The Cyber Fusion

Kindle Fire In-Depth Review

Jaime Hernandez — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:06:26 +0000

The Kindle Fire by Amazon was the most gifted electronic item this past holiday season and with good reason. For $200 you not only received an 8 gigabyte, dual core tablet with 512 megabytes of RAM running a modified version of Android…you also got the piece of mind knowing that it was created by Amazon. Other Android tablets in the $200 price range offer very little in terms of performance and quality. Often they are unresponsive and offer very little hard drive space for applications or your own personal media collection. However, the Kindle Fire is not for everyone.

I purchased a Kindle Fire a couple of weeks before the holidays after I had toyed around with a friend’s for a couple of hours. For $200 I figured it was a safe gamble. After using my Kindle Fire for a couple of months I thought it was time to write an “in depth” review of my experiences with Amazon’s tablet.

Every Kindle Fire that Amazon sells actually costs them around $5. Amazon decided to take a loss on each tablet sold in the hopes to make up the cost in Android application and media sales. Kindle Fire users are “somewhat locked” into purchasing their Android applications and media from Amazon’s Apstore for Android. This poses some good and some bad for the everyday tablet user.

Amazon locks the Kindle Fire user for a few reasons. Amazon’s profits are boosted every time a Kindle Fire is purchased because they avoid giving another company (ie: Apple) a commission when media is sold through the tablet.

Amazon also locks the Kindle Fire user into their Apstore to provide a safe application installation environment. All of the applications sold through the Amazon Apstore for Android are put through various quality checks to ensure that they work perfectly with their tablet. This ensures an optimal tablet experience for the everyday Kindle Fire user. However, this can be annoying for the hard core tablet end user.

During the holidays I had some time to mess around with my newly purchased Kindle Fire. The newness of the tablet experience was present and I was thoroughly enjoying my Kindle Fire. The majority of my tablet use was focused on the game, “Cut the Rope”, and surfing the internet with Amazon’s silk browser. The build quality was excellent and everything worked right out of the box. I visited Amazon’s Apstore everyday to check out the latest free “paid” application and was often greeted by some very good applications. I was content for the moment…for $200 you simply cannot get a better Android tablet. However, like most techies I wanted more than what Amazon’s Apstore offered.

My first “out of the box” desire was a decent antivirus for my Kindle Fire. Unlike Apple’s Ipad, the Android operating system is susceptible to malware and viruses. Being an avid Avast user I desired to install the Avast Mobile Security application. Upon some investigation I found that it was offered through Amazon’s Apstore. I clicked “download” and was greeted by an installation error. Upon further investigation I found that many other Kindle Fire users were running into the same problem installing the Avast software. While I was able to create a workaround for the software installation, I realized the everyday Kindle Fire user would not be able to install this software successfully. (You can read my DIY for the Avast Mobile Security software here.)

Another quirk of the Kindle Fire is the lack of access to the full collection of Android applications. In order to install third party applications, the user would need to find the .apk files of the desired Android application and manually transfer the files to their tablet for installation. Of course, this led to another DIY written by myself that showed how to manually install Android applications not offered by Amazon. However, this only applies to “free” applications. Any application that must be purchased could not be installed since it would need to be installed via the Android Market. Amazon prevents the Kindle Fire user from accessing the Android Market. (Read about how to manually install Android Applications on the Kindle Fire here.)

While you can “root” the Kindle Fire to manually install the Android Market, it is a rather complex task for the average tablet user. Not everyone will want to potentially void their warranty or potentially “brick their tablet” in the hopes of installing a new application not available through Amazon.

Why would you want to install the Android Market?

By rooting the Kindle Fire, you can access a much larger collection of Android applications that Amazon does not offer. I will give you a rather petty but poignant example. After finishing my “Cut the Rope” game, I learned that the makers of the game had created a sequel called, “Cut the Rope: Experiments”. I went to the Amazon Apstore only to learn that Amazon did not offer the application. However, the new game was offered via the Android Market.

This same scenario applies to countless other applications which Amazon simply does not offer through their store. The Amazon Silk browser is decent for the everyday tablet user. For hardcore techies, Opera or Firefox works much better. Both of these fabulous internet browsers are not available through the Amazon Apstore and require a manual installation.

After 2 months of use I finally gave in and “rooted” my Kindle Fire in order to access the Android Market. (I will not post a DIY simply because the process is constantly changing due to Amazon’s updates.) Now I have access to the entire collection of Android applications and can realize the full potential of the Kindle Fire. (Amazon’s Apstore is more designed for consumption of media. Most applications designed for creation will need to be found through the Android Market.) After rooting the tablet I have installed dozens of applications through the Android Market. So far I have yet to come across any software glitches.

Understand that for the everyday tablet user the Kindle Fire is a wonderful device. Every aspect of the tablet works very well and for $200 you simply cannot go wrong. However, this article was meant to provide every type of user, from beginners to techies, with a well rounded review of the Kindle Fire. The majority of individuals that purchase the Kindle Fire will find it to be perfect for their intentions. Hardcore techies…be prepared to modify your Kindle Fire.

Tags: kindle,fire,review,amazon,tablet,android

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Install Any Android App – Kindle Fire

Jaime Hernandez — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:10:55 +0000

Amazon’s Kindle Fire is one of the hottest android tablets for 2012. For $200 you simply cannot buy a better tablet. Though with that incredible price also comes a catch…Amazon locks you in to the Amazon app store and prevents you from acquiring apps through the android market. While Amazon provides a decent selection of apps, there are a myriad of great apps that the Amazon app store simply doesn’t provide.

Many have written articles that demonstrate how to root your Kindle Fire in order to access the android market. Rooting your Kindle Fire does grant you more control over your tablet but for the everyday user it can be a tricky task. If you want to install an app on your Kindle Fire that Amazon does not offer there is an easier solution than rooting your Kindle Fire.

The android operating system uses .apk files in order to install a program. Similar to an .exe file, the .apk file is the android installation file package. You need to find the .apk file of the particular application you want to install. Freeware Lovers is a great website that offers a vast selection of free android application files. Visit the following link to see their selection.

Freeware Lovers

You will first need to have your email linked into your Kindle Fire through the resident email program. (Use the Kindle Fire user manual to set up your email if you have not already.) Once you link your email address to you Kindle Fire you will want to download the .apk file for the application you want to install. (See the above link to Freeware Lovers) Download the file to your home computer.

Once you have downloaded the .apk file of your desired application to your computer, you will then email yourself the .apk file as an attachment.

On your Kindle Fire, open the email program and check your email. You should receive the email you had previously emailed to yourself with the attachment. Open the email and towards the bottom you should have an option to save the attachment. (Save the attachment to your Kindle Fire.)

Important: Navigate to your settings screen on the Kindle Fire which is found by touching the bar to the left of the clock at the top…Go to More, Settings, Device. Make sure “Allow install from unknown sources” is on.

In order to access the downloaded file, you will need to install a program that allows you to browse the file system present on your Kindle Fire. If you do not already have an application that allows you to browse the resident files visit the Amazon app store and search for a program called “Androxplorer”.

Once you have installed a file exploring program, such as “Androxplorer”, open the program and browse to the following folder.

-sdcard

- download

Once you are in the download folder look for the .apk file you had emailed yourself and then downloaded onto your Kindle Fire.

Touch the file to begin the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application on your Kindle Fire.

Tags: install,any,app,android,kindle,fire,root

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Install Avast Mobile Security – Kindle Fire

Jaime Hernandez — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:05:26 +0000

The android operating system uses .apk files in order to install a program. Similar to an .exe file, the .apk file is the android installation file package.

For the following “how to” I will use the method to install the Avast Mobile Suite on the Kindle Fire. (These instructions can be adapted to work with any .apk file which will allow you to install virtually any application onto your Kindle Fire.) Avast offers a free mobile version of their popular security software designed for android devices. While Amazon offers this application through their Amazon app store the automated installation fails before the app is fully installed. By manually installing the Avast mobile software you will have full functionality of the application.

You will first need to have your email linked into your Kindle Fire through the resident email program. (Use the Kindle Fire user manual to set up your email if you have not already.) Once you link your email address to you Kindle Fire you will want to download the following file which is the Avast mobile .apk file. (Download the file to your home computer)

Click to Download AvastMobileSecurity

Once you have downloaded the Avast mobile .apk file to your computer you will then email yourself the .apk file as an attachment.

Once you have installed a file exploring program, such as “Androxplorer”, open the program and browse to the following folder.

-sdcard

- download

Once you are in the download folder look for the following file.

AvastMobileSecurity

Touch the above file to begin the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Avast Mobile Security on your Kindle Fire.

Tags: app,avast,fire,kindle,mobile,install,security

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SOPA – PIPA: What is it?

Jaime Hernandez — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:36:23 +0000

With all of the craziness taking place in the world these days it wasn’t hard to notice Google, Wikipedia and many other sites protesting the latest efforts of the media industry to combat online piracy. Stop Online Piracy Act, aka…SOPA, is the latest effort to bring the world of online piracy to it’s doom. The main idea behind the act is to prevent internet users in the United States from accessing sites outside of the US that provide / distribute copy written material without providing compensation to the developer. While in theory it may sound like a great idea, many believe that the bill allows for a great number of legal loopholes. For a more in depth explanation of why SOPA will not work visit the following link.

Stop Online Piracy Act

Tags: SOPA, stop,online,piracy,act,pipa

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Microsoft Office Save As PDF

Jaime Hernandez — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:25:28 +0000

Creating a PDF file from a Microsoft Office document has never been easier. Thanks to the folks at Microsoft, users of Microsoft Office 2007 can download a free plugin that allows one to create a PDF file from almost any Microsoft Office format. The plugin works with the following Office formats…

Microsoft Office Access 2007

Microsoft Office Excel 2007

Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007

Microsoft Office OneNote 2007

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

Microsoft Office Publisher 2007

Microsoft Office Visio 2007

Microsoft Office Word 2007

In order to use the plugin, click the link below and download the Save As PDF plugin.

Microsoft Office 2007 Save as PDF

Once the download has finished, double click the file in order to install the plugin. When using any one of the supported Office programs simply click on the Office logo in the top left and select “save as” and then “pdf or xps”. Choose your settings and where to save the PDF document.

Tags: save,as,pdf,microsoft,office,2007,free,plugin

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Microsoft Office Access 2007

Microsoft Office Excel 2007

Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007

Microsoft Office OneNote 2007

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

Microsoft Office Publisher 2007

Microsoft Office Visio 2007

Microsoft Office Word 2007

In order to use the plugin, click the link below and download the Save As PDF plugin.

LinkedIn – Business Networking and Marketing Online

Jaime Hernandez — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:51:50 +0000

LinkedIn has become a marketing and networking powerhouse for business professionals across the world. With an estimated 100 million LinkedIn members it has a greater population than some countries. Unlike other social networking websites LinkedIn connects its members with other business professionals. Instead of reconnecting with family and friends, LinkedIn offers their members the opportunity to find new business, market their services as well as network with other professionals.

One of the key benefits of LinkedIn is the ability to have past clients recommended your services. Unlike online directories which offer reviewing capabilities, LinkedIn provides an additional increment of credibility to a business’ online review. In order to have a recommendation written one must be a member of the LinkedIn community as well as part of your network. This feature provides a source of credibility to a review that cannot be matched by any online directory to date.

Take a look at the following infographic and see how you can build your network and market your business online with LinkedIn.

[Source: OnlineMBA.com]

Tags: linkedin,network,business, member,professional,market,marketing

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Social Business Network – An In Depth Guide

Jaime Hernandez — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:32:52 +0000

With the enormous changes the business world has seen in the last decade it is no wonder that social media has and will continue to play an important role in business marketing. As seen with the music industry at the turn of the century, businesses that fail to accommodate to changes in the industry will quickly become obsolete. (Music companies that failed to provide methods of digital media distribution saw huge profit losses.) From Fortune 500 companies to mom and pop businesses, social marketing and the social business network has become a way of life.

As seen in the infographic below social media leader Michael Brito details the social business imperative, how it works, and why it is fundamental to growth in the future. [www.onlinemba.com]

Via: OnlineMBA.com

Tags: social,network,business,marketing,strategy

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D-Link DIR-601 Wireless Antenna Upgrade – DIY

Jaime Hernandez — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:04:36 +0000

The D-Link DIR 601 is a decent 802.11n capable router. With DD-WRT firmware installed the routing capabilities of the DIR 601 are definitely improved. However, the non-removable external wireless antenna of the router leaves much to be desired. In order to upgrade the D-Link DIR 601 antenna you will need an external antenna booster, the D-Link DIR 601 wireless router and some soldering skills. (This DIY comes with no warranty. If you choose to perform these modifications to your router you will void the warranty.)

1. First you will want to remove the two removable rubber feet underneath the router. This will expose the screws. Unscrew the screws and then using a flathead screwdriver pry open the router from the left and right sides underneath the router.

2. Once you pry open the router you will get a better idea of the internal layout. In order to upgrade this router’s antenna you will need to cut off the original antenna and expose the antenna wire. Strip the end of the internal antenna wire. (Depending on how you cut off the stock antenna you may need to open up the hole a bit for the external antenna booster’s wire.)

3. Next, take your external antenna booster and cut off any connectors. You will want to strip the end of the antenna wire. (Be sure that you expose the internal metal of the antenna wire.)

4. Next feed the booster antenna wire into the router through the stock antenna hole. (You may want to use a glue gun to secure the booster antenna wire to the router case.)

5. Last you will solder the two ends of the wires together…the booster antenna and the internal antenna. (Make sure to get a good connection between the two wires or you will not have a signal.)

6. Close the case up and start it up. (You may need to reset the router’s defaults.)

Tags: dlink,dir,601,antenna,upgrade,diy,ddwrt,booster,router,wireless

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Computer Security Standards – NSA – National Security Agency

Jaime Hernandez — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:47:39 +0000

The NSA, National Security Agency, has published a list of techniques for securing your computer in accordance with their own computer security standards. Every computer operating system has vulnerabilities that can be exploited especially when it comes to computer viruses and malware. A list of security measures is available for every computer operating system. (Microsoft Windows, Apple / Mac OS X, Linux and Sun Solaris) Now you can have a computer that is just as secure as one found in the NSA. The links to each of the PDF files / instructions can be found below.

Tags: computer,security,standards,NSA,national,security,agency,windows,mac,linux,sun solaris

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Online Business Directories – SERP – New Jersey

Jaime Hernandez — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:53:31 +0000

Online business directories are popping up everywhere. It seems as though you can find a new one every day on the internet… and you can. Why are they so important? Online business directories provide the small business owner without a website to gain online presence. They also provide a way of gaining incoming links to a business’ website. However, the simplest aspect of online business directories is they are the modern day phone book. Without online directories it would be very difficult to locate a specific business or service in your area.

Take for example a resident of Bridgewater, New Jersey that needs to locate a professional painter. They could go into Google and type in “professional painter bridgewater new jersey” and come up with hundreds of results for professional painters. Unfortunately, the internet is not perfect and the search results will not be sorted out by location. The resident must then browse through countless business websites to find one near Bridgewater. This is time consuming and annoying for the potential customer. Online business directories allow a customer to narrow down their search results to a number of requirements such as location, cost, ratings and much more.

Online business directories are important because they provide a mode for small businesses to get noticed on the internet. Take for example a small auto repair shop that does not have the resources to hire a website designer. A typical website with domain and hosting fees can run around $600-$800 depending on what the business needs. It isn’t out of the ordinary for websites to cost upwards of $1,500 – $2,000. This may not be feasible for a small business. With an online business directory this small auto repair shop could add their information to the directory to gain potential customers on the internet.

Probably the most important aspect of an online business directory is the ability to gain incoming links to a business’ website. An incoming link, also known as a backlink, is a direct hyperlink to your own website from another website. Incoming links are important because search engines often use the number of backlinks that a website has as one of the most important factors for determining that website’s search engine ranking, popularity and importance. (Wikipedia.org)

In a nutshell, the more backlinks a website has, the more important it will appear to search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. This is known an SERP, search engine results page. A search engine results page (SERP), is the listing of web pages returned by a search engine in response to a keyword query. (Wikipedia.org) In order to rank on the first page for a particular search engine you must have a high SERP ranking. Incoming / backlinks increase your ranking and result in higher SERP ranking.

How does a business increase their SERP ranking? Simple, list your business on as many online business directories you can find. Why? Directories that have a direct link to your business website will have a dramatic impact on your business website’s online presence. Should you pay to have your business listed? Not right away. At first, you should list your business information on as many free online directories you possibly can. Dedicate an evening to this and your time will be well spent. Once you have gained some presence online, monitor where your traffic is coming from and spend some money on those particular directories.

It is important to note that you do not want to place a reciprocal link on your own website. What is a reciprocal link? A reciprocal link is a hyperlink that you place on your own website linking you to another web site. If not done properly, this takes away from your SERP rank. Stick with free online business directories that allow you incoming links without reciprocal links.

Last of all, just because your business shows up on a particular online directory does not mean they are linking to your website. It is not uncommon to find your business listed on the Google Places business directory but not have your website listed. Make sure to claim your existing business listings and add your website information.

Below is a list of online business directories, both general and New Jersey specific, that provide free business listings with no cost hyperlinks to your website.

General Online Business Directories

1. Google Places

2. Yahoo! Local

3. Bing Business Portal

4. Yelp

5. Merchant Circle

6. Local.com

7. Kudzu

8. Switchboard

New Jersey Online Business Directories

1. NJ.com

2. Greater New Jersey.com

3. Discover Our Town.com

Tags: business,directory,nj,serp,rank,search,engine,backlink,incoming,website,reciprocal

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