DON'T WAIT FOR WINDOWS 10 UPDATE

Already reserved your upgrade of the new and improved Windows 10? Still waiting? Microsoft states that the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 could take as long as "a few weeks." Patience is a virtue. Or is it? This wait seems like far too long of a time frame especially when nearly 14 million users are currently enjoying the new functions of Windows 10. For those seeking instant gratification, we are glad to share with you a completely legitimate way for you to skip the reservation list and start using the updated operating system today.

Warning: Getting this free copy of Windows 10 only applies to Windows 7 or 8 users with valid license keys. All other users will have to purchase an activation key.

To take advantage of this, make your way to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page. Choose either the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version to begin your download. Not sure which to download? Simply match your existing version. Using 64-bit Windows 7 or 8? (Which most users are) Download this version.

Continue through the prompts, select “Upgrade this PC now.” Continue the installation and if you want to keep everything as is, select “Keep personal files and apps.” The download tool provides a confirmation of the settings you’ve chosen for upgrade; if everything looks right, click on "Install."

Microsoft also states that they will continue to provide their latest operating system without any cost for one year to all current users of Windows 7 and 8. Although, we have noticed that Windows 10 software packages are being sold by major retailers between $100 and $200. Our suggestion would be to only purchase this software if you are building a PC. Instead, most consumers should look to purchase discounted computers or laptops that have Windows 8 installed and simply update the software.

PHONES AT RISK FROM TEXT MESSAGE HACK

As we previously reported, Google has placed a 'bug bounty' for research teams to discover potential threats to the Google Chrome web browser. Google has paid out $4 million since the bug bounty begain in 2010 and it seems a researcher named Zimperium, has uncovered a new vulnerability that has the potential to wreak havoc on our beloved Android devices.

This researcher states that the flaw exists within a media playback tool within the mobile software called Stagefright. By simply sending a text message, hackers could acquire complete control over the device and allow them to steal any content on it. The malware hides inside of a short video and as soon as the text is received, built in features to reduce time for viewing processes the video. It seems that short amount of time to process the video is enough for hackers to take control. This would include all personal information or credit cards.

A Google spokewoman had this to say regarding the mobile threat,
"The security of Android users is extremely important to us and so we responded quickly and patches have already been provided to partners that can be applied to any device." The Google spokeswoman went on to add, "Most Android devices, including all newer devices, have multiple technologies that are designed to make exploitation more difficult. Android devices also include an application sandbox designed to protect user data and other applications on the device."

Zimperium sent the patch that has been accepted to Google. He told the National Public Radio that he estimates only 20 percent to 50 percent of Android devices will actually get the updates due to vendors being slow to react -- if they react at all. You see unfortunately, fixes to the popular mobile operating system take time. To resolve issues within Android, Google provides patches through software updates handed down to device manufacturers. These manufacturers include Samsung, LG, HTC among many others to then provide these software updates to the cellphone service providers. It is then up to these carriers to push the updates to each phone. You can start to see how long this process could take. Thus many devices rarely receive the latest software available to them.

Currently, Zimperium tells the National Public Radio that the flaw has not been exploited. However, expressing the severity in a recent blog post, he states that 95 percent of Android devices worldwide are vulnerable.

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STICKER BEHIND SAMSUNG BATTERY NOT SPY CHIP!

That little sticker behind your Samsung Battery is not a spy chip! This is a public service announcement, "Samsung is not using a sticker hidden behind your battery to obtain your content or for government surveillance."

It is easy to fear the unknown. In fact, this is happening right now on Facebook thanks to a few videos going viral of a couple of men pealing back the sticker of a Samsung battery claiming a "disturbing discovery."

This is usually the sort of thing that we would sit back and chuckle about. However, as the videos became more frequent, we decided to inform users instead of just watching them remove unique features from their devices and shouting conspiracy from the internet roof tops.

The sticker behind the Samsung battery is without a doubt a chip but not what some people have come to think. It is called a NFC chip or near field communication. This technology enables devices to establish radio communication with each other by touching the devices together or bringing them with a close proximity. The most popular example of this is Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Many retailers already have contactless terminals that are NFC-based in place, making the transition to mobile payments easy. Other common functions of NFC is called Android Beam which uses this technology to exchange information between two Android phones. We are sure you've seen those Samsung commercials, placing two phones back-to-back and exchanging an item.

It should be known that usually NFC chips are sealed within the plastic backs of most devices. Although, Samsung made the business decision to place this chip behind the battery sticker because they want the user to purchase their specific model for battery replacement.

This is one of the technical things that most people are simply unaware of because it hasn't been made universal among all devices. Unfortunately, when misunderstanding and slight paranoia combine, madness is soon to follow. So please do not attempt to remove the NFC sticker from your batteries. The chip is not acquiring your information in any way no matter what Facebook tells you. Instead try something new and make a mobile payment or two. Who knows, you may find it more convenient than carrying around your purse or wallet.