has seen the light of day, sporting a sleek the country last year, it is now seeking mentorship, angel investors, local tech new look and improved performance, but to revolutionise the hosting market stars, entrepreneurs and business strangely no support for Windows XP. In with its new Uncapped Hosting offering, leaders, in an effort to assist selected the meantime the company is charged at only R19 per month. MWEB start-up teams to transform their ideas desperately trying to get rid of their old has bundled all the elements needed into companies. For six months, teams IE6 browser, even coming up with a for website hosting into one easy-to- will enjoy free office space and campaign to help drop its market share use fixed rate package that includes no bandwidth, in addition to the $25 000 below 1%. Mozilla’s new speedy Firefox 4 limit on the amount of traffic to your s about an initial public offering worth five times as much. s about an initial public offering worth five to $50 000 in funding that they’ll has done extremely well with 7.1 million website, as well as uncapped storage receive from Umbono’s panel of angel downloads in its first 24 hours (IE9 did space. Websites will be hosted locally investors as well as Google itself. 2.35 million), while not wanting to be left on MWEB’s data centres, meaning local Applications are available on the out of the action, Google released their visitors will experience a faster Umbono website Chrome 11 Beta. All of these have sup- browsing experience on your site. (http://bit.ly/umbono) and the port for HTML5, a new language for de- MWEB provisions the website, registers programme is open to all South African veloping webpages that provides better it for you and will renew the domain on residents. multimedia integration. an annual basis.

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1. Porsche 918 Spyder luxurious design emulates that of a 4. SingStar Afrikaans Treffers s global resource levels continues to modern football stadium, whilst the on- outh Africa is one of only five Aplummet, who knows when it’ll be field action boast stunning looks with S territories world-wide to be granted time to wave goodbye to the iconic atmospheric lighting as well as chrome the right to have a local SingStar supercar? That however hasn’t stopped metal “players”. Pricing thought is release. This in the form of SingStar Porsche from developing the monstrous strictly in the realm of Russian Afrikaans Treffers, a competitive karaoke new 918 Spyder, a 373 kW V8 supercar billionaires, since it kicks off at €48 500 title that has players mated to two electric motors producing (almost R480 000) for the classic Black singing along to 163 kW, making it slightly more and White version. 26 Afrikaans 4 efficient. Porsche estimates the Spyder artists, the likes will consume three litres per 100 km, 3. TomTom’s online live traffic of Jack Parow, but as soon as the electrical charge has ondering how the traffic will look like Karen Zoid and been depleted it’ll go into full slung fuel Wwhen you head home today? Steve Hofmeyr. downing mode again. The Spyder goes Wonder no more, with TomTom’s launch Gamers score from 0-100 km/h in around 3.1 of live traffic maps, available for free at points if they hit seconds, which is awesome if you have www.tomtom.com/livetraffic (click on the right notes, around R5.9 million to spare. the SA flag at the bottom). Powered by with the player TomTom HD Traffic, the same system that closest to the 2. 11 the beautiful game provides live traffic updates on certain pitch of the song utch company GRO Design has TomTom GPS models, the new live traffic is eventually Dcome up with certainly the most map enables anyone online to view the crowned champ, striking foosball table ever. Dubbed “11 up-to-the-minute traffic situation in their or Liefling, or

Up to $25 billion. After rejecting a $5-6 billion buy-out offer from Google last year, Groupon is reportedly in talks with bank offer from Google last year, Up to $25 billion. After rejecting a $5-6 billion buy-out the beautiful game”, this table’s local area. Baby Tjoklits. techsmart.co.za l April 2011 5

INTERVIEWS SCI NEWS Chris Botha, group MD of The MediaShop

At 33 Chris Botha is group MD of The MediaShop, one of the biggest media agencies in SA.

e talks to communications approach and not accounts and Twitter feeds. If you use it H TechSmart about limited to advertising. only to promote and sell, you will never online advertising, make a success of it. Marketers need to marketing your brand TS: Is the cellular market attracting use their accounts in a much smarter via social media and advertising spend in SA? How long way that rewards consumers and users “consumer touch- before smartphones become viable for visiting their FB page or following point strategies”. advertising platforms here? them on Twitter. It is a conversational CB: Not at the moment. I do however tool, not an advertising medium. TechSmart: How believe that cellular is a bigger strong is online opportunity for advertisers than desktop TS: You talk about “consumer touch- advertising in SA online. Mobile access in SA is increasing point strategies”, can you explain this? compared for example to the US or UK? at a rapid rate, and just over 70% of the CB: Communication is about more than Chris Botha: Nowhere near as strong. population has a cellphone! How long advertising. We try and touch the South African Online Advertising before that same 70% all have consumer wherever he interacts with the accounts for only 2-3% of adspend, smartphones? Mobile “advertising” is all brand. So from the digital element (their whereas in more developed markets it’s about creating content. The successful website), to what is being discussed amongst the biggest around! Online brands are the ones that create good about them (social media), to the globally is moving to “Online content, utilising the mobile platform to traditional advertising, all the way down Communication” of which online distribute it. to the point of sale. Whenever the advertising is a very small part. Modern consumer interacts with the brand in any digital and communications agencies TS: How important is a Facebook page way, shape or form, we need to manage (like ourselves) find that we have or Twitter stream to companies? Should and control that communication. So it is massive digital clients, but we hardly all companies have them? about so much more than just book any media for them. We do social CB: If you don’t have a FB or Twitter advertising. media, website development, app account now, you might have missed the For the full interview, visit development and advanced search. boat already. The important cue to http://bit.ly/chrisbotha or Online communication is a 360 degree marketers is what they do with their FB follow the QR code.

Sci News http://thinkquarterly.co.uk

Take a sho’t left Vanity Fair Sweet memories oggerhead turtles have to find their ccept it: we’re all vain. And that’s why ee brains are not pea brains after all. Lway as soon as they hit the waves. Awe keep buying magazines with BScientists recently wrote in the Journal And they use their own GPS it seems. picture-perfect models on the cover. of Neuroscience, that bees form odour According to a recent report in the journal According to an article in the journal memories of nectar-producing flowers. Current Biology, these turtles use the Media Psychology, magazine images of Five different fragrances were presented Earth’s magnetic field in a clever way to people with (near) perfect bodies will get to nectar-collecting bees, of which one find both their north-south and their east- our attention when we’re unhappy with was always followed by a drop of sugar. west position. Scientists put hatchlings in our own body image. Scientists asked a Recordings of brain activity showed that water tanks with magnetic fields that group of volunteers to browse a the bees learnt which fragrance was mimicked those of two locations along a magazine for five minutes and associated with the sugary treat. But it turtle’s migratory route. Those east of the (unobtrusively) measured the time they wasn’t a temporary thing: three hours location from where they had hatched spent on each page. Half the group paged later they could still reliably retrieve the swam in a south-westerly direction, while through a mag where pictures of beautiful memory – and it took their brains less those to the west swam north-east. Each people were surrounded by image- than a quarter of a second to decide position across the globe has a specific boosting advice. The other half viewed a whether the odour was the rewarding one. combination of magnetic strength and mag with general interest articles. The researchers think that once bees have field line angle, and it seems that the Participants who were unhappy with their found a rewarding flower, odour memories turtles could figure out their exact own body image, viewed pictures of may lead them to similar ones on position using both these clues. And you perfect bodies 1.5 times longer if the mag subsequent collections, which improves thought Garmin was clever. promised that they could look that way their collection efficiency. There’s nothing » Other interesting stuff too, than when the content was neutral. like the sweet smell of success. [LP] All the best science videos from the NASA’s Messenger probe goes into Tracking the elusive subatomic TEDTalks series. orbit around Mercury neutrino.

Think Quarterly. The name of Google’s online magazine launched last month. The name of Google’s Think Quarterly. http://bit.ly/tedscience http://cnet.co/mercurymessenger http://bit.ly/neutrinoseek techsmart.co.za l April 2011 7

HARDWARE Acer Iconia ›› Two screens are better than one

Acer recently released a unique one in the traditional spot and one placed command to open any file, URL, where you’ll usually find the keyboard. application or even Windows features. new product into the market, the It’s the Scrapbook and My Journal dual-screen Acer Iconia, which they The future is touch applications though that really impressed call, “the world’s most advanced The dual screens are useful for multi- us. These allow you to select any part of touchbook.” tasking as you can simply drop windows a website and then place it within the from the top to the bottom display. We application. This is done via a handy also greatly enjoyed the ‘Touch Browser’, cutting tool – simply draw an outline over utwardly the Iconia resembles your which enables you to display a webpage a webpage and then snatch the desired Ostandard modern notebook, but its across both screens. You can also content. The Scrapbook usually ends up differences become apparent once you activate the full-sized virtual QWERTY being a collage of interesting things open it up for the first time. The Iconia keyboard, which, once you start getting you’ve found on the web while images features two 14" touch-enabled displays, used to not feeling any buttons placed in My Journal will dynamically underneath your fingers, is actually quite update itself. This means you can “cut out” the news feeds of your favourite “The Iconia features websites, place them in your journal, and they will always be kept up to date. two 14" touch- Conclusion enabled displays” When the Acer Iconia first arrived at the office we weren’t sure what to think, but nice. The touch interface is extremely after spending some time with the device smooth and sensitive, registering and seeing just how nice its dual-touch keystrokes without problems. interface is, we’re staunch A full set of touch-friendly software is converts of the ‘touchbook’. included with the notebook, accessed The Iconia retails for about via the Acer Ring, a touch-based start R14 999. [JK] menu which is activated when a user places all five fingers on the bottom » Quick specs display. Acer did a good job by including a number of touch-based • Intel Core i5 M480 @ 2.67 GHz applications, with the Gesture Editor for • 4 GB DDR3 RAM example that allows users to draw a • 640 GB HDD gesture on the touch-screen, tying that • 2 x 14" 1366 x 768 displays

Toshiba Portégé R700 ›› The Baby Jake of ultraportables

We love thin-and-light notebooks in the office. Give us anything below only the hinges and 2 kg and we’re happy – that is if the processor is fast enough (so netbooks Toshiba logo bragging with need not apply). That’s exactly what Toshiba is offering with their Portégé a chrome R700. finish. With a HD-ready 1366 x 768 resolution and TruBrite LED backlit technology, the stand-out feature of its 13.3" screen is eighing in at about 1.3 kg, the cases we were proven wrong. The the fact that it is anti-glare – you can WR700’s distinguishing feature is its notebook did get a bit hot on the bottom, barely glimpse yourself in the screen processor. It does not come with the but not more so than our regular Dell and it catches almost no other usual ultra low voltage (ULV) processor Studio 1668 work machine. If you need reflections. so often found on thin-and-light units, to keep a unit cool there’s usually a but rather a full Intel Core i5 520M dual- trade-off in sound emanating from the Conclusion core processor firing at 2.4 GHz. This fans, but once again the R700 proved If you’re looking for a thin-and-light means full notebook power in a unit that otherwise, being silent as a whisper. machine, Toshiba’s Portégé R700 should be right up your alley. There is “Full notebook power in a unit that is so light criticism that can be levelled against it – lack of 3G, no stand-alone graphics that it barely registers in your notebook bag” card and below par sound quality, being the main suspects. But is so light that it barely registers in your Battery life also didn’t prove a problem, weighed against the pros, the notebook bag. Oh yes, all this complete and we achieved about 5½ hours with R9999 asking price is a very with an optical DVD drive, 4 GB of RAM Wi-Fi connected with a couple of Office fair exchange. [MJ] and about 320 GB of free hard disk programs and the browser open. That space. said, the machine took it’s time to » Quick specs recharge, even when it was turned off. Heat and battery life • Intel Core i5 520M @ 2.4 GHz Seeing that it has an i5 processor we Styling • 4 GB DDR3 RAM expected the R700 to struggle with two Toshiba went for the sleek black look on • 320 GB HDD

120. Wi-Fi hotspots added to London Underground in preparation for 2012 Olympics. 120. Wi-Fi hotspots added to London Underground in preparation things – heat and battery life. In both the R700 Magnesium alloy body, with • 13.3" 1366 x 768 TruBrite LED anti-glare techsmart.co.za l April 2011 9

MOBILES BlackBerry Bold 9780 ›› A Bold evolution With the new Bold 9780, Research MB) and storage (also 512 MB) as in Motion didn’t try to reinvent the the Bold 9700. The latter can be boosted to 32 GB by employing a wheel, rather it enhanced the microSD memory card, with a 2 GB good of the previous Bold 9700 coming with the device. Also and stocked it with the new offered is GPS, a document editor for BlackBerry 6 operating system. Office files, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, 3G HSDPA and a very impressive battery life of around three days. It uses an hange is inevitable for most things, upgraded five megapixel snapper Cbut not when it comes to the Bold with auto-focus, geo-tagging and LED 9780’s design, boasting the same flash, which takes above average dimensions (109 x 60 x 14 mm), weight quality photos, but disappointingly (122 g), display size (2.44") and HD-ready (720p) video-recording isn’t resolution (480 x 360) of its forerunner. offered. “RIM hasn’t redesigned the smartphone wheel with its Bold 9780, but basically just chipped away the rough edges of its older model.” Android, BlackBerry OS 6 features some good looking animated menu transitions Images do appear noticeably crisper on New OS and now has an improved music player. the Bold 9780’s display though and the The device’s biggest change has come in only noticeable styling change is the terms of its software as the smartphone Conclusion black paint covering the silver chrome runs on BlackBerry operating system RIM hasn’t redesigned the smartphone edging of the old Bold. (OS) 6. This new mobile OS sports a wheel with its Bold 9780, but basically redesigned User Interface (UI) which just chipped away the rough edges of its Hardware incorporates features like universal older model. It features some hardware A number of hardware improvements search and integrated social feeds from a improvements as well as RIM’s have luckily been made though. The Bold number of networks including Twitter, latest OS, but unfortunately 9780 is powered by the same 624 MHz Facebook and BlackBerry Messenger the Bold has not gone touch- processor used by its predecessor, but (BBM). It also features a new WebKit screen yet. It sells for about boasts double the amount of RAM (512 browser boasting tabbed browsing. Like R4699. [HD]

Motorola Defy MB525 ›› A tough little Android

It’s been a long time since we’ve dust out all ports through pictures or going through your on the phone, list of apps. We were quite impressed by seen a mobile on the market such as the 3.5 the Defy’s 3.7" screen loaded with a that’s capable of rolling with mm jack and slightly above average screen resolution the punches and live a hard- Micro USB port of 480 x 854 pixels. knock life, not to even talk of on the side, are The Defy though is not without a bit of closed off by hassles. First off it only carries the older a slightly rugged smart- rubber covers. Android version 2.1 (Éclair) and not the phone. Up till now that is, Screws are clearly more common 2.2 (Froyo) found on thanks to Motorola’s visible, making 61.3% of all Android devices. Because of dustproof, water and sure the phone this the phone misses out on for example does not split open Google’s voice search capabilities. scratch resistant Defy. on first drop Another let down is that although the (although not phone includes a good five megapixel t first glance you won’t tested). The screen is shooter, the video is still only VGA quality A attest to this Android made from Gorilla and not the higher quality 720p found on running smartphone’s more Glass, also found on many of today’s smarter smartphones. rugged features since it the iPhone 4, which is looks pretty much like any scratch resistant and Conclusion other smartphone. It’s not does a lot to keep nasty Although we won’t go so far as to particularly big, in fact its nicks off the screen. describe the Motorola Defy as fully- size (59 x 107 x 13.4 mm) rugged, it is tough enough to deal with and weight (118 grams) Performance the knocks that all smartphones get was surprisingly comfortable. So how does the Motorola tested with through the course of a But as soon as you slip your SIM Defy perform as a phone? Well lifespan. We even dunked it in a jug of card in you can start telling the quite good thank you very much. Thanks water and it worked perfectly afterwards. Despite only running Android 2.1 we “We even dunked it in a jug of water and it really enjoyed our time spent with the Defy since it’s a solid phone in all regards worked perfectly afterwards.” (bar video). It retails for about R4000. [MJ] difference. Instead of just having a to an 800 MHz processor under the hood simple slide-in back-cover, the Defy’s one it’s pretty speedy, not struggling too For full review go to

100 million. Apps downloaded from Samsung store. 10 billion. Apple App Store. firmly locks in place. To keep water and much when opening apps, browsing http://bit.ly/defymoto techsmart.co.za l April 2011 11

GADGETS HD-ready (720p) video, have also been iPad, allowing users to share an iPad 2 integrated. Apple stated that even iPhone 4 data connection with up to five though the iPad 2 is more powerful, it devices over Wi-Fi. The iPad 2 also WHAT YOU NEED will still deliver up to ten hours of features a built-in gyro included for added battery life. They also provided a new motion-based gaming functionality; colour option, with the iPad 2 now HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload available in white, with some extra speeds; and HDMI Video Mirroring that TO KNOW saturation available via the new iPad 2 enables users to mirror their iPad display Smart Cover. This magnetised cover is on an HDTV using an optional adaptor. Apple CEO Steve Jobs, taking a break available in ten bright colours and Apple’s iPad 2 has been available as from his medical leave, was on hand conveniently doubles as an iPad stand. of 11 March in the US, unfortunately there’s no word yet on when the iPad 2 to launch the iPad 2, the follow-up to New software is coming to SA. Let’s hope it won’t, like the ultra-popular iPad. And with iPad 2 operates on Apple’s latest version the original iPad, take a year before it 500 000 of these tablets selling on its of its mobile operating system (OS), iOS lands on our shores. [HD] debut weekend in the United States, Apple has once again come up with a “Apple’s latest dual-core A5 processor enables not winner. only smoother and faster processing, but also improved graphical performance” ne of the most intriguing aspects of the iPad 2 is its sleeker design – it’s O 4.3, boasting new functionality including 33% thinner and up to 15% lighter than iTunes Home Sharing. This the original model. To much enables users to play disappointment the new version sports multimedia content on an the same 9.7" LED-backlit LCD screen as iPad, iPhone or iPod touch opposed to a new high-resolution retina from their iTunes library on display, as featured on the iPhone 4. a Mac or PC via a local Wi-Fi What is new though is Apple’s latest network. iOS 4.3 brings dual-core A5 processor, which enables Personal Hotspot to the not only smoother and faster processing, but also improved graphical performance. Two cameras, a front- facing VGA camera for Wi-Fi video calls via FaceTime, and a rear- facing camera that can capture

Nintendo 3DS ›› The 3D handheld is finally here

Since the release screen. Both screens display crisp and models of famous Nintendo characters of the iconic colourful images, with 3D creating a and play mini-games simply by pointing pleasing effect throughout. Granted, you the 3DS at one of the cards. The 3DS Gameboy back in must be at the correct distance and then superimposes images and 1989, Nintendo angle for the lenticular 3D effect to work animations onto the scene in question, has been the well. Users can control the intensity of enabling users to defeat a virtual dragon undisputed king the 3D with a slider on the device, so if for example. These titles aren’t going to you prefer gaming in 2D then so be it. occupy users too long, but got us of the handheld gaming market. excited about what is possible with this Through 22 years that humble little Controls device. We can already imagine machine has been revised and The 3DS sees a major change once its navigating Solid Snake through a laser updated again and again, finally flipped open, with a comfortable new guarded maze which simply “appears” analog thumb slider, or circle pad as out of our kitchen counter. culminating in 2011’s 3D-enabled Nintendo calls it, appearing above the Nintendo 3DS. traditional d-pad. The triple array of Conclusion cameras on the 3DS is capable of It’s impossible to give the Nintendo 3DS capturing 3D photographs, but a fair review in such a constrained space, he Nintendo 3DS is a while the 3D effects are nice, the handheld contains a large number of T worthy successor to the picture quality is additional features, including extensive line, in no small part due to unfortunately not of the online capabilities, and that isn’t even the 3DS being a 3D- highest calibre, touching on games yet. We can tell you enabled handheld which appearing very grainy that the 3DS is a highly impressive works without the need and pixelated. device though, sporting gorgeous visuals for special glasses. It Luckily the cameras and promising connectivity features. On sports the same dual find a much more top of that the device is backwards screen clamshell unique use in the compatible, meaning you can still play all design as the DS realm of your DS games on it as well. family, the top augmented The Nintendo 3DS is available in either screen housing reality. Every 3DS Cosmos Black or Aqua Blue for a the 3.5" 3D comes with six recommended R2799. [JK] display and AR cards, the bottom enabling To read our full review go the 3" users to to http://bit.ly/3dsnin or

10. Apple’s Mac OS X recently turned one decade old. 10. Apple’s touch- view 3D follow the QR code. techsmart.co.za l April 2011 13 Anti Virus for the Lifetime of your PC

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Website: www.africasd.com | Tel: 012-665-2513 | Fax: 012-665-0509 | Email:[email protected] MOBILES You too can connect ›› Using prepaid data

For users who do not have a fixed When you purchase a USB-modem data-bundles via the same software. line from Telkom which can be from one of the cellular networks, it will Make sure that you have enough airtime include a SIM card for which you have to loaded for the specific data bundle that used for ADSL, there are acquire data bundles. After activating you want to acquire for the device. For alternatives in the form of the the SIM card (by inserting it into your instance, to be able to load a 600 MB cellular networks’ mobile mobile phone and calling the number Vodacom data bundle you need to have connectivity options. provided by the service provider), you R189 worth of airtime loaded onto the will need to load airtime onto it. USB-modem’s SIM card. If you want to use airtime as data it’s If you will only use your phone to otential web surfers can look at the best to convert it to a data bundle which surf the net (either on the phone itself PVodafone WebBox instance (see works out cheaper (see data rates table or as a tethered modem), you have to below), use their cellphone as tethered below). You simply buy airtime and dial a specif code after you’ve loaded modem to connect their PC (if the phone enter the voucher number via the airtime: Vodacom: *111# ; MTN: has that capability) or buy a USB- software provided with the USB-modem. *141*6# ; 8ta: *188# and Cell C: modem. This airtime can then be converted into *147#. [HD]

MTN Cost per MB Vodacom Cost per MB Cell C Cost per MB 8ta Cost per MB

75 MB @ R49 ±65c 110 MB @ R88 80c 100 MB @ R50 50c 100 MB @ R50 50c

300 MB @ R149 ±49c 300 MB @ R139 ±46c 250 MB @ R100 40c 250 MB @ R100 40c

500 MB @ R189 ±38c 600 MB @ R189 ±31c 500 MB @ R150 30c 500 MB @ R150 30c

1 GB @ R289 ±29c 1.2 GB @ R289 ±24c 1.2 GB @ R250 20c 1 GB @ R250 25c

Vodacom WebBox ›› Internet on your Telly

Vodacom is aiming to give popular email services such as a lot more South Africans Hotmail and Gmail). The browsing speed is also adequate a way to access the for most pages, but would have internet via its newly been a lot faster on a 3G launched WebBox, a network. device allowing users to Typing on the keyboard to input text and utilising the five way connect to the internet by way of directional keypad for browsing pages their TV sets, without having to are comfortable in short stints, but can worry about a PC. get tiring during longer sessions. Like Apple devices it lacks support for Adobe’s Flash, meaning that you he WebBox is a plug-n-play might have some trouble opening up T keyboard that connects to your TV certain pages. via the supplied RCA cables. It comes and picture viewer, but unfortunately no with a built-in EDGE/GPRS modem and a access to Android Market for extra apps. Final word once-off 100 MB data bundle, while a 2 Vodafone’s WebBox fulfils a great need GB microSD card is included as well. You “An easy way of to bring the internet to more users in also get a SIM card, that you have to South Africa. It is by no means a perfect activate from your mobile phone first (by accessing the web for device due to its limitations – the likes dialling 100). Thereafter you insert it in of lack of Flash support and 3G, but it the device’s SIM slot and when you want those users that have a remains an easy way of accessing the to recharge this SIM card with airtime TV but not a PC.” web for those users that have a TV but you can purchase it directly from your not a PC. It’s available at all WebBox or send airtime to the number The browsing itself is handled via Opera’s participating Vodashops and selected that you’ll be allocated when activating Mini Browser which compresses data that Vodacom outlets for R749 (including the SIM. for the end-user translates into faster VAT), which we feel is still a bit web surfing and, more importantly, lower expensive, but at least cheaper than Google powered data costs. Considering that it’s an entry- buying a PC. [HD] Users access the device’s functionality via level device, the WebBox does a the user-friendly Android 2.1 operating reasonably good job at rendering web- For the full review please system (Éclair), which includes a number pages and checking your email (which visit http://bit.ly/

61.3%. Android 2.2 usage across all phones. 29%. 2.1. 4.8% 1.6. of extras, including a video player, radio also boasts trouble-free setup for many webboxvodacom techsmart.co.za l April 2011 15

SERVER HARDWARE Advertorial Netshield – Fire-Smother ›› Fear no flame in your server room

When it comes to unwelcome intrusions into your computer server room, vaporisation of the powder into the area, the traditional thought of ‘computer virus’, while damaging, isn’t exactly followed by the condensation of the extinguishing substance. In simpler terms, the worst thing that can happen. A fire doesn’t care what kind of the powder is turned into a gas and specialised security software you have running, if left unchecked it will sprayed into the room. destroy the server, the room, and maybe even the entire building. It works by interrupting the very thing which causes a fire’s chain reaction – oxygen. The aerosol jet produced is Smother on the other hand is an essentially an inert salt which emits gas automatic flame suppressant which can already present in the atmosphere. These extinguish fires in controlled areas, alkaline salts consume great quantities of without damaging electronics or leaving oxygen when it comes in contact with air, any residue. In addition to extinguishing thus depriving the fire of oxygen and fires of different classes, the non- smothering it. corrosive and non-toxic Through this process, Fire-Smother is Fire-Smother does not need to be capable of extinguishing fires of varying maintained or serviced, is not dangerous classes. Anything from ordinary to health and is completely combustibles, to flammable liquid fires, to environmentally friendly. gaseous and electrical equipment fires, The Fire-Smother system is equipped can be safely and efficiently extinguished with mounting brackets suitable for floors with the Fire-Smother system. hat’s why and walls and the casing’s electric igniter The Fire-Smother fire control system T Netshield’s is connected (by means of Netshield’s can be connected by means of the Fire-Smother automatic Nviromon) to the room’s existing smoke Nviromon to pre-existing smoke detectors flame suppressant is a detectors. It’s not only suitable for your and remote temperature sensors. It will must-have if you’d like to server room but can also be used in be activated automatically but can be keep your system safe from workshops, control rooms, generator electronically monitored and activated, the rampaging forces of fire. enclosures and for general industrial and leaving you free to start worrying about It’s important to remember even household hazards. those malware issues rather than your that if a fire ignites in the entire business going up in flames. presence of sensitive equipment, rushing How it works The Fire-Smother is available from in with a traditional fire extinguisher can The system works through the use of a Netshield, with prices varying for smaller actually do more harm than good. potassium powder jet, a unique fire and larger models. For more details, The compact and easy-to-install Fire- extinguishing method which involves the contact Netshield on 086-111-4428.     

HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING YOUR SERVER ROOM? NVIROMON NVIROMON is a hardware and software solution that allows easy remote monitoring of the environmental conditions in an IT server room, data centre or other wired facility. No monthly license fee: once off license fee only. The primary environmental conditions monitored typically include:

Environmental Monitoring • Gas Detection • Temperature • Fire Suppression • Humidity • Maintenance Free • Liquid Flooding • Oxygen Displacement • Ventilation • No Shipping Restrictions Air-Flow Sensor • Electronically Monitored & Access Control Activated • Biometric and Keypad Reader Power Management • Door Lock • Air-Conditioner Controller Closed/Open Sensing • Main and UPS Power Loss • Video Cameras Remotely Monitored and Controlled • Alarm Beacon and Siren • GSM Interface Fire Control • SNMP Get/Set/Traps • Smoke Detection • Email Alert +27(0) 86-111-4428 • www.netshieldsa.com • [email protected] We are an electronic research and development company and therefore we are able to develop products for your specific needs. The above product has a lifetime carry-in warranty (T&C’s apply). 14 Tons. Greenhouse gas emission LG looks set to cut this year due to improved processes. due to improved looks set to cut this year Greenhouse gas emission LG 14 Tons.

techsmart.co.za l April 2011 17 1292 Heuwel Avenue l Centurion, 0157 l (Next to GWM) l Prices Quoted are CASH or EFT only! 012-663-1155 | www.laptopcity.co.za l [email protected] Gigabyte E1500 HP 4520s Gigabyte Q1585N Acer TM5742 Laptop Batteries Intel Dual Core 2.1GHz Intel Core I3-370M (2.4GHz) Intel Core I5-430M (2.27GHz) Intel Core i5-460M (2.53GHz) 2GB DDR2 Memory 3GB DDR3 Memory 2GB DDR3 Memory 15.6" HD LED + Web Cam 320GB SATA HDD 320BG HDD, DVD-RW 500GB HDD, DVD-RW ATI Radeon 5470 (512MB) DVD Writer Wireless LAN Wireless LAN 3GB DDR3 Memory 15.6" LCD + Web Cam 15.6" HD Display + 15.6" LCD + Webcam 500GB HDD, DVD RW Wireless LAN Webcam 1.0GB Graphics Bluetooth Windows 7 Starter 512MB Graphics Win 7 Pro Windows 7 2 Year Fetch & Win 7 Home 2 Year Fetch & Pro 64Bit 1 Year Warranty Return Warranty 1 Year Warranty Return Warranty From R3995 R5895 R6555 R6895 R650 Gigabyte Q1000C Dell Inspiron N5010 HP 625 Deep Cool N2000 Laptop Chargers Intel Atom N470 (1.83GHz) Intel Dual Core T4500 (2.3GHz) AMD Athlon II P360 2GB DDR2 Memory 3GB DDR3 Memory 2GB DDR3 Memory 250GB HDD 500GB HDD, DVD-RW 320GB HDD, DVD-RW 10.1" LED Display 15.6" WLED Display 15.6" HD Display + + Webcam + Webcam Webcam Wireless LAN Win 7 Home Wireless LAN Win 7 Starter Basic Win 7 Basic Edion 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Warranty 1 Year Onsite Warranty From R3095 R5350 R4950 R150 R230 Terms and Condions apply. Stocks are limited. E&OE. Prices may change without noce due to Rand Dollar fluctuaons. All prices quoted are cash or EFT only and Incl VAT.

Printer Repairs l Repairs l Upgrades l Projector Repairs l LCD Screen Repairs All repairs done in our workshop HP, Acer, Compaq, IBM, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, Mecer, Sony, Asus, Toshiba, Packard Bell, LG, Lenovo, Proline, Gigabyte, Apple Mac, BenQ, Sahara, and many more….

New Touch-Screen Multimedia Phone from Grandstream

This new Touch-Screen Multimedia IP Phone from Grandstream not only looks amazing with it’s tablet-look and high resolution 7" colour screen, but on top of Voice over IP (VoIP) phone calls, you can make video calls phone to phone, through your PABX or even Skype. It comes complete with a range of built-in applications for Home or Office. The phone also integrates with theGrandstream IP cameras for an integrated Phone/Security solution.

Features Include: • High quality Video and HD Audio • Can connect to Monitor/projector • Advanced Business Applications • Integrated WiFi • Multiple SIP Accounts • Power over Ethernet

GXV 3175 Now only

R3,572.00 Excl VAT Finally, a high quality phone, with HD Voice at a good price. This enterprise level IP phone delivers HD wideband audio and a superb full-duplex hands-free speakerphone with advances acoustic echo cancellation. It is a perfect choice for demanding users looking for a high-quality, feature rich IP phone at an affordable price. Features Include: • Superior HD Audio quality • 2 SIP Accounts with line keys GXP 1450 Now only • 3 XML Programmable soft keys • Power over Ethernet • 180x60 pixel LCD Dispaly • Backlit graphical LCD display R873.00 Excl VAT Prices valid at time of printing and subject to change without notice. E & OE

18 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za SOFTWARE Norton 360 V 5.0 ›› Security features galore

Symantec has just released its most The 1st Global Leaders in complete anti-virus package yet with the desktop virtualization since 2003 jam-packed Norton 360 version 5.0. We try NComputing is the fastest growing desktop virtualization to make it through all company in the world with over 20 million daily users its features. in 140 countries. The company’s award-winning, patented technology lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both orton 360 V5.0 includes energy consumption and e-waste. It is the Na really long list of perfect solution for leveraging the power and features, the most we’ve potential of PCs and cloud computing. seen yet from a security package. In addition to the traditional threat scanning, reputation scanning is also present, examining and setting trust levels for “Norton 360 v5.0 is the most comprehensive anti-virus software we’ve come across yet.” The 1 watt PC running programs. Emails, IMs and even Facebook wall posts R540 can also be scanned to check for malware carrying links. As Starting at a price of * per user to we’ve seen with Norton’s Internet Security 2011, the new R1485 range of Norton products installs blazingly fast, with 360’s full a full Enterprise zero client at * installation completing in just a few minutes. Norton 360 v5.0 Our long standing customers have already saved over 90% on energy, now features a smoother user interface (UI), divided into easy 75% on hardware and maintenance and in less than 1yr, their savings to understand categories, enabling users to access PC security, alone have paid for the NComputing virtual desktops. identity protection, backup and PC tuneup options with a single click. The best price performance in Performance boosters Anti-virus packages are often thought of bloated and tardy, the industry but Norton 360 does its best to get rid of this stereotype by including a number of performance boosting features. Norton The L300 Virtual Desktop costs less than any other thin or zero client Insight for example identifies trusted files that do not require option in the market and is a quarter of the cost of a desktop PC. The scanning. We saw this in action with 59% of our programs L300 provides rich, full screen, full motion multimedia playback up to marked as ‘trusted’, relegating only 41% to be scanned 1920x1080 resolution, transparent USB redirection, and simple but regularly. powerful deployment and management tools. Set up is simple, seamless and scalable from the deployment of 4 workstations in a remote branch Features office to several thousand virtual desktops in a corporate setup. Norton 360 v5.0 includes a ton of security enhancing features, such as Norton’s Download Insight technologies, helping to block malware and determining whether or not certain files are The greenest and simplest solution dangerous before you download them. Norton Safe Web will advise users which of their search results are safe to click, Today’s PCs are so powerful that we no longer need one for each while banking and shopping can also be done without stress as person. We can tap into the excess power in one PC and share it with Norton’s anti-phising technology keeps your login details many users. NComputing technology uses just 1 to 5 watts, lasts for a secure. Backup options to hard drives and other local media, decade, and generates just a few ounces of e-waste. as well as online storage are also available, with every copy of 360 v5.0 including 2 GB of online storage. Norton also helps to The keep your PC as fast as possible with a number of tuneup applications, such as Smart Startup Manager, Diagnostic Complete VDi Report, File Cleanup, Registry Cleanup and Disk Optimisation Specialists included. CALL: 011 513-4048 | Email: [email protected] Conclusion With strong, discreet protection services, a wide feature list Web: www.ncs.co.za and even PC tuning software, Norton 360 v5.0 is the Contact us for more information on our current specials and most comprehensive anti-virus software we’ve come volume discount pricing. T&C apply. across yet. A one year license for three PCs is * E&OE . Prices are ex VAT and subject to the Rate of Exchange ruling at the time of invoice.

2x. Increase in viruses targeting mobile phones the past year. 2x. Increase in viruses targeting mobile phones the past year. available for R899. [JK] techsmart.co.za l April 2011 19 PTA – Brooklyn Mall (012) 346-2726 www.TheGaDGetShop.co.za JHB – Randridge Mall (011) 792-4912 [email protected]

Muvi Atom Muvi HD 7

The brand new super tiny The HD 7 captures handsfree high definition Muvi Atom redefines the footage and snapshot world of small. Measuring using the 160 degree less than 2 inches high it’s super wide angle one of the smallest lens. Waterproof case camcorders in the world. also available. Waterproof case also available.

Peeramid Book Rest iPad battery Pack Inspired by the great The Pebble Smartskin combines Pyramids, this uniquely 3 products in one: extended battery shaped pillow with life with up to 500 hour standby time, bookmark props a book protective skin and lastly it includes a high and E-Books at the perfect grade neoprene pouch acting as a angle for reading. convenient carry sleeve. BBQ Baster Weather station WMR88 Fill the BBQ basting The perfect addition to your home, this wireless brush with your weather station offers local weather information at favorite sauce. Then a reasonable price. At a glance, you’ll see the

squeeze onto forecast, wind speed & direction, in & outdoor 21. The number of malicious apps that Google removed from the Android Market and user handsets last month. steaks, burgers and temp & hum, barometric pressure and rainfall many more. reading. Includes USB connection.

Please note: Prices subject to change without notice. E & OE

Cost efficient & Scalable VOIP PCI cards & Gateways

Berofix PCI Voicecards and Gateways are your connectivity enablers for software-based PBX systems across any operating system and PBX platform such as 3CX, Asterisk, PBXnSIP, Cytel etc.

As a PBX integrator, developer and reseller, you can build cost efficient scalable access solutions with Euro ISDN (BRI & PRI) interfaces. Forget about kernel recompiling in Linux to make the card work with Asterisk.

5 minute installation No Drivers Needed Fast & easy. Installing the beroFix solution is as The worlds first driver free Voip PCI cards & simple as placing any ‘Plug & Plug’ network card Gateways running on both linux and in your system saving you time and money. windows.

ICTGlobe www.beronet.co.za Distributed by: Or contact us on 012-940-0250/1

20 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za SOFTWARE GADGETS VIPRE anti-virus premium lifetime edition ›› Anti-virus for the lifetime of your PC

VIPRE anti-virus is one annual licenses, and this system resources. The software of the newcomers in is where VIPRE truly optimises overall performance by the field, but this stands out from the combining anti-virus and anti-spyware crowd. It is one of the features into a single tool. A firewall is hasn’t stopped the only mainstream services included, sporting a myriad of different tenacious software offering lifetime licenses, options which can be set up in either the package from taking meaning you buy it once Simple or Learning mode, depending on on the big boys, and and never again. your tech-saviness. A web filter also VIPRE describes itself helps block annoying online ads while living to tell about it. as being a light-weight, email scanning will ensure clean mail at highly efficient anti-virus all times. ne of the most program that supplies A VIPRE premium lifetime single PC O annoying aspects of users with all the security license is available with an RRP of R450. modern anti-virus features they may need, For more info call Africa SD software is the recurring in addition to not hogging 012-665-2513.

VKOM 401W 3G Wi-Fi Modem Router ›› Your own personal hotspot

Helping to keep you plugged in or cables to confuse users. To set it around three hours of on the move, the VKOM 401W is a up simply plug it into a battery life. It’s also a computer, follow a few basic very light and compact portable 3G Wi-Fi modem router. on-screen instructions and solution, smaller than the VKOM will be your average smartphone nce users insert a 3G card into the transformed into your and weighing only 60 Odevice the VKOM creates a personal personal internet grams, making it very Wi-Fi hotspot, capable of sharing an hotspot. The device easy to carry around. internet connection between up to five is completely Speeds of up to 7.2 devices, including mobile phones, wireless, being Mbps is promised, but at the end handheld gaming systems and of powered by a of the day your cellular network will course, notebooks. Lithium-ion have the final say on this. The VKOM Simplicity is at the core of this battery capable 401W is available from R1499, for offering, with no extra installation discs of producing more info call Nology on 012-657-1315.

Grandstream GXV3175 multimedia IP phone ›› A touch-screen makeover

Whoever said that Voice over IP compression standard, video quality available on this device. These include (VoIP) phones are boring has not should not be a problem. dual switched 10/100 Ethernet ports with As notable as the video quality, is the integrated PoE (Power over Ethernet), encountered Grandstream’s plethora of connectivity integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n), GXV3175. options and auxiliary SD/MMC/SDHC card slot and dual USB ports that are ports in case you want to copy data. And porting a massive 7" (800 x 480) in case you get bored it also offers a Scolour LCD that’s also touch-enabled, whole host of extra functionality such the GXV3175 is so much more than just as a web browser, calendar, games, another IP phone. Onboard you’ll find a internet radio, a YouTube app and tiltable 1.3 MP CMOS camera with privacy digital photo frame. You can get one for shutter that is used for making video- an estimated retail price of R3572 (excl calls, and thanks to it supporting the VAT). For more info call Miro distribution advanced H.264/H.263/H.263+ video on 086-123-MIRO (6476).

ASUS WL-330N3G3G wireless router ›› The all-in-one solution

Multifunction is the name of the though). fast setup process game with the Asus WL-330N3G. An Ethernet thanks to ASUS Plug- port is available n-Surf technology. This 3G wireless router has a enabling users The ASUS variety of different uses, making it to connect WL-330N3G features a a highly practical device. devices such as power-,USB 2.0- and game consoles 10/100 Ethernet port and printers, and when turned on t its core, the device is a mobile while the dongle four LED indicators A wireless router connecting external can also be used display the status of devices to the internet. But in addition to as a universal the connection. A great this it can also function as a broadband repeater to strengthen the solution if you need an hotspot, enabling a number of different range of an existing connection. online connection on PCs to share the hotspot in question The device has a theoretical data the go. Go to

2006-2011. The short lifespan of Microsoft’s Zune media player. Zune media player. 2006-2011. The short lifespan of Microsoft’s (you would have to have a 3G dongle transfer limit of 150 Mbps and sports a www.asus.co.za/fb for more info. techsmart.co.za l April 2011 21 7.1 million. Number of times Mozilla’s new Firefox 4 web browser was downloaded in its first 24 hours after release.

Pano logic, true leader in Zero client desktop virtualization (VDI) Save Green By Going Green

PANO LOGIC Zero Clients for near Zero Impact

Five ways that VDI can green your IT

1. Increased Energy Efficiency: VDI endpoints use just a few percent of the electricity consumed by traditional desktop PCs.

2. Improved Utilization: Desktop PCs are typically used only 5-10% of the time – most of the time they sit idle – while PC storage is typically used to only 30-40% of capacity.

3. Reduced Waste: VDI endpoints are far smaller than desktop PCs, with fewer parts and containing less metal, plastic and electronic components. This reduces the energy used and potential toxic.

4. Lower Operating Overhead: The ease of supporting and deploying VDI desktops translates into both reduced user downtime and increased IT productivity.

5. Longer Lifespan: Finally, the longer lifespan of VDI devices, as much as 3 times that of a desktop PC, due to a lower part count and a lack of fans and other moving parts, brings further reductions in production energy use.

Centralised. Simple. Complete. For more info call us (012) 803-3872 or drop us a mail at [email protected] or visit www.panologic.com

22 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za GADGETS HARDWARE INTERNET Muvi Atom sport camcorder ›› Extreme size for extreme sports For the adventurous The kick is that included with the 8 GB Micro SD card, boosting the looking to record all their Atom are numerous sports recording time to more than three mounts, including straps and hours. Users then simply extreme sports escapades mounts to easily fit the device connect the device onto film without any to a mountain bike’s handlebars to their PCs via bulky camera equipment or your helmet for instance. The USB, in order to getting in the way, the Atom can also capture still review and save photographs via its two their images and Muvi Atom camera is a megapixel snapper, which video. top pick. considering its size, is fair. Available from The Muvi Atom comes with a 2 The G.A.D.G.E.T. GB Micro SD card included in the Shop on humbelina is a mere 4 cm box, enabling users to record up 012-346-2726 or Ttall and can record movies to 48 minutes of footage. 011-792-4912 for at a resolution of 640 x 480. Alternatively, they can opt for an R1199.

NZXT Sentry LX Fan Controller ›› Keeping your cool

If you’re a performance PC junkie, monitoring they require. The controller bay and sports intuitive buttons on the itself does not boast the traditional display. It also boasts manual and then cooling is probably knobs, but instead automatic modes, allowing users to have comparable to your holy grail, features a sleek 5.25" fan speed automatically after all it doesn’t matter how LCD display. From this correlate to a certain

(latter). powerful your system is, if it screen users can temperature, or constantly monitor manually adjust settings overheats, it’s useless. This is and adjust settings for intense overclocking. where NZXT’s Sentry LX comes in. for up to five The unit also includes an different fans automatic temperature located through- alarm. The Sentry LX is he Sentry LX is a high-performance out their PC. available from Evetech Taluminium fan controller boasting a The unit is on 012-653-0033 or visit variety of features to provide PC installed into any www.evetech.co.za enthusiasts with the temperature dual 5.25" drive for R499 incl VAT.

Web Time Wasters

http://preyproject.com www.mindmeister.com http://mylifeisaverage.com http://isketch.net Prey free notebook MindMeister MyLifeIsAverage iSketch tracking software indMeister allows users to yLifeIsAverage f you’re a fan of the board Mcreate, manage and M advertises itself as a Igame Pictionary, and spend e like clever stuff and share collaborative mind place to post the mundane a lot of time online, then WPrey’s protection maps online. The maps can things in your life, and read iSketch might just be the software is about as clever be accessed anytime from about what counts as normal website of your dreams. The as it comes. If you install anywhere, all you need is a for other people. This might site allows players from Prey on your notebook (or web browser, no additional sound quite boring, but it’s around the world to join each Android phone) and it gets extensions or plug-ins are actually strangely relaxing to other in online games of stolen, you can remotely required. Friends and col- read about the lives of sketching and guessing. activate Prey on your device leagues can also edit shared others. “We believe for every iSketch is played within your (if it’s connected to the web) documents simultaneously in fail story, or good story, web browser and requires to trigger some interesting brainstorming mode, and there are about a million installation of the Shockwave functionality. Prey can users can post their mind normal stories. So tell the plug-in, after which you can remotely lock your notebook, maps publicly if they wish. It’s world what makes your life join other players in the 10- record video via the webcam, a simple, sensible web-based average. Anyone can submit round game. During the game triangulate its position and tool with the advantage of a story, because everyone’s each player gets a chance to take screenshots of whatever being stored for easy access lives are unexciting and draw a word which the other the new “owner” is busy in the cloud. There is also a insignificant at some time or players must guess, with a with. This small installation MindMeister app for the another,” the site says. It complete drawing toolset can maybe save you from iPhone and iPad which is forms a good counterpoint to included on the site for your

1 billion & 200 000. Amongst Wikipedia’s goals to achieve by 2015 is increasing the number of users (former) as well editors goals to achieve 1 billion & 200 000. Amongst Wikipedia’s some major headaches. available on their website. www.fmylife.com perusal. techsmart.co.za l April 2011 23

TRAINING Advertorial CompTIA TechCareer Compass MAPPING THE COURSE FOR HIGH-TECH CAREERS

The CompTIA TechCareer For employers Also available is a Skill Gap Assessment Compass (TCC) is the leading ICT The TCC provides an outline of Information tool that has been added to the TCC, career guidance portal, housing and Communication Technology (ICT) job allowing users to rate their current skill set roles so employers can identify the to those required by a specific job defined the Information & Communication appropriate skills a candidate needs to be on TCC. Using the results from this tool Technology (ICT) skill standards successful in a specific technology job. allows individuals to identify their skills data as identified by the Currently, the TCC has 35 main job titles which meet or exceed minimum information technology industry. and 101 uniform, fully defined job roles. requirements and those skills that would Each job title is broken down into entry, require further study. With this information intermediate and senior levels as individuals can plan their training and echCareer Compass offers IT appropriate. Employers can use this infor- certification path. T professionals, employers, educators, mation to write job descriptions or manage advisors and curriculum developers a their existing technical staff. They also Career Advisors place to find free information about the IT have the flexibility to locate information Career advisors working with learners workforce and certification programs. It under the job titles their company prefers eager to get into IT can use TCC to assess also provides potential ICT professionals through the linking of alternate job titles to students’ interests and strengths, helping the tools to define their career goals and main job titles. Hiring professionals can them to set realistic goals. The site can find out which certification(s) they need license this data to import into their show students which certifications are to get there (http://tcc.comptia.org/). existing human capital management appropriate for their career path and The data on the website was created system to manage their staff using the provides access to quality courseware and by a committee comprised of leading industry developed skill standards. training facilities. TCC also provides industry players including Microsoft, IBM, learners with links to educational Cisco and CompuCom; academia and As an employer you can: resources such as IT Dictionaries. government representatives, and it has • Use the TCC to write job descriptions been validated by thousands of front-line • Map your ICT employees’ career paths About CompTIA ICT workers. TCC is a portal to a variety • Locate appropriate certifications that CompTIA is the voice of the world’s of online ICT career development map to your employees needs information technology (IT) industry. Its resources – including job banks, • Find training providers members are the companies at the assessments, resume and interviewing • Link to additional career resources forefront of innovation; and the tools, other ICT specific sites and professionals responsible for maximizing educational conferences. With over 1000 For potential ICT professionals the benefits organizations receive from links that are continuously updated, the More than 750 technical ICT certifications their investments in technology. CompTIA site is one of the most important ICT have been mapped to the skills required is dedicated to advancing industry growth career resources available. for each job role. They include both high through its educational programs, market With such a vast amount of and low stake certifications, while research, networking events, professional information available on TCC, it’s best to certifications have also been reverse certifications, and public policy advocacy. break down what this means for each mapped so individuals can select a For more information, visit section: certification and see what jobs map to it. www.comptia.co.za.

Skill Gap Assessment

What is it? The Skill Gap Assessment exceed the requirements for a job role, http://tcc.comptia.org, the Skill is a new value-added tool on the TCC. as well as underline those skills that fall Gap Assessment is linked on each of This assessment allows individuals to below the requirements. With this the job definition pages below the job compare their current skill sets to information, individuals can plan their description. To get started, review the those required by a specific job defined training and certification paths to meet job roles on the TCC and then select on the TCC. their exact needs. the job you would like to compare to your current skill set. The TCC will Why use it? The Skill Gap Assessment Where can I find it on the web site? help you determine the next steps you results highlight skills that meet or Once you have logged onto should take to advance your career. 6. People involved with Facebook appearing on the Forbes list of billionaires. appearing on the Forbes with Facebook involved 6. People

techsmart.co.za l April 2011 25 About 305 m. The height at which an iPhone 4 (in Griffin Motif TPU case) fell from a US Army plane travelling at 240 km/h, to c ome out relatively unscathed.

26 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za PC MEDIC TECHSMART PC Medic ›› First aid for your PC

Some say Chuck Norris asked him upgrade, without having to employ your for PC advice, while others claim Windows 7 Professional DVD. You will need to enter your authentic Windows 7 retail he can detect Wi-Fi networks by product key and be connected to the net. ear. We call him PC Medic and he’s here to answer your PC Q Hi PC Medic. I love WhatsApp on my related queries. Nokia as I am able to chat to any of my friends, no matter what OS their phone uses. Is there a way to log off and Q Hello PC Medic. I want to upgrade disconnect from WhatsApp like there is in from Windows 7 Starter edition to MXit for example, to help with my data bill? Windows 7 Professional. But it is on a DVD Leonard and my netbook doesn’t have a DVD- drive. Can I upgrade using this disk, Hey Leonard. Sorry, no there isn’t. without having to purchase an external A The Nokia version of WhatsApp DVD-drive? Eugene Wentzel messenger has been designed to always be connected much like BlackBerry Messenger A Hi Eugene. Type “Anytime Upgrade” (BBM) is. This makes it convenient to in the Search box of the Start menu receive messages as soon as they are sent and click on “Windows Anytime Upgrade”. (unlike MXit where you have to be logged in By utilising the Anytime Upgrade feature, and connected), but will inevitably add to you will be able to perform a simple your data charges. » Tips for Windows 7: System Protection is a feature within starts to eat into the available storage on Settings” and then on the “System 10. Steve Jobs. 10. Steve Windows 7 that allows users to (unlike your PC’s hard drive. Luckily you are able Protection” tab. Select the C drive (or the real world) turn back time when it to adjust the maximum disk space used by the one with Windows 7 installed on) in comes to their PCs. If you are unable to System Protection. the list of drives and click on “Configure”. get rid of an error or virus that’s messing Click on “Start” and right click on “My Move the slider to the left to decrease up your PC, you are able to go back to a Computer”. Choose “System Properties” the amount of storage space Windows 7 restore point. The problem with having from the menu, which will open the System can use for System Protection files in many restore points though is that it window. Click on “Advanced System order to free more space. Click “Apply”.

TechSmart’s guide to using QR Codes

You might have noted the little Want to start using your app? 1. Head to our website: speckled boxes dotted around the www.techsmart.co.za magazine. What are they and 2. Or our community at Facebook: what do they do? 3. Our news stream over at Twitter:

1 2 3 hese are called QR Codes, short for Tquick response codes, and for those of our readers with smartphones they are a fast and easy way to get to the complete articles on our website. QR Codes quick facts • QR Codes was developed in Japan In order to make use of these codes by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in you need to do the following: 1994 to take care of inventory Download the appropriate app to your control and other uses. smartphone from the following places: • QR Codes can be seen as barcodes • For Apple iPhones from the Apple App on steroids, since in theory a QR Store. Search for: QR Reader for Code should be able to store up to iPhone or QR App 7089 characters. Traditional 1D barcodes can store 10 – 20 • For Android phones from Android characters. Market Search for: Barcode Scanner or QR Droid • It can be used to store URLs, telephone numbers, text or SMS. • For BlackBerry from the BlackBerry App World Search for: Scanlife • These 2D matrixes are very popular Barcode Reader in Japan being used by the average person more than once a week. Create your own QR Codes here: Once installed simply open the app, scan http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ the QR code and follow the link to our • In Japan the first QR Code readable http://zxing.appspot.com/ website. It’s as easy as that – no mess, phone appeared way back in August generator/

Tech guys’ ranking on Forbes rich list: 2. Bill Gates. 5. Larry Ellison. 24. Larry Page and Sergey Brin. 52. Mark Zuckerberg. 1 and Sergey Brin. 52. Mark Zuckerberg. rich list: 2. Bill Gates. 5. Larry Ellison. 24. Page on Forbes guys’ ranking Tech no fuss and definitely no typing. 2002. techsmart.co.za l April 2011 27 BUSINESS DIRECTORY To advertise in the Business Directory please call Marlien on 012-362-2732 35. Hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, equal to 170 000 full length movies uploaded every week. http://on.fb.me/ techsmart. TechSmart’s Facebook page that you need to join today.

28 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za Online, you have to go! Need for Speed SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED ›› If you love tech you’ll love SHIFT 2 features intensely authentic physics and true-to-life degradation of cars and tracks, plus an eye-watering sense of www.techsmart.co.za speed combine with the all-new helmet camera to let you feel every scrape and impact in your all-out fight to the finish line.

There are lots of daily news and reviews waiting for you over at www.techsmart.co.za. Go today to check out some of the following recent reviews.

Alienware M11X http://bit.ly/awarem11x Can you get good gaming per- formance from an 11" notebook? You can if it’s an Alienware. We take the M11X for a race round the gaming galaxy.

Nokia X3 Touch and Type http://bit.ly/noktt Nokia ditches convention with its We’re giving away 1 x PC, 1 x Xbox 360, 1 x PS3 version X3 Touch and Type phone, offering of the game, courtesy of EA Games! dual input via its keypad and touch-enabled display and many high-end features on an entry-level device.

Samsung NX10 http://bit.ly/samnx10 With a small body but big sensor, Samsung’s NX10 did a lot to impress us. One of the best small body cameras packing DSLR-like functionality To enter, visit www.techsmart.co.za and enter online. we’ve tested thus far. Competition runs from 1 – 30 April 2011 TomTom GO 1000 LIVE http://bit.ly/tt1000live The TomTom GO 1000 LIVE demonstrates how GPSs are slowly TechSmart.co.za online poll results turning into ‘smartnavs’, with live traffic updates and Google search. We asked “Which operating system does Kingston DataTraveler 310 your smartphone run?” http://bit.ly/kdt310 The Kingston DataTraveler 310 is • Android 43% the king of all memory sticks – • Apple iOS 39% that is if you have the need to carry a • BlackBerry OS 9% whopping 256 GB with you in your pocket. • Symbian 6% But at R7550 it might just be a tad • Windows 1% expensive. • I don’t know, I just turn it on 1% TDK EB900 In-Ear Headphones and it works http://bit.ly/tdkear • bada <1% Good sound quality and Comply ear tips make TDK’s headphones We asked “What do you prefer to game one of our top choices. We’re not big in-ear headphones fans, but these manage to win on” us over. •PC 42% Belkin Cooling Lounge • Sony PS3 33% http://bit.ly/blounge • Xbox 360 14% Belkin’s Cooling Lounge makes • Nintendo Wii 5% working with your notebook on • That arcade machine standing 3% your lap more comfortable and a lot cooler. at the cafe on the corner • Smartphone 1% Kingston HyperX Max 3.0 • Sony PSP <1% External USB 3.0 Drive • Nintendo DS <1% http://bit.ly/hypermax TechSmart obtains some super transfer speeds on the Kingston HyperX Max 3.0 External USB 3.0 Drive. It’s one of the FOLLOW US Facebook: http://tiny.cc/TSFB first flash-based portable hard disks we’ve Twitter: @TechSmartMag tested, making it super portable. Newsletter: http://tiny.cc/tsnews

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techsmart.co.za l April 2011 31 INDUSTRY EXPERT

enhancements like advanced flight Homefront interview controls for aircraft and first person cockpit views, to tools for the online We talk to the community like a match recorder. I guess the most exciting is the dedicated server top dogs executable we’ll be shipping post launch to allow PC gamers to set up and host TechSmart talked to David of modern shooters cast you as a highly their own Homefront servers. Votypka, general manager at trained bad-ass with all the best kit, and a wave of military hardware to support TS: We’ve heard that Homefront won’t Kaos Studios and Frank DeLise, you. In Homefront, the enemy has that necessarily have to be a frantic gun battle executive producer at THQ, about military superiority. You’ll be constantly from start to finish. What interactions can their dystopian shooter, outnumbered and outgunned, so guerrilla we expect to see in Homefront when the tactics and hit and run strategies are a bullets stop flying? Homefront. necessity. In multiplayer we’ve introduced HF: We deliberately add what we call a lot of new and innovative features to ‘why we fight’ moments to break up the TechSmart: Trying to stand out in the the Kaos brand of large scale warfare that action, change the pace of the game and first person shooter realm is like trying to we think will be refreshing to both Call of allow the player to discover more about stand out in a school of sardines. Which Duty and Battlefield veterans alike. the world of Homefront. The Resistance qualities of Homefront do you think will camp you encounter early on is a great help it stick out from the rest? TS: We’ve heard a lot of how Homefront example of this – you’ll be able to explore Homefront: In single player, it’s our on the PC will be a unique experience and the environment, and see how the setting and story, and the resulting not just a console port, are there any Resistance live off the grid under the emotional punch that Homefront delivers particular PC-only features that you’re shadow of Occupation. [JK] that we think really sets it apart – but excited about? there are differences from a gameplay HF: We’ve added a ton of features to the For the full interview visit perspective too. Typically, the current glut PC version, from gameplay http://bit.ly/hfinterview. Ipad 2 3g wifi 16GB R5999 32GB R8650 64GB R9599

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32 April 2011 l techsmart.co.za GAMES Homefront ›› Home is where the war is

Homefront is a waiting new first person prison bus. As we waited to be shooter from ferried to our doom we THQ and Kaos noticed a few things that Studios that help separate Homefront sees players from the rest of the shooter mill, fighting as part one of this being the ability to create a realistically brutal of the resistance occupation environment. forces in an As the bus trundled along the occupied United broken streets we saw States. previously peaceful suburbia turned into a disaster scene. GKR troops and police can be he moment you start Homefront for seen everywhere, and the air Tthe first time, players are greeted not reverberates with the sound of with a slick cutscene and rock ‘n roll track loudspeaker propaganda as playing in the background, but rather by families and loved ones are a grainy, real life news broadcast showing forcefully separated, their screams Hillary Clinton blaming the 2010 sinking of anguish drowned only by the barking of a South Korean warship on North of guard dogs. Suddenly, a man frees Korea. This focus on realism largely helps himself from the grip of a soldier and tries set the tone for the rest of the game. to make a run for it. He is shot seconds later, blood from the gunshot wound to Story his head staining the bus windows red. In fact it’s Homefront’s alternate history It’s this kind of story telling which helps setting, though unlikely, that draws one set Homefront apart in the sea of in, and was penned by John Milnius, the shooters. holding control points. The aspect that writer responsible for classics such as Red really set the multiplayer offering apart Dawn and Apocalypse Now. Gameplay though was the Battle Points (BP) In the game, a rogue North Korea On the gameplay front however, system. taken over by Kim Jong-il’s son, Kim Homefront plays like your run-of-the-mill Players earn BP by completing certain Jong-un, has been steadily gaining FPS, and unfortunately does not actions (killing an enemy, capturing a military and economic power, eventually introduce anything in the way of ground control point), which is then used to reuniting the two Korea’s. With the United breaking qualities. It’s clear the the single unlock new weapons and abilities in the States bogged down in oil wars on the player campaign drew a lot from Call of game. For example, BP can be exchanged other side of the world, the newly formed Duty games, playing off as a collection of for a missile strike, remote-controlled Greater Korean Republic (GKR) now had set-piece events and quick bouts of drone or new weapons and is also used to the freedom to annex a number of major explosive, yet linear action. Anyone access vehicles such as helicopters and Asian countries, slowly building up its familiar with an FPS title from the last tanks. power to challenge the US as the world’s decade will be able to pick up and play strongest superpower. the game without much hassle. Conclusion The build-up culminated in the The campaign is well varied though, Homefront’s ambitious storyline and launching of a bogus communications with helicopter flying, stealth, sniping and graphical portrayal of military occupation satellite in 2025 which turned out to be a missile raining action delivering a are some of the stand-out features of the massive EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) comprehensive combat experience. game and its major drawing cards. You emitter, plunging the US into darkness Calling in fire support is a standard in don’t often encounter the US as an and opening the door for a full scale these games, but Homefront does make underdog, with this “under occupation” military invasion. it a tad more interesting by allowing story offering a far more emotional players to control the Goliath, a remote- experience than your standard shooter. Resistance is futile? controlled Hellfire missile spewing ground The game delivers a solid, yet non The game sees the player taking on the vehicle. Our chief complaint against revolutionary FPS experience to the role of ex-pilot Robert Jacobs, who is Homefront’s single player campaign is its market. Although it’s unfortunately quite (just our luck) quickly arrested at the shortness though, with players able to a short game, an enjoyable multiplayer start of the game and forced onto a run through it in about five hours. helps make up for this. [JK]

Multiplayer Homefront’s multiplayer helped make up for the game’s short campaign, with the combat feeling like a mixture between Battlefield and Call of Duty. Plenty of run- and-gunning is available for COD fans, while players can control vehicles such as Humvees and Apache attack helicopters to rain down some serious fire. The game features two primary modes, namely Ground Control and Team Deathmatch, with Ground Control following the

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