q+a I have just bought myself an iPad mini but hate the look of Apple Map. Can I install Google Maps too? The reason I am asking is that I have heard that Apple doesn’t permit third party apps on its systems.

Dr Naresh Mintri

Apple does allow third party apps as long as it is available from Apple’s App Store. The store has over 7,75,000 apps for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Google Maps too is available there. This app is actually for the iPhone but you can download it to your iPad. However, you will not get the fantastic resolution you get on the iPhone.

Phone lock

q+a Are there any apps that can unlock smartphones by recognising fingerprints?

Harshit Nanda

There are a number of such apps but be careful what you download. Most apps are for entertainment purposes only. Typically, these apps request access to your phone records, texts, personal information, messages, phone book, current location, and the ability to change the contents of your SD card. Once downloaded, it also requires you to agree to a long list of terms and conditions. Stay away from these apps.

Android has added an ability to unlock a mobile device using facial recognition, but it is not foolproof. If you have a reasonable photo, you can just hold it up to the phone and unlock it. Apple has spent millions of dollars buying AuthenTec known for developing fingerprint-scanning technology for mobile devices. It may appear in the next iPhone. Till a mobile manufacturer provides biometrics as a built-in feature I would not trust the apps to secure my smartphone.

Tablet edit apps

q+a I want to buy a Micromax Funbook 10.1 inch Android tablet on which I can create and edit MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. Are there any apps in the Android market that will allow me to do this?

Arindam Ghosh

You can get hold of OfficeSuite Pro or Quickoffice Pro for around Rs 800 or you can use one of the free ones like OfficeSuite Viewer. It is always a good idea to make sure that when you buy a tablet it is running the latest Android version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) at least. That way you have access to a far greater selection of apps. Remember, many manufacturers do not allow you to update the Android version because of hardware limitations.

Tune in

q+a Can you give me the procedure to transfer music and video files from my computer to my iPad through iTunes?

Aditya Pal

The trick here is to organise your music properly in your computer. Open iTunes and go to Edit—Preferences and click on Advanced. Put a checkmark on ‘Keep iTunes Media folder organised’ and another next to ‘Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library’. This obliterates half your hassle. Now plug your iPad into your computer and wait for it to show up on iTunes. When it does select the Videos tab and put a tick mark on sync videos. Next do the same thing for music. When you begin to sync all your movies and music they will be on your iPad. If you are short of space you can also select the movies and songs you want on your tablet.

Net error

q+a I have a dongle on which I use a BSNL SIM card. But whenever I try to access the Internet, the computer shows DNS error.

Parikshit Sen

Open Settings on the dialler with which you connect to the Internet. The default settings are displayed. There is a box next to ‘use DNS’ which is unchecked. Check it by clicking on the box. Then insert the following Open DNS settings: 208.67.222.222; and 208.67.220.220. Then click apply. You should now be able to get on to the Internet.

Send in your computer-related problems to askdoss@abpmail.com with bits&bytes as the subject line