Technology

Review on Yodot MP4 Video Repair Software:

Last updated on December 13, 2019

Videos are one of the best ways to record important events. The upside of having video is you can watch them anytime and savor the moment. What if your favorite video is corrupted? How do you repair these corrupted videos?

Yodot MP4 Repair software is one such software that can be relied upon to repair corrupted MP4 videos. Here is an insight on how the tool repairs the corrupted MP4 videos to make them playable again.

What are the attributes of a video repair software:

Handle different types corrupted videos: A video file might be corrupted due to Audio-Video sync issues, corruption while editing the video, corruption in video or audio tracks etc. Despite the extremity of corruption, the software needs to repair the video completely.
Fix videos captured on different devices: Videos are not only captured using cameras, but also devices like smart phones, camcorders, drones, CCTVs and many more. The software needs to be compatible to repair videos across all these devices.
Good user experience: The process on video repair involves sophisticated methods wherein, the broken video file has to be analyzed according to the codec in order to fix the video. Regardless of the complications involved, the tool has to be simple enough for even a novice user to use.

Videos can get corrupted at any time due to unforeseen reasons, at times its difficult to play the videos because of corruption in the storage drive due to bad sectors. If your storage device is corrupted, there are chances that the videos can go missing any time. In such cases you will be needing data recovery software such as Yodot Data Recovery to retrieve the videos before repairing them.

Considering the above factors such as compatibility, simplicity and credibility, it was found that Yodot MP4 Repair Software is highly efficient in terms of performance. The tool can repair videos with different types of corruptions with ease. Yodot MP4 Repair tool repairs MP4 videos irrespective of the file size and the severity of video file corruption.

Stand out features of Yodot MP4 video repair software:

3 step video repair Process: The simple user interface helps you repair corrupted videos in three quick steps. In order to repair videos, all you need to do is provide a healthy video file for reference along with the corrupted video and then hit the repair button to start the repair process.
Preview videos after the repair: After completion of the repair process, the tool gives you the option to preview the repaired video. This feature is very advantageous, as you can validate the videos before saving them.
Repair videos captured on various camera brands: Video formats of different camera brands differ from each other. Regardless of which camera the video is shot on, the tool is highly credible to repair damaged videos. This include cameras such as Nikon, Sony, Canon, Panasonic and many more. Along with cameras you can use the utility to repair videos captured on smart phones, and camcorders.
Compatibility: The software is available across both Windows and Mac operating systems. Apart from repairing MP4 videos, the utility also repairs videos of various other formats such as MOV and M4V videos.
24/7 Technical Support: The application is very easy to use even for a novice user. Despite its simplicity, if you find any difficulties while using the tool, you can always reach out to the highly trained technical support team for assistance round the clock.

How to repair videos with Yodot MP4 Repair Software:

Repairing videos using Yodot is simple, here is what you need to do to repair the corrupted video

Upon launching the application, you will be able to fine two options, Healthy File and Corrupted File. Click on Healthy file and select a healthy video file for reference. (Note: make sure that the selected healthy file has the same format as the corrupted video file)
Next, click on Corrupted File button, select the damaged video file to be repaired and hit Repair button
After completion of the repair process, the tool will display the repaired MP4 video. Click on Preview button to play the repaired video.
Finally, Save the repaired MP4 file on a location of your choice

System Requirements:

Yodot MP4 video Repair tool (Windows/ Mac) is compatible with all the latest versions of Windows and Mac operating systems.

Windows: Windows 10,8,7, Windows XP, 2003, 2008, etc.
macOS: Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, etc
Memory: 1 GB RAM.

Conclusion:

With advancements in technology, shooting high quality videos are much easier. A professional photographer generates huge volumes of videos each day, with more videos generated the chances of video file corruption is also high. Hence, always maintain a backup to protect your important videos and other media files from corruption or damage. Sometimes there are chances that the video files get corrupted despite having a backup. Therefore, it is important to be ready for any such video corruption scenarios. By utilizing the right tool such as Yodot MP4 repair software, empower yourself to repair corrupted videos anytime.

7 Kodi Alternatives – Everything You Need to Know

Last updated on December 10, 2019

Out trying to find some of the best Kodi alternatives to keep the entertainment spree going? Here are some reliable media streaming services that offer the best of movies and TV shows, just like Kodi and its many add-ons do.

It was the desire of a handful of first-generation Xbox users who saw their gaming console as so much more than just a means to play games. Packing networking capabilities and the hardware to support media playback, the XBMC was founded, which gave the original gaming console from Microsoft, the ability to showcase video and audio content effortlessly. Fast-forward a decade, and XBMC Foundation has blossomed into a million-strong community of Kodi media player users, which now runs across multiple gaming, desktop, and mobile platforms.

As the growth of online content and streaming entertainment is on the rise, so is the practicality of a media platform such as Kodi. Apart from the ability to playback every possible video, audio, image, and even document files known to man, Kodi media player has been popularized by the inclusion of several Kodi add-ons. Bringing together services for streaming the latest and greatest blockbuster movies, award-winning TV shows, plenty of original content from independent film studios, and even online radio shows and podcasts, there’s no limit to the kind of content that Kodi add-ons bring to the fold.

The Best Kodi Alternatives to Use

Kodi media player and the top add-ons for the platform has garnered plenty of support and both, positive and negative publicity worldwide. While the outreach has enabled Kodi to become a multi-platform service, it has also led to the severe crackdown on Kodi add-ons which tend to stream copyright-protected content over the internet for free, which the billion-dollar production studios are strongly against. This widespread crackdown has led to the shutting down of several popular Kodi add-ons which is the reason you’d be out looking for the best Kodi alternatives.

As a true fan of the Kodi media player, you might be inclined to believe that there is no steaming platform like it out there. However, you’d be surprised to know that there are quite a handful of Kodi alternatives out there that not only offer the convenience of online media streaming but also do it at absolutely no cost.

1. Plex

Possibly the closest streaming platform that you can find to Kodi media player is Plex, which is increasingly becoming the people’s choice to access all of their media content wirelessly. Offering support across Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, and more, the Plex media player allows you to set up your individual device as a server, which can then be connected to remotely for access to the media files stored on it.

While Kodi is open-source, Plex offers a free, as well as premium subscription service which brings added benefits to upload content from the camera folders of devices, live TV and DVR streaming and recording, and mobile syncing to make all your private files seamlessly available across all screens. Similar to the Kodi add-ons, Plex offers Channels, both official and unofficial ones, which allow you to add more functionality to the platform, including the ability to watch movies and TV shows online for free.

2. Stremio

Among the Kodi alternatives that have been contending for the top spot with a simpler user interface and plenty of features, is Stremio. Available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux as well, Stremio has extended support across mobile platforms of Android and iOS, allowing its users to quickly sign up for the service, effortlessly sync all of your entertainment content to one platform, and enjoy it anywhere at any time.

Similar to the way Kodi has been popularized by its add-ons Stremio also maintains an official add-on library from the top entertainment service providers, such as YouTube, Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and several others. However, if you aren’t excited about the premium services, Stremio offers a bunch of ways to get premium content for free, through its dependable and absolutely free add-ons that are created and maintained by the community.

3. Emby

Featured as an “open media solution”, Emby is among the alternatives for Kodi that amalgamates all of your personal media content into a single frame and allows you to watch it at all times, no matter what device you’re viewing it from. Built on the same fundamental elements that make Kodi media player a hit, Emby has made it’s way even farther than Kodi has on some of the smart entertainment platforms.

Extending outwards to desktop and mobile platforms, along with official support for gaming consoles and Smart TVs, Emby gives you a seamless connection to content with a simplified UI. To keep the service legitimate, Emby does not host any content of itself but acts as an aggregator to connect with servers that host movies and TV shows for free.

4. MediaPortal

A worthy name among the best Kodi alternatives that you can find elsewhere, the only reason MediaPortal doesn’t top the list is the fact that it is only available for the Microsoft Windows platform. Nonetheless, this open-source media streaming platform works flawlessly, adopting some of the design elements and functionality directly from Kodi, while being lightweight enough to run on mid-tier devices as well.

Available in an older and stable, as well as a newer version that is still under development, MediaPortal is primarily equipped to bring all of your local content under one roof. However, the ability to install plugins that bring in features such as live TV shows, movies, radio podcasts, and more, gives you the upper edge.

5. Universal Media Server

If you aren’t too keen about using the plugins and add-ons that are offered by the various Kodi alternatives and are looking for a streaming solution that gives you a no-nonsense solution to multi-device interconnectivity, Universal Media Server is the answer to your prayers.

Supporting all kinds of DLNA devices from mobile phones and HDTVs, to gaming consoles and even DSLR cameras, Universal Media Server brings the videos, images, documents, music files, and everything else in between to a web interface. Supporting every major file format out there, the service allows you to congregate everything under one roof for simplified management and viewing.

6. OSMC

The neat attempt at dethroning Kodi media player may have been made in the form of OSMC (Open Source Media Center), but it hardly had the recognition that the latter does. However, this doesn’t change the fact that OSMC stands tall as a formidable open-source media streaming platform that benefits from a minimalist design with highly capable features.

Apart from supporting all of the major desktop and mobile devices, OSMC also extends its grasp across various TV tuners so that you can find the media streaming platform on the big screen at any time. The best part is that OSMC is built on the foundation of Kodi, which makes it compatible with all of the best Kodi add-ons out there.

7. Popcorn Time

One of the most recognizable names in unofficial online streaming content has to be Popcorn Time, which has effectively been among the best Kodi alternatives for years. Designed to be a multi-platform solution that directly hosts and showcases the latest movies, TV shows, documentaries, and so much more, Popcorn Time differs from Kodi and every other service on this list since it does not act as an aggregator.

Supported across Windows, Mac OS X, and once an official app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store too, Popcorn Time is no longer available for mobile devices. However, you can still get your hands on a stable build of the app online, which grants you a neat and organized user interface, coupled with a humongous library of content that is available for viewing right away.

Kodi Alternatives work best with ExpressVPN

The rapidly growing popularity of Kodi and its idea of giving the power of entertainment back to people has not been looked at favorably by the copyright protection agencies globally. Similar to the way Kodi cannot be shut down but the best Kodi add-ons can, the best Kodi media player alternatives also are safeguarded in most cases, but piracy protection laws do limit their usage. Whether you choose to stick with Kodi for all your entertainment pleasure or want to venture out with its alternatives, you need a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to keep your browsing experience optimal at all times.

Unlock entertainment content – For those who just want to take a look at the catalog of movies and TV shows that Netflix offers outside of your country of residence, or wish to try out services such as BBC iPlayer which is not available to residents outside of the UK, enabling ExpressVPN grants you access to a world of entertainment that you are yet to discover.

ExpressVPN on all devices – Whether you want to set up the VPN service on your mobile phone to make VOIP calls and go under the detection radar, or wish to unlock the power of Kodi with ExpressVPN, there’s an app to do it. You get support for all of the popular platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and even VPN-enabled routers.

Keeping you secure – To keep your online activities private and away from the prying eyes of your ISP, the government, and especially hackers, ExpressVPN has the highly strengthened 256-bit encryption in place. Since your IP address is hidden, your location and your identity are also safeguarded for complete anonymity.

Final Words

There have been numerous media streaming services that offer the latest movies and TV shows, some of which that even predate Kodi media player. The reason Kodi has stuck around for more than a decade is the fact that fundamentally speaking, Kodi is completely legal to use, which is the reason it is officially available on the app store of every major platform. But when it comes to the Kodi add-ons the story is entirely different, hence most of the virally popular Kodi add-ons are the earliest ones to be shut down.

Speaking of the Kodi add-ons mentioned above, some follow a similar strategy of providing premium media content only as an add-on, while some have included it into the core of the service itself. If you’re trying to find something other than Kodi media player that works for you and settled with a name in the list above, be sure to mention the name in the comments section below. If you have a few Kodi alternatives that do a pretty decent job as well, but we’ve missed out on them, be sure to list them in the comments as well, and we’ll try them out.

Windows Update Stuck? Here’s How to Fix it

Last updated on December 9, 2019

Windows updates can be bad even when they work perfectly. Nobody likes getting interrupted or having his internet connection being slowed down due to random downloads. And things can only get worse when you’re experiencing the “Windows update stuck” issue.

Thankfully, there are quite a lot of different solutions that may end up helping you get past this. So, let’s check them out one by one and see if we can fix that problem.

Make Sure That The Update is Actually Stuck

Before trying to do anything, make sure that the update is actually stuck. Some updates can take a long time to install. Especially on older machines and especially on big Windows updates.

The easiest way to check that out is by checking your hard drive activity LED. It looks something like this:

As long as you’re writing something on the drive, be it an SSD or HDD, that light should be blinking repeatedly or every few seconds – depending on how much data is being written and how often. The same concept applies to Windows updates as they need to be written somewhere during the installation.

The exact HDD icon will differ from computer to computer. Most modern desktops don’t even have an icon – only a secondary light somewhere nearby the power LED.

Also, do keep in mind that just because nothing is being written on the hard drive, doesn’t mean that Windows isn’t moving forward with the update. It could also be downloading. The easiest way to check that is by using the default task manager!

In that screenshot, you can see that Steam is downloading at 7.4 Mbps. If that was a Windows update, the Service Host: DNS Client should be the one to consume that data. To check it out for yourself, right-click on the Windows dock and select “Task Manager”.

Open “More details”, sort apps by network usage, and see if Windows is downloading that update. If it’s not downloading or installing anything, then there is a chance that it’s indeed stuck.

1: Windows Update Stuck? Try Rebooting the PC

This is the most traditional approach – ever. In the tech world, when something doesn’t work, regardless of what it may be, turning it off and on is often an easy workaround for fixing it.

Now, we know. Windows recommends that we shouldn’t turn off our computer while updates are being installed so that we won’t end up corrupting the OS and rendering our computer useless. However, that only applies while you’re installing the updates. If all you do is wait for the download to continue, then restarting the computer should be fine.

This is kind of how it looks like when a Windows update is stuck on the download process. Again, at this point, restarting the computer should be fine. Don’t do it from the power button. Instead, use the Windows icon to perform a restart (This puts less strain on hard drives and fan hubs and it’s also another way to ensure that you’re not going to abruptly cut the power).

To do that, simply:

Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left part of the screen
Press the power button
Then click on “Restart” or “Update and restart” in case that Windows has already downloaded some updates

If Windows is already installing the updates and it’s frozen there instead, then turning off your computer at that point is a very risky thing to do. That’s because if the update is a crucial part of the OS and it gets corrupted in the process, then you’re going to end up making Windows unbootable.

2: Windows Update Stuck Again? Try Restarting the Router

We previously tried to fix the issue by restarting the computer. But that’s only going to work in case that the problem lies within the computer. What if it’s the router or your internet connection instead?

If you tried downloading the update after rebooting the PC only for it to get stuck again, then there is a chance that we’re dealing with a network-related issue.

While there’s not much that you can do on your own for the internet connection/line, you can most definitely fix the router with a simple restart. Unless it’s broken of course.

The easiest way to do that is by heading over to it and clicking the power button one time to power it off and once more in order to turn it on.

The exact power button placement and shape will differ from router to router. So, look for it on your own and try to avoid the reset button for now as that could put us into a whole new world of adventures (Re-inserting passwords, usernames, etc).

Some people recommend waiting for a few seconds to a few minutes before powering on the router again in order for it to cool down. So, you could try that as well.

Powering on may take anywhere from a few seconds to 5-10 minutes depending on the router and DSL connection.

3: Reboot Into Safe Mode

In some rare instances, 3rd party programs may end up interfering with Windows updates which could explain why your update is stuck. Now, you could try closing programs or services one by one until the culprit is found. But, an easier way would probably be rebooting into safe mode and handling the updates from there.

The reason that we are after Windows’ safe mode here is that it boots up our system with nothing but the bare essentials. So, if there’s indeed a 3rd party program which is interfering with your updates, then it won’t be launched on safe mode and everything should go well from here on out.

So, to boot Windows into safe mode:

Click on the Windows icon (bottom left part of the screen)
Go to the settings (Gear icon)
Update & security
Recovery
Restart now (Under Advanced Startup)
Troubleshoot
Advanced options
Startup Settings
Restart

After this, you need to press either the 4 or F4 button which will put the PC into safe mode. And once the PC is ready again, try installing the update or updates by going into the settings and manually checking for updates.

4: Try Using The Troubleshooting Tool

Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool that’s specifically made for helping out with Windows updates. It may prove to be useful here. Here’s how to use it:

Open the Windows’ search bar
Type “Control panel” then hit enter or click on the result that comes up
Go to “System and Security”
Under “Security and Maintenance” click on “Troubleshoot common computer problems”
Click on “Windows Update”
Then “Run the troubleshooter”

After that, simply wait for the tool to do its job. If there’s something wrong, Windows should let you know about it and depending on the problem, it may fix everything automatically or it may also recommend some steps that need to be taken in order for the problem to be fixed.

5: Perform a System Reset

A system reset is your last resort as it’ll delete pretty much everything on your PC – apart from maybe your personal files. But, even that largely depends on where you keep your files.

That being said, if it all comes down to this, we’d highly recommend making a backup of anything that’s important. Do keep in mind that this applies for apps as well. Keeping backups is actually something that should be done regularly. But, truth be told, most of us never bother. In any case, back to business.

Here’s what you need to do in order to perform a system reset on Windows 10:

Click on the Windows icon (bottom left part of the screen)
Go to Settings
Click on “Update & Security”
Recovery
Select “Get Started” which should lie under “Reset this PC”
Choose whether you want to delete or keep your personal files (Again, many files will be deleted no matter what – depending on their location)
Then follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to finish

Since this is a system reset, it may end up taking quite some time. Those of you who are stuck with an older system may be looking at a wait time of about 2 or even 4 hours while more powerful systems can complete the process in less than 30 minutes.

If you happen to have a system restore point then you can try that as well. And if nothing works, then our last option is installing Windows from scratch.

Setting up everything from the very beginning can be a tough and time-consuming task. But, sometimes, there really is no other choice.

Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. Let us know what method worked best for you. And if there are any other recommendations, feel free to let us and everyone else know about them as well.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

Last updated on December 5, 2019

Phones are small, often expensive items we carry with us everywhere and rely on for communication, transport, banking, and numerous other things. This means that not only are the chances of us becoming separated from our precious rectangles relatively high, but also the potential disruption to our lives when they’re lost is considerable. But in this age of cloud computing and advanced mobile technology, we need not despair when we arrive home and find that our mobile isn’t in the handbag where we thought it was. We may be able to recover it – and if not, we can make sure no one else can profit from it.

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Be prepared

It may be too late, but taking all the necessary security measures is always the best practice. First, always make sure you have a passcode turned on, and if available, make use of the fingerprint authentication. Facial recognition may not be 100 percent secure just yet, so this is best avoided.

Passcodes and fingerprint authentication can be entered and turned on in the Settings app. This is a security measure that should be kept to, and although it may seem like an inconvenience to enter the code every time you use your phone, the potential losses make this an absolute must. Fingerprint authentication is quicker and more convenient, but Samsung has publicly recognised weaknesses in the technology.

Other advisable pre-emptive measures include regular backups (or ensuring that auto backups are in place), taking out an insurance policy, and using an app to enable two-factor authentication on your most valuable apps.

Many apps like Dropbox, Google Photos or iCloud Photos automatically save data to cloud, which is always the safest option. For Android phones, Backup and Restore can be found under Settings then Cloud and Accounts. iPhone Backup can be found under Settings, your name, then your device. Backups can be performed manually, though this is usually done automatically.

Two-factor authentication can be applied to important accounts and is a higher level of security. This is a default practice for Google Suite, and can also be used with other apps that contain sensitive data.

Report your phone lost or stolen

A first step to take after your phone is lost or stolen should be to report the incident to your carrier. Someone else in possession of your phone could be using your calls, texts and data, which needs to be stopped immediately. It should also be reported to the police in case someone finds it and hands it in. The chances of a stolen or lost phone being handed in to the police may be minimal, but still possible. A police record will also be required for making an insurance claim.

Lock your phone

To keep any unauthorised user from accessing sensitive information on your phone, we fortunately have the option to lock it down remotely.

For an Android phone, this can be achieved by visiting google.com/android/devicemanager and signing in to the Google account linked to your Android phone. For an iPhone, the address to visit is icloud.com/find. Log in with your Apple ID password and choose Lost Mode from the menu.

After locking the phone, the only access to it will be with your password which other people should not have access to. There is also the option to set a lock screen message from the same sites listed above, where you can explain that the phone has been lost and leave another number to call if the person in possession of it would like to return it.

Locate your phone

Through the same sites given above, there is also the option to locate your phone through GPS. If the phone has been locked it can still be located, but not if the phone has been turned off. When the device is in the possession of a thief, it is not recommended that you confront them after finding their location, as this could be dangerous.

If the phone has been misplaced somewhere in your immediate vicinity, then it is possible to make the device play a sound so it can be found. Another option given is Erase Device or Erase iPhone. This will permanently delete all data from your phone so it cannot be used for fraudulent purposes, but after doing this it will not be possible to remotely locate the device.

Check all online accounts

After your phone has gone missing, it’s best to ensure all your accounts containing sensitive data, or any information that could be used against you, are protected. Many apps will warn against unauthorised attempts to gain access. With Facebook, there is the option to check the current logins from another device, then log out of all sessions. This can also be done with other leading platforms, such as Google and Twitter.

Mobile security apps

In addition to the dangers of losing your phone, mobile security is a growing threat. Hackers are targeting endpoint devices, and cybercrime is increasing and becoming more sophisticated. For those not satisfied with the built-in security levels, extra protection can be offered through choosing a mobile security app that can scan content, analyse apps before downloading them, limit, filter or prevent spam, and phishing, and combat malware. These apps have both free and paid plans, and include Avast, Lookout or Kaspersky.

As expensive devices carrying valuable data, losing a mobile device is something we all would prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, so we should all try to observe best security practices to minimise the damage on those unfortunate occasions. We can follow these courses of action when things come to the worst, but it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

The 10 Best Mobile Apps for Running Your Business

Last updated on December 5, 2019

These days, mobile apps are available for just about any obscure function you could possibly conceive, from seeing what you look like with different funny moustaches to providing your pet cat with on-screen rodent entertainment. But of course, our mobile devices are not merely intended as trivial diversions; for the more sober-minded among us, phones and tablets can be essential tools for keeping business on the go, without the need to sit down in the office in front of a wide screen monitor. By choosing the right apps to download, we can maintain all important executive control wherever we happen to be. And we still might find time for silly moustaches and cat entertainment.

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Slack

A useful cloud-based tool that allows for messages and files to be stored in one place, Slack is completely mobile. It allows for workflows to be divided into teams or clients in any way that’s suitable, and individuals can join or leave chats as required. Slack integrates with over 1000 apps, and it allows for files, images and videos to be dragged and dropped directly. It has a screen sharing feature, and a useful video call features for talking directly to participants.

Office 365

The cloud-based, web app version of Microsoft Office is available on Mac and PC, and across mobile devices. It includes the most useful applications, Word, Excel and Powerpoint, with OneDrive available for online backups and used with external cloud providers. Other applications included in the package are Publisher, Outlook, Access and Skype. As a leading office software platform, Office 365 is especially useful for smaller businesses.

Kashoo

Kashoo is a platform for creating invoices, auditing and taxation, among other accounting services. Its invoice features are available in multiple currencies and information on exchange rates are automatically downloaded. Kashoo has a payment gateway that allows users to accept credit card payments, with BluePay, Square and Stripe also supported. The app enables connections to more than 5000 bank data feeds, has a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. Unfortunately, Kashoo is only available for iOS users.

Quickbooks

Available to download or as an online, cloud-based solution, Quickbooks is a useful app for financial management aimed at small to mid-sized enterprises. It can be used to accept payment, to manage and pay invoices, and for various services like payroll. The Simple Start payment plan enables users to track expenses and income, manage receipts and create reports, while the Essentials plan allows for bills to be managed and for multiple users to be included. The app integrates with PayPal and Apple Pay to make payments and invoicing easier.

G Suite

Another cloud-based storage solution, G suite provides users with access to spreadsheets, text documents, presentations, images or email wherever they may be. The Google suite also enables collaboration in real time, with revision and comment tools. There is a comprehensive free plan for individual users, or paid plans for larger businesses that require more storage and security features. With a handy mobile app for a full range of mobile devices, G suite can be conveniently accessed anywhere.

Trello

Trello is a project management tool that is organised into list-making boards. It is flexible and easy to use, allowing users to keep track of their tasks and projects from simple overviews to precise details. Trello allows for collaboration between individuals and teams, and it has an appealing visual approach. Users create cards displayed on boards which can be marked as assigned or completed. Numerous labels can be attached to make things clearer and notifications are sent to users when actions are performed.

Inigo

It was not so long ago that the exchange of personal cards was an important part of business. Though this may still be practiced in the digital age, there is less need for it. Inigo is an app for networking that allows for the creation and sharing of virtual business cards simply by tapping one mobile device against another. This makes networking a much more convenient interaction, without the need to print and carry around physical cards that could still be in existence somewhere long after your professional situation has changed.

Xero

Xero is an accounting app that is widely used throughout the world. It provides everyday accounting procedures that include employee payrolls, accounts payable, accounts receivable and purchase orders. All data can be saved to cloud or downloaded, and the mobile app helps users to access data and keep track of finances in any location. Xero is easy to set up, with an intuitive dashboard and unlimited email support.

Evernote

For the recording of ideas, either for personal use or to be shared with others, Evernote enables the capture and storage of text, audio or images. This can include personal and business notes, to-do lists, reminders and other files, which can be stored and accessed across a range of personal devices. Notes can be located with the use of tags or keywords. Evernote conveniently makes note taking possible on the go, it prevents ideas from being lost, and it offers an easy Google sign-in.

Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a useful software application that is increasingly relevant in a business landscape, with a large focus on marketing and communications. This app helps businesses build and manage mailing lists, increase subscribers, send out messages, automate email campaigns, customise email templates, view performance reports, and create the most effective newsletters. The information provided can be used to make customer communications more relevant, and Mailchimp can be conveniently integrated with e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Magentoand Shopify.

With so much more functionality accessible through mobile apps, it almost seems possible to run businesses solely from mobile devices. While in most cases this may still be a bit too much to ask, it does mean that those running businesses are much more flexible in terms of their location, and in terms of their overall capabilities. The future is likely to be one in which we are all freed from the traditional desk, and able to live more physical and comfortable lives – while we are getting things done.

What’s the Best WiFi Adapter for Windows and Mac?

Last updated on December 3, 2019

Using a wired connection is the best in terms of latency and stability. But, it’s definitely not the most convenient choice. Thankfully, we always have the option of choosing the best WiFi adapter for our computer.

However, the best choice differs from person to person. Some of us need portability while others need raw power – even if that means getting something that’s a bit bulkier.

That’s why we decided to list a variety of different options for everyone! Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1: Best WiFi Adapter for Portability: TP-Link N150

If you’re not a very demanding user and you feel like you can benefit from something like a nano adapter such as the TP-Link N150!

It’s so small that you can just plug it in on your laptop or desktop and forget that it’s even there. You can use it for Windows, Mac, or even Linux computers (Depending on your distro – we couldn’t get it to work on some versions of Ubuntu).

With an average price of about 10 bucks, this is one of the cheapest adapters that you can get as well. But, that’s not to say that cheap equals bad. The TP-Link N150 can actually reach up to 150 Mbps! And while this is not a crazy-high speed, it’s definitely more than your average person is going to need.

Now, of course, since you’re getting something so small, there are some sacrifices that need to be made. One thing that we personally noticed is that the ping is way too high for gaming. So, if you’re a gamer, you probably want to invest in something that’s just a tiny bit more premium.

Other than that, as we mentioned above, the download speeds are limited to 150 Mbps which means that you can forget about using it on a very good internet connection. Range is also not the best – but it should be plenty for the average person who connects to his house.

Pros:

Very small
Cheap

Cons:

Limited speed and range
Not suitable for gaming

2: Portability and Performance: Wsky WiFi adapter

Wsky may not be amongst the most popular brands. But, that’s not to say that their products aren’t worth checking out. This WiFi adapter, in particular, is a great option for those who want a middle ground between portability and performance.

As you can see in the image above, it’s available for all of the popular versions of Windows from Windows 10 all the way back to Windows XP! Other than that, you can also use it on Mac and Linux as well.

In terms of portability, it’s definitely not on the same level as TP-Link’s offering. You can’t just plug it in and forget about it. But, we can still put it on our Laptop’s carrying bag, carry on, and then plug it in after arriving.

In exchange for the slightly bigger size, you get 10 times higher transfer speeds and much more range as well. To be more specific, Wsky promises that their adapter can reach up to 1200 Mbps!

That’s frankly so much more than most of us can ever hope to achieve. So, we’d say that the specific adapter is a great choice for desktops as well. At about 20 bucks, it’s hard to go wrong with it!

Oh, and it goes without saying that you shouldn’t have any ping issues while gaming!

Pros:

All around a great option for both portability and performance (Unless you need something extreme)
Price is just about right
Decent range

Cons:

Dealing with a non-reputable brand always comes with a few risks (Warranty, after-sales support, etc) – regardless of the pricing

3: Best WiFi Adapter for Performance: Techkey 1750

If you need very high speeds and great range, then look no further. The Techkey 1750 is most likely all you need! Anything more than that and you’re better off looking at routers and repeaters instead.

Its range is simply insane. And as for speeds, you’re looking at 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The adapter itself mentions that it can go up to 1750 but that’s only the total bandwidth.

Generally speaking, you’re limited to 1300. Although, let’s be honest. Only a very small percentage of us can actually reach the 1000 Mbps mark. So, that limit isn’t exactly a limit in the first place.

Now, with all of that being said, great power comes with great wattage demands. Techkey recommends that we should only use the motherboard’s USB ports to connect this adapter.

We suppose that even though USB is a universal standard, there are many USB ports that don’t provide enough power for certain devices. So, this is probably why we are not supposed to connect a high-gain WiFi adapter to a Laptop or the USB ports that our case offers.

But even if you could connect it to a Laptop, that probably wouldn’t be the best idea. After all, this is not exactly a portable adapter.

Pros:

Great range
Supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz channels with speeds of up to 1300 Mbps

Cons:

Not suitable for Laptops (Zero portability along with high power demands)
Relatively expensive

4: Best Built-In Option for Desktops: TP-Link AC 1300

USB adapters are cheap and easy to install – but the truth is that some of us just don’t want to deal with external devices. Sometimes it’s better to have everything neat and tidy on the inside.

If that’s what you’re after as well, then consider buying the TP-Link AC 1300.

As you can see, this needs a spare PCI-E X1 slot in order to be used. If you don’t have any, then go back and look for a USB adapter instead.

In terms of performance, it shouldn’t be all that better compared to the external variants. Those of you who are operating on the 5GHz band should be able to reach 1300 Mbps (Only if your internet connection reaches that number, of course).

This card can’t be used on Laptops nor Macs or Linux machines. Only for Windows 10 computers. TP-Link has mentioned that it should work with other versions of Windows as well. But, while visiting their official website, you’ll notice that the only available drivers are for Windows 10 anyway.

Pros:

An internal card means that you just plug it in and then you can forget about it
Great performance

Cons:

Only available for Windows machines
Zero portability
Can’t be used on Laptops, Macs, and Linux computers

Why Use a WiFi Adapter on a Laptop?

As far as desktops are concerned, the answer is fairly simple. Most of them don’t come with built-in Wi-Fi. So, getting an inexpensive adapter is an easy fix, right?

But, what about Laptops? Every single one of them comes with WiFi and Bluetooth pre-installed. What’s the point in using an adapter then? Well, there are mainly a couple of reasons for doing so:

Fixing a broken WiFi card on the cheap
Getting better speeds and range

The first reason is pretty obvious. If your built-in WiFi card decides to stop working, then you’ll need to look for a replacement. And finding the exact one that’s needed can be a bit of a pain – not to mention installing it or getting a professional to do it. So, instead, you get a USB adapter – and life is good again.

Other than that, a WiFi adapter can also be used for achieving higher speeds than what our Laptop can achieve on its own. The average Laptop nowadays seems to be capped at 100 Mbps. Though, do keep in mind that your internet connection also needs to be fast enough in order for the adapter to reach those speeds.

Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to let us know about them in the comments section down below. Still not sure which adapter to choose? Here is the TL: DR!

TP-Link N150: Very portable and cheap – but it’s not ideal for power users and/or gamers
Wsky WiFi Adapter: Average price, performance, and portability. All around a good option for your average person
Techkey 1750: Great choice for the most demanding users – but not suitable for Laptops
TP-Link AC 1300: Great performance and range but it’s only suitable for desktops while also requiring a free PCI-E X1 slot. It doesn’t work with Laptops or Macs of any kind, though

iPhone X VS iPhone 7 Plus: Should you Upgrade?

Last updated on November 30, 2019

The iPhone 11 may be the latest model. But, that only brings the price of the older ones down. So, what if you’ve got an iPhone 7 and you’re after an iPhone X? Is it worth the upgrade? When comparing the iPhone X VS iPhone 7 Plus, it’s normal for the older model to feel a bit outdated. After all, it is a couple of generations behind.

Sure, the iPhone X is all around a better device. Better display, better specs, better camera, etc. But at the same time, it’s not exactly cheap. So, let’s compare the two smartphones and see if the newer model is worth it.

1: iPhone X VS iPhone 7 Plus: Design/Aesthetics

When buying a new phone, you need to make sure that it’s not just fast, but that it also feels and looks good. And while this is generally a matter of personal preference, there is no doubt that both smartphones have some pros and cons to their design.

For once, while the 7 Plus appears to be much bigger, its screen is actually smaller. This can be a bit of an issue when you’ve got small pockets as you’re dealing with a phone that’s large – and it doesn’t even give you a bigger display in return.

The iPhone X, on the other hand, may have very small bezels and a superb screen to body ratio, but it only manages to accomplish that thanks to the notch. As we mentioned above, this can be both a pro and a con, depending on what you like – personal preferences and such.

Another thing that you’ve probably already noticed is that the iPhone X doesn’t come with what used to be the traditional iPhone home button. Instead, you get the navigation bar, which allows you to go back to the home screen, back and forth between apps, or you can also use it to set up your own gestures.

Some people may prefer the traditional home button, which, by the way, is probably not coming back in the future. So, again, pros and cons to everything.

2: Display and Camera

The screen and the camera quality seem to be two of the most redeeming qualities on a smartphone nowadays. And there are definitely a few improvements on both aspects with the iPhone X. But, nothing too crazy.

iPhone X VS iPhone 7 Plus display-wise, the iPhone 7 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD panel at 1080×1920 while the iPhone X sports a 5.8-inch OLED display at 1125×2436!

There are also a few more extra goodies on the iPhone X, such as a touch panel with a higher refresh rate, 3D Touch, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and a scratch-resistant glass. But, the two things that truly matter here is the resolution and the display technology.

Regarding resolution, there is no doubt that the iPhone X is slightly sharper. But, nothing crazy. The difference is barely there in real-life.

The OLED display, however, can make a huge difference. The blacks are truly black and the colors are generally more vibrant. Not to mention that in some cases, it can also improve battery life.

As for the cameras, while the selfie sensor is practically the same, the rear camera of the iPhone X comes at:

A slightly smaller aperture for better low-light shots
1080P 240FPS recording
4K 60FPS recording
Better video stabilization

Also, the photos generally look more vibrant and saturated on the newer iPhone. That’s not to say that the iPhone 7 Plus doesn’t capture a better shot every now and then. But, the newer model tends to be ahead.

The difference is there. But, is it a $1000 difference? Absolutely not.

3: iPhone X VS iPhone 7 Plus: Specs

The overall specifications are a great way to judge just how much more powerful a new generation of smartphones is. But, let us tell you right now that while the iPhone X looks better on paper and it performs better on benchmarks, real-life usage isn’t all that different. Both smartphones are extremely fast.

Here are the specs for the iPhone X:

OS: iOS 13.2 (Upgraded)
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU: Hexa-core at 2.39 GHz
GPU: Apple GPU
Display: 1125×2436
Storage: 3 gigs of RAM with 64 or 256 gigabytes of storage
Camera: 7MP selfie camera with a dual 12+12MP setup (Secondary sensor has an aperture of f/2.4)
Battery: 2716 mAh

And here are the specs of the iPhone 7 Plus:

OS: iOS 13.2 (Upgraded)
Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion
CPU: 2.34 GHz Quad-core
GPU: PowerVR 7XT Plus
Display: 5.5-inch LCD display at 1080×1920
Storage: 3 gigs of RAM with 32, 128, or 256 gigabytes of storage
Camera: 7MP selfie camera with a dual 12 + 12MP setup (Secondary sensor has an aperture of f/2.8)
Battery: 2900 mAh

Overall, the iPhone X is better in every way. But, again, not $1000 better. Not to mention that that battery is actually a very small downgrade. Not sure why that is.

The power-saving OLED display might make for it. But, that doesn’t change the fact that It’s slightly smaller.

4: Features

Raw power and technical details aside, the features can also make a huge difference. Apple used to play it safe with the iPhone series as they already had the ideal recipe. But, the iPhone X is one of the first iPhones to actually bring some new stuff to the table when compared to the older generations.

For once, there is Face ID – a technology that allows you to unlock the phone with nothing but your face. It’s slightly smaller than the traditional fingerprint scanner but it can be very useful in certain cases. There’s also the fact that Apple Pay integrates well with Face ID. But, that’s probably not something worthy of spending close to $1000 on.

The iPhone X has also seen a few improvements in terms of charging as you can now use a 15W adapter and wireless chargers as well. And that’s probably the only thing that makes a big difference – especially for busy professionals who need to have their phone charged as quickly as possible.

Other than that, there is really not a whole lot that worth mentioning. There are some small gimmicks like the AR tricks that you can do with the camera, but most people aren’t interested in that sort of stuff.

Conclusion

When everything is said and done, is the iPhone X worth the upgrade? Well, there is no doubt that it’s better. But, we wouldn’t say that it’s anywhere near $1000 better. So, that’s a no from us.

But, as we mentioned above, this is a matter of personal opinion. If you feel like it’s worth it? Sure, go ahead. Power to you. And let us not forget that since the iPhone 11 series is out, it’s much easier now to find slightly used and even new variants for a much lower price.

Best Free VPN for Torrenting – ExpressVPN for Torrents

Last updated on November 25, 2019

Out and about looking or the best free VPN for torrenting without having to shell out a single buck for the premium ones? Here’s a complete breakdown of the best free VPNs you can use to download torrents, and why we recommend a premium service such as ExpressVPN instead.

For as long as the internet has existed on a personal user scale, we’ve been trying to not just communicate, but share content with one another. For years, electronic mail was the only way to get across images, audio files, videos, and documents across to users all around the world, but the significant increase in the overall user base of the World Wide Web has led to the creation of media sharing platforms online. Despite the popularity that video sharing platforms such as YouTube have received, the inception of file-sharing platforms, especially P2P (peer-to-peer) has changed the way large chunks of files are shared among users online.

Although the technology behind P2P was initially created to make large file sharing simpler, it has manifested into a way for sharing of copyright content, leading to a swarm of online piracy. We aren’t here to beat around the bush or discuss whether using torrents is morally questionable. But it is a fact that torrenting is not going away any time soon, and if you’re among those who indulge in this way of life, then being secured by a virtual private network (VPN) is bare essential. However, not all VPN services are built the same way, and with a variety of both, free VPN for torrenting along with premium ones out there, making the right choice isn’t an easy task.

Torrenting without a VPN is risky

If you’ve been a torrent user for years, you’re probably aware of the severe crackdown on torrenting websites all across the globe. Not only have some of the giants in the world of torrents been shut down for good, but the ones that still stand, are always facing an existential threat. As an end-user, there are certain risks involved when using these available torrent services, which makes the use of a VPN service essential.

Copyright issues – Billion-dollar movie studios and production companies do not have the time to go around looking for folks who are distributing their copyright content for free. They hire companies that look all over the World Wide Web for unauthorized and unregulated distribution of content produced by their clients and file lawsuits against the individuals who share it. Violating the terms of use can lead to heavy penalties for the users, and in some severe cases, can also land them in federal custody.

Malicious websites – The hostile takedown of some of the legitimate sources of torrents by federal authorities have left a vacuum for newer, less secure websites to take their place. This has led to the rise of torrent websites packed with excessive adware, virus-ridden content with activities related to phishing to surface. Apart from being bombarded by pop-up ads dozens of times upon a single visit, it even leaves your computer at risk of being affected by malware which can wreak havoc on your system.

Internet speed throttling – Since the free torrent websites still need to be able to afford the server costs and general maintenance, they not only resort to ad banners but also throttle the download speed for the content that the users can get their hands on. Additionally, your internet service provider (ISP) will also put a cap on the maximum download speed based on the source you download the torrent from.

Free VPN for Torrenting – Is it worth it?

One of the primary reasons why users choose to use torrents is to either access content that is not officially made available in their region of residence, or to fetch paid content, applications, and other files for free. When using torrents to get your hands on some premium content for free, it can seem counterintuitive to then go around and pay a premium price for the VPN that you’re using to cover up your activities online, when a free one can do the same – so it seems.

While some of the free VPN services out there can help you mask your IP address and grant you access to the torrent websites that your ISP has blocked you from, they are far from being foolproof. These free VPNs are not only just a makeshift proxy but in some cases, also steal user data to profit from its user base, which defeats the purpose of anonymity and privacy.

Additionally, a free VPN for torrenting will generally not offer security features such as no-log policy and other security barriers, which defeats the purpose of having a VPN in the first place. However, if you are dead set on not spending a single cent on torrenting, here are some of the free VPNs for torrenting that get the job done. However, these VPNs services lack the quality of service and security that is necessary to safely and optimally download torrents online.

1. Windscribe VPN

Offering a private window into the internet to users for years now, Windscribe is among the VPN services that have gained popularity not by advertising, but by word of mouth. Although the best experience of the VPN service comes when you spend for the premium subscription, it continues to be one of the best free VPN services out there.

Offering connections to 11 different remote servers across the world for the free members, you can have multiple connections across devices and enjoy a bandwidth of 10GB per month, which should help you plenty of torrents online all month long.

2. Hide.me VPN

A VPN Service which has made its way across desktop platforms, as well as Android and iOS for secure mobile browsing, Hide.me is a big name in the business. To unlock the full potential of this torrent client, along with unlimited bandwidth, you do need to subscribe to the premium service.

But even with the free membership, your browsing experience is secure with PPTP, IPSec, and several other security protocols. You do get only 2GB on data allowance to use this free VPN for torrenting, and the availability of just 3 servers along with 1 active connection per account holder also limits the usability.

3. Hotspot Shield VPN

Popularized on the mobile platform at first, Hotspot Shield has become a mainstream VPN client which is available for desktop platforms as well. Offering no cap on the download and uploads speed with fast transfers that are guarded by the latest security protocols, Hotspot Shield VPN only falls behind when it comes to the 500MB data allowance.

However, the data allowance is renewed every day, so you can start back the torrent downloads again in case of larger files while being able to use one device connection per account on the free subscription.

4. Betternet VPN

This is the only free VPN for torrenting on the list which gives you unlimited bandwidth to download gigantic torrent files in a protected manner. Getting started is simple, and you get support across all devices, included web support on Google Chrome, mobile Android and iOS apps, as well as desktop clients for Windows and Mac OS X as well.

The only reservation we have when it comes to Betternet VPN is the fact that it does not uphold a no-log policy, which again, is counterproductive when it comes to online security.

Our Recommendation – ExpressVPN for Torrents

It won’t take you to long to realize that free VPNs for torrents are either too inefficient to be useful, they won’t offer you the amount of bandwidth required to freely download content, or simply don’t offer the quality of speed and security necessary. The growing concern of internet privacy has led to the rise of plenty of great VPN service providers, and none of them has risen to the top faster than ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN covers 90+ countries – If you’re looking to access the local or national websites of a country far away, ExpressVPN has got you covered. With more than 160 server locations established in a total of 94 countries, you can spoof your IP address to appear from any of the enlisted countries, choose among 160+ different server locations, and get the fastest transfer speeds going.

Unlock entertainment content – For those who just want to take a look at the catalog of movies and TV shows that Netflix offers outside of your country of residence, or wish to try out services such as BBC iPlayer which is not available to residents outside of the UK, enabling ExpressVPN grants you access to a world of entertainment that you are yet to discover.

ExpressVPN on all devices – Whether you want to set up the VPN service on your mobile phone to make VOIP calls and go under the detection radar, or wish to unlock the power of torrents with ExpressVPN, there’s an app to do it. You get support for all of the popular platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and even VPN-enabled routers.

Keeping you secure – To keep your online activities private and away from the prying eyes of your ISP, the government, and especially hackers, ExpressVPN has the highly strengthened 256-bit encryption in place. Since your IP address is hidden, your location and your identity are also safeguarded for complete anonymity.

Built for torrenting – A single second of a drop, in the connectivity can leave your online user activity open for the ISP as well as the federal surveillance departments to snoop in and find out what you’ve been up to. ExpressVPN deters this mishap by offering the Network Lock feature, which acts as a kill-switch for your internet connection, effectively disabling the connection every time there’s a drop in connectivity between the device and the remote servers.

Finals Words

Whether you’re a good Samaritan who only uses torrents to download open-source content from the internet or a loyal member of the pirate ship downloading content from anywhere and everywhere, you need the protection that is awarded by some of the best VPN service providers out there. We’ve scoured through the vast depths of the internet to find, free and reliable VPNs for torrenting, and while they may not be perfect, you can get the job done with them.

However, we do recommend that you spend a few dollars to make the most out of the unlimited bandwidth, top of the line security, high-speed connectivity, and ease of use that comes with ExpressVPN. The best part is that ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re unsatisfied with it, you can grab a full refund, effectively making it a free VPN for torrenting that you get to try out for a month.

Which is the free VPN service that you’re going to look towards for all your torrent downloads, or do you prefer to take the high road with ExpressVPN? Do share your thoughts in the comments section right down in the comments section.

How to Convert PDF to Word with PDFelement Pro

Last updated on November 21, 2019

Are you out looking for a way to convert PDF to Word and make some edits to a document before sending it out? Here’s a complete guide on how to change PDF to Word file, and why you should use iSkysoft PDFelement Pro to do it.

The business world now belongs to the internet, with everything from financial transactions, to conference business meetings happening over the web. Regardless of the line of work that you’re in connecting to the World Wide Web is most likely a daily work operation for you and your business. A large chunk of working over the web includes sharing files and data, most of which is done through one specific file format – Portable Document File (PDF).

The PDF format has been around since Adobe created it as a proprietary file format, but was finally made an open standard a decade ago in 2008. What makes PDF files unique is the fact that they are “written in stone”, meaning that the files cannot be edited, and the text cannot be changed or reformatted. The PDF format has been universally adopted to become the ideal way to view documents across different operating system platforms.

Why change PDF to Word file?

There are certain times when you actually need to edit the all-mighty PDF file or get a hold of the graphics or text contained within the file. This is where a PDF to DOC converter comes in handy, enabling you to easily change the document file format, and there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are just a few reasons why you would need to change the format of a PDF file to Word DOC file:

Copying the content – While you can always move over your cursor across a PDF file and use the “copy” command to fetch the content within the file, it does not take into account the formatting of the content. To do so, you would need to convert the PDF document into a typing-friendly format such as DOCX, which is the primary reason to convert it.

Making corrections and changes – The biggest advantage of a PDF document is that it cannot be tampered with, and is essentially permanent. This can also be counterproductive since any errors within the content, or changes that are required to the PDF document are there for good. The only way to make necessary edits and improvements to the content is by changing the file format into an easily editable document type such as Word.

Adding Annotations – There are times when your employer, your employees, or colleagues may share certain documents with you in PDF format, which need to be edited and worked on. Putting in your comments into the PDF file isn’t possible, but it can certainly be done in an editable file format such as DOC. By changing the file format to DOC, it is easier for you and others to add their comments, doodle over the content, and highlight changes.

iSkysoft PDFelement Pro – The ultimate PDF to DOC converter

Necessity surely is the mother of all inventions, which is why there has been a meteoric rise in the number of different apps and software clients to change PDF to DOCX. A simple web search will lead you to dozens of online and downloadable apps that provide the ability for file format conversion, but not all of them are built the same way. Some of these online converters ask you to sign up and populate your inbox with spam and adverts, while others do a subpar job of converting the files, resulting in cluttered content and broken images.

Dependable PDF to Word conversion apps is in short supply, and iSkysoft PDFelement Pro is among the top brass. Built as a no-nonsense solution to creating editable, sharable, and well-formatted Word DOC files the easy way, PDFelement Pro offers a range of features that are unmatched with the competition.

Editing made easy – Whether you want to edit an entire paragraph of content in the PDF file or just a single line of text, choose the style and size of the text with ease. Managing the images within the PDF file is made easy too, with options to resize, crop, replace, and more.

Annotate your PDFs – An important tool for collaboration projects, this feature allows you to put down your comments, put down your drawings, add stamps, sticky notes, and even floating text boxes within the PDF file itself.

Convert PDFs – The core feature of PDFelement Pro is to allow the user to convert the PDF file into another format. Using the Windows-based software, you can easily convert the PDF file into a Word DOCX file, TXT format, JPG file, and many others.

Create PDF forms – If you’ve ever downloaded a form online in PDF format, you know exactly how tedious it can be to fill it out, even after converting it into an editable file. PDFelement Pro allows you to pick up a file, fill it out in real-time, and even add your digital signature is required.

Smart OCR feature – A proprietary feature developed by iSkysoft is the OCR (optical character recognition) built specially to scan through image-based PDF documents. Saving you hours browsing through thousands of words of content at a stretch, the OCR feature makes it easier for you to copy, extract, and replace the text within the Word file.

Bonus features – Apart from the advertised features, PDFelement Pro packs a powerful punch with nifty tidbits for security such as permission controls and password protection. Additionally, PDFelement Pro saves you to time of printing the PDF document, signing/stamping it, and then scanning it again, by incorporating these features into the software itself.

How to convert PDF to Word with PDFelement Pro

Now that you’ve taken a quick look at everything that the PDFelement Pro software can do to super-charge your work routine, let’s get back to its core ability. To get started and convert the PDF file into a Word DOC file, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Download and install PDFelement Pro

Designed to be a powerful solution to converting, editing, annotating, and replicating PDF files into multiple formats, PDFelement Pro is available as a Windows-based software. Using the link given down below, download the PDFelement Pro software to your computer and begin.

Download iSkysoft PDFelement Pro

You can download PDFelement Pro for a free trial to and it for a spin to gauge the efficiency of the features. The installation process is simple and should take no more than a couple of minutes to get everything set up and running.

Step 2: Convert the PDF file into a Word DOC file

Once you have installed the PDFelement Pro software, launch it on your computer and find the button that reads “Convert PDF”.
A file browser will pop up on the screen, allowing you to find the PDF file that you wish to convert.
Once you find the PDF file, click on it and press the Open button.
You will then be asked to select the location where you wish to save the converted file.
Additionally, the “Save as type” drop-down menu will allow you to choose the format you wish to save the file in. The default format is DOCX, but you can select from more than a dozen other file formats as well.
The conversion process will now begin, and depending on the file size of the PDF documents, the process should take a few minutes to complete.

Voila! You will now have the converted Word DOC file saved on the location of your choosing, ready for you to view and edit.

Final Words

A simple Google search will reveal that there is no shortage of PDF to Word converters out there, with PDFelement Pro certainly not being the only one available. To ensure that this tool for file format conversion is worth the money and the effort of using it, we tested out half a dozen online and downloadable software apps that promise to offer the same end result that PDFelement Pro does. In terms of quality, it was apparent that most of the free offerings out there did a mediocre job of converting the documents, with issues persisting the text and image formatting.

Additionally, there was no contender on the market that supported the sheer number of features that PDFelement Pro does. Factoring in the positives has led us to believe that if you find yourself converting and editing PDF documents often, PDFelement Pro is the way to go. To make the deal even sweeter, iSkysoft PDFelement Pro is being offered at a steep discount of 50% just for our loyal readers, giving you the benefits of a premium document conversion tool at half the cost. So what are you waiting for? Try out PDFelement Pro right now, and if you love it as much as we do, grab it at a 50% discount!

Download iSkysoft PDFelement Pro at 50% OFF

How to Become Google Cloud Certified

Last updated on November 21, 2019

Trying to take your career to the next level and validate your technical expertise? The Google Cloud Platform provides a series of certifications that demonstrate to the world your capacity to “design, develop, manage, and administer application infrastructure and data solutions on Google Cloud technology”. As we mentioned in ‘Need a Job? You’d Better Learn to Code‘, practically every industry is looking for developers, and this demand continues to rise from year to year. As a result, learning how to read, write, and understand code is a vital skill set that guarantees you a highly lucrative career. Can’t wait to get started? Here are some tips to help you pass that exam and get Google Cloud Certified:

1. Choose your desired certification

Currently, there are eight certifications on offer, including roles for Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer, and Professional Cloud Developer. This chart by Google shows you the various languages available per certification, with the Associate Cloud Engineer exam being offered in seven languages. Click on each role to read a brief description of what each position entails, to find one that best suits your capabilities and interests.

2. Read through exam guides

Arguably the most useful aspect on offer for each certification is an exam guide. Each exam guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the specific topics you need to know inside and out. For the Associate Cloud Engineer certificate, this includes:
1. Setting up a cloud solution environment
2. Planning and configuring a cloud solution
3. Deploying and implementing a cloud solution
4. Ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution, and finally
5. Configuring access and security.

We suggest going through each topic in detail and identifying your key strengths, as well as any areas that may require further study.

3. Search online to find tips and tricks

Studying for the exam on your own can be a very intimidating and time-consuming. The good news is that there are plenty of sources outside of Google that can help you prepare for your exam. You could join the 160,000 people currently taking classes on Udemy. Alternatively, you could read about some of the experiences of people who passed all the Google Cloud Certification exams like Satish Vj. Most people who have passed the exams are keen to offer advice, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

4. Take the practice exam as many times as you need

To prepare you for the real thing, Google offers a practice exam for each certificate with similar questions and concepts that may pop up on the certification exam. You can take this exam as many times as you wish, and your score will help determine your level of preparation. Why is it so important to take practice exams? For one thing, failing the exam is rather cost-prohibitive. It costs $200 to take the actual exam, and if you don’t pass, you can only retake the exam after 14 days, and for another $200.

5. Schedule and take your exam

Feeling confident? It’s time to register for your exam and find a test center near your location. According to this article by Jeff Hale on Towards Data Science, the testing process is difficult due to the large breadth of material you’re required to cover. He adds that “it’s not even clear exactly how many Google products could be on the exam because new products are always being added and products are being changed”. That’s why it’s always best to ensure that your study resources are as up to date as possible.

In the end, getting Google Cloud Certificate may be a lengthy process, but it’s definitely worth your while. Google claims that getting Cloud certifications can lead to positive financial growth. To further motivate you, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification landed at the number one spot on the top-paying certifications list of Global Knowledge‘s 2019 survey, so it’s definitely something to aspire to.