Remote Desktop Apps for Android that are Worth Trying Out

Miss your desktop so much that you can’t spend a minute without looking at it? Or, do you need to access your desktop without getting up from the couch? In either case, remote desktop applications come in very handy here. The ‘magic’ happens thanks to a proprietary (ugh!) technology developed by Microsoft (not again!) called Remote Desktop Protocol. This allows users to access another computer’s graphical interface remotely.

Open source implementations of RDP have allowed other operating systems like Linux to use the technology in their own desktop computers and even mobile devices. Thanks to the relative openness of the Android platform, users can now remotely access their desktops even from their smartphones. This feature might not seem that important to average users; however, for many techies who frequently help their friends and families with their computer woes, this is one of the handiest tools around.

So, if you’re looking for some great remote desktop applications for Android, then read on as we discuss the best ones that are out there in the market.

Google Wallet: Expectations and Doubts

Since 2004, Google has been reinventing the way we use technology. After revolutionizing the manner we search, broadcast videos, check emails, and communicate, the big G has decided to lend its golden touch to the world of payments. With Google Wallet, the search giant expects to make payments simpler, more personalized and highly secure, thus making credit cards a thing of the past.

Many tech enthusiasts are excited about Google’s latest endeavor, and those who have tried it are going gaga about it. However, calling Google Wallet a success at this point would be quite premature. As with high expectations, there are rising doubts about the service’s policies. The doubts and criticisms are from Google’s competitors as well as many of its users who are rightfully concerned about their privacy. As of now, there aren’t any visible flaws in the service, but considering Google’s bad history with users’ privacy, many people are wary about trying it, because after all, their money’s involved here. Only time will tell whether Google’s new attempt at freeing people from bulky wallets will succeed or not.

If you, like anyone else, are excited about Google Wallet, read on as we discuss the service in a little more detail.

Windows 8 vs. Ubuntu 11.10

When Windows announced their new operating system, that is Windows 8, everyone on the social media was buzzing about it. Meanwhile, a bunch of developers at Canonical pulled an all-nighter fixing show-stopping bugs in the upcoming version of Ubuntu.

Linux users don’t expect their distro releases to be received with as much pomp as Windows or Mac OS. However, with Unity and the amount of improvements it has gone through, there’s a certain sense of excitement amongst Ubuntuers. Furthermore, even though Ubuntu 11.10 isn’t a LTS release, it is a critical release for the folks at Canonical. Oneiric Ocelot is Ubuntu’s golden chance to covert users back to the contentious Unity interface.

For Microsoft, the stakes seem to be high this time. Unlike then when it enjoyed a complete monopoly over the tech industry, Microsoft’s billion-dollar enterprise has taken huge visible hits thanks to the growing dominance of Apple and Android. Linux, which Microsoft once thought was over and done with, has proven itself to be a palpable threat to Microsoft’s server and mobile departments. Though Windows 8 and Ubuntu 11.10 differ hugely from each other, both in ideology and in design, they bring in a lot of similar features taking the competition up a notch.

Here’s a quick comparison between the similarities in Ubuntu 11.10 and Windows 8:

Things to Consider Before Buying an Android Phone

Android, the Google-owned mobile operating system, is slowly inching towards its goal of total market dominance as more and more people are making the switch. One thing that really works for Android is the fact that it offers almost all the features that its competitor iPhone offers without compromising on the user's freedom of choice.

While iPhone users are stuck with the same hardware and the same features, Android users get a lot of choices in every department. Walk in to a gadget store and ask for an Android phone; there's a huge chance that you'll be shown more than 10 different Android devices.

Even though Android offers a lot of options to its potential buyers, the element of choice can be perplexing to some people. Since its inception, the open source operating system has been loaded on many devices from a variety of manufacturers. Therefore, if you don't choose carefully, you might end up with a bad Android experience. So, before you run to your nearest gadget store, here are few things you should consider before buying one:

Best Webcam Software Applications for Linux

The webcam has become an essential accessory for every computer user. The tiny camera above your monitor helps you chat and ‘hangout’ with all your friends from across the world or turn it into a security spy camera. Another great thing about webcams is that they help you snap your own picture without getting up from your chair. For workaholics, a webcam is a great tool to stay in touch with their colleagues and even hold meetings with them. Being this indispensable, the software for it has to be just as good as the hardware.

For Linux users, that wasn’t always the case until mainstream applications like Cheese came out. Since then, the penguin has been very friendly to the webcam. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when my PlayStation-Eye camera, which refused to work on Windows (without a driver), worked flawlessly from the instant I plugged it in. So, if you’ve just plugged in your shiny new webcam and are looking to snap pictures or shoot videos of yourself, then here are some of the best webcam software applications for Linux.

10 Great Office Apps for Android

Besides the well-ironed suit, the leather briefcase and the swiveling chair, the smartphone has become an important part of the office. Though BlackBerry has been the de facto standard amongst office goers, its position is slowly being usurped by the ever-growing platforms like Android and iOS. The closed attitude Apple has towards its app ecosystem hasn’t allowed many office apps to flourish. Android on the other hand can proudly brag about the plethora of apps it has ready for office and productivity software users.

So, without much ado, here are 10 great Office apps for your Android devices.

Google Docs

Don’t let the relatively lower ratings of this app fool you. The recently updated version of Google Docs comes with exciting new features making it a complete office app. And yes, there’s built-in cloud integration so that you won’t have to worry about backups and stuff. With the Google Docs app you can create, open, edit, save and delete your documents just as you would on your desktop. You can also view any PDFs or images you might have stored on your Gdocs account. What’s more, you can also edit spreadsheets on the go. Once you’re done editing your document, you can easily send it to any contact on your phone. Additionally, Google Docs for Android also provides a unique functionality wherein you could snap a picture of printed text and convert it directly into a Gdocs document. For quick access, I recommend dropping the Gdocs widget on your homescreen, as it will easily allow you to create new documents on the go. Overall, it’s a must-have app for your Droid even if you aren’t a Google Docs fan. More info...

Why Ultrabooks Should Run Ubuntu 11.10

When Steve Jobs unveiled the slim but powerful Macbook Air, it was as if a magician had pulled a flailing rabbit out of a hat. Everyone was amazed at how laptop technology had moved forward, and instantly the latest Macbook Air became a massive success.

The Macbook Air might be an awesome product, but there are currently no alternatives for folks who don’t want to get converted to the Apple religion. But don’t get disappointed just yet; come Q4 2011, Intel will be bringing us the new revolution in computing called Ultrabooks.

Touted as the direct competitor to Macbook Air, Intel’s ambitious project will leave no stone unturned to prove itself in the not-so-dead laptop market. While it is not confirmed as to which operating system manufacturers will be using, there is a high chance that Windows 7 will be the one.

However, we here at TechSource believe that running Ubuntu 11.10 (or higher) on Ultrabooks might actually be more profitable. Here’s why:

Best Android Puzzle Games To Help Boost Your Brain Power

If you are not into those racing or combat games that many mobile users are hooked to these days, then why not try some great puzzle games for Android. Playing challenging games will not only get you through a boring workday but will also give your brain the workout it needs. Reports have suggested that playing challenging puzzle games cuts the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's.

So, if you’re looking to keep your brain fit and fine, here are some of the best puzzle games you can download on your Android device:

Best Android Tablet Computers of 2011 (so far)

Ever since the iPad came out, tablets have given all the gadget freaks one more reason to be excited about. Though the Apple’s ingenious device broke all the records, Google’s Android tablet computers are slowly catching up with them. Apple’s biggest fear is that Android might beat them at their own game, much like it did in the smartphone market. With the number of Android-based tablets that have come out this year, it appears as if their fears are coming true. 

Even though Android on tablets hasn’t taken off quite as well as Google expected them to, they’ve certainly proven themselves as a perfect alternative to the iPad. Moreover, the relatively lower price point, and the variety of choices offered makes Android an important player in the impending tablet wars. 

If you, like many Android fans, are stoked about tablets, we can help you choose the right one through our list of the best Android tablet computers of 2011. This list doesn’t include upcoming tablets, so if you find the perfect one for you through this list, you can quickly run to the store and buy one right away. Also, we’ve excluded low-cost tablets from the list, making this a list of the absolute best tablets that can perform as good as, or even better than the iPad 2.

Some Great Alternatives to the Ubuntu Unity Launcher

We've already ranted about the little annoyances of Ubuntu Unity in our earlier article. Though there are many things that are just plain wrong about Unity at this moment, one bad feature that sticks out like a sore thumb is the elusive launcher.

Well, I won't say that it's a complete mess, but right now it does need a lot of work. Also, there are plenty of blokes out there who like the launcher. Well, good for them. But as a long time Linux user, I find that fat bar on the left a bit too annoying. If you (like me) are looking for some worthy alternatives to the new Ubuntu Unity launcher, read on as we discuss some great replacements that would fit your needs.

Classic GNOME Panel: Well, this one's pretty obvious but we'll include it as a recommendation anyway, just in case you've forgotten about it. The classic GNOME panel, when compared to those used on other modern desktops like KDE, Windows 7 and Mac OSX, has a bit of primitive feel to it. If you're used to opening too many windows at once, the panel gets crowded way too quick, which is the reason why many people have either switched to docks or Unity. However, if you're a die-hard GNOME 2.x fan, I know you'll be more than glad to overlook such minor annoyances. To switch to GNOME 2.x, just go to Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal) session menu at the bottom edge of the login screen and choose the 'Classic Ubuntu Desktop' as your session.

Firefox for Android Tablets: Features and Expectations

If you’re a Firefox fan and an Android tablet user, there’s some great news for you. Mozilla will be releasing a Honeycomb version of their open source browser very soon. The record-breaking browser facing heavy competition from the likes of Chrome and Opera, has already stepped up their game by speeding up their release cycles. While that decision might not have been such a great success with users, the prospect of using a familiar and open source browser on an Android tablet already seems exciting.

Here’s what we can expect from the tablet version of our beloved Firefox.

What’s so great about Firefox on Android tablets?

The UI: Well, the tablet version is quite different from the desktop or mobile version. In other words, it’s made specifically for tablets rather than clumsily fitting a desktop or mobile UI into a bigger form factor. The UI has been designed keeping in mind the utility and limitations of the tablets. Hence, you’ll find that the browser takes up a lot less space and makes full use of the small screen space.

TechSource’s Ultimate Guide to Backing up Your Android Devices

We have already talked a lot about backups and their importance in our earlier posts. Even though backing up a desktop machine might be something most users do these days, doing backups for mobile devices is still a thing that’s often overlooked by many.

Your Android gadget, which offers thousands of apps and functionalities, if by any chance gets wiped out or lost, all your data and customizations would vanish instantly. You wouldn’t want that would you? Don’t panic just yet. Here’s a complete guide to backing up every bit of data and customization you have on your Android device.

Steven Paul Jobs Life’s Highlights and Achievements

Last week, the Internet was abuzz with news of Libya protests and U.S hurricanes, and just as the normal public is about to be overwhelmed by all that, there came another story that shocked many around the world. Steve Jobs finally resigned from his duties as CEO of Apple, a company that has more money than the United States government. The news was met with shock, awe, disappointment and more importantly a huge feeling of respect for this great gentleman who’s achieved so much during his lifetime.

We, at FOSS community, have often ridiculed and criticized Steve Jobs for his locked-down approach towards his growing array of innovative products. His belligerent attack on his opponents has earned him a reputation for being slightly petulant. Having said that, he’s still perceived as one of the most brilliant minds of this century and a great source of inspiration.