Should you update your PC's firmware?

Did you know that you can update your hardware without having to buy anything new? An easy-to-perform firmware update can add functionality, stability and features.

Utter the word “firmware” to the average PC user and you'll likely elicit a blank stare in return. But the concept isn't really that hard to understand, and once you have this knowledge, you can quickly improve your PC and any number of other devices, making them faster, more stable and supplemented with features that didn’t come in the box.

Firmware is a set of permanent instructions on a piece of hardware, stored in the device’s read-only memory. It’s analogous to a driver file that’s embedded in the device, providing the hardware identical information each time it powers up. While you can modify the hardware’s interaction with your operating system via software drivers, certain lower-level functions of a device remain constant and unchangeable. That’s firmware.

But even though we call it "unchangeable," it isn't necessarily so. Some firmware, located in the device’s PROM or EPROM (programmable read-only memory or erasable programmable read-only memory), can be altered, or "flashed." You do this by running software applications from the device’s manufacturer; such programs load new firmware onto the device to extend its feature set, life span or performance, as well as to correct significant errors.

Firmware isn't a PC-only concept. You can (and should) update the firmware in external devices such as network-attached and external storage hubs, as well as wireless routers and portable media players. You can even upgrade the firmware on your phone, depending on the model. (That's how people hack the iPhone -- and how Apple tries to outsmart them. Firmware updates from Apple overwrite the customized firmware that some people use to jailbreak and unlock the devices, sending hackers back to the drawing board to search for a new, deployable approach.) Other products in your house -- like Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which gained features such as native 1080p HD support and a new user interface via a single download -- can also benefit from firmware updates.

The frequency of a device’s firmware updates varies by manufacturer and product. Though you shouldn’t expect to find updates on a weekly basis, you should perform a firmware search for all of your PC’s devices at least once per quarter. Manufacturers often stress that you should ignore firmware updates unless you’re having a problem with your hardware; but we recommend that you run your hardware on the most up-to-date firmware you can find, since the increased stability (as well as the potential to gain new features) is worth it.

Unless you're an expert, you probably don't want to use third-party firmware like the iPhone hacks mentioned above. Such offerings are typically more complicated to install -- and more likely to cause problems -- than are normal, manufacturer-supplied firmware updates. They can also void a warranty. Unless you know what you're doing and you don't mind the risks, stick to official firmware.

How to make cheap calls on your cell phone (4)

Skuku

Skuku main current product is slightly different from the others I tested for this article. Designed to eliminate the international roaming charges for calls made in the United States from abroad, Skuku requires a PC and Skuku equipment - a USB Stick or a mobile phone, which you insert the SIM from your GSM phone. You Skuku Stick or connect the phone to the PC USB-port, and Skuku PC software routes calls to servers that use your SIM Infopage place a call from almost U.S. carrier.

The downside of this approach is that you are tied to the computer, but Skuku works on Windows Mobile version of its software for mobile phones GSM (the company said that the issue the application for HTC phones this spring). I tested an earlier version in which you want Wi-Fi connection, as well as to find the voice quality of both. Calls sounded very vague, with a static and a noticeable echo, but I could hear my callers, and they could hear.

Skuku mobile app will likely be free, with fees similar to those PC-based applications (approximately $ 2.50 per day or $ 12.50 per month). This is a great deal for travelers who want cheap calls home, but you still have to pay for roaming calls from one foreign country to another.
Despite the fact that the voice quality of the four services I tried not to win any awards, they could save serious money if you make many international calls. Because the software is free, you can try them out himself, that if one of them works for you.

How to make cheap calls on your cell phone (3)

EQO

EQO is designed to provide a single place from which you can view and connect all of your contacts via voice calls, text messages, SMS, or instant messages. EQO software supports AIM, Google and Yahoo instant messaging, photo sharing (you can insert a picture in EQO messages or links sent via IM or text message), the free exchange of messages with other EQO; the ability to send messages or to EQO and twitter status updates and RSS-feeds.

The service, currently in beta, working on various BlackBerry, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones. I tested it on the BlackBerry 8900 Curve. Simply register your mobile number on the EQO site, and a link to a download site, arrived on the phone using text messages. Installation is very simple, and to dial the number, simply enter it in EQO interface; phone then connects you to call a local access number, which EQO is used to route calls over their networks. (All of this takes place against a background of, you may not even notice it.)

EQO is the best voice quality of the four services I tested, but it still was not as good as a regular mobile phone call. Voices were less crisp and sounded a bit hollow, but overall, everything was clear. EQO prices significantly higher than in other services, ranging from 2.3 cents per minute. And even calls between EQO users are not free: They are half the cost of legal service calls.

How to make cheap calls on your cell phone (2)

Truphone

Truphone, probably the most famous on the mobile VoIP service works on Nokia E-and N-series devices, BlackBerry phones, iPhone, and IPod Touch, and Android based T-Mobile G1. I have tested it on the first generation iPhone, using the phone in a Wi-Fi connection. (You can use the cellular data connection on some phones.)

After downloading a free Truphone with iTunes, I have been running for several minutes. In the iPhone version saves iPhone look - if not for Truphone logo on top, you may not even realize that the iPhone Dialer does not own. Calls to other Truphone users are free, as well as the service allows you to access your account Skype (good for iPhone users waiting for a client Skype), as well as providing access to basic services for instant messaging.

In my test calls, voice quality varied greatly. Some calls sounded hollow, while others were loud and distracting background hiss. But it is very convenient service, and its sound quality was much better than Skype for mobile devices.
Truphone has two pricing options: TruStandard, which has no monthly fees and rates, which start with the 5.1 cents per minute, or TruSaver, which costs $ 4 a month, and rates that start at 2.1 cents per minute.

How to make cheap calls on your cell phone (1)

Mobile voice-over-IP services promise to save money by routing calls over the carrier's data network. As more carriers and phones support high-speed data hookups, such services are growing. We looked at four - EQO, Skuku, Skype for Windows Mobile and Truphone - and found that, although they are much easier to use than those we have tried a few years ago, they are imperfect replacement of conventional voice call service.

It should be emphasized that the quality remains uncertain, at best, and in some cases, it is absolutely abhorrent. In addition, depending on your calling habits, you may not see any savings at all. Most service providers continue to charge a per minute rate, so you'll save on domestic calls, only if you exceed the normal voice plan of distribution (in this case, you may be even better, upgrade your voice plan). However, if you make many international calls, mobile VoIP service can save big money. Of the four services, which we tried, EQO offered the best voice quality, but its rate was significantly higher than in others. Truphone call quality varies, but generally, he proposed an optimal combination of performance and quality at a reasonable price.

Skype for Windows Mobile

This popular VoIP service is available in three versions, mobile: Skype for Windows Mobile, Skype Lite for Java phones and Android edition. (Skype is iPhone application in the work, but at this writing there are no words on when it will be available.)
I tried Skype for Windows Mobile 2.5. The company said millions of people downloaded the software - if it's true, I can only hope they were lucky with him better than I do. After trying in vain (with the help of the company) to get the software and works on HTC Fuze, I easily downloaded and installed it on T-Mobile Shadow.

Like the desktop version, mobile Skype allows free calls to users of colleagues Skype, send instant messages and transfer files. In addition, you can call non-Skype to regular and mobile phones using SkypeOut, a paid service.

Skype says it works best on Wi-Fi connection, but can work on 2G and 3G cellular communications. I have tested it on Wi-Fi, but the voice quality of SkypeOut calls I was miserable, much worse than the calls I made from the desktop Skype. The voting was so divided as to be unintelligible. At the proposal of Skype, I tried using the headset, though the voices were a little louder, as a result, stuttering and breakups are so frequent.

At least, Skype rates are reasonable, ranging from 2.1 cents per minute. It also offers a subscription for only $ 2.95 a month - and for $ 9.95 a month, you can make unlimited calls to regular in 36 countries.