online security

How to Enable Twitter's New Two-Step Verification

A month after the hacking of news agency Associated Press's Twitter account, which caused serious repercussions in the stock market, Twitter has finally enabled two-step verification for users.

A month after the hacking of news agency Associated Press's Twitter account, which caused serious repercussions in the stock market, Twitter has finally enabled two-step verification for users. The added security boost syncs with a cell phone number to send a verification code via SMS each time you log in to your Twitter account.

To get two-factor verification on your account, first go to Settings, found in the gear icon in the top right-hand corner > select "Require a verification code when I sign in." > click the link to add your phone number. You'll then receive a text message from Twitter that the device is ready to receive verification codes.

Once you've signed up for the extra Twitter protection, the next time you log in to your account, you'll see the following screen to check the phone associated with the account for a verification code. Enter the code, and get tweeting!

Kid Shopping

6 Designer Camera Cases to Inspire Moms to Put Down the iPhone

We're all guilty of it; we let our real (often pricey) cameras collect dust while snapping away hundreds of lesser-quality photos of our kids with our phones.

We're all guilty of it; we let our real (often pricey) cameras collect dust while snapping away hundreds of lesser-quality photos of our kids with our phones. But no longer! We found the remedy: chic camera cases from Loeffler Randall, Rebecca Minkoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and more, all stylish enough to inspire you to take that camera out on the town, to the park, and to all the other places where your kids do cute, photo-worthy things (that's everywhere, right?). Your children's future photo albums will thank you.

photography

7 Tips For Taking Beautiful Wedding Photos on Your Phone

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos.

There's no denying that DSLRs are great at taking quality photos. But you can take pictures that are just as great — truly! — straight from your phone with just a few pointers. If you're headed to a wedding soon, these tips will help you realize you don't have to be a professional to produce wonderful images that everyone will be sharing. Here, we break down how you can go from guest to wedding photographer in a, er, flash.

  • Look for the light: Great lighting will be your best friend when it comes to taking awesome photos. Pay attention to where natural light falls. For instance, if someone's back is to the bright sun shining overhead, she will come out looking dark. And steer clear of using flash: it only makes your photos look less authentic.
  • Set your focus and exposure: Once you know the shot you want to take, tap the screen on your phone's camera to set your focus and exposure where you want it. For instance, the thing you tap on will look sharp as opposed to blurry. And if you tap on the brightest object in the shot (a window, for instance), the rest of your photo will look especially dark. You'll have to practice based on your phone's settings, but giving thought to these two details will make all the difference between a mediocre and great photo.

There are even more pro tips for wedding day photos after the break.

photography

33 Must-Dos! The Ultimate Wedding Day Photo Checklist

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash.

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash. Thankfully, great photos can capture every aspect of the big day — even the tiny details you may have forgotten to notice. Without a doubt, there are certain shots no wedding should go without (like a bridesmaid powwow before sending the bride off). Here, we've broken down those must-snap moments so that even years from now, you can take a look at the pictures and feel like it happened just yesterday.

Geek tips

Where to Get Your "Obsolete" Original iPhone Repaired

To the bona fide iPhonians who have held on to their original 2007 iPhones to present day, we applaud you.

To the bona fide iPhonians who have held on to their original 2007 iPhones to present day, we applaud you. You are not easily distracted by shiny new toys, nor swayed by claims of "bigger, faster, stronger"! You remain steadfast in your commitment to use phones until they cease to work, and you have miraculously kept the phone in one piece for the past six years.

Unfortunately, Apple's very first mobile device, distinguished by its two-toned silver and black backing, will become obsolete on June 11. The first-generation iPhone has not been able to update to newer versions of iOS for years, but Apple is finally putting its foot down and deeming the iPhone 1 a "vintage" product, which means Apple retail stores will no longer service the original iPhone.

Just in case some unfortunate event befalls your ol' iPhone, there are plenty of ways to patch it up. After the original iPhone reaches totally hip "vintage" status this Summer, turn to one of these alternatives for repairs, or try your hand at a do-it-yourself fix!

  • iFixit — With 12 different guides that cover everything from replacing the SIM card to swapping out the battery, iFixit is the most comprehensive online directory for DIY iPhone repairs. Each step-by-step guide also includes a list of tools specific to mobile repair and where to buy them.
  • Mission Repair — This one-stop shop will fix hardware issues like cracked glass and perform full diagnostic repairs.
  • Tech Restore — This warehouse offers screens, system repairs, and various replacement parts. Do your own fixin' with Tech Restore's PDF take-apart guides.
  • iPhone4Parts — The site offers replacements for speakers, mics, and chassis. There's also a complete front glass assembly for cracked screens.
Geek tips

File This Away: Tips For Backing Up Your Data

Let's face it — hard drives do crash.

Let's face it — hard drives do crash. Losing your favorite photos, music, and documents is a nightmare, but it's one that can be prevented with a little planning ahead. Veronica breaks down her top data backup solutions, from local backups to cloud solutions. Get your emergency data solution in order with this week's episode of The Sync Up!

Remember to ask Veronica your burning tech questions in the comments, and get more digital tips from the POPSUGAR Girls' Guide channel on YouTube.

Geek tips

Finals Pro Tip: Use Apple TV to Study Smarter, Not Harder

We've all been there: Game of Thrones season three leads to procrastination, procrastination leads to last-minute late-night cram sessions, which lead to frustration and anger, which leads to hate.

We've all been there: Game of Thrones season three leads to procrastination, procrastination leads to last-minute late-night cram sessions, which lead to frustration and anger, which leads to hate. But seriously, if you're in emergency finals study mode, we've got a pro tip to maximize your study time.

What you'll need:

  • An iPad, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro (2011 or later), or iMac
  • An Apple TV
  • A big-screen TV
  • An Internet connection

Use AirPlay Mirroring to display study guides with the group or put research and word documents side by side for a superproductive paper-writing session. Connect to AirPlay by turning on your Apple TV device and heading to System Preferences > Displays > Turn on mirroring. The Apple TV device will appear in the menu bar. Make sure your iOS device is running 4.3 or later and that both the laptop/iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same WiFi network.

If you're reviewing material, then make sure that the audio is coming out of your HDTV by going to System Preferences > Sound > Output and selecting AirPlay.

Happy finals! Make sure you're eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and staying fit.

photography

Shutterbug: 10 Tips For Photographing Your Baby in the Hospital

Baby's here — now capture all the details of the day before you forget them!
Tips For Photographing Your Baby in the Hospital

Baby's here — now capture all the details of the day before you forget them! Though a delivering mama doesn't need another thing to worry about, ensuring that her lil one's arrival is photographed is often at the top on her list. I asked mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography (no relation), to provide us with her best hospital photography tips. She said:

"My husband, Ryan, was able to capture these special moments for us, but he warns of the challenge, 'Playing the role of photographer, husband, father, and in some cases, new father can present huge challenges while trying to capture lasting images of some of the most important moments of your life. Understand that while your emotions will be up and down like a roller coaster, you can still capture those precious moments. In my case, there were times I couldn't even see through the viewfinder due to the swelling of tears, but in between all of the excitement and chaos, you can click away. It is important that the photos not necessarily be perfect, but that they capture your viewpoint of seeing your baby for the first time.' If you are able to hire a professional, do so, because the two of you will be able to [better] focus on your new arrival."

Keep reading for her 10 must-take photo ops in the hospital.

Geek tips

The Lowdown on Downloading Podcasts

The next time you put on your headphones, take a break from the Billboard Top 100 and turn the dial to podcasts.

The next time you put on your headphones, take a break from the Billboard Top 100 and turn the dial to podcasts. Beyond a passing fad, this form of digital media offers audio and video episodes delivered to your device, often free of charge.

Whether you are new to the world of podcasts or an old pro, it can be both overwhelming and exciting to find a consistent favorite. Some podcasts are simply electronic companions to popular shows (NPR favorites, The Soup, etc.) while others exist only in the podcast medium, with cult-like followings. Follow these tips and tricks to navigate the sea of podcasts and uncover a treasure.

Your guide to podcasts after the break!