Posts Tagged ‘Internet’
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the school’s curriculum has been migrated to online learning from home. With the threats out there in the World Wide Web, how can concerned parents better safeguard their children from online predators? Here are some tips.
My kids have never used the computer and the Internet so much before the pandemic set in at the beginning of the year.
It started with a bang when school was closed to students during the nationwide lockdown, and students had to do ALL their lessons online, using online video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Google Meet.
Parents had to scramble to help their children be ready for #HomeBasedLearning – the new buzzword for families with school-going kids.
From buying laptops, to setting them up, to teaching the kids how to use the video conferencing software.
There was hardly any time and energy left to figure out how to secure the laptop and online learning sessions from Internet predators.
So parents – below are some areas to watch out for when preparing your child for #HomeBasedLearning.
- Dubious websites and content
- Dubious “Friends” in chat rooms and social media
- Cyberbullying
- Scams
Dubious websites and content
The World Wide Web is full of interesting stuff, much of it inappropriate for children e.g. pornography, racism, hate and violence.
So keep a close eye on what your kids are surfing – check their search/browser histories and designate an open location in the home for the kids to use the computer, so that everybody can help keep an eye out.
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Tags:cybersecurity, HBL, howtos, Internet, Norton, safety, security, tips, WWW
Posted in Featured, Home, Howtos, Internet, Norton, Opinion, Security, Tips | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
The Google Translate app has just launched Transcribe – a new feature that enables you to translate and transcribe audio in real time.

The redesigned home screen of Google Translate (left) and options to change the settings for a comfortable read (right).
Transcribe began its roll-out early this morning, and a full roll-out will be happening within the next few days.

Real time transcription in action in Google Translate.
The new feature will support any combination between the following eight languages: English, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai.
Previously, Translate wasn’t well suited to translate lectures over video conferencing or in a classroom, longer discussions, or stories from grandparents who speak another language.
To address this gap, Google is introducing this new feature that transcribes audio into translated text.
While the feature is only available on Android devices currently, Google is planning to launch it on iOS in the future.
Here’s how Transcribe in the Google Translate app works:
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Tags:Android, Apps, assistant, features, Google, Internet, new arrivals, OS, software, transcribe, Translate, updates, upgrades, voice
Posted in Android, Announce, App, Apps, Google, Launch, newArrivals, Software, software, travel | No Comments »
Thursday, March 5th, 2020
You can now ask Google Assistant to read aloud the text on a webpage – basically turning any webpage into a podcast! The new functionality is now available on all Android phones.

Check out the video about the new Read It feature for Google Assistant in Android phones.
Nowadays we consume so much content on our tiny smartphone screen – news, articles, stories etc.
For older folks with failing eyesight, or anybody with visual or reading difficulties, Google Assistant can now read web articles on your smartphone browsers out loud.
How to have a page read aloud
When a web article is displayed on the browser in your Android phone, you can say, “Hey Google, read it” or “Hey Google, read this page” – Google Assistant will immediately read aloud the content of the web page, using a voice of your choice.
To help you follow along, your browser will automatically scroll the page and highlight words as they’re read aloud.
You can also alter the reading speed, jump forward or backwards by 30sec and 10sec respectively or skip to any part of the web page.
I’ve always wished that I could consume web content while I’m driving.
At the moment, you can only do that if it’s a podcast, or unless you just listen to the audio of a video, because you got to keep your eyes on the road while driving.
So I listen to the news or radio, or my own music while I drive.
With the ability of Google Assistant to read aloud web pages, I don’t have to postpone perusing a web article until when I can read it myself.
I can listen to it when I’m driving, or taking a bus or train (using earphones) so that I don’t have to strain my eyes reading on a moving vehicle.
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Tags:Android, assistant, Google, Internet, new arrivals, OS, software, voice
Posted in AI, Android, Announce, App, Browser, Chrome, Google, Internet, newArrivals, News, Operating Systems, Software, Tech news, Tips, Website | No Comments »
Friday, March 2nd, 2018
WhizComms is offering its high speed 1Gbps Home Fibre Broadband service subscription at S$34 per month, with total savings amounting to more than S$100 for signups by 14 March 2018.

The S$34/mth subscription works out to S$1.60/day. Promotion ends on 14 March, 2018.
All subscribers will get to enjoy the following promotions if they sign up by 14 March 2018.
- S$38/mth for 12-month plan or S$34/mth for 24-month plan.
- Free Activation Fee, worth S$53.50.
- Free Installation and Delivery on Weekdays from 9am to 6pm.
- Free Onsite Audit service to complement any subscription plan with wireless router.
- Save 10% on Airlive (AC1200-R) router at S$88.
Visit WhizComms online to sign up.
Tags:broadband, Internet, promotions, Singapore, subscription, WhizComms
Posted in Announce, Internet, Press Release, Prices, Promotions, Specifications | No Comments »
Thursday, November 16th, 2017
The new security solutions for Windows devices include ESET Smart Security Premium, ESET Internet Security, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Prices and Giveaway below.
Update (20 November, 2017):
A big Thank You to all of you who participated in this tech4xmas2017 giveaway. The ESET Internet Security goes to @sherylhwq. Congratulations!
For the other participants, not to worry – there will be other giveaways up for grabs. In the meantime, check out the next tech4xmas2017 giveaway at @tech4teaEvents. So hop over and try your luck.
You might just win yourself a fun custom-made lightsaber amidst the current Star Wars craze – for yourself or for a friend as a X’mas present! So see you over at @tech4teaEvents!
The most popular security solution among the three is the ESET Internet Security. Check out the tech4xmas Giveaway here to get a free copy for this Christmas!
ESET has launched its 2018 line of security solutions (version 11) for home users using Windows computers.
The solutions are available online now for download and annual subscription prices for 1 computer are listed below.
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus: S$29.90
- ESET Internet Security: S$45.90
- ESET Smart Security Premium: S$75.90
- ESET Multi-Device Security
- for 3 devices: S$75.90
- for 5 devices: S$106.90
Discounted subscription plans for each product are available for more than 1 device.
The ESET Multi-Device Security Pack provides the same features as the ESET Internet Security but adds cross-platform support to Windows/Mac/Linux computers and Android smartphones/tablets.
What is noteworthy is that for existing subscribers to the current versions, there is no charge for upgrading to the latest software – all valid ESET license holders can simply download the latest products.
More details from the press release below.
(more…)
Tags:antivirus, ESET, Internet, security, Singapore, software, tech4xmas, tech4xmas 2017, tech4xmas 2017 giveaway, tech4xmas giveaway
Posted in App, Apps, Events, events, Giveaway, Internet, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Promotions, Security, Software, software, Windows | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 24th, 2017
The new web portal enables buyers to look for properties based on how reputable and experienced the agents selling those properties are.

The web portal offer properties sold exclusively by almost 7,000 ERA property agents. The company’s agents account for almost 50% of the market share of transacted real estate deals in Singapore.
The free-to-use web portal offers buyers an objective ranking of ERA property agents based on their experience and client rating.
This gives the buyer greater peace of mind when considering a specific property that they have found through a search in the portal.

You can search for properties on sale or for rental and see a geographical spread of those available on a map.
Property agents who have the most completed transactions will be ranked on top.
(more…)
Tags:Apps, ERA, Internet, launch, property, Property Tech, real estate, Singapore, software, website
Posted in App, Brief, Events, events, Internet, Launch, newArrivals, Software, Website | No Comments »
Thursday, November 10th, 2016
The new security solutions for Windows devices include new features to guard against threats like webcam hacking and data theft. Subscription prices for the various configurations below.

The new line of security solutions for home Windows computers.
ESET has launched version 10 of its line of security solutions for home users using Windows computers.
Version 10 of the ESET security solutions were launched in Singapore at The Westin.
The solutions are available online now for download and annual subscription prices for 1 computer are listed below.
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus: US$20
- ESET Internet Security: US$30
- ESET Smart Security Premium: US$50
- ESET Multi-Device Security
- for 3 devices: US$50
- for 5 devices: US$70
More details from the press release below.
(more…)
Tags:antivirus, ESET, Internet, security, Singapore, software
Posted in Events, events, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Security, Software, software, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, June 11th, 2016
As a follow up on the opinion piece that Tony Jarvis contributed yesterday on Endpoint Protection, I asked him to share his take on the Singapore Government’s move to cut Internet access from work computers used by civil servants from May next year.

Tony Jarvis is the Chief Strategist (Asia, Middle East and Africa) for Check Point Software Technologies.
Below are some of his personal views
Question: Is banning internet the right approach to securing government?
There is no right or wrong approach around banning the Internet.
At first glance, the decision to ban Internet access might seem extreme.
Background
The Singapore Government is cutting off Internet connections from work computers used officially by public servants from May 2017, in an effort to plug potential leaks from work emails and shared documents – amidst today’s advanced security threats.
Employees can still surf the Web on their personal smartphones and tablets since these devices are not connected to the government network.
Dedicated Internet terminals will be issued to those who need them in work.
However, it is important to note that this decision will have been made after careful review, taking into consideration a number of factors.
For example, removing access to the Internet will bring with it the benefit of reducing exposure to many threats.
Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of the productivity and effectiveness of the organisation and its employees.
These are policy decisions made by organisations, in this case, the government, and we are certain that they have considered multiple aspects.
This particular case highlights the ongoing challenge organisations have remaining secure in a connected world.
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Tags:byline, Check Point, civil service, endpoint, Government, guest blog, Hyperwise, Internet, interview, opinion, security, Singapore, Tony Jarvis
Posted in Business IT, Interview, Opinion, Security | No Comments »
Friday, June 10th, 2016
The Singapore Government is cutting off Internet connections from work computers used officially by public servants from May 2017, in an effort to plug potential leaks from work emails and shared documents – amidst today’s advanced security threats.
I invited Tony Jarvis from Check Point Software Technologies to share his opinion on how best to secure an organisation’s network and IT assets. This guest blog is written by him.

Tony Jarvis is the Chief Strategist (Asia, Middle East and Africa) for Check Point Software Technologies.
With every detection of a new threat, the security landscape evolves and attackers are no longer just looking at inventive ways to infiltrate a network but also innovative evasion techniques and the damage it will inflict.
“To say the security landscape is constantly changing would be an understatement,” says Tony Jarvis, Chief Strategist (Asia, Middle East and Africa) for Check Point Software Technologies.
What really matters is how vendors respond to the ever-evolving landscape and not just make incremental enhancements to existing solutions that still predominantly focus on detection, rather than prevention.
With the numerous acquisitions and layoffs being announced, the real question that CIOs and CISOs need to ask is: “Is my security vendor in for the long run?”
Central to any effective security strategy is the ability to stop threats before the initial compromise.
The only way to do this is with prevention.
Many vendors simply can’t do it, which is why they talk about detection.
I also asked Tony specifically for his take on the Singapore Government’s move to cut Internet access from work computers used by civil servants from May next year.
Here are more of his opinions in a Q&A format.
The majority of solutions being deployed today rely on a detection capability, with some requiring users to choose whether infected files should be quarantined or allowed to pass through.
Not only is this intrusive to the user experience, it’s also prone to human error.
Inflexible deployment models calling for an all or nothing use of cloud or private malware analysis fail to meet many customers’ requirements.
To make matters worse, the sandboxing process often takes too long, giving malware plenty of time to get to work before its presence becomes known.
(more…)
Tags:byline, Check Point, civil service, endpoint, Government, guest blog, Hyperwise, Internet, interview, opinion, security, Singapore, Tony Jarvis
Posted in Enterprise IT, Interview, Opinion, Security | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016
The company which provides solutions for inbound marketing expects to create 150 new jobs for Singapore-based employees over the next three years.

Anyone for free-flow beer on tap in the pantry of HubSpot’s new offices at Mapletree Anson? Surely a draw for the 150 potential employees the inbond marketing company is aiming to hire in Singapore over the next three years.
HubSpot’s Singapore office — affectionately known as SingSpot — joins Sydney, Australia as the second HubSpot office in Asia Pacific and will act as the company’s regional headquarters.
“HubSpot has an incredible opportunity for growth in Asia Pacific and we could not be happier to be celebrating that with a new office and a commitment to hiring 150 new employees. HubSpot’s Singapore-based team will be core to the impact that we’re making across Asia Pacific and the growth and success of our customers in the region,” said JD Sherman, HubSpot President & COO.
HubSpot first came to Asia Pacific in 2014 in an effort to extend HubSpot’s global reach and make an impact with the many mid-market companies and data-driven marketing and sales professionals in the region looking for a more personalised and integrated way of doing business.
With a larger presence in Singapore and employees spanning nearly all aspects of HubSpot’s business including sales, marketing, services, and support, HubSpot can build on the tremendous momentum and growth that has taken place over the past two years.
Located at Mapletree Anson, Hubspot’s new Singapore location features some unique and exciting features, including:
- Dedicated quiet space
- Mother’s room
- Snack-stocked kitchen with on-tap beer
- Games room
- “Hidden” lounge space with game console
(more…)
Tags:HubSpot, inbound, Internet, marketing, sales, Singapore
Posted in Business IT, Enterprise IT, Events, events, Launch, Press Release, Visits | No Comments »