Sunday, March 30, 2014

Five Facebook problems you need to fix right now - The Kim Komando Show

Five Facebook problems you need to fix right now - The Kim Komando Show: "Facebook has been in the news a lot recently. Mark Zuckerberg bought the What’s App company in February for a staggering, mind-blowing, huge – I’m running out of adjectives here – $19 billion. Last week, the company bought a little-known virtual-reality headset maker for $2 billion."



'via Blog this'

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Switched On: Amazon's Puzzling Prime Directive

Switched On: Amazon's Puzzling Prime Directive: "Apple makes its money by selling devices. As such, it's incentivized to have content -- or at least the delivery of it -- exclusive to its devices. For years, the company implemented DRM (digital rights management) on music sold through iTunes. It fought such restrictions, but nonetheless benefited from them. Even today it proclaims its leadership position in the number of applications available for its platforms; many of these arrive on the iPhone exclusively, at least for a while"



'via Blog this'

Gizmag visits "3D: printing the future" at the London Science Museum

Gizmag visits "3D: printing the future" at the London Science Museum: "London's Science Museum is wildly popular, hosting over 2.9 million visitors a year. It's currently showing 3D: printing the future, an exhibition about 3D printing and how it will impact our lives. Gizmag payed the exhibition a visit."



'via Blog this'

Five Free Apps to Help You Learn A Foreign Language

Five Free Apps to Help You Learn A Foreign Language: "Whether you’re gearing up to go on your summer holidays, studying for exams, or just want to expand your mind, it’s always a great time to learn a foreign language.
You can stock up on books, spend hours listening to CDs or use Chrome’s Language Immersion – but these five iOS and Android apps are an easy way to integrate learning with your day-to-day routines. And they’re free!"



'via Blog this'

Google Docs Adds-Ons For Students: These 5 Will Help You Write A Paper

Google Docs Adds-Ons For Students: These 5 Will Help You Write A Paper: "Word-processing for students has long been the domain of Microsoft Word. The recent release of add-ons is making Google Docs an appealing free option. The five add-ons we are about to meet have the potential to become quick favorites for people working on research papers, essays, and collaborative projects. But, are they good enough to make Google Docs the go-to option?"



'via Blog this'

Amazon may soon provide free video streaming for all [Updated] | Ars Technica

Amazon may soon provide free video streaming for all [Updated] | Ars Technica: "Amazon is gearing up to launch a free video streaming service for both television and music videos, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The videos would be ad-supported in the vein of Hulu and YouTube, and the service would reportedly follow the launch of Amazon's as-yet-unannounced streaming device."



'via Blog this'

Friday, March 28, 2014

▶ Microsoft announces Office for iPad, extending productivity to all iOS devices | PCWorld

▶ Microsoft announces Office for iPad, extending productivity to all iOS devices | PCWorld: "Microsoft officially announced Microsoft Office for iPad on Thursday, pushing Microsoft’s office suite onto the most popular tablet in the market.

[Read our review: It gives iWork a run for its money.]

A touch-based version of Office is also in the works for Windows, Julia White, a senior Office executive for Microsoft, confirmed."



'via Blog this'

How to Troubleshoot Problems in Windows 8.1

How to Troubleshoot Problems in Windows 8.1: "Today’s article is a quick tip on how to troubleshoot problems in Windows 8.1, which you will most definitely run into using Microsoft’s shiny new OS. However, most problems don’t require booting into safe mode or following a 10 step guide to fixing WiFi problems."



'via Blog this'

▶ Recover files from a dead PC | PCWorld

▶ Recover files from a dead PC | PCWorld: "Freeflowing89 has "a ton of music and documents on an HP laptop" that's not "even close to starting up." Fixing or replacing the computer is one thing, but in the meantime, Freeflowing needs to get those files back.

The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to recover files from a dead PC doesn't require any access to the computer. You simply restore the files from your most recent backup.

Unless, of course, you don't have a recent backup. And I'm guessing you don't. People with up-to-date backups don't ask me this sort of question."



'via Blog this'

▶ How to quickly convert old Google Drive Sheets to the new format for offline editing | PCWorld

▶ How to quickly convert old Google Drive Sheets to the new format for offline editing | PCWorld: "Good news, productivity fans! The new version of Google Sheets, featuring full offline editing when you use the Google Chrome browser, is now rolling out to all users.

Bad news, productivity fans! The long-awaited offline editing will only work with spreadsheets created with the new version of Sheets. That means any older spreadsheets you have in Drive—which is probably most of them—won't work in offline mode. That's no good."



'via Blog this'

How to Use Visual Hierarchy to Create Clear and Easy-to-Read Web Pages

How to Use Visual Hierarchy to Create Clear and Easy-to-Read Web Pages: "Imagine you’ve entered a cave.

Your eyes slowly adjust to your surroundings and begin to make out the shapes and forms around you.

You see three doorways: they’re equal in size, and all the same distance from where you stand. How do you choose where to go first?"



'via Blog this'

50 Best Free iPhone Apps for 2014 | PCMag.com

50 Best Free iPhone Apps for 2014 | PCMag.com: "f "free" is the magic word when it comes to apps, this list of the 50 best free iPhone apps should steer you toward some new discoveries. The 50 apps that made the cut for this list have shown outstanding performance, or have been well received by a wide variety of users, and are free. And "free" means free. No gimmicks, no "membership required." Free. Period."



'via Blog this'

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The secret to saving a wet phone or tablet - CNET

The secret to saving a wet phone or tablet - CNET: "Most of the old wives' tales about saving wet phones just don't work. The bag of rice, a sunny window sill, a hair dryer, and the horrid oven method will quickly get you (and your phone) nowhere."



'via Blog this'

How To Spot, And Avoid, Ads Disguised As Download Buttons

How To Spot, And Avoid, Ads Disguised As Download Buttons: "You think you’ve found the program you’re looking for, so you click the big, green “Download” button. You end up with something completely unrelated.
You’ve fallen victim to one of the most annoying things on the web: ads that look like download buttons. Why do these exist, and how can you avoid them? Here’s a rundown."



'via Blog this'

4 Ways To Factory Reset Your Windows Computer

4 Ways To Factory Reset Your Windows Computer: "A reset to factory conditions is the quickest and easiest way to return to normal, whether your system has been running slow or caught a virus. Not only does it get your computer clean, but it will also run at optimal performance. Here are four different ways you can reset your Windows computer."



'via Blog this'

The Best Free Apps for a New iPhone

The Best Free Apps for a New iPhone: "When I first got up new iPhone 5S (thanks to my parents), I instantly went to the app store and starting downloading apps! Having a smartphone and not using apps is like having a computer and only using it to browse the Internet. If you have an iPhone, you’re also lucky because the Apple app store is still better than the Android app store in terms of number of apps and quality of apps, in my opinion."



'via Blog this'

OneNote is Now Free: Is Microsoft’s Note-Taking App Worth Using?

OneNote is Now Free: Is Microsoft’s Note-Taking App Worth Using?: "Microsoft’s OneNote is now free. Once a Windows-only note-taking application included with Office, it’s now a free cross-platform note-taking service for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and the web. This is Microsoft’s free Evernote competitor.

OneNote is a compelling, well-loved application. Now that it’s free and untethered from Windows, it’s a compelling option no matter what platform you use. It’s more feature-filled than Evernote and offers better support for styluses and handwriting."



'via Blog this'

10 Tips for Browsing With Chrome on Android, iPhone, and iPad

10 Tips for Browsing With Chrome on Android, iPhone, and iPad: "Chrome is a powerful browser, whether you’re using a desktop PC, smartphone, or tablet. These tips will help you browse faster and take advantage of Chrome’s features on the go.

You can grab Chrome for Android from Google Play if it didn’t come with your device. Chrome is available for iPhone and iPad in Apple’s App Store."



'via Blog this'

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

A Tutorial Series CSS for Beginners: Specifying CSS in Different Ways and the Resulting Cascading Order Impact

A Tutorial Series CSS for Beginners: Specifying CSS in Different Ways and the Resulting Cascading Order Impact: "The tutorials presented thus far in this series which began with the tutorial entitled, A Tutorial Series CSS for Beginners: Cascading Style Sheets - An Introduction have looked at a number of styling properties without addressing the "formal" structure of their inclusion in the HTML file and we have not really discussed the use of independent Cascading Style Sheets. This will be the major thrust of this tutorial. We will also try to reuse some of the attributes we have previously used as a way of review. We will also introduce some new styling elements to add to our "knowledge base"."



'via Blog this'

Learning Markdown: Write For The Web, Faster

Learning Markdown: Write For The Web, Faster: "There’s a wealth of articles about Markdown on the Internet, but many of the resources are not useful for how to get started using and laying Markdown syntax. So you might be wondering: What is Markdown? What is its purpose? And how do I use it? Let’s try to answer that together."



'via Blog this'

5 Tools To Migrate Your Data From Windows XP

5 Tools To Migrate Your Data From Windows XP: "With the April 8, 2014 end-of-support date looming, it’s long past time to upgrade from Windows XP. If you have a Windows XP system filled with your personal data and settings, upgrading can be daunting. These tools will help you easily migrate your data from Windows XP to a modern version of Windows, Mac OS X, or even Linux."



'via Blog this'

Download PhotoDirector 4 for Free | PCMag.com

Download PhotoDirector 4 for Free | PCMag.com: "Cyberlink is offering PCMag users a free download of PhotoDirector 4.
Use redemption code PHD4PCMAG to snag the software, which normally retails for $99, from now until March 28."



'via Blog this'

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

12 fun and crazy Google Tips & Tricks - The Kim Komando Show

12 fun and crazy Google Tips & Tricks - The Kim Komando Show: "You know Google as the world’s largest search engine; the owner of Gmail, YouTube, Android, Google Docs and more; and one of the companies allegedly collecting every scrap of information about you it can.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

But that’s the serious stuff and I talk about it a lot. Today I’m going to talk about Google’s fun side, such as the little Easter eggs programmers slip into Google’s products – in this case Google Search."



'via Blog this'

55 Apps That Can Make You More Productive | PCMag.com

55 Apps That Can Make You More Productive | PCMag.com: "Who isn't looking to be a little more productive and efficient with their time? Any time you can decrease the time it takes to complete a task or streamline some complicated process, everyone wins. If there's a task to be done, rest assured there's a piece of software aiming to help you do it faster, cheaper, quicker. From browser plugins to services that help you maintain important relationships, productivity apps aim to do it all, even if that goal sounds a bit ambitious."



'via Blog this'

World's first 3D-printed kayak takes to the water

World's first 3D-printed kayak takes to the water: "It doesn't seem too long ago that 3D-printers were astounding us by churning out cheeky little trinkets or small replacement parts. But the technology has quickly grown to cater for everything from rapid prototyping to slick-looking commercial products, and a quick snack for astronauts to bizarre models of unborn babies. Jim Smith of Grass Roots Engineering has been designing and building his own home-based, large-scale 3D printer since 2008, and the latest modification recently spent over 40 days producing 28 colorful ABS plastic sections that were bolted together to create a 16.7 ft-long kayak"



'via Blog this'

Tech Videos -- Best Of The Best YouTube Technology Channels

Tech Videos -- Best Of The Best YouTube Technology Channels: "New technology, be it gadgets, computers or broader innovations, can be difficult to understand. Fortunately, there are a number of YouTube channels that help you get a grasp on the latest and greatest. These sources provide news, reviews and in-depth look at what’s shaping the future. Here are ten must-watch channels every geek should subscribe to."



'via Blog this'

Monday, March 24, 2014

13 Amazing Apps That Will Ruin Your Life - Slideshow from PCMag.com

13 Amazing Apps That Will Ruin Your Life - Slideshow from PCMag.com: "There are countless ways to waste your precious time in this life. But your wastrel-ness increases a thousand-fold when you've got a smartphone at hand. With over 1 million apps each in the iOS App Store and Google Play, and more being added every second, you could spend thousands of dollars a week and still never catch up. Just ask Shaq."



'via Blog this'

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows: "Windows Explorer thinks the file you’re trying to delete is still open, but it’s not? This commonly happens with video files that were played back in Windows Media Player but it can happen with any other file, too. The file is either running in the background or it wasn’t closed properly. You can even run into this issue with files you haven’t opened in years! Fortunately, this can be resolved in a few different ways."



'via Blog this'

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows: "Windows Explorer thinks the file you’re trying to delete is still open, but it’s not? This commonly happens with video files that were played back in Windows Media Player but it can happen with any other file, too. The file is either running in the background or it wasn’t closed properly. You can even run into this issue with files you haven’t opened in years! Fortunately, this can be resolved in a few different ways."



'via Blog this'

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows: "Windows Explorer thinks the file you’re trying to delete is still open, but it’s not? This commonly happens with video files that were played back in Windows Media Player but it can happen with any other file, too. The file is either running in the background or it wasn’t closed properly. You can even run into this issue with files you haven’t opened in years! Fortunately, this can be resolved in a few different ways."



'via Blog this'

4 Ways To Easily Create Amazing Photo & Movie Slideshows With Music

4 Ways To Easily Create Amazing Photo & Movie Slideshows With Music: "Get creative. You spend all that time taking little videos and photos of everything you do, just to leave them electronically rotting on your hard drive. What a waste! Or worse still, you subject the family to agonisingly boring slideshows. Stop that, stop it now — get creative! Here’s how."



'via Blog this'

Two Ways To Reformat Your Chromebook: Powerwash & Full Recovery

Two Ways To Reformat Your Chromebook: Powerwash & Full Recovery: "One of a Chromebook’s main selling points is its stateless drive’s provision of security and stability – but what are your choices when something goes wrong? You have two options.
While you won’t get anything like Window’s famous ‘Blue Screen of Death’, it’s not entirely true that Chromebook’s are 100 percent hacker-proof. If you operate in Developer Mode you will disable the device’s inbuilt Verified Boot and a kernel could become compromised without your knowledge, and if you run an alternative Linux operating system a bad file or malicious code could potentially infiltrate your machine."



'via Blog this'

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Desktop Fun: Rustic Barns Wallpaper Collection Series 1

Desktop Fun: Rustic Barns Wallpaper Collection Series 1: "A classic staple in rural areas is the barn, found in a variety of styles and conditions, and used for many purposes. Take a road trip through the countryside and enjoy viewing these wooden wonders on your desktop with the first in our series of Rustic Barns Wallpaper collections."



'via Blog this'

Desktop Fun: Rustic Barns Wallpaper Collection Series 1

Desktop Fun: Rustic Barns Wallpaper Collection Series 1: "A classic staple in rural areas is the barn, found in a variety of styles and conditions, and used for many purposes. Take a road trip through the countryside and enjoy viewing these wooden wonders on your desktop with the first in our series of Rustic Barns Wallpaper collections"



'via Blog this'

Popcorn Time is over as streaming site shuts down | PCWorld

Popcorn Time is over as streaming site shuts down | PCWorld: "It’s over. Just days after launching a BitTorrent-based movie streaming site, Popcorn Time pulled the plug on Friday. And it’s not entirely clear why.

In a blog post, Popcorn Time implied that the open-source, transnational effort was brought low by pro-copyright agencies. “Popcorn Time as a project is legal,” the site said in a crossposting on Medium. “We checked. Four times.”"



'via Blog this'

All major browsers fall during second day of Pwn2Own hacking contest | PCWorld

All major browsers fall during second day of Pwn2Own hacking contest | PCWorld: "Security researchers demonstrated zero-day exploits against Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Adobe Flash Player during the second day of the Pwn2Own hacking competition Thursday, racking up total prizes of $450,000."



'via Blog this'

Why I'm quitting Microsoft Office forever | The Cheapskate - CNET News

Why I'm quitting Microsoft Office forever | The Cheapskate - CNET News: "So yesterday I decided to write a guide to getting started with Microsoft OneNote, which is now available free for Mac and all versions of Windows. First step, of course: download and install the OneNote client. Nothing complicated about that, right?"



'via Blog this'

8 Evernote Upgrades You Should Know About

8 Evernote Upgrades You Should Know About: "It seems like every other month, Evernote gets additional upgrades. A few are quietly released, while others are highly anticipated by heavy Evernote users. Since I wrote my last article about Evernote’s new design and file storage upgrades, the popular notebook has gotten important new features, including Reminders, a highlighter and tighter security for subscribers, among others."



'via Blog this'

Friday, March 21, 2014

Firefox's massive overhaul moves to beta | Business Tech - CNET News

Firefox's massive overhaul moves to beta | Business Tech - CNET News: "Barring unforeseen events, big changes for Mozilla Firefox will be airborne in about six weeks.
Thursday's update moves Firefox 29 to beta, the final testing grounds where Mozilla can make stability and feature changes to the overhaul before it pushes it out to the public at large."



'via Blog this'

Why are You Unable to Uninstall Multiple Programs Simultaneously in Windows?

Why are You Unable to Uninstall Multiple Programs Simultaneously in Windows?: "Suppose you have a small horde of programs you want to uninstall on your Windows system, but Windows will only let you uninstall them one at a time. Why is that? What is stopping you from uninstalling multiple programs simultaneously?

Today’s Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites."



'via Blog this'

Security Expert Bruce Schneier On Passwords, Privacy and Trust

Security Expert Bruce Schneier On Passwords, Privacy and Trust: "In today’s interconnected world, all it takes is one security mistake to make your whole world come crashing down. Who better to turn to for advice than security expert Bruce Schneier?
If you have even a passing interest in security matters, then you’ve surely come across the writings of Bruce Schneier, a world-renowned security guru who has served on numerous government committees, testified before Congress, and is the author of 12 books on security issues so far, as well as countless essays and academic papers."



'via Blog this'

▶ How to turn an old phone or tablet into a PC productivity tool | PCWorld

▶ How to turn an old phone or tablet into a PC productivity tool | PCWorld: "Your old phones and tablets don’t have to become e-waste. They can do real work as repurposed sidekicks for your PC. Think of them as bonus touchscreen displays and you’ll begin to see the possibilities. They just need to be plugged in, wiped of unneeded apps and notifications, and they’re ready to serve as desktop companions. Here are some of the best ways to reuse that old tech. "



'via Blog this'

▶ The right way to set up a new PC | PCWorld

▶ The right way to set up a new PC | PCWorld: "Whether you're unboxing a new PC (perhaps, say, to flee the death of Windows XP) or freshly installing Windows on older hardware (maybe to prepare for Windows 8.1's handy spring update?), your job isn’t done when you boot up the trusty ol' desktop for the very first time."



'via Blog this'

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Best Tools for Copying a Large Number of Files in Windows

Best Tools for Copying a Large Number of Files in Windows: "If you’ve been using Windows 8 as your main PC, you have probably noticed the vastly upgraded performance and user interface when copying files. Finally, Microsoft decided to revamp some of the core functions of the OS, which makes using Windows 8 so much better than Windows 7…sometimes."



'via Blog this'

ScreenFlow: The Best Application for Recording Screencasts On Your Mac

ScreenFlow: The Best Application for Recording Screencasts On Your Mac: "hough QuickTime Player can also do screen recordings, it doesn’t hold a candle to ScreenFlow. ScreenFlow records everything on your desktop, and then allows you to edit in only what you want to show in your final production.
You can make professional-looking desktop videos, with smooth transitions, captions, callouts and annotations, chroma key backdrop, and audio and video filters."



'via Blog this'

4 Cheap Ways To Obtain A Legal Copy Of Windows 7

4 Cheap Ways To Obtain A Legal Copy Of Windows 7: "It seems like Microsoft is hitting the nail with Windows only every other version. So it’s understandable that, if you’re upgrading from Windows XP or looking for a new computer, you want to go for Windows 7 rather than Windows 8."



'via Blog this'

Is It Illegal To Root Your Android or Jailbreak Your iPhone?

Is It Illegal To Root Your Android or Jailbreak Your iPhone?: "Whether you’re rooting an Android phones or jailbreaking an iPhone, you’re removing the restrictions the manufacturer or cellular carrier placed on the device you own. Unfortunately, rooting, jailbreaking, and even unlocking cell phones is likely illegal in some countries."



'via Blog this'

How to Fix the "Windows Installer Service could not be accessed" Error in Windows 7

How to Fix the "Windows Installer Service could not be accessed" Error in Windows 7: "Have you tried to install a program in Windows 7 that uses an MSI file as its installer and instead you saw the above error? Never fear. There is an easy solution and we’re here to help you with it.

First, click on the Start menu and select Run."



'via Blog this'

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Chromebook For Linux

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Chromebook For Linux: "Chrome OS is based on desktop Linux, so a Chromebook’s hardware will definitely work well with Linux. A Chromebook can make a solid, cheap Linux laptop.

If you plan on using your Chromebook for Linux, you shouldn’t just go pick up any Chromebook. From ARM vs. Intel hardware to storage space, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind"



'via Blog this'

The Attack that Could Disrupt the Whole Internet

The Attack that Could Disrupt the Whole Internet: "Denial of Service Attacks are nothing new, but lately a new ‘breed’ of DDoS has emerged…one that has the potential to disrupt the whole internet. Tom Scott from Computerphile explains what Amplified Denial of Service Attacks are in today’s video."



'via Blog this'

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Microsoft OneNote is Now Available for Free

Microsoft OneNote is Now Available for Free: "OneNote is a wonderful app for taking notes, maintaining lists, and more, but had to be purchased before adding it to your favorite computer, and was not available for Mac. But no longer! As of yesterday, Microsoft has made OneNote free for all Windows 7 and 8.x systems plus offered up a new version just for Mac OSX systems!"



'via Blog this'

We test a "bulletproof" iPhone screen protector. With a gun. And bullets. | Ars Technica

We test a "bulletproof" iPhone screen protector. With a gun. And bullets. | Ars Technica: "Screen protectors: don't use 'em, don't want 'em, don't need 'em. I've been rocking a naked smartphone since 2007, and I don't ever anticipate changing. And yet the screen protector PR pitch that landed in my inbox last week proved difficult to resist:"



'via Blog this'

8 Tips and Tricks for Browsing with Safari on iPad and iPhone

8 Tips and Tricks for Browsing with Safari on iPad and iPhone: "Safari is easy to use, but you may never find all of its useful features unless you go looking for them. iPads have many useful navigation tricks you may never stumble across, and Safari has its own tricks.

The screenshots here were taken on an iPad, but Safari functions very similarly on an iPhone. Safari for Mac is a full desktop browser and works differently, although all versions of Safari sync with each other."



'via Blog this'

Google unveils the Android Wear platform: Google Now on your wrist

Google unveils the Android Wear platform: Google Now on your wrist: "We knew that Google was cooking up a version of Android designed specifically for wearables, and today the company followed through. Android Wear is a Google Now-centric platform for smartwatches – and, eventually, other wearables as well."



'via Blog this'

Windows XP support ends April 8: What are your options?

Windows XP support ends April 8: What are your options?: "On April 8, Microsoft will cease all support to consumers who are still running Windows XP. On the same day, the company will also end support for Office 2003. If you're a procrastinator still plugging away on an XP machine or working away in Microsoft's aging productivity suite, it's high time you considered your options. Gizmag provides a few suggestions."



'via Blog this'

Don't call it a smartwatch: This enormous "wrist communicator" runs full-blown Android

Don't call it a smartwatch: This enormous "wrist communicator" runs full-blown Android: "Most of the early smartwatches we've seen run scaled-down software designed for teeny-weeny screens. But then you also have devices like Neptune Pine and Omate TrueSmart that are basically full smartphones for your wrist. Today another device is ready to join that latter group. Meet the Rufus Cuff, a "wrist communicator" that can pair with both iPhone and Android smartphones."



'via Blog this'

Mozilla Firefox - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Mozilla Firefox - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com: "Mozilla Firefox's latest incarnation adds an improved social platform to its bevy of creative settings and host of add-ons. The new Social API lets you embed social networks into the browser for easy access, bringing you convenient updates and notifications from Facebook and other networks. If you haven't already tried this browser, there's no better time than now."



'via Blog this'

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The future of Firefox OS | The Den

The future of Firefox OS | The Den: "Last year, we launched Firefox OS — our game-changing mobile operating system — and showed what’s possible when the power of the open Web is applied to smartphones.

For 2014, we’re already working on bringing more affordable devices running Firefox OS to even more people around the world, starting with the exciting news of a $25 smartphone (and no, that’s not a typo)."



'via Blog this'

Microsoft dangles $50 carrot in front of XP users - Computerworld

Microsoft dangles $50 carrot in front of XP users - Computerworld: "Computerworld - Microsoft has anted up in its attempt to convince last-minute laggards to abandon Windows XP by handing a $50 carrot to people who buy a new Windows 8.1 device.

On its online Microsoft Store, the Redmond, Wash. company is giving a $50 gift card to customers who buy one of 16 Windows 8.1 notebooks, desktops, tablets or 2-in-1 hybrids. The card is good for future purchases at the e-store."



'via Blog this'

Your Home Router May Also Be a Public Hotspot — Don’t Panic!

Your Home Router May Also Be a Public Hotspot — Don’t Panic!: "More Internet service providers are now providing their customers with modems that function as routers — and those units may also be public hotspots. This sort of feature is common in Europe, but it’s now arriving in North America."



'via Blog this'

If Pinterest Doesn't Interest, Try These Alternatives For Men

If Pinterest Doesn't Interest, Try These Alternatives For Men: "
Pinterest is a fascinating website that reveals the things people like, love, desire, and covet. For those that have so far remained immune to its lure, Pinterest operates on the basis of images found across the Web, with people pinning these images to their boards for others to either drool over or mock. Pinterest is, at heart, a social network, but one which rids itself of everything but pictures… lots and lots of pictures."



'via Blog this'

Reddit + XBMC = Virtual Crack. Here's How To Set It Up.

Reddit + XBMC = Virtual Crack. Here's How To Set It Up.: "Reddit always finds the best videos; XBMC is the best media center. Here’s how you can combine these two things, then browse the best videos on the web right now, from your couch.
I showed you 5 amazing add-ons for XBMC, and mentioned Reddit in passing. But there’s a new Reddit addon for XBMC, and it’s a lot more powerful (see install instructions below). You can pick any subreddit to watch videos from, or just browse all. You can set the service to play every top video consecutively, or just pick the videos you want to watch."



'via Blog this'

10 Funniest Video Games Of All Time

10 Funniest Video Games Of All Time: "Video games are serious business, but that doesn’t mean game-makers and their fans take it too seriously. YouTube is full of hilarious game-related videos and gaming trolls who’ll crack you up.
Game developers also have their own sense of humour and aren’t afraid to infuse their creations with it. Some are subtle, some are in-your-face slapstick, while others make a tense situation lighter with some well-timed comedy. No matter what, these video games are bound to tickle your funny bone."



'via Blog this'

Monday, March 17, 2014

5 Handy Windows 8/8.1 Registry Tweaks

5 Handy Windows 8/8.1 Registry Tweaks: "Windows 8 and 8.1 are controversial because they changed the way Windows fundamentally worked and with every subsequent release, they backtrack halfway. For example, Windows 8.1 allowed users to boot directly to the desktop, but you had to manually change this setting yourself."



'via Blog this'

Which Browser is Best? Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Internet Explorer | PCMag.com

Which Browser is Best? Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Internet Explorer | PCMag.com: "t's getting harder and harder to update this article—and that's a good thing for everyone but me, because it means that today's Windows Web browser choices are fast, secure, compliant with new Web standards. The products most people are likely to have heard of—Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox also sport trim, clear interfaces."



'via Blog this'

The Best Chromebooks | PCMag.com

The Best Chromebooks | PCMag.com: "There are a lot of laptops on the market, but what do you buy when you don't need much in the way of software support, and you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars? If you want to get online without spending a bundle, it's Chromebooks to the rescue. These inexpensive laptops may not offer a full Windows experience, but there are many new designs to choose from, with prices below $300, and a Web-centric experience that's perfect for social media and web-based productivity"



'via Blog this'

Google cuts price of Drive cloud storage

Google cuts price of Drive cloud storage: "Following Microsoft's recent relaunch of SkyDrive as OneDrive, Google has thrown down the gauntlet in the cloud storage market by reducing the prices of its own platform. The drops are significant too."



'via Blog this'

Need A Lightweight & Portable Word Processor? Jarte Delivers

Need A Lightweight & Portable Word Processor? Jarte Delivers: "If you need a word processor, your choices are limited. Despite the fact that Microsoft Word alternatives like LibreOffice and Google Docs have been making big strides, Word still reigns supreme. Yet there’s one unique but overlooked word processor that’s been around since 2001 and deserves your attention. Have you heard of it? It’s called Jarte."



'via Blog this'

Easily Share Your Home Wi-Fi With Friends

Easily Share Your Home Wi-Fi With Friends: "Do you use a complicated password for your Wi-Fi network? You should. But that password can feel like a liability when letting trusted friends connect to your network. Well, it turns out there’s a simple and pain-free way to allow them to access your network without having to type anything. There’s also a fancy, newfangled way. Let me show you both."



'via Blog this'

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Mozilla Scraps Firefox for Windows 8 'Metro' UI Four Days Before Release | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Mozilla Scraps Firefox for Windows 8 'Metro' UI Four Days Before Release | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Mozilla announced Friday that it has officially put a stake in its attempts at bringing its big browser, Firefox, to Windows 8 — at least, the touchscreen / Modern / Metro half of the Windows 8 experience."



'via Blog this'

Refer Businesses to Google Apps, Make Money | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Refer Businesses to Google Apps, Make Money | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Looking to earn a little extra cash? It's probably not going to make you a millionaire, but Google on Monday launched a new apps referral program that could fatten your wallet a bit."



'via Blog this'

Update to iOS App 'Secret' Warns Users About Potentially Defamatory Posts | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Update to iOS App 'Secret' Warns Users About Potentially Defamatory Posts | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "It's an interesting conundrum for an anonymous app. Rather, an app that allows users to post whatever text or juicy tidbits they want without any way to track who it is that said what. You can say anything, but you can't be mean about it."



'via Blog this'

'Veronica Mars'-Loving, Flixster-Hating Kickstarter Backers Get Refund | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

'Veronica Mars'-Loving, Flixster-Hating Kickstarter Backers Get Refund | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Veronica Mars — the TV show turned Kickstarter project turned fully-funded movie — finally hit the big screen this past weekend. In a bit of a rare departure from the standard "movie treatment," Warner Brothers also made the movie available to rent or buy on the same day as its official theatrical release."



'via Blog this'

Hackers now targeting your router - The Kim Komando Show

Hackers now targeting your router - The Kim Komando Show: "It’s time for a router emergency call to 911. You knew about hackers stealing our credit cards from retailers, the NSA spying on anyone who picked up a cellphone or writes an email, and ad trackers watching our every move and purchase."



'via Blog this'

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Don't Be Alarmed: Google Search Gets a Mini-Makeover | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Don't Be Alarmed: Google Search Gets a Mini-Makeover | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "If you Googled something from your desktop in the past 24 hours, which let's face it you probably have, you might have noticed that things look a little bit different. Don't be alarmed."



'via Blog this'

Windows XP: It's time to say good-bye

Windows XP: It's time to say good-bye: "I've got to tell it to you straight. If you're still on an old computer running the Windows XP operating system, D-Day is at hand. And by "D" I mean "dump it."

I understand if you don't want to face this. You have a computer and the setup works for you. Sure it's a bit clunky, but you don't want to switch. Why waste money on a new computer? I feel your pain."



'via Blog this'

PC Maintenance: Keeping your PC Updated and Running Smoothly

PC Maintenance: Keeping your PC Updated and Running Smoothly: "Today we’re going to talk about improving your PC’s performance beyond the basic steps we’ve already covered thus far. Chances are your computer runs perfectly well until you start stressing it and then it will obviously slow down as it is given more demands."



'via Blog this'

Friday, March 14, 2014

Fastest ISPs 2014: United Kingdom | PCMag.com

Fastest ISPs 2014: United Kingdom | PCMag.com: "Welcome to our new, ongoing series about the world's Fastest ISPs for 2014. This year, we'll take a look at the upload and download speeds of the Internet service providers (ISPs) in foreign countries, culminating with a look at the United States and Canada. We're not talking mobile speeds—this is all about those providers bringing a broadband pipe right up to customers' residences, whether it's fiber optic, cable modem, DSL, satellite, or wireless direct connections."



'via Blog this'

Upgrading From Windows XP? Here’s What You Need to Know About Windows 7

Upgrading From Windows XP? Here’s What You Need to Know About Windows 7: "With Windows XP reaching the end of its long support life, many businesses and individuals are avoiding Windows 8 and upgrading to Windows 7 instead. If you’re a latecomer to Windows 7, here are the basics you need to know."



'via Blog this'

Chromebooks Aren't Perfect - Working Around the Negatives

Chromebooks Aren't Perfect - Working Around the Negatives: "Although we’ve recently published articles discussing Chromebook’s inherent positives, it would be short-sighted to pretend that the devices are perfect and without flaws.
We at MakeUseOf find Google’s Chromebooks extremely useful – the Chromebook is great for travel, you can work offline with a Chromebook, and it’s possible to dual-boot Linux on your Chromebook. They also provide a simple level of computing to those who don’t want the complexity of traditional Apple or Microsoft machines."



'via Blog this'

Wireless SD Cards Explained: The Features You'll Need

Wireless SD Cards Explained: The Features You'll Need: "James Bruce
On 13th March, 2014
Hardware Stuff



What do you get if you combine WiFi technology with SD card storage? You get a wireless SD card, obviously. But what benefit does that actually offer, and if you’re in the market for one then what should you be looking out for?"



'via Blog this'

Amazon launches AppStream cloud engine for apps

Amazon launches AppStream cloud engine for apps: "Amazon Web Services is already the biggest cloud computing platform, powering millions of websites globally. Now the company wants it to do the same for applications. The newly-launched AppStream allows users to stream resource hungry applications from the cloud."



'via Blog this'

Tablets and Tablet PC Reviews - CNET Reviews

Tablets and Tablet PC Reviews - CNET Reviews:



'via Blog this'

Thursday, March 13, 2014

ATCO Budget HD Projector with Built-In Android Review and Giveaway

ATCO Budget HD Projector with Built-In Android Review and Giveaway: "’ve always raved about how much better it is to watch movies on a big projected screen, but there’s a small problem: projectors are prohibitively expensive. Though you can get a half-decent 40-inch HDTV now for less than $500, even a budget projector will set you back at least $750 for 720p quality – and remember, any pixellation is infinitely more noticeable once it’s being blown up to typical projection size, so standard definition just isn’t an option anymore"



'via Blog this'

MarginNote Offers Unique Approach To Annotating & Reviewing Documents

MarginNote Offers Unique Approach To Annotating & Reviewing Documents: "The iPad is an awesome device for reading e-books and PDFs, but for studying purposes you will benefit more from a feature-rich app for annotating and reviewing content. MarginNote provides a unique way to view a document and your notes at the same time."



'via Blog this'

Amazon Prime price jumping to $99 in the US | The Verge

Amazon Prime price jumping to $99 in the US | The Verge: "Amazon is about to raise the price of its Prime membership service for the first time ever in the US, bringing the cost up to $99 per year, $20 above where it's been for nearly a decade. The price change goes into effect on April 17th, and those signing up or renewing their service before then will still be able to pay the original, less-expensive price for a final year."



'via Blog this'

Upgrading From Windows XP? Here’s What You Need to Know About Windows 7

Upgrading From Windows XP? Here’s What You Need to Know About Windows 7: "With Windows XP reaching the end of its long support life, many businesses and individuals are avoiding Windows 8 and upgrading to Windows 7 instead. If you’re a latecomer to Windows 7, here are the basics you need to know.

Sure, Windows 7 is different — and, after 13 years of Windows XP, anything different will be a huge change. But it’s a worthy successor to Windows XP and is more secure, polished, powerful, and modern."



'via Blog this'

10 hidden gems you can stream right now | TechHive

10 hidden gems you can stream right now | TechHive: "One of the joys of being a movie buff is experiencing the honor of “discovering” an overlooked movie or a hidden gem. Of course, you’re not really discovering anything—the filmmakers knew about it before anyone else—but if you’re the one that gets to introduce this treasure to a new fan, it’s a great feeling. Here’s a selection of new releases on Netflix that you may or may not have seen or may have never even heard of. But all of them are worth checking out, and some of them may become someone’s new favorites someday."



'via Blog this'

Desktop app will help turn your voice into songs | TechHive

Desktop app will help turn your voice into songs | TechHive: "Have an idea for a song, but no keyboard or instruments handy? There’s new software launching soon to fix that.

“Imitone” is a desktop app that can convert your own singing—or humming or whistling—into digital notes on your computer. The software acts as a MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) controller, so instead of having to use a USB keyboard, you can sing into your computer’s microphone and Imitone’s pitch detection figures out what the notes are."



'via Blog this'

Pocket : Comcast gets faster Netflix, offers House of Cards without Netflix

Pocket : Comcast gets faster Netflix, offers House of Cards without Netflix: "In February, Netflix streaming speeds averaged 1.68 Mbps on Comcast, compared to 1.51 Mbps in February. It’s not a huge leap, but it’s the first sign of improvement after Netflix began paying Comcast for a direct connection late last month. Netflix said in a blog post that it expects Comcast to move up in the rankings starting next month."



'via Blog this'

Three practical reasons to use your browser's private mode | PCWorld

Three practical reasons to use your browser's private mode | PCWorld: "Modern browsers are chock full of powerful hidden features, but one of the most overlooked features is incognito or private mode. If you've heard of this feature, chances are you know it, rather infamously, as "porn mode."

That's an undeserved reputation, suggesting the only time someone would want a sliver of anonymity online is to satisfy their basest instincts—and nothing could be further from the truth. There are all kinds of reasons to regularly use your browser's incognito mode that don't involve websites with three X's in the title. "



'via Blog this'

How to Keep the NSA From Spying Through Your Webcam | Threat Level | Wired.com

How to Keep the NSA From Spying Through Your Webcam | Threat Level | Wired.com: "You already know that laptops, desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones are all at risk of being hacked. But did you know that intruders might use the built-in camera to take surreptitious pictures and videos of you and your surroundings or hijack your microphone to eavesdrop "



'via Blog this'

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

What's New in Apple iOS 7.1? | PCMag.com

What's New in Apple iOS 7.1? | PCMag.com: "Apple on Monday released an updated version of its mobile operating system, iOS 7.1, and it comes with several noticeable changes over the previous release, as well as a few differences that won't be apparent unless you know to enable them."



'via Blog this'

Why Third-Party Browsers Will Always Be Inferior to Safari on iPhone and iPad

Why Third-Party Browsers Will Always Be Inferior to Safari on iPhone and iPad: "iOS supports third-party browsers, but not like you might expect. Third-party browsers will always be inferior to Apple’s own Safari on iPhone and iPad — at least until Apple relaxes their restrictions.

This is the reason why Mozilla no longer offers their Firefox Home app for iOS, and it’s the same reason why Google’s Chrome developers had an internal debate before releasing the current Chrome app in the App Store."



'via Blog this'

PC Maintenance: Cleaning your Computer Inside and Out

PC Maintenance: Cleaning your Computer Inside and Out: "Computer cleanup is the one thing you can do every day that will keep you flush with disk space and help you free up valuable system resources. Furthermore, actual physical cleanup, as in dusting, will allow your computer to literally breathe easier, and in turn prolong the life of your system."



'via Blog this'

How To Become Super-Productive By Outsourcing Your Day-To-Day Tasks

How To Become Super-Productive By Outsourcing Your Day-To-Day Tasks: "We all know that one person who appears to glide through life getting more done in a day than most of us could possibly manage in a week. But by learning what you can outsource, plus a few ‘best practice’ tips for delegating your day-to-day chores, you too can become super-productive.
This article will explain how to choose tasks to outsource online, show you a few examples, and give you some tips on how to become an efficient and proficient online outsourcer."



'via Blog this'

Manjaro Linux: Arch For People Who Don't Have Time

Manjaro Linux: Arch For People Who Don't Have Time: "There are plenty of things that make Arch Linux highly appealing to users: it’s always up-to-date, it’s a rolling release, and there’s tons of software available for it in its repositories. But what isn’t so appealing is the learning curve and pure difficulty of setting up an Arch system. If you want the best aspects of Arch, without the bad parts, you need Manjaro Linux."



'via Blog this'

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

How to stream video from Kindle Fire HDX to Chromecast and more

How to stream video from Kindle Fire HDX to Chromecast and more: "The Kindle Fire HDX doesn't allow AirPlay-like wireless streaming of music, photos, and video like an iPad. Of course, you can always display videos by connecting the micro-HDMI cable to your HDTV, but that can be a hassle depending on your home theater set up. Luckily a little app called Avia allows users to stream content from Amazon's tablet to devices that include the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard."



'via Blog this'

Get More Out Of The Windows Taskbar with 7+ Taskbar Tweaker

Get More Out Of The Windows Taskbar with 7+ Taskbar Tweaker: "Could the Windows Taskbar be more useful? If you’re looking for fluff-free taskbar enhancement, rather than a sleek taskbar alternative, try 7+ Taskbar Tweaker. It adds much needed features and keeps things simple. True to its name, it’s available for Windows 7 and Windows 8."



'via Blog this'

Want to Browse Faster? Stop Clearing Your Browser Cache

Want to Browse Faster? Stop Clearing Your Browser Cache: "Do you regularly erase your browsing data, run CCleaner, or use another temporary-file cleaning tool? You’re probably clearing your browser cache, and it’s slowing down your browsing.

The cache contains local copies of bits of websites. Your browser loads these bits from your hard drive when you visit a website that requires them, speeding things up and saving download bandwidth."



'via Blog this'

PC Maintenance: Cleaning your Computer Inside and Out

PC Maintenance: Cleaning your Computer Inside and Out: "Computer cleanup is the one thing you can do every day that will keep you flush with disk space and help you free up valuable system resources. Furthermore, actual physical cleanup, as in dusting, will allow your computer to literally breathe easier, and in turn prolong the life of your system."



'via Blog this'

The Death of Unlimited Mobile Data | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

The Death of Unlimited Mobile Data | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "T-Mobile made a move this week that should be of interest to anyone considering the Comcast-Time Warner cable merger. While it lowered its rates for people who use less than 3GB of data per month, it hiked up rates for its unlimited-data customers."



'via Blog this'

Monday, March 10, 2014

50 Best Portable Apps (Windows/Mac/Linux) | Binary Head

50 Best Portable Apps (Windows/Mac/Linux) | Binary Head: "Do you travel very often to client place and use different computers?  If yes, then make sure your USB drive is loaded with some common tools that can make your life much easier. I have compiled a list of 50 portable tools that you can carry on your USB or flash drive."



'via Blog this'

Chromebooks Don't Work Offline? Debunking the Myths

Chromebooks Don't Work Offline? Debunking the Myths: "One of the biggest criticisms aimed at Google’s Chromebooks is that they are online-only machines – ergo, no Internet, no point.
How true is this statement? Is a Chromebook without a connection akin to a car without an engine, or can the device still operate as a valuable and efficient productivity hub?"



'via Blog this'

Screenshot Tour: What’s New in Windows 8.1 Update 1

Screenshot Tour: What’s New in Windows 8.1 Update 1: "Windows 8.1 Update 1 offers some crucial improvements for mouse and keyboard users. Windows will now automatically detect whether your computer has a touch screen and do the right thing. It also provides better mouse and keyboard support in “Store apps.”"



'via Blog this'

Windows XP End of Support is on April 8th, 2014: Why Windows is Warning You

Windows XP End of Support is on April 8th, 2014: Why Windows is Warning You: "Microsoft won’t be releasing new security patches for Windows XP come April 8th, 2014, and they’re making sure all Windows XP users know it. You’re on your own after this point — no more security updates for Windows XP!"



'via Blog this'

Vimeo relaunches On Demand pay-for-play platform | Internet & Media - CNET News

Vimeo relaunches On Demand pay-for-play platform | Internet & Media - CNET News: "For the first birthday of Vimeo On Demand, the video-sharing site is giving its pay-for-play platform an overhaul.
Monday, user-created-video site Vimeo released its refreshed version of Vimeo On Demand, which is a feature of its $199-a-year subscription known as Vimeo Pro."



'via Blog this'

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Aereo Shuts Down in Salt Lake City, Denver | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Aereo Shuts Down in Salt Lake City, Denver | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Aereo is at SXSW this week to celebrate the launch of its remote DVR service in Austin, Texas. But as one new port opens, another two closed.
In the wake of legal troubles in Utah, Aereo on Saturday was forced to shutter service in Denver, Colo., and Salt Lake City, Utah. Customers were notified that their connection would end Saturday at 10 a.m.; users in those markets will be issued a refund, according to Engadget."



'via Blog this'

5 Things to Know Before You Watch the Cosmos Reboot - Slideshow from PCMag.com

5 Things to Know Before You Watch the Cosmos Reboot - Slideshow from PCMag.com: "Thirty-four years ago, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) debuted a 13-part series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, that went on to become a major hit.The wide-ranging documentary covered everything about the cosmos—a term believed to have been coined by Pythagoras himself, in reference to the universe as an ordered system. Today, it's even used technically by cosmologists who study all of the space-time continuum in our universe (or the hypothesized multi-verse)."



'via Blog this'

A close-up look at Windows 8.1 Update 1 | ZDNet

A close-up look at Windows 8.1 Update 1 | ZDNet: "A major update to Windows 8.1 is scheduled to arrive next month. It's aimed at making the desktop experience easier for keyboard and mouse users. Here's a close-up of the changes you can expect."



'via Blog this'

IBM puts Watson in charge of its SXSW food truck, we taste-test (video)

IBM puts Watson in charge of its SXSW food truck, we taste-test (video): "We know Watson has some Jeopardy skills, but putting IBM's supercomputer in the kitchen? That's a little different. Here at SXSW, the company's set up a "Cognitive Cooking" food truck in partnership with the Institute for Culinary Education (ICE). Using Watson's recipe system, which combines three elements (ingredient, cuisine and type of dish) to create unconventional new fare, chefs here in Austin are churning out delicacies such as ceviche fish and chips and Vietnamese apple kebabs."



'via Blog this'

Setup Different Backgrounds for Dual Monitors in Windows 7

Setup Different Backgrounds for Dual Monitors in Windows 7: "If you’re still using Windows 7 because you hate Windows 8 and you use more than one monitor, you’ve probably run into the limitation of not being able to use a different wallpaper for each monitor. Windows 8 actually has quite a few awesome features for dual or more monitor setups, but until they fix the whole Start Screen/No-Start-Button issues, people aren’t going to be migrating anytime soon."



'via Blog this'

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Fix "Cannot Delete Folder. You Need Permission To Perform This Action"

Fix "Cannot Delete Folder. You Need Permission To Perform This Action": "You can always count on Windows to throw massively annoying errors at you when trying to do the simplest of things. For example, deleting a folder! I tried to delete a folder on my Windows 7 machine and I ended up getting the following error message:"



'via Blog this'

What to Do When You've Been Hacked | PCMag.com

What to Do When You've Been Hacked | PCMag.com: "A nation-state hacking campaign like The Mask is designed to do its dirty work while remaining undetected. Analysts have determined that The Mask escaped detection for five years or more, working away in the background, stealing secrets. A hacker who gets access to your personal information, on the other hand, will probably act immediately, hoping to get as much benefit as possible from his unauthorized access before you detect it. What can you do once you've been hacked?"



'via Blog this'

How to Make Transparent Backgrounds

How to Make Transparent Backgrounds: "We've all seen them around and I will show you how to make your own!
Just for the record, I have made one successfully using the non-cheating method, but it was very difficult to do and turned out like crap, and all I have seen that do not cheat also look like crap.
Also, the only way it would work is if it is a directly strait on shot. If you can make a good looking one without cheating, send it this way!"



'via Blog this'

5 Things You Must Know Before “Flashing” BIOS - TECH BOOT CAMP

5 Things You Must Know Before “Flashing” BIOS - TECH BOOT CAMP: "BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the first program that loads on the computer the second you push a power on button. It is stored on the motherboard chip and is designed to check the computer components for errors (the process known as POST, or Power-On Self-Test) before it allows the system to boot."



'via Blog this'

Fake Mail Generator - Free temporary email addresses

Fake Mail Generator - Free temporary email addresses: "The Fake Mail Generator is an absolutely free disposable email system. By simply visiting this site the above address has already been activated. Enter it into any form on a website that requires email verification, and when the email is received it will pop up instantly on this page.

The Fake Mail Generator offers several generic domain names—and even country-specific domains!—to make it easier to get past pesky domain blocks."



'via Blog this'

HTG Reviews the Doxie Go: Simple Computerless Scanning

HTG Reviews the Doxie Go: Simple Computerless Scanning: "Portable scanners aren’t exactly brand-new technology, so what makes the Doxie Go portable scanner special? Read on as we take one for a test drive, show you how to set it up in the process, and highlight exactly why the Doxie Go will keep your inbox and file cabinets empty."



'via Blog this'

▶ Get to know iOS 7: iOS's other apps | Macworld

▶ Get to know iOS 7: iOS's other apps | Macworld: "iOS 7 abolished many of the design paradigms of its prior versions in its main design, and that has filtered down to every major app built in to your device. But user interface isn’t the only thing that’s gotten an overhaul—some apps have new features as well as a new look. Here are some of the more minor stock app redesigns and updates in iOS 7."



'via Blog this'

Friday, March 7, 2014

Limitless For Chrome: The Ultimate Productivity Companion

Limitless For Chrome: The Ultimate Productivity Companion: "Where did the time go? You got on your computer and the next thing you know it’s been 3 hours and you’re in some vast part of the Interwebs, or perhaps on one of the many sites notorious for wasting time, neither of which of anything to with why you got online in the first place."



'via Blog this'

Does ReadyBoost Work? Does It Improve Performance for Slower PCs?

Does ReadyBoost Work? Does It Improve Performance for Slower PCs?: "The theory behind ReadyBoost is that it helps speed up older computers with low amounts of RAM memory. However, nobody knows how much of an impact this technology has, so we decided to make our own measurements and learn whether ReadyBoost has a positive impact or not. Read on to learn what we have found:"



'via Blog this'

Can You Split a Hard-Drive into More than 4 Primary Partitions?

Can You Split a Hard-Drive into More than 4 Primary Partitions?: "So, you have a shiny new hard-drive and want to install multiple operating systems on it, but just how many partitions can you create for those systems? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has the answers to one reader’s partitioning dilemma.

Today’s Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites."



'via Blog this'

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Ask HTG: Do You Need a Router for Simple Single-Computer Setups?

Ask HTG: Do You Need a Router for Simple Single-Computer Setups?: "There’s a common misconception that if you have a simple setup, like only one home computer, you don’t need a router. Read on as we explain why even a lone desktop needs a buddy."



'via Blog this'

Upgrade From Windows XP To A Modern OS In 7 Simple Steps

Upgrade From Windows XP To A Modern OS In 7 Simple Steps: "If you’re still using Windows XP on your computer, stop it — right now. Windows XP has become so ancient and outdated that even Microsoft is pulling its extended support for it in a little over a month. In order to stay safe and get the most out of your computer, it’s important to upgrade to a newer operating system. If you’re unsure how to do this, just follow these steps."



'via Blog this'

▶ 3 helpful tips to keep your Outlook.com inbox clean | PCWorld

▶ 3 helpful tips to keep your Outlook.com inbox clean | PCWorld: "Around ten years ago, like many longtime Hotmail users, I got a Gmail account and never looked back. Gmail was faster, more organized and just plain better. Well, that was then. These days, I've jumped ship yet again to the ultra-polished Outlook.com and spend most of my time using Microsoft's Hotmail successor."



'via Blog this'

Move from a hard drive to an SSD | PCWorld

Move from a hard drive to an SSD | PCWorld: "David R McCullough needs to clone his 1TB hard drive to a 120GB SSD. It's like moving all your furniture from a big house to a small apartment.

I've discussed the advantages of installing an SSD while also keeping your large hard drive in The Best of Both Worlds: An SSD and a HDD. I've also explained how to Move your libraries to an external drive without messing things up--important with most laptops when you switch to an SSD."



'via Blog this'

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

SanDisk launches Wi-Fi enabled Flash storage - Computer Storage

SanDisk launches Wi-Fi enabled Flash storage - Computer Storage: "The two products in the SanDisk Connect range are the Wireless Flash Drive and the Wireless Media Drive. Both devices work by creating ad hoc wireless networks, allowing multiple devices to connect to them and access the stored files. The drives can be configured to also allow access to a standard Wi-Fi connection at the same time"



'via Blog this'

This 'Back to the Future' hoverboard will blow your mind | Cutting Edge - CNET News

This 'Back to the Future' hoverboard will blow your mind | Cutting Edge - CNET News: "A hoverboard, like the wondrously 1980s pink variety Marty McFly cruises on in "Back to the Future Part II," is universally accepted as the most awesome thing we don't yet have. The wheel-less skateboard that floats above the ground and travels as if by magic has even become a bit of a pop culture trope recently for semi-sarcastically lamenting the slowness of technological innovation, of wanting the future right now. Sure, we have cell phone computers, car-sized roving science labs on Mars, and gigantic particle accelerators capable of recreating miniature versions of the Big Bang, but a hoverboard? Now that will be the day."



'via Blog this'

How to Make a No. 1 App With $99 and Three Hours of Work | Game|Life | Wired.com

How to Make a No. 1 App With $99 and Three Hours of Work | Game|Life | Wired.com: "You don’t need to be a programmer to break into the App Store’s top charts. All you need is 100 bucks and a free afternoon.

You’ll need a halfway decent idea, of course, but once you’ve got that nailed down, you can easily buy the source code, get an online tutorial on how to use it and within hours have a game ready to play. That explains why 95 of the 300 or so new apps released on Apple’s iTunes store one day last week were riffs on Flappy Bird, the mega-hit its creator pulled at the height of its popularity. There’s Flappy Wings, Splashy Fish, even Crappy Bird."



'via Blog this'

What is the Fastest Way to Clear the Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome?

What is the Fastest Way to Clear the Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome?: "Whether you are a developer or just someone who likes to keep things cleaned up, you have better things to do than spend all your time clearing out the cache and cookies the ‘hard way’. Is there a quicker, easier way to do it?

Today’s Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites."



'via Blog this'

How To Learn A Language Using The Kindle Paperwhite

How To Learn A Language Using The Kindle Paperwhite: "If you’re trying to learn a new language, you know the frustrations of reading a book or article in that language and constantly having to look things up in your dictionary. Thankfully, using a Kindle Paperwhite makes that process much, much easier. With the built-in dictionary and Vocabulary Builder on your Paperwhite, reading in another language is as convenient as it will ever be."



'via Blog this'

Roku Streaming Stick - Digital Media Receivers - CNET Reviews

Roku Streaming Stick - Digital Media Receivers - CNET Reviews: "Roku announced the Roku Streaming Stick today, which manages to pack nearly all the functionality of a full-size Roku box into a device not much bigger than an USB flash drive. It's actually a new version of Roku's old MHL-based Streaming Stick, but there are two major differences: it now works with any TV that has an HDMI input, and it's half the price, at just $50."



'via Blog this'

The best tablets for under $250 | Tablets - CNET Reviews

The best tablets for under $250 | Tablets - CNET Reviews: "These days, it's not too hard to find a good tablet under $250. It might not pack all of the latest bells and whistles, but for those on a budget, dealing with old hardware is part of the bargain.
Buying a relatively inexpensive tablet doesn't mean that you sacrifice a solid slate experience. There are quality tablets around $100, like the $139 Amazon Kindle Fire HD, but the sub-$250 tablet category is bursting with a bevy of budget options."



'via Blog this'

Security lessons from RSA | The Download Blog - CNET Download.com

Security lessons from RSA | The Download Blog - CNET Download.com: "The RSA Conference, the flagship meetup for cryptography, information security, and IT experts from around the world, just wrapped on February 28. While RSA is largely for IT professionals and businesses rather than consumers, I learned a couple of new lessons about personal protection in the age of big data. Read on for lessons learned and tips for taking control of your online security and digital privacy."



'via Blog this'

Now with Streaming Stick, Roku isn't sweating the blitz | Internet & Media - CNET News

Now with Streaming Stick, Roku isn't sweating the blitz | Internet & Media - CNET News: "In January, the device maker unveiled partnerships with TV manufacturers TCL and Hisense to integrate Roku streaming right into their televisions, without requiring any of the streaming-media set-top boxes the company is known for. On Tuesday, it detailed its new Streaming Stick, a clear response to the popularity of Chromecast, Google's low-price, thumb-sized streamer. With Streaming Stick coming in April and Roku TV slated for the fall, the company has a lot in store for 2014."



'via Blog this'

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Fix: Optimize your smartphone | The Fix - CNET

The Fix: Optimize your smartphone | The Fix - CNET: "Welcome to the second episode of The Fix! This is CNET's newest show, and each episode revolves around ways to make the most of the technology in your daily life.
This episode will change how you use your smartphone. They've become an indispensable part of our lives, and when they underperform or run out of power, it's enough to make you scream. To help you out, we've got some simple advice that can make your phone faster and its battery last longer."



'via Blog this'

Pocket : Safari vs. Chrome vs. Opera: Which is the fastest iOS browser?

Pocket : Safari vs. Chrome vs. Opera: Which is the fastest iOS browser?: "Speed has long been the benchmark of good desktop browser, letting you spend less time staring at the loading bar, and more time clicking through links."



'via Blog this'

Pocket : Out in the Open: A New Programming Language With Built-In Privacy Protocols

Pocket : Out in the Open: A New Programming Language With Built-In Privacy Protocols: "Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg knows what it’s like. His online privacy was compromised in 2011, and it happened on the online social network that he invented."



'via Blog this'

The Daily Dot - Your own Deep Web site will soon be just a point-and-click away

The Daily Dot - Your own Deep Web site will soon be just a point-and-click away: "The Deep Web used to be accessible only to the most the tech-savvy among us. Today, it’s open to almost anyone with a computer and a modicum of technical know-how. And soon, you’ll be able to create a site on the anonymous Web with just a few clicks."



'via Blog this'

6 Ways to Take Screenshots in Windows 8 & 8.1, Using Built-in Tools

6 Ways to Take Screenshots in Windows 8 & 8.1, Using Built-in Tools: "One of our readers asked us to share all the Windows tools you can use to take quick screenshots of your screen. We've done a bit of testing and experimentation and we've found six different ways for taking all kinds of screenshots, without using third-party programs. Here's how to take screenshots in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1."



'via Blog this'

How to Use OneDrive as Your Default Save Location on Windows 8.1

How to Use OneDrive as Your Default Save Location on Windows 8.1: "Windows 8.1 integrates OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) everywhere, even on the desktop. You may want to save all your personal files to OneDrive so they’ll be accessible everywhere, but Windows doesn’t always save to OneDrive by default.

We’ll walk you through setting things up so you can more easily save to OneDrive and won’t accidentally save your important files to your local storage. These tips could also be used to save files to Dropbox, Google Drive, or another cloud storage service."



'via Blog this'

5 Security Software Myths That Can Prove Dangerous

5 Security Software Myths That Can Prove Dangerous: "While the media doesn’t pay as much attention to malware as it did a decade ago when the threat was new, tens of millions of PCs remain infected worldwide. Some are damaged by their infection and become unstable, others allow criminals to steal private information, and still others force the target to join a botnet."



'via Blog this'

Uneasy Lies the Mind – A feature film shot entirely on the iPhone

Uneasy Lies the Mind – A feature film shot entirely on the iPhone: "While the folks at Apple would undoubtedly love it if filmmakers everywhere ditched their high-end video cameras for iPhones, the fact is that the phone's tiny lens, sensor and other features are no match for those on something like the RED Scarlet X. It was those limiting factors, however, that made the phone an ideal choice for the recently-completed indie psychological thriller, Uneasy Lies the Mind. It's being promoted as "The first narrative feature film to be shot entirely on the iPhone.""



'via Blog this'

The Fix: Optimize your smartphone | The Fix - CNET

The Fix: Optimize your smartphone | The Fix - CNET: "Welcome to the second episode of The Fix! This is CNET's newest show, and each episode revolves around ways to make the most of the technology in your daily life.
This episode will change how you use your smartphone. They've become an indispensable part of our lives, and when they underperform or run out of power, it's enough to make you scream. To help you out, we've got some simple advice that can make your phone faster and its battery last longer."



'via Blog this'