I recently discovered a great article on makeuseof.com that details how to make your Windows 10 computer even more secure using the built-in Windows Defender that comes with Windows 10. Malwarebytes, the free maleware protection software recommended back in February, replaces and performs a number of the Windows Defender tasks listed in this article, such as preventing unauthorised access to folders; however there are now some enhanced functions in Windows Defender that can also be activated, so it is worth working through the article and activating those. Read the article here.
Common Windows 10 problems, solved!!
C|NET have just published a useful article listing common problems experienced on Windows 10 computers with instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix these known issues. You can access the article here.
NordVPN – a top rated VPN
I’ve been using NordVPN for a few years to protect my identity and data on a range of devices (notebook, tablet, cell phone, etc.) when out & about using public Wi-Fi access points, and for accessing geo-location locked streaming services and web sites in other countries. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and has worked well for me. The Observer has recently reviewed NordVPN here.
LastPass is no longer free
LastPass, one of the best free Password Managers is no longer free to use across multiple platforms, as of March 2021. Now you need to choose between either computer or mobile platforms to continue using the free option, thereby negating one of its major benefits – cross platform syncronisation. I’ve since chosen to pay to continue with LastPass, however should you want to convert to another Password Manager, The Verge published a useful article here to assist you with that process .
Best Free Antivirus and Malware protection for Windows 10 in 2021
As I have previously blogged; for over a decade now I have been happily using the Microsoft Defender antivirus supplied free with Windows, plus a Malware scanning package from Malwarebytes to protect my computers. I have frequently recommended both these free solutions to others and once again an article published by C|NET has recommended both of these as solid security solutions. Discover more about these free and other pay-for solutions in the C|Net article here.
Best Free Password Manager for 2021
C|Net have selected LastPass as the current best free password manager. I have used this software for a couple of years now on my Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS platforms to manage and coordinate login credentials for around 200 different online accounts. I now only have one pasword to remember and LastPass automatically logs me into my accounts with different complex passwords from any of my devices, making my online prescence a lot more secure. Highly recommended. Find out more in the C|Net article here.
ADS-B RPAS ALerter for Drone Pilots project started
Hardware has been procured and software is installed, and now various antennas are being constructed for evaluation; as part of the ADS-B RPAS ALerter for Drone Pilots project. Additional software now needs to be developed and integrated. Read more about this project in the Discussion Document in this sites Projects area for more details.
What is the best antivirus for Windows 10?
I am often asked what is the best antivirus to use on Windows. We are all spoiled for choice and this makes answering that question so much harder. Over the last decade I have been happily using the AV supplied free with Windows by Microsoft. That plus a Malware scanning package from Malwarebytes. I have recommended these solutions to others and now feel validated with the publication by C|NET of the recent article: The best antivirus protection of 2020 for Windows 10. Check it out.
Mavic Pilot Forums
A great resource for DJI Mavic (and DJI Air) pilots needing to cooperate with other users to discuss and solve problems can be found at the Mavic Pilots forum site. I’ve found it very useful to explore ideas with and ask questions of other more experienced operators. Everyone is very helpful. Hop across there and sign up as a new member now!!
Add Attitude (ATTI) Mode to the DJI Mavic 2 using a Hack
Paul Aitken of Drone U recently published a way to hack the DJI Mavic to acquire Attitude flight (ATTI) mode for buttery smooth flight movements! ATTI mode is not one of the 3 out-of-the-box flight modes selectable from the Mavic controller’s Mode switch. I have enhanced Paul’s information and added some examples to clarify some of his instructions to show how you can replace one of those 3 flight modes with ATTI mode. You can download that updated information here. It works, I’ve tried it.
We have a new domain name and web hosting provider
Yes, we are now, finally, live on the Internet with a WordPress web presence running on servers hosted by VentraIP Australia. You can find us using our new Internet domain name of monumental-it.com.au.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate (ReOC)
We are again using NSW-based CASA delegate Total RPA to prepare for and acquire a CASA Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate (ReOC). Check them out at the Total RPA web site. Meanwhile there is a lot of reading and studying being done before we can attain our ReOC certification. Keep checking back here for progress.
Airdata UAV cloud based service
We have been using the Airdata UAV service to record all flight data and associated battery statistics since the acquision of our Mavic 2 Pro airframe . This cloud based service not only allows us to review any flight after the event, but it also automatically records flight telemetary & notifications, plus equipment maintenance period details so that we can be alerted when an airframe or a battery is coming up for a service, and then record completion of that event for audit & compliance purposes.
CASA Training & Certification by Total RPA
We acquired our RPA/drone Remote Pilot License (RePL) training and certification through NSW-based CASA delegate Total RPA who have previously performed CASA-certified training for the likes of major TV stations, state and federal government agencies, universities, and many other major organisations. Check them out at their web site.
Our RPA/Drone Equipment Suppliers
Monument.AL-IT use and recommend a variety of suppliers for our RPA/Drone equipment supplies:
- DJI for our Mavic 2 Pro RPA, batteries, cases, accessories
- Rise Above for RPA/drones & controllers, parts, cameras, accessories; aeronautical & 2-way radios; insurance
- Drone Accessories Australia for controller cables, safety signage and safety vests, LiPo Bags for the safe charging and transport of batteries, etc. at great local prices
- Total RPA for expert CASA training & certification
- Johnny Appleseed GPS for RPA/drones, and RPA camera filters (PolarPro)