Sync files and access them anywhere with dropbox

I had mentioned in my previous post a service called Dropbox. The truth is there are a lot of "cloud storage" services, such as Amazon's EC2 and Ubuntu One, but I prefer using dropbox for a couple of reasons. One major reason is that dropbox has clients for most major platforms, including windows, linux, mac, android, iphone, etc. Another reason is that, while most other free versions have the same amount of initial storage, Dropbox has the added benefit of giving you ways to increase your storage. Dropbox will give you up to 3GB of extra storage for a total of 5GB. For every referal you get for Dropbox, they will give you 250MB of extra storage. You can also get extra storage for things like publishing an ad from your twitter account.

So once you pick the storage service of your choice, what do you use it for? Well, there are a lot of great ideas, such as the ones in this Lifehacker article. One of my favorite uses is to sync my keepass database across multiple computers. When I make a change on one computer, the database is then synced between the rest of my computers. This solution is a lot better than constantly updating each individual computer, or carrying around a jumpdrive with the database on it! I also like to use the public file feature in order to share files or pictures with friends and family.

So checkout Dropbox or one of the other great storage services and have fun!

P.S. if you like this article, maybe you can give me a referal as a thank you! Just click here to give some props!

Make better passwords and keep them safe and accessible

I can't tell you how many times I have seen some of the most basic and easily guessible passwords used by people.  Even for something as important as their bank account!  Most people don't understand that with all of the different types of password attacks out there, such as brute forcing, rainbow tables, etc. it is becoming ever more important to create stronger passwords.  Most people use basic passwords that might be a single word, or a combination of words like "ilovemydog". 

The best practice to use today would be to create passwords consisting of a long string of random characters.  Most people don't do this because they want to be able to remember the password.  This is where password programs come in to play.

My personal favorite password software is keepass.  You can go here to download the program.  It's available for almost any platform, including windows, mac, linux, and even the iphone and android phones!  The reason I use this software is because it creates an encrypted, password protected database of your passwords, which I would consider to be a hell of a lot safer then writing them down on a piece of paper that you keep at your desk, which most people still do!  Another reason I like this software is because there is a built in password generator.  You can have the software create a long random password for you.  Now you don't have to worry about remembering any passwords, accept for the password to keepass!  You simply find the entry for what site you need the password for and either copy and paste the username and password, or have keepass fill the information in for you.  There are also a bunch of plugins for you to add functionality, such as an auto form fill out feature that can add info like your name, home address, etc. on a site instead of you manually entering that information in.

Keep in mind that this is only one of many different password management programs.  This just happens to be the one I use on a daily basis and would recommend to most people.

So take a look at keepass or other password programs and give it a shot.  I know it takes getting used to and it may seem like a pain at first, but it sure beats having your accounts hacked into or your identity stolen!

In my next post, I will show you how to synchronize your password database with multiple devices, so that you can always have access to your latest password database.

How to root your Droid 2.1

I recently installed the android 2.1 OTA update on my droid and realized that I had lost all my root privileges!  While 99% of people probably don't see the benefits of rooting your droid, I figured I would post how I updated mine.

I must first point out that I unfortunately could only find steps that involve using a windows machine.  If anyone discovers how to flash SPRecovery onto the Droid using Linux, let me know and I will update my steps to include the option.  Although I had to modify these steps from several sources, the credit still goes to them, which was http://droidmod.org http://androidforums.com and http://alldroid.org.

Requirements
A. http://www.mediafire.com/?jgt1gjgx5gv (.sbf file)
B. http://androidoverdrive.com/downloads/RSDLite4.6.7z (RSDLite 4.6)
C.
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co ... _4.2.0.zip (32-bit Motorola USB Drivers)
or
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co ... _4.2.0.zip (64-bit Motorola USB Drivers)
D.  http://www.mediafire.com/file/zyt3didnmn3/Smoked.Glass.v.5.0.1.rom.tgz (Smoked Glass ROM)

Instructions:
1. Download all of the files above including the 32-bit OR 64-bit Motorola USB Drivers.
2. Install RSDLite AND the 32-bit or 64-bit Motorola USB Drivers (Depends on your system most will need 32-bit some will need 64-bit)
3. Connect your phone to USB and turn it off then turn it back on, while your phone is booting hold up on the DPAD. (Some users have said it is easier to hold the volume down button and camera button instead.)
4. Run RSD Lite 4.6 as Administrator (For all you Vista and 7 folks out there. If you are using XP you may not need to run as Administrator)
5. Click the ... next to the filename box and browse to where you saved the .sbf file and double click the .sbf file.
6. Hit start and below it should give you completion progress and all of that.
7. Once your phone is done being flashed (It may take a while so don't unplug it) it will reboot

Next will be the instructions for installing the smoked glass ROM.  Don't worry about the SPRecovery, you just installed that.

Installation Instructions...
ALWAYS perform an Advanced Nandroid Backup BEFORE Installation of this or any other ROM. Backup ALL parts of your phone.

If you are careful and take your time, installation should be quick, easy, and painless. And remember, if you don't feel comfortable - do some research on the forums. Every question or query you have, I'm sure we've all had - so don't be afraid of reading and researching before you jump. Have Fun!

DISCLAIMER… I'm sure you've all heard it before... Download and install at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damage you cause to your phone.

--- SPRecovery v0.99.2b or v0.99.3b is required... ---


--- ROM will make backup for you... Name will be "preinstall". It can't hurt to make your own though! ---
--- You do NOT have to Wipe Data or Cache... You will be prompted to do so during installation. ---

1.) Download Smoked Glass ROM - File should be named *.rom.tgz Some browsers may try to change the file name.
2.) Place the *.rom.tgz file in the root of your SD Card. It should not be inside of any folder.
3.) Reboot into SPRecovery v0.99.2b or v0.99.3b (Press and hold the "Power" and "X" buttons)
4.) The next few steps create a backup for yourself - just in case. The Installation of the ROM will do so as well - so this is optional.
5.) Select "Backup/Restore"
6.) Select "Advanced Nandroid Backup"
7.) Select ALL options for Backup (System, Data, Misc, Cache, Boot, Recovery)
8.) Name your backup whatever you want (This is a backup of your old OS, data, everything.)
9.) Select "Perform Backup"...
10.) Return to the main SPRecovery Screen by pressing the "Power" button twice.
11.) Select "Install" from the menu in the main SPRecovery screen.
12.) Select "Choose ROM from SD card" from the menu.
13.) Choose the *.rom.tgz file you've just downloaded and placed in the root of your SD Card.
14.) Wait for SPRecovery to perform a backup and decompress the ROM...
15.) Follow the installation instructions and choose your preferred options.
16.) When it tells you that you are finished... you're done.
17.) Reboot and enjoy.

The first time you reboot, it will take a minute or two to boot up. This is normal. The following reboots have actually been MUCH FASTER than normal...


Instructions to Enable Overclocking

1.) Go to the Market and purchase "SetCPU" (You HAVE to use the Market version for 800/900/1000 MHz Overclocking!)
2.) Open SetCPU
3.) DO NOT SELECT MOTOROLA DROID... Scroll to the bottom and select "Autodetect Frequencies"
4.) Set your processor speed to your liking.

Hope this helps someone out there.  Have fun!