How to share PC's internet connection with Android smartphones

Most Android smartphone users depend on traditional methods, using a SIM card or via WiFi, for internet connectivity. However, you can also use your PC's internet connection on your Android smartphone. Here is a step by step procedure in which you can use your PC's internet connectivity on your Android smartphone.

Step 1:

First of all you need a USB male to micro USB male (as shown in above picture).

Step 2:

Using the above mentioned connector, connect the smartphone with the PC. You have to use the micro USB part in the smartphone while the full size USB part is to be plugged in to female USB port of the PC.

Step 3:

After connecting the PC with the Android phone, go to Settings menu of the smartphone. There you should locate and click the "More" option under Wireless and Network.

Step 4:

There you will see the "USB Internet" option. Just click the adjacent box.

Step 5:

This will open the "Select PC system version" page which will have a dropdown menu from which you should select the option according to the operating system of your PC - viz Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

Step 6:

As soon as click your desired operating system option, the "Next" option at the bottom of the screen will get activated. Tap on the same to go forward.

Step 7:

The following screen will have certain instructions, just follow them. If there are no instructions, do as stated below.

Open network connections on your Windows PC. Then right click the connection that you want to share and then click on properties. Click on the sharing tab, and select "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection.

Step 8:

After that, click on the "Done" tab which will activate internet on your smartphone. Now you could see the USB internet active message both on the notification bar as well as in the Wireless and Networks section.

Disclaimer:

Please note that not all smartphones come with the USB internet feature. Few manufacturers do though arm their smartphones with this feature, HTC One, WickedLeak's Wammy Titan 3 and the Huawei Ascend Y511 are few devices for instance which come with this feature.

Some applications, available in Google Play store, too provide this feature (referred as reverse tethering). However, these apps require root permission for which you have to root your device which is risky and is not advisable as it voids the warranty and may leave your device dead.

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How to secure your smartphone and tablet

Mobile devices undoubtedly have become an integral part of our lives, as the number of mobile Internet users in India is expected to reach 213 million by June 2015 as per Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and research firm IMRB. Driven by strong adoption of cheaper smartphone penetration, affordable data plans and the need to stay connected, this number is expected to increase by 40 million in the next six months.

However, most of the smartphone users are not aware of few basic things that are essential for their device's security. Mobile and PC security solution provider, Norton has thus recommended these basic things which can be very effective in protecting one's personal and crucial data stored in his smartphone or tablet.

1. Don't leave your device unattended

Don't leave your smartphone or tablet unattended in public: It only takes a few seconds for someone to use an open device to collect login information and copy passwords. Someone can also send out emails from your official ID, so make sure to lock your screen even if you're going to be away from your device for a short while. Nothing can be more embarrassing then spamming your professional contacts.

2. Put a password on it

This is one important way to avoid unauthorised access, yet too many of us use simple passwords that are easy to guess. Also, configure your device to automatically lock after a period of time. Don't write passwords down; commit them to memory.

3. Install a mobile anti-malware on your device

This might seem unnecessary, as most people don't realise that mobile devices are equally exposed to viruses, spyware, malware etc. as PC/laptop.

As per Norton, in India, 57 percent users aren't aware that security solutions for mobile devices exist, while 63 percent have experienced some form of mobile cybercrime in the past 12 months. As mobile becomes the fastest-growing target for cybercriminals - with sophisticated attacks such as ransomware, identity theft and spear-phishing becoming a reality. Therefore, it is mandatory that you install an anti-malware protection that establishes a security perimeter around your device - to detect the existing and emerging mobile threats and keep the software updated. This way, no matter what the bad guys have up their sleeves, you can keep your information and device safe. Opt for a reliable product to do this job.

4. Backup your data

Most of us have first-hand experience or have heard of someone who had their mobile device stolen, or their account locked, leading them to lose their files such as contacts, images, music playlists etc. One way to avoid such heartbreaks is to regularly back up files. It is relatively easy to do, and many devices have the capabilities to backup data wirelessly, so you can quickly restore the information on your device if the data is lost or accidentally deleted. If you lose your device, you should be able to swipe the data off the phone and retrieve the information on another device.

5. Examine an app's reputation before downloading

Shop and download apps from trusted app markets after reading a few reviews and ratings. While apps ask for access to many features on your device, many users don't examine these permissions carefully. This allows malicious app developers to persuade users to grant unnecessary permissions - accessing your identify, contacts, gallery, location etc. Beware of the implications before granting access.

6. Scan the WiFi hotspots and Bluetooth devices before connecting

Don't allow automatic connections. Some mobile devices are set up to automatically connect with available WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices. Disabling this option will prevent your phone from connecting and transmitting data without your knowledge.

7. Keep a tab on who has access to your device

The way households connect to the Internet has changed considerably in recent years. Users who use their devices for personal and professional purposes must be well aware of who all have access to their devices.

According to Norton Report 2013, 66 percent of consumers use their personal device for work and play. While 51 percent of parents let their kids play, download and shop on their work device. Such practices must be avoided. Remember, protection should focus on the information - and not just the device.

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Android 6.0 Marshmallow Beta Update Rolls Out to Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in the UK

Samsung announced a few days ago it would kick off a beta program for Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but only in South Korea. However, it looks like the beta testing program has been expanded to other countries.

According to SamMobile, Android 6.0 Marshmallow beta update for Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge is now available for download in the UK.

It's unclear how many devices have been chosen by Samsung to receive this important update in the UK, but we can safely assume that not all Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones will receive it.

Those who somehow managed to enroll in the beta program should ready their handsets since the update is about 1.2GB in size.

RAW support and new animations have been added

The main improvement included in the update is the option to save images in RAW format, but also a new power menu.

Those lucky to have received the update on their phones also report the TouchWiz UI has been enhanced with many fluid animations and effects.

There's also a Pro mode in the camera application, which includes a new option that allows users to select the shutter speed for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.

A new option to customize lockscreen app shortcuts has been implemented as well, along with a new ability to add apps to a folder directly from within the folder.

Also worth mentioning as far as new features included in the update are concerned is Google Now On Tap, along with app permissions feature. Also, there's a new option that allows users to enable or disable fast charging. New colors for quick settings panel are also available.

Obviously, there are many new under-the-hood changes, which haven't been detailed by those who installed the update. The beta testing program will last until January 18, 2016, after which we should expect Android 6.0 Marshmallow to drop any moment.

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LG V10 proves its popularity in the US with 450,000 units sold in 45 days

The LG V10 is one of the best Android smartphones you can buy right now, and apparently many folks in the U.S. agree. According to The Korea Herald, LG says it has sold upwards of 450,000 V10 units in the United States roughly 45 days after the initial launch of the phone. This translates to about 10,000 units sold per day, which is surely an impressive feat.

The company said the handset has proven most popular with the younger generation, with about 37% of its buyers falling between the ages of 25 and 34. This is perhaps partially due to the ease of creating high quality video content on the V10, and the fact that it’s the first smartphone to employ a manual video recording mode.

As a refresher, the LG V10 features a 5.7-inch IPS Quantum Display with 2560 x 1440 resolution and a secondary 2.1-inch display that can be used for app shortcuts, notifications and much more. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 4GB of RAM, and comes with 64 gigabytes of on-board storage with microSD card expansion up to 2 terabytes. It has one of the best cameras on the market, and as previously noted, has a Manual Video Mode for more granular control when taking video.

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