How to Securely Erase a Hard Drive?

There can be many reasons for wanting to erase a hard drive. For instance, if the drive is infected or you want to sell it, then it is best to wipe out its data. Well, even though formatting a hard drive may seem daunting, the process is not too complicated. Let’s check out the ways to safely erase a hard drive.

Format a Hard Disk in Windows

If you want to format a hard disk in Windows, then you need to follow the instructions given below.

• First of all, go to Windows Explorer & choose the hard drive.
• Then you should right-click on hard drive & choose Format option.
• Choose NTFS as the file system & Quick format as the mode.
• Thereafter you have to click on start to begin the format process.

Format a Hard Disk in Mac OS

You can format a hard disk on Mac OS. Follow the instructions given below.

• Get started by going to the Applications & Utilities then choose the “Disk Utility” option.
• Then you should go to the left menu & choose the drive.
• Thereafter you have to navigate to the top menu & choose the Erase option.
• Later, input the name, format & scheme.
• Now, choose the Erase option.

Using the Operating System to Erase a Hard Drive on Windows Securely

If you want to use the operating system to erase a hard disk on Windows securely, then you need to follow the instructions given below.

• To get started, launch a CMD screen as an administrator.
• Input the “format C:/fs:ntfs/p:]” & hit the Enter key.
• If you view the warning, enter “Y” to verify.

Using the Operating System to Securely Erase a Hard Drive on Windows

You need to use the operating system to erase a hard drive on Mac OS securely. Follow the instructions given below.

• To begin with, input the name, format and scheme.
• When you give the drive name, choose Security Options.
• Navigate to the pop-up screen and move the Security Options slider to Most Secure.
• Now, choose OK.

Using DBAN to Erase a Hard Drive Securely

If you want to use DBAN to erase a hard drive securely, then you need to follow the instructions given below.

• First & foremost, you should backup whichever data you would not like to erase.
• You have to download & install DBAN to a DVD or USB drive.
• Then you should unlink any another hard drive which you would not like to erase.
• Boot the computer from the USB drive or DVD.
• Go to the DBAN window & press Enter to load into interactive mode.
• Navigate to the next screen by pressing space & choose the drive.
• You have to check if you have the correct drive.
• To start the process, hit on F10.
• You have to wait for the black pass screen.
• Disconnect the DBAN media, reconnect the hard drives & restart the system.

Carl Smith is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Source : Hard Drive

How to Transfer WhatsApp Messages from iPhone to Android?

Shifting from iPhone to Android can be a hassle. It is not easy to transfer data from one device to another, especially when it comes to switching the operating system. WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform, and you may not want to lose its data while switching to a new phone. Here is how you can transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android.

Moving WhatsApp Messages from iPhone to Android through Email

If you want to transfer WhatsApp messages from iPhone to Android through email, then you need to follow the instructions given below.

• First of all, you have to open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
• Then you should select the Settings menu.
• You have to choose the Chat Settings.
• Thereafter choose the conversation you would like to store. You will swipe leftward & view another menu.
• Tap on Export Chat & even affix the pictures & videos to the email.
• Later, you should input the email ID you would like to share it to & tap on Send.
• Now, you can access this data via the email on your Android device.

Transferring WhatsApp Messages from iPhone to Android Using Dr.Fone

You can also move WhatsApp messages from iPhone to Android using Dr. Fone. Follow the instructions given below.

• Get started by installing Dr.Fone Toolkit to the PC.
• Then you should open the program.
• You have to select the Restore Social Application.
• Go to the upper leftward column & you can choose WhatsApp.
• You should navigate to the menu & select Transfer WhatsApp messages from the middle of the display.
• Later, you should connect both devices to the computer through USB.
• Now, the software will identify both iOS devices.
• You have to tick the iPhone as a source & destination as the Android.
• Then you should click on Transfer to start.
• When you are sharing a number of media files, It will take a few minutes.
• When the transfer is finished, it will be prompted.
• Your Android device messages will disappear.
• Now, you have to reopen the WhatsApp on the new device & you will be capable of viewing your transferred messages.

Moving WhatsApp Messages from iPhone to Android Using Backuptrans

If you want to move WhatsApp messages from iPhone to Android using backuptrans, then you need to follow the instructions given below.

• First, you have to install Backuptrans on your Mac or PC.
• Ensure that you have installed the latest version of iTunes.
• Then you should attach both devices to the computer.
• Backuptrans will recognize them.
• You can select to move all WhatsApp messages from iOS to Android device.
• Locate the iOS on the list of devices, go to the toolbar & select Transfer Messages from iOS to Android.
• If you would like to move only some chats, there is a choice for separate transfer.
• Choose your iPhone & choose the WhatsApp contacts each.
• Select the contact & right-click on it.
• Then choose Transfer Messages with this contact to Android.
• Now, you need to verify to move to the Android device.
• Before you open the messages, ensure that you have to remove your cache & WhatsApp data.
• Reopen the WhatsApp & you should capable of viewing the messages transferred from iOS.

Becky Losby is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Source : WhatsApp Messages

How to Hide Location on Your iPhone

Many applications on your iPhone use your device location to give you appropriate information regarding your location. For example, your weather forecast app generally needs your locations access to provide the accurate whether details of your live location. Many third-party apps might access your location and sell its details to the advertisers. This is how many third-party apps earn money. It can be a privacy issue for some people and what if you don’t want to let someone know where you live and where you go. If you are the one who doesn’t want to share the location to any third-party, then you must hide it from the apps that can access it. 

It is a very simple and straightforward process in the iOS devices to revoke location access from apps. Let’s get started. 

Instant Way to Get Rid of Location Tracking

Put your iPhone to the “Airplane mode” and take a chill pill. If you are in a hurry and want to hide your current location as soon as possible, then it is the best way. Flight mode will automatically cut off any network access from your device. It will disable your carrier network, Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi and location. 

However, it is not a recommended or permanent solution since you won’t be able to receive phone calls, messages, and internet access. Once you turn off the Airplane mode, the advertisers and apps will be able to fetch your physical location again. But if you want to turn off location access for all apps as soon as possible, then this method is recommended. 

How to Hide Location from Advertisers and Third-Party Apps Permanently? 

If you want a permanent solution for this issue, then this method is just for you. In Apple devices, it is a straightforward process to disable location access for all apps on your device. Here’s how to do that:

1. Head to the Settings.
2. Navigate to the Privacy option. 
3. Now go to the “Location Services” option. (It is the first one option in the Privacy tab.)
4. Hit the toggle switch located next to the “Location Services” to turn off the location access. 

Keep in mind that this method will hide your location for all application, no matter if you are using system apps or third-party apps. If you want to hide location only for certain specific apps, then we will also guide you to do that. 

How to Hide Location for Specific Apps on iPhone?

1. Navigate to the “Location Services” menu on your device as we did in the previous method. 
2. Now find and tap on the app for which you want to turn off location access. 
3. Now you will have to choose from these three options: Never, Always or While Using.
4. If you want to strip out location access from that app permanently, then you should choose the Never option. 

Do the same with the rest of the apps for which you want to disable the location access. By doing so, you will be able to hide the location from a specific app permanently.

Becky Losby is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Source : iPhone

How to Install Adobe Acrobat Online or Offline

Nowadays, documents and data are exchanged in Portable Document Format (PDF). Users have now become familiar with the PDF files. And the document having this format is now preferred mostly everywhere. PDF format files can be easily created and opened on any device.It also gives good quality content in minimum data size. Most of the document editor software offer to create and save documents in PDF format. Moreover, images can also be saved into the PDF format. Adobe Acrobat is developed by Adobe Inc, and designed to perform various functions. Users can use it to create, view, print, manipulate as well as manage files into PDF format. The software is very popular and used by business and other fields for handling PDF documents.

Here is how to install Adobe Acrobat Online or Offline

Installing and activating Adobe Acrobat on PC

Adobe Inc made the software available in both online and offline mode. People can download the installation file from the Official Adobe website or get the installation disc from the offline store. In order to sustain the pureness of the product, the company provides a PIN (Product ID) with each Adobe Acrobat application.

This doesn’t matter where you’ve got the Adobe Acrobat from, either “http://www.adobe.com/” or from an offline store. The process for installation is the same for both the product. Here is how.

1.   Locate the Adobe Acrobat installation file in the disc or downloads folder.

2.   Run the file by double-clicking on it.

3.   Follow the steps prompted on the Adobe Acrobat installation dialog.

4.   Make sure to check the ‘Launch Adobe Acrobat’ option, before clicking the ‘Finish’ button.

5.   As you click ‘Finish,’ the User Account Control dialog will open.

6.   Click ‘Yes’ to launch the software.

7.   Under the Setup box, select your language by clicking the dropdown button.

8.   Then click ‘OK.’

9.   Then click on the ‘Next’ button.

10. Now, you’ll be asked to enter a few details, such as User Name, Organization, and Serial Number.

11. Type the User Name and Organization.

12. Then enter your product PIN (Product ID) into the Serial Number field. It is the 24 digits unique number that you have got with your Adobe Acrobat software.

13. After filling up the details, click on ‘Next.’

14. Read the Adobe License Activation Notice and click ‘Next’ again.

15. Now, choose a type of installation you want by reading the details for them and click ‘Next.’

16. Select and verify the destination folder to install and keep Adobe Acrobat’s file.

17. Click ‘Next.’

18. And then click ‘Install.’

19. Now let the Installer bar to fill up completely.

20. Do not click the ‘Cancel’ button or close the window. This will stop the installation process for Adobe Acrobat.

21. Click ‘Finish.’

Your Adobe Acrobat program will be installed and activated on your device. And, now you can start using it.

Ava Williams is a Norton product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Ava has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as norton.com/setup.

Source : Adobe Acrobat

How To Hide Active Status On Facebook And Messenger?

There are some people who want to remove their active status from Facebook and Messenger. If you're among them, then this blog is appropriate for you. Luckily, you can change the status of active and inactive whenever you wish. It is easy to do so. Go through this blog carefully and follow the steps properly.

The method of disabling the active status in the Facebook application

1.     The first step that should be done by you is to visit the Facebook application in your device.

2.     Press on Menu. It will have a symbol of three lines and will be towards the bottom right-hand side corner.

3.     Then, move down the Menu and tap on it for expanding Settings and Privacy.

4.     After that, press on Settings.

5.     Next, go to the Privacy part and click on Active Status.

6.     Then, push the switch for disabling the Active Status.

7.     After that, give confirmation for it by pressing Turn off.

The method of disabling active status in the Messenger application

1.     The first step that should be done is that you have to visit the Messenger application.

2.     Click the profile. It shall be towards the upper side at the left-hand corner.

3.     Then, have a look in the Profile part and press on Active Status.

4.     Next, push the switch for disabling the active status.

5.     After that, give confirmation by pressing on Turn Off.

The method of disabling active status on the Messenger website

1.     Firstly, go to the Messenger site.

2.     Then, sign-in if required.

3.     After that, towards the above at the left-hand side corner of the display, press the Settings option.

4.     Next, choose Settings.

5.     Then, disable the switch of the Active Status.

6.     After that, press on Done.

The method of disabling the active status on the Facebook site

1.     Firstly, go to the Facebook site.

2.     Then, sign in it asks for it.

3.     After that, press on the Options. It shall be present towards the right-hand side corner of the display.

4.     Next, press on Turn off Active Status.

5.     Then, note that an on-screen pop-up option shall be presented before you. In total, there will be three options i.e., all contacts, certain contacts, or all contacts with exceptions. Select the one that suits you. Don't forget to put details for the second two options.

6.     Lastly, press Okay.

Congratulations! You have been able to hide the active status on Facebook Messenger.

JamesBoond  is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2002. As a technical expert, John has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as norton.com/setup .

Source : Messenger

How to Get Started with SideQuest to Sideload Apps on Oculus Quest VR

Want to enjoy the games outside of Quest Store or watch Netflix and use other programs? Thanks to SideQuest that is specially designed to streamline sideloading apps on VR headset. Although, Oculus Quest has a fantastic library of games and apps, possibly sometimes you may want to install and play other games or use other apps that aren’t available on Quest library. Oculus VR is an Android device, and it means your Quest is also running on Android OS and supports Android files. It is capable of running APK (Android) files. You can install Android games or apps on your Oculus Quest VR and use them as others. So, you can  play your favorite Android games or watch videos on Netflix on your VR.

Here is how to get started with SideQuest to sideload apps on Oculus Quest VR

Unlocking Developer Mode

Before SideQuest when the Quest was just launched, sideloading apps and games onto it were still possible. But, the procedure at that time was a bit lengthy; users had to do it through Command Prompt. After that, SideQuest has arrived and made everything simpler and easy. In order to add external games and apps, you’ll need to set up SideQuest on your VR first. The initial procedure for this requires some additional work, but is simpler. At first, make sure your Quest has developer mode enabled. Here is how to enable developer mode on Oculus Quest.

1.   Download the ‘Oculus’ app on your Smartphone, if you didn’t have it.

2.   Then, open your ‘Oculus’ app.

3.   Go to its ‘Settings.’

4.   Choose your Quest headset on which you want to sideload the apps.

5.   Now, touch on the ‘Arrow’ next to your headset name. This displays more options in a dropdown. Do this only when the option does not appear automatically.

6.   Then choose ‘More Settings.’

7.   Open ‘Developer Mode’ and turn its switch on. This will redirect you to a website if you’re doing so for the first time.

8.   Go to the bottom of the webpage and touch the ‘Create an Organization’ link.

9.   Sign in with our Oculus account.

10.                      Fill up your organization name.

11.                      And choose ‘Submit.’

12.                      Read the terms of the agreement and select ‘Agree.’

13.                      Now, reopen the ‘Oculus’ app.

14.                      Go to ‘Settings.’

15.                      Again, choose the Quest headset on which you want to sideload the apps.

16.                      Touch on the ‘Arrow’ next to your headset name to open more options dropdown.

17.                      Then choose ‘More Settings.’

18.                      Open ‘Developer Mode’ and turn its switch on, if not already.

Downloading and Setting up SideQuest on your computer

After enabling developer mode for your Quest headset, you need to get your system ready with SideQuest. The app is available on GitHub.

1.   Open a browser and visit the GitHub website.

2.   Then, look for the right version of SideQuest for your device and select it to download.

3.   After that, open the downloaded file. Windows will now pop up “Windows protected your PC” dialog box on the screen.

4.   Click on ‘More info’ text in the pop-up window.

5.   Then click on the ‘Run anyway’ button.

6.   Select ‘Extract.’

7.   Now, you’ll be asked to select a folder to extract.

8.   Open the folder with name “SideQuest-win32-x64”.

9.   Then, double click on the ‘SideQuest.exe’ file.

Connecting your Oculus Quest and SideQuest

After installing SideQuest, connect it to your Quest headset to complete the setup process and installing applications. Here is how.

1.   Obtain a USB-C cable.

2.   Then, connect your Quest headset to your computer via USB-C cable.

3.   Open the ‘SideQuest’ app and select ‘Connect Device.’

4.   Now, ‘Allow USB debugging’ on your Quest headset.

5.   Then select ‘Always allow from this device.’

6.   Next, choose ‘Install App Launcher’ in your desktop SideQuest app to download the ‘App Launcher.’

Once the Oculus Quest installs, it will create an Unknown Source folder in your headset’s library where you can find your sideloaded apps and games. Now, you’re all set to download and install apps on your Oculus Quest VR.

How to sideload apps on Quest VR with SideQuest

You can now sideload the apps available in the SideQuest library as well as from outside. Here is how.

Installing SideQuest library apps

1.   Open ‘SideQuest’.

2.   Find an app to install.

3.   Click ‘More.’

4.   And choose ‘Install.’

Installing an APK file

1.   Open ‘SideQuest’.

2.   Open ‘Repos.’

3.   And here drop your APK file.

Now, enjoy your installed game or app on your Quest headset.

James Boond  is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2002. As a technical expert, John has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as norton.com/setup .

source :  SideQuest Apps