Student Savvy - making student life better

Instant Messaging – Beware of the Risks

beanteam — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:39:00 +0000

For those of us on a student wage e.g. skint, using the telephone to talk to friends and family can be really expensive. Shopping around to find cheaper methods of communication may sound pikey, but it could help save those valuable pennies.

Instant messaging (IM) is not only free, but it’s also one of the most popular methods of communicating with people over the net. Its instant nature means that you can have a two way conversation in real time. And, for the gadget lovers out there you can also plug in your webcam and see the person you are talking to - bonus!

But, like any internet based programme it does have some security and privacy risks, which the nerds at AVG have told us about. We wanted to share them with you so you can make sure you are using IM safely.

1. Be skeptical about sharing content

Never open pictures, download files or click links in messages from people you don’t know. Yahoo, Skype and MSN allow P2P file sharing, they work just like email attachments and similarly can carry viruses, Trojans and worms. Be especially cautious when you receive .exe or .zip files. Credit card details, passwords and other sensitive information should also NOT be sent via IM.

2. Be careful when you create a screen name

Each IM program asks you to create a screen name, which is similar to an email address. Your name should not divulge any personal information e.g. email address, surname, where you live, gender etc. this can help hackers steal your identity and personal data.

3. Create a barrier against unwanted messages

Don’t list your screen name or email in public areas. Making this information public can result in an increased number of spam and phishing attacks. These rogue links can lead you to websites which can install spyware on your computer without you knowing.

4. Never install IM requests

Never install programmes via IM. IM is internet based and links to programmes can still run the risk of being infected by viruses and worms. If you do want to download plug-ins then it is much safer to download direct from the IM website or from a verified source.

5. Don’t talk to strangers

Most messenger providers will have an Ignore User / Report as Spam feature which will help you keep out unwanted hackers from messaging you. The default security settings within these programmes are usually set to standard protection levels, so it is definitely worth checking your control options before you start conversations to ensure you are happy with the security you have.

If all that information wasn’t enough, AVG has also put together a video on the ‘Do’s and Don’ts of IM Chat’ so why not take a look at their video?

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Mac Computers – Are They Virus Proof?

beanteam — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:15:07 +0000

At Student Beans we love all things Mac related - the design, the technology, even Steve Jobs! What’s more we love the fact that Macs are hardly ever targeted with viruses. After all, when have you ever heard of a virus hitting a Mac computer? Not that often. Great news, who needs antivirus software!

But the smart guys at AVG have brought us back to reality with a bump. They warned us that due to the growing popularity of the Apple brand it is only a matter of time before a potential threat could damage our beloved Mac computers. In fact it was recently reported that there are over 270 threats that target the Mac platform!

According to the nerds, Macs are no more difficult to hack than PCs. PCs own over 90% of the market share making them a far more lucrative target for would be hackers, compared to Macs which have a far lower userbase. Scary when you think that this is the only thing protecting us!

What’s more, if you are a Mac user (like us) and you hardly ever run antivirus software on your machine then watch out. Just because you work on a Mac it doesn’t make you impervious to viruses and worms. Potential threats can still follow you when you are browsing online and networking via social sites such as Facebook and Twitter. These threats can live on familiar, big name sites and even on popular applications. Remember, you are only one click away from a possible rogue link!

AVG’s new Linkscanner for Mac programme is an added piece of protection that will enable you to surf, search, email, shop and use social network programmes online with the assurance that the pages you visit are safe. For extra peace of mind why not download AVG’s new Linkscanner for Macs programme from www.free.avg.com/download

AVG also gave us this helpful video which went into further details about Macs versus PCs and antivirus threats. We found it really interesting and wanted to share it with you!

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Which bikini is for me?

Kayley Almond — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:11:04 +0000

1. Cut-out

Cut-out bikinis, similar to cut out dresses, are very in this season, although they definitely aren’t for those who prefer to keep a low profile on the beach.

Ones which are cut out at the sides work for both those with a straighter, less curvy frame, as they create the illusion of curves, and those with natural curves who want to emphasise them. Dorothy Perkin’s have a block colour navy one for £16 which does just that. If that’s a bit too plain for you, ASOS have a more brightly coloured peacock one, slashed at the front and sides for £28.

However, as a word of warning: I’d rotate with other shapes and types of swim suit to avoid peculiar shaped tan lines.

2. Retro

A retro style, 50s style as adopted by screen siren Marilyn Monroe is very in for this season and extremely wearable for all shapes. This trend often includes a halter neck style and a full swimsuit as opposed to a two-piece bikini, which is flattering for everyone.

A swimsuit that represents this trend perfectly is a navy blue polka dotted suit from Tu at Sainsburys. And it’s a snip at £14. But if you’re more of a two-piece type of person, Oli has a black polka dot bikini with pink bows, which is a bit more pricey at £16 for the top and £12 for the bottom.

3. Mismatched

Sported by Megan Fox on her recent holiday, mismatching your top and your bottom isn’t a sign of laziness, it’s a trend on all the catwalks - I promise! Although admittedly in collections like Poko Pano’s and Caffe Swimwear the top and bottom were vaguely related and shared some of the same colours.

This trend is all round good news as having a mismatched top and bottom means that you can draw attention to your favourite. Try a patterned bottom and a plain top if your bum is your preferred asset, or the other way round if you’d rather hide the bottom half.

Boohoo.com has a few of these with a patterned bottom and crochet style top in yellow, blue and green for £18.

Image taken from Roro Fernandez photostream.

World Cup Mania - How to Avoid Disappointment Online

beanteam — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:04 +0000

How to Stay Safe Online

As we all know, the world’s most widely viewed sporting event kicked off last weekend - the FIFA World Cup.

Although online security may not be a focal point during the World Cup - it should be! Such high profile events will, without a doubt, encourage an onslaught of cyber crime, as users are tricked into performing certain actions and disclosing confidential information. Throughout the games, cyber criminals will be setting online traps aimed at gaining public interest surrounding those searching for World Cup footage, news and event information.

Scammers will undoubtedly take advantage of the latest breaking football news to distribute malware and con potential victims. The major concern is that a large volume of people interested in the games will be turning to online and social media for the latest news and information and they are exposing themselves to a number of risks.

Football fans, hungry for game information, may be more susceptible to visiting unfamiliar and untrustworthy websites and opening unsolicited e-mail offers, thus exposing themselves to viruses, malware, rogue security programs, and phishing attacks.

Here at Student Beans, we have called on the geeks at AVG to help make sure you enjoy the month-long tournament without becoming the target or victim of an attack:

Our advice

1. Think before you link - install a URL scanning tool to ensure you don’t click on links that lead to infected web pages. The link needs to be scanned and checked BEFORE you load it into your web browser and the way you can do it, is by using AVG LinkScanner. It’s free and it works with all other security and anti-virus programs.

2. Look for the “S” - make sure the websites you are purchasing from, whether World Cup paraphernalia or food for your game night-in, are secure and have https:// in the URL as supposed to http:// when you are in their checkout/purchase process. The “S” ensures security. When you are in the secure section of a web site, you will also see an icon of a locked padlock on your browser, either on the address bar or on the bottom right corner.

3. Stay current on security software - this means making sure you have the latest virus protection software updates from your security software provider. This is extremely important because fraudsters move around frequently, but security software companies are working to stay one step ahead of them. If you are up-to-date, you are staying one step ahead, too.

4. Keep your private information private – when shopping online, create a separate e-mail account that is just for shopping. Use a unique password, different from any other accounts you have. Your dedicated shopping e-mail account should be in no way affiliated with your personal, everyday e-mail account. Also, keep records of your online shopping — print confirmation pages and e-mail confirmations.

5. Mix up your passwords - each shopping account, bank account, credit card account and e-mail account should have a unique password. Write them down and keep the information in a secure location – not on your computer. Unique passwords for each account make it tougher for a thief to steal your personal information.

5 Countries in Asia You Don’t Wanna Miss

Leanne Rinne — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:00:52 +0000

When a student traveller wants to explore the wonders of the world, Asia immeiately springs to mind. But, with a limited budegt and with so many different countries to see, how do you begin to pick which destination you should visit?

Here are five Asian countries you don’t want to miss.

1. Sri Lanka

There is no doubt this country was devasted by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and has experienced it’s fair share of political violence and civil war upheveal. But there are so many hidden treasures in Sri Lanka which make it the vibrant, paradise island it is today. From golden beaches, waterfalls and tea plantations to national parks and colourful festivals, get stuck into a tropical island steeped in history.

Avoid the monsoon seasons by heading out there between December to March and make sure you visit the slick cities of Colombo and Dambulla.

Overall Sri Lanka is slightly more expensive than South Asia but, if you pick your places to visit carefully, you won’t be disappointed. Check out these places to stay.

2. Vietnam

This country is bursting with history and war relics just waiting to be explored - including the fanous Cu Chi Tunnels which kept the Vietnamese alive during the Vietname War. You could cruise through the cannels of the Mekong Delta or visit the Cao Dai Temple. From Dragon Boat tours along the Perfume River or Jeep rides in the jungle, there is one word which epitomises this country - diverse.

One minute you could be bustling your way through Ho Chi Minh City and to see traditional handcrafts, street dancing and, of course, you should take time out to taste the flavours of Vietnam. Check out this Vietnam accomodation guide where you can find loads of cheap hostels and hotels.

3. Nepal

If you’re looking for a challenge - will climbing Mt. Everest suffice? You can lose yourself in this Himalayan region by trekking through the Annapurna Mountain Ranges, which is full of beautiful glaciers and rivers.

Yes this place is a magnet for mountaineers and those seeking adventure but you could also relax during the Holi Festival of Colours - a vibrant Hindu festival in February - spend time shopping in the streets of Thamel or soak up the sites in Kathmandu Valley - the City of Temples.

After you have hang-glided, bungee jumped or river-rafted…you could take a meditation course in Lumbini or Bouddha. In Nepal alomost anything is possible so check out these bargain hostels to guarantee you have enough to spend on all your activities.

4. Singapore

From pampering yourself in one of Asia’s largest outdoor spas to trying dishes such as deep fried scorpians or diving with sharks, Singapore is an up and coming, wealthy cosmopolitan island which should not be overlooked.

Singapore is full of lush botanical gardens, Chinatown heritage and if you are looking for cheap electronics, this is the place to go to by far!

So wander down Haji Lane or the Hawker Centres in the daytime or even head to the centre of the island to spot monkeys swinging in the large areas of reserved forest. And, at night, you can dance until the early hours in one of Singapore’s stylish and colourful clubs and pubs.

Check out these reviews from Singapore travellers who can’t seem to get enough of the place!

5. Japan

From ancient puppet theatres and Sumo wrestling matches to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and firewalking ceremonies- the only problem you will have while visiting Japan is running out of time because there is so much to see and do.

In Japan you can eat fish for breakfast everyday or take a communal bath in water from hot springs, and if city life starts to overwhelm you, why not escape to the small island of Yakushima.

Check out these reviews from people who have experienced many of Japan’s top attractions in cities such as Kyoto and Nagasaki.

Find good value accommodation in Japan here.

Image from koflerdaniel’s photostream

5 Places in Europe You Shouldn’t Miss

Erykah Brackenbury — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:23:42 +0000

Living in the UK, mainland Europe is just a stone’s throw away, and is ideal to visit on a budget holiday. But what are the places you shouldn’t miss?

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, the ‘Venice of the North’ is a very chilled out place to visit. Famed for its ‘coffee’ shops and Red Light district, the city is so much more than this. Go down the tourist route and visit the Sex Museum for an utter laugh , or be more classy and check out the history of the area. High on any itinerary should be the Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank Museum. Whilst it’s poilite to learn a few phrases of Dutch, English speakers are widespread. Don’t forget to check out the hagelslag! Chocolate on toast, it’s genius.

How to get there: Train and ferry with the Dutchflyer, from £29.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and The Museum Town, is a stunningly beautiful place. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s recommended you check out the Old City Walls. If you want somewhere to relax in the sun, the gorgeous Elaphite Islands are just a short boat ride away.

How to get there : Easyjet, from £21.99 each way.

Helsinki, Finland

If there’s one thing they know how to do in Finland, it’s drink. Check out the annual beer festival every April, or the sea fortress at Suomenlinna. Try Hietaniemi Beach if you fancy a bit of sunshine in a chillier northern climate.

How to get there: Easyjet, from £21.99 each way.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

In the heart of Eastern Europe, Slovenia is a fascinating place to visit. See the funky Dragon Bridge or wander round Ljubljana Castle for some stunning views of the city. You’re an easy commute from either the Alps or the Adriatic sea, so use the city as a base to explore the country of contrasts.

How to get there: Easyjet, from £17.99 each way.

Venice, Italy

Situated in Northern Italy, Venice is the city of romance. With its endless canals and gondola rides, The Floating City is a great place to get away with a partner. If you’re not in a loved up mood, try and see the annual Venetian Carnival, with its beautiful masks and wild partying.

How to get there: Easyjet, from £23.64 each way.

Picture taken from Michael Cavén’s photostream.

How to Stay Safe on Twitter

beanteam — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:32:18 +0000

How to Stay Safe on Twitter

Have you heard the news? Twitter is testing a new application that helps you figure out who you should and shouldn’t follow. The ‘You Both Follow’ app will potentially give you the opportunity to connect with other users to find out who they follow, as well as the people you and the other Twitter user share. It’s similar in theory to Facebook’s ‘friends in common’ feature which has been around for some time now.

The app no doubt makes Twitter less like a one-way communication tool and more of an interconnected social network and it will be interesting if the microblogging network takes it a step further. However it is important to note that this will make you more accessible to users on the Twitterverse and therefore it is important to be aware and stay safe whilst twittering.

So here at Student Beans we have called on the geeks at AVG to help us keep you safe on Twitter.

Our advice

1. Limit what you say – what seems like a harmless comment initially could be used to piece together a picture of your whereabouts and plans. Fraudsters can use this information in lots of different ways!

2. Be careful what you click on – lots of people use URL shortners on Twitter so it is often very difficult to check what you are clicking on. AVG Linkscanner can help test links, but remember if in doubt, don’t click!

3. Be vigilant – watch out for suspicious activity in your tweet stream and inbox. Just because an email is from your friend doesn’t automatically make it safe. Spam can still get into other people’s accounts accidently.

4. Don’t be too trusting – don’t be too easily befriended by strangers on Twitter. You can never be sure the person you networked with via Twitter is who they say they are.

5. Check third party apps – there are hundreds of apps out there for Twitter. Before signing up check it is safe by looking for mentions of the tools on trusted sites. Remember these programs generally require your password and log in details, so be extra cautious!

6. Password information – Be mindful of where you are sending your updates from and make sure you log off once you have finished your session. It is important that you MANUALLY log out of your account as closing a tab or window doesn’t automatically log you out. If you are using a shared computer, check the machine has up-to-date antivirus - insist the cafe has AVG LinkScanner installed before using it!

Best Beach Reads This Summer

Kayley Almond — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:00:06 +0000

You’ve got your holiday booked, packed your bikini and your flip flops, but you’ve forgotten one thing: what are you going to read whilst lounging beside the pool!? Here’s my pick of the best books to read during your holiday this Summer.

1. Candy Pop- Candy and the Broken Biscuits, Lauren Laverne

The first novel from TV presenter, columnist and general rocker Lauren Laverne, she describes this book at an “Indie Fairytale”.

It tells the story of Candy Caine, a fifteen year old who escapes her boring existence in the North East for a fast paced rock and roll lifestyle in London in search of her Dad, a former rock legend reforming his band at Glastonbury. The book is a comedy and appeals to any music and festival fans who want to read a story of escapism on the beach.

2. Corduroy Mansions, Alexander McCall Smith

Nominated for the Tesco Bank Summer Read Award, Corduroy Mansions is the first of s series of books which tell the story of a building in Pimlico entitled ‘Corduroy Manion’. Within its flats live a range of eccentric characters and this particular novel is based around the inhabitant of the top flat, William.

McCall has been praised for his ability to pick up on the minutest of human characteristics which make his books real page turners with a gentle humour. Highly praised by The Daily Express, The Telegraph and The Times, this is a good, light-hearted read perfect for the beach.

3. The Prince of Mist, Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Prince of Mist is a chilling story which starts when Max Carver’s father moves his family into a new house on the coast of Spain. The house is full of secrets and a series of eerie events occur which leave the family cold.

They soon discover the wreck of a boat which sank years ago leaving just one survivor and one day Max sees a tattered flag appear on the mast with the symbol of a six-pointed star which leaves him shacken. Throughout the novel more details are slowly revealed about the wreck and the tale of the Prince of the Mists.

This book has only just been translated into English after it stayed at the top of the Spanish book charts for two years and the terrifying yet subtle horror has kept many people enthralled in this unsettling tale. Definitely not one to be read when alone!

4. The Last Weekend, Blake Morrison

A psychological thriller and again chilling but in terms of human nature rather than horror, The Last Weekend is centred around a weekend Ian and his wife Em spend with old university friends Ollie and Daisy in East Anglia.

Over the weekend, spent in a remote cottage in the stifling August heat, deep secrets from Ian’s past are slowly revealed and an old bet made twenty years before ignites rivalry, friendship and sexual passion.

Morrison astutely captures a situation which will have lifelong consequences for Ian and will have readers gripped as they read his moral descent after years of dishonesty.

Image taken from cmcgough’s photostream

How To Look Beach Body Fabulous

Ellie Lam — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:00:30 +0000

Sun, flip flops, sunglasses, summer dresses, and milkshakes are just a few of my favorite things about summer. If you’re about to hit the beach and are feeling a bit nervous heading out in your bikini, here are a few tips to help boost your confidence and help you look your best:

Fake Flawless Skin

1. Before heading out to the beach, be sure to exfoliate your skin in the shower. Use a sponge, washcloth, or an exfoliating shower gel to help remove the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. One of the best body scrubs on the market is the Bliss lemon and sage body scrub because of its divine smell.

2. Straight after showering, pat your skin dry and immediately slather on a good quality moisturizer. This helps lock the moisture into your skin, keeping it looking healthy and hydrated. One of my favorite moisturizers is the new Vaseline Sheer Infusion moisturizers. These moisturizers are easily absorbed into the skin and smell amazing without being too overpowering. Perfect!

3. If your afraid of looking like an oompa loompa yet don’t want to look ghastly white in your new summer dress, try using a lightly tinted body moisturizer. Check out Johnson & Johnson’s holiday body moisturizers that can give your skin that subtle, healthy glow!

Pick Flattering Swimwear

The most important thing to remember is not finding the most gorgeous swimsuit, but rather finding the best swimwear for you. Everyone has bits of their body they would rather not show and rather than dwell on these negative thoughts, it is best to find swimwear that highlights your best features. Here are a few tips in selecting the best swimwear for your figure:

Big Bust: For those blessed with a full bust should look into the bra-style bikini. Swimwear that has underwiring or support is essential for this body shape. Bravissimo has some amazing designs for this body shape.

Boyish: If you want to give some illusion of curves, opt for swimwear that has interesting patterns, graphics and pleats to add interest. Ruffles are great for giving the illusion of having a fuller bust. Try this adorable textured bikini from Miss Selfridge.

Voluptuous: If your problem area is your tummy, then have a look at the one piece swimsuits that have a low-cut top. This will divert attention away from your tummy. Avoid swimsuits that cling tightly to your tummy and look for ruching detail like this great New Look swimsuit.

Curvy: String bikinis are perfect for this body shape. If your lucky enough to have this body type, any colors or patterns look great! There are so many gorgeous string bikinis such as this retro green Animal bikini and this cute floral Topshop bikini.

What to do:

Marvel at the pretty, essentially. Great for hiking and general mooching, this stunning national park is ideally located at the heart of England. Visit the Blue John Caves and the Heights of Abraham, and get some exercise strolling up and down the endless hills (just make sure to take your hayfever tablets). For something a bit more genteel, visit Mr Darcy at Pemberley Chatsworth House (I want to live here).

Where to stay:

Ravenstor Youth Hostel - from £16 per night.

Glebe End - £65 per room.

Or try camping!

Travel tips

Get a third off train fares with a 16-25 Railcard.
Check out cheap coaches at Megabus.
The earlier you book, the cheaper your transport will be.

Picture taken from Jo Jakeman’s photostream.