Secure Your Data While on a public wi-fi network

When using a public wi-fi network there are always dangers because people will constantly be trying to steal some unencrypted information. Even though a site may display https, that may only indicate that the page is secure, however the login is still unencrypted and the data can easily be stolen. Below is a video by ThatSnazzyiPhoneGuy, showing how easily your information can be stolen:

Towards the end of the video, he mentions a program called GetCloak. We have been using the application for quite a while and we feel that it works great. It is really nice that it is easy to install and simply requires a quick toggle to turn it on, Also, the cloak will not use your current IP, so you will have fully anonymous browsing in terms of your IP. Another great thing is that you may be able to access certain websites that were normally restricted because of IP restrictions. The only disadvantage of the application is the time limit and that it may slightly slow your connection speed because your contents will have to go through a secure server AND then to you.

What is BIOS?

The BIOS (basic input-output system), allows users to control boot settings for their computers. Most modern computers come with BIOS, and you will have a chance to access your BIOS, from the boot screen. The boot screen sometimes contains information about your manufacturer, or motherboard. The BIOS helps identify and start up your operating system (i.e Windows). By opening the BIOS settings you will be able to change boot settings, computer timing, and much more. Please avoid changing too much in the BIOS, as it may result in your computer to not function properly. Most BIOSs have a very basic user interface. They are not fancy in any way and require your keyboard to operate it. Newer versions are starting to introduce a mouse interface, and a nice modern look to the BIOS

Install Windows 8 in VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a great virtualization program. The latest version of the program allows Windows 8 to run great virtually, it also makes this process extremely easy. Simply follow the outline:

1. Download VirtualBox-remember to choose the appropriate version for your operating system
2. Download Windows 8 .iso file-choose your language, and choose 32 or 64 bit. Please make sure that your system meets the system requirements 
3. Install VirtualBox on your computer
4. Open VirtualBox and create new
5. Choose Windows 8 as OS type
6. Create a fixed size virtual drive image
7. Mount your ISO file
8. If needed enable PAE/NX

Run the VirtualMachine

Install Windows as normal

What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

A virtual machine is basically a computer that runs inside of your computer. For example, if I currently have Windows 7 installed, I can download a virtualizer program and run Ubuntu inside of it. This can be extremely useful when running beta software, or if you do not know how to dual-boot. Most of these programs that allow virtual machines are very easy to use. An important point is that you must make sure that your computer supports Virtualization. Both Intel and AMD chips support this so do not worry about that. If virtualization is currently disabled, you can head over to your BIOS to enable it. 2 very important words with virtual machines are host and guest. The host is the operating system (i.e. Windows 7, Mac OSX, Ubuntu, etc.) that the virtual machine software is installed on (in the example above it would be Windows 7). The guest is the operating system that you are running virtually (in the example it would be Ubuntu). There is quite a few virtual machine software available however our favourites are:

• VirtualBox (ITS FREE!!!)
• VMWare
• Parallels