Jim’s Gifts for Computer Users

It’s become an annual tradition that I distribute free gifts for all my readers…and 2011 is no exception. I’ve gather a collection of FREE computer, tablet, and smart phone applications that I use and have found exceptionally handy. Be sure and go through the list as I am sure there is something here for you.

One of my new favorites is “Feedly” that turns Google Reader into a magazine format. So much easier to read and spot what’s important to you. I’ve got it on my computers and smart phone.

A similar program is “Currents” from Google. It’s a magazine reader using your favorite sites. Sadly, it only works on Android devices, iPads, and iPhones. But don’t lose heart. There are lots of computer applications below.

Another favorite is new, but I can’t imaging browsing without it. It’s called “Clearly” and is made by the folks at Evernote. There is a version for both Firefox and Chrome browsers. It takes a Web page, cleans out all the extraneous garbage and gives you and easily readable article with no distractions. I really love this one!

I’ve also includes some summaries of Top Downloads and Websites of 2011 that you can look for more tools. I hope you enjoy your gifts. (Note like most of the tech world, I am taking next week off to enjoy the holidays. I will return, of course in January. Until then…Happy Holidays to one an all!!)

Firefox Add-On Feedly Corrals Your RSS and Twitter Feeds

(Note: this link is for the Firefox version only. But, Feedly is available for all browsers and smartphones.) If you want to follow too much news, but have too little time? Then you want the free Firefox add-in Feedly, which lets you assemble your own personalized online newspaper from countless information sources across the Web. To get the latest info all you need to do is head to your personal Feedly page, and it's all there, waiting for you, gathered via RSS and Twitter feeds.

Google Currents

(Note: This app is for all Android devices, iPhones, and iPads) From leading publications, to blogs you follow, you can browse, read, and share favorite content, presented in a swipable magazine format.

Simplify Web Page Viewing on Firefox with Evernote's Clearly Add-On

This is my favorite add-on for both Firefox and Chrome. Clearly is a browser add-on that strips the junk from web pages so they're easier to read has been brought to Firefox by the popular stash site Evernote. Previously available only for Google's Chrome browser, the add-on, Clearly, was released Wednesday for Mozilla's Firefox browser.

PC Shower 2011 - Free

It's a free bundle of useful tools for cleaning and tuning your PC. Unlike many free versions of premium tools, it actually cleans what it finds without requiring paid upgrades. Add in a variety of tweaks, tune-ups, and other system utilities and you have a versatile PC toolkit. That's what you get with Arafasoft's PC Shower 2011.

Google Earth

The latest version of Google Earth continues to set the mapping paradigm. Accessible enough for casual users, Google has added features that make it a necessity for those whose topographic desires are more serious. Although Google Ocean is the big newsmaker in version 5, you can also check out the surface of our nearest neighbor, Mars, as well as incorporating historical Earth maps.

Avast boards Android to protect your booty

Simply called Avast Mobile Security (download), this free app is based on the Theft Aware app that it acquired when Avast purchased ITAgents in September contains a robust suite of Android-specific security features, including malicious app scanning, premium SMS blocking, link scanning, anti-theft measures, and two features that only work on rooted devices.

Firefox 9: Faster on PCs, all-new on tablets

Mozilla is laying claim to big performance improvements for Firefox 9, while Firefox for Android goes in for a shave and a haircut as it gets an entirely different look. Both desktop and Android updates are being released today.

The Top 100 Websites of 2011

With plenty of favorites and new sites to explore, here's our annual look at the best the Web has to offer.

Top 10 tech breakthroughs of 2011

If your relationship with technology is anything more than the most fleeting of acquaintances, you have no doubt realized that technological advances are accelerating at an exponential rate.

Announcing the Top 11 Downloads of 2011

In 2011, we've taken the honors up the proverbial notch with the Top 11 Downloads of 2011, featuring the 11 most popular software apps each for the Windows and Mac platforms, along with the 11 most popular programs in each of the 11 most popular categories in Windows and in Mac.

What to do when your smartphone craps out before the contract ends

Ask Maggie offers some advice for how to protect yourself.

Facebook Timelines: How to Get Started

Facebook Timelines are now available worldwide, allowing users to tell their entire life stories through the social network. Facebook announced Timelines in September, but rolled the feature out slowly. If you're just getting Timelines now, or want to speed up the switch from your existing profile, here's what you need to know.

Congress and Hollywood Team Up to Destroy the Net

Anti-piracy laws will smash internet, US constitution

Legal experts are warning that the proposed PROTECT IP and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) legislation, currently working their way through Congress, will damage the world's DNS system, cripple attempts to get better online security and violate free speech rights in the US constitution…and all this for the folks in Hollywood.

AT&T abandons bid for T-Mobile

AT&T said today that it has withdrawn its bid to acquire T-Mobile USA in a deal worth $39 billion. The company said it would take a $4 billion charge in the fourth quarter as part of the break-up fee with Deutsche Telekom.

Sprint disabling Carrier IQ on phones

Sprint, which for weeks has defended its use of Carrier IQ software on mobile phones, is now disabling the software, a Sprint spokeswoman confirmed today.

Facebook Kept 1,200 Page File On 24-Year-Old

Facebook retains tons of data on its users, but exactly how much? Apparently, more than enough to fill a volume of "Atlas Shrugged." A 24-year-old Austrian law student asked Facebook to send him all the personal data it had on him. (Anyone with a residence outside North America has the right to see all the personal data a company has on him or her.) Here’s what Facebook sent Schrems: a CD filled with 1,222 PDF pages of data.

Steve Jobs: 20 Life Lessons

Having finished the 600-plus page Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson, I think I finally understand Steve Jobs. Like most of us, his personality had many sides. He could be aloof, super-intense, odd, gross, passionate, creative, driven, unfair, conciliatory and deeply introspective. He lived a rich and unique life.

How to Protect Your Online Privacy

These days it often feels like online privacy is an unattainable illusion. While it is true that it’s impossible to be entirely anonymous while online there are many things you can do to greatly increase your privacy.

12 Great Tips to Scan Your Family Pictures

Get that shoebox of old photos from grandma's closet and turn them into digital files. We have 12 great tips to scan your family pictures.

To-Do Manager Astrid Updates Android and iOS Apps with a New UI and Featured Lists

Popular mobile to-do manager Astrid took the wraps off of its new Android and iPhone apps recently, completely overhauling the interface to make it easier to get right to the items you're working on, see all of the related information around a specific item, and featured lists from some of the developers' favorite sites to help you add some fun and time-saving projects to your list.

With ‘Google Earth’ for Mars, Explore the Red Planet From Home

A new software tool developed by the HiRISE team in the UA's Lunar and Planetary Lab allows members of the public to download high-resolution images of the Martian landscape almost instantaneously and explore the surface of the Red Planet from their own desktops.

Microsoft Drops Gadgets and a Possible Cell Phone Ban

The holidays have traditionally been a slow time for technology news…but not this year. We are full to the brim with tech stories that folks like you and me (the non-nerds)will find interesting.

There is one item I found that is not in the news this week…probably because it is old news and I just missed it. Microsoft has stopped putting out “Gadgets” for the Windows 7 Desktop. There is still a one page listing of a few Gadgets, but the vast majority are not longer available. That is too bad as I have 4 gadgets on my desktop now that are most useful…time, date, weather, and a menu of my most used programs. Too bad, because if I get a new computer, I may be screwed.

For the rest of the today’s news in tech, read on from here. - JRC

Regulators Call for National Cell-Phone Ban While Driving

The National Transportation Safety Board voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend a first-ever nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35 states have already banned text messaging by all drivers and nine states now prohibit all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Federal authorities open Carrier IQ investigation into phone tracking

U.S. federal authorities, including the FTC and the FCC, are investigating Carrier IQ to see whether consumer rights or privacy was invaded.

Microsoft to begin automatic Internet Explorer upgrades in 2012

In a major policy change, Microsoft plans to deliver IE upgrades automatically to Windows users. That moves IE incrementally closer to its fast-paced competitors, although there are still enough exceptions to keep enterprise users happy.

Microsoft Shows Security Improvements with 2011 Patch Tuesdays

Microsoft Relevant Products/Services on Tuesday issued 13 security Relevant Products/Services bulletins. Only three were rated critical. That's a small reprieve since IT Relevant Products/Services admins expected 14 bulletins -- the fix for the so-called Beast attack did not make it into this release.

New Hotmail Version Now Fully Deployed

To say that Microsoft has been on a torrid release schedule when it comes to upgrading its cloud-based services is a bit of an understatement. Today, the company revealed that it has completed deploying the latest version of its Hotmail email service, so all customers are now on the new version. As a bonus, there is also a new Android App for Hotmail.

Amazon selling more than a million Kindles per week

It's going to be a Kindle kind of holiday for many folks around the globe. Amazon.com today said that it is selling Kindles at a rate of more than one million per week - marking the third consecutive week that it has topped that milestone.

From Netflix to iTunes: What to expect in 2012

The best stories in digital media are ending the year with some compelling cliffhangers.

Setting up a temporary ‘ad hoc’ network

When you need a quick way to share files between two Windows PCs that aren’t normally connected, an ad hoc wireless network is the way to go. Everything you need is already built into Windows 7, Vista, and XP. Here’s how to set up an ad hoc network on wireless PCs.

Top 100 Free Apps For Your Phone

No matter which smartphone you own or are choosing to buy, the apps that are available for it can have an enormous influence on whether you're ultimately happy with your phone.

Pirates Everywhere Inside Hollywood Studios

Ever wonder if the Hollywood entertainment industry holds itself to the same standards it expects from us? Guess what…the biz is rife with in-house pirates. So before they demand Congress to pass borderline unconstitutional laws to stops piracy, they need to look at their own piracy. Love it when we catch hypocrites.

In other stories, the FBI may be investigating Carrier IQ for illegal wiretaps; a report on the hard disk shortage; a look at Microsoft’s newest tool that scans for all bad things on your computer before the system boots up; and much much more. Enjoy! -JRC

Busted: BitTorrent Pirates at Sony, Universal and Fox

After some initial skimming we’ve discovered BitTorrent pirates at nearly every major entertainment industry company in the US, including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fox Entertainment and NBC Universal. Busted.

FBI May Be Gathering String on Carrier IQ

A Freedom of Information request asking for the FBI's records and info regarding embattled cellphone software maker Carrier IQ has been rejected. Why would the FBI refuse to say what it knows about the company? It's also possible the FBI is investigating Carrier IQ, which has drawn accusations of violating the Wiretap Act.

How bad is the hard disk shortage?

A report last week from IHS-iSuppli said it's pretty bad--a preview of what Intel said today. That is, the flooding in Thailand will hit PC shipments in the first quarter. iSuppli says the shortfall will be about 3.8 million PCs.

FCC (finally) cracks down on BLARING! TV! ADS!

The US Federal Communications Commission has issued rules requiring television broadcasters and cable and satellite providers to maintain constant volume levels for programs and commercials.

Twitter Trades Simplicity for Sophistication

Twitter's site redesign may cause a bit of consternation among users who already liked what the website had going for it, but the company hopes its base will grow more accepting as they use the new tools -- and that the new interface will encourage holdouts to join.

What’s the Most Secure Web Browser?

A new Google-funded study of browser security by security research firm Accuvant Labs crowned Chrome the champion of security features, and ranked Firefox below Internet Explorer in terms of protection available from web-borne threats. Keep in mind when you read this that Google funded this study.

Speed up Windows 7 and make it more beautiful

These tweaks may not be enough to convince Mac owners to switch from Mac OS X, but they sure do make Windows a lot more fun and eye-catching!

Windows Defender Offline beta tool removes malware before startup

Microsoft has released a new beta tool called Windows Defender Offline that's designed to scan for spyware and viruses prior to Windows startup, which could make it effective against malicious software, like rootkits, that can be difficult to remove while the OS is running. Free, of course.

Apple and Book Publishers Collusion Under Investigation

It’s taken longer than I expected but finally Apple’s and the major book publishers are under investigation for price fixing and driving up prices on e-books. It was so obvious what they did when the first iPad was released that I am surprised it took so long. I truly hope some good can come out of this and that consumers can benefit.

In other stories, there is more news on Carrier IQ, an update on the release date of the Windows 8 Beta…and, no surprise here, AT&T is voted the worst cell phone carrier again. I was also intrigued by the story on what we can expect in the coming year for tablet computers. I am currently looking into getting one of these critters myself. There is also some good information on making your life better with technology…or something like that. So read on…-JRC  

DOJ, state AGs also investigating possible e-book collusion

Following a similar announcement by the European Commission on Tuesday, the Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that it is also conducting an investigation into allegations that e-book publishers conspired with Apple to keep e-book prices from bottoming out. The DOJ has reportedly been investigating the situation for possible antitrust violations since publishers successfully pressured Amazon into adopting an agency model last year.

Carrier IQ: Not so invasive after all

A second researcher concludes that Carrier IQ isn't so evil -- but smartphone makers/carriers should better respect user privacy

AT&T rated worst cell phone carrier for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, AT&T was ranked last in Consumer Reports' annual customer satisfaction survey. The company was hit especially hard by complaints over poor voice service and phone-based customer care. Even worse for AT&T, the company's 2011 rating is slightly lower than last year's.

Microsoft slates Windows 8 beta for late February 2012

Microsoft has confirmed that it will release a public beta of Windows 8 in late February, 2012. The company broke the news at a San Francisco developers event Tuesday, where the vice president of Windows Web services, touted Windows Store, the app market that will be the sole distribution channel for applications designed to run in Windows 8's new "Metro" interface.

Tablets in 2012: What to Expect

What will tablets look like in the coming year? Tablets are out of their infancy and moving into adolescence--which means that we can expect big changes ahead as tablets' design and components improve.

Ten tricks every Windows 7 power user should know

Are you a Windows 7 power user? Do you want to be? I've scoured my archive of tips, shortcuts, and secrets to find the hidden gems even some Windows experts don't know about. These aren't esoteric tweaks - they're honest-to-goodness productivity boosters that will save you time and keystrokes.

12 tips for better holiday photos

Before you start immortalizing your holiday gatherings of friends and family, learn to use your camera. Celebrate the new year by taking it off auto. Party in a priority mode.

Free Image Convert and Resize

Free Image Convert and Resize is a compact yet powerful program for batch mode image processing. The program easily converts separate images as well as file folders containing images into different graphic formats, renames, reorders them and changes their size in accordance with the set parameters

Carrier IQ Continuing Coverage…and Much Much More

Hard technology news stories are hard to come by in the holiday season. And this year is no exception…except for biggest story of the year about how our cell phones are bugged by Carrier IQ. It may not turn out to be so big, but it also could be the #1 story of the year that may involve criminal activities. Congress is now involved and lawsuits are just beginning…so we are still in the early stages of this possible scandal.

Rather than bog this newsletter down with lots of stories covering all the angles, the first story is a gathering of many stories about Carrier IQ and what it means to you. Doing that allows me to publish other stories that also may be of interest. But, be sure and check out this out, then read the inside stories that you find of interest. - JRC

Carrier IQ: How big a threat is it?

The maker of the software that monitors smartphone performance is facing increasing scrutiny, following a security researcher's report on Carrier IQ. Here is a large collection of stories about Carrier IQ covering all aspects of this extremely controversial subject.

Firefox may be down, but it's not out

Don't cue the funeral dirge yet. Firefox has redeeming values, including its non-alignment with online advertising -- unlike Microsoft and Google

Windows 8 will be 'largely irrelevant' to traditional PC users

“Windows 8 will be largely irrelevant to the users of traditional PCs, and we expect effectively no upgrade activity from Windows 7 to Windows 8 in that form factor...” according to IDC predictions for this coming new year.

Pointless Internet Surfing: It's the American Way

Got nothing better to do? Go online! According to Pew Research, that's what more than half of America already does

Password Protection: How to Create Strong Passwords

The problem is that passwords should be different everywhere you use them, and that can make it difficult to remember them all. And, if a password is truly strong, that makes it even more difficult.

iTunes Match vs. Google Music vs. Amazon Cloud Drive

which system do you want to live with? It's a choice you can't make lightly because these companies don't play nice with each other. Once you've adopted one, it's hard to switch. If this were the Music Cloud Wars, then Apple's iTunes Match would be winning – but not by much. Here's a quick primer, along with a few ways to get in and around their digital barriers.

Roku 2 XS Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

Thanks to a varied range of content offerings--including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora--that beats the Apple TV, the Roku 2 XS is the best all-around streaming-media box you can get for less than $100. I believe that as I own one.

EssentialPIM - Probably the Best Personal Information Manager

I've been relying on Microsoft Outlook for my email, calendaring and contacts management for many years, but some folks can't afford to pay the hundred bucks or so that it costs. Or you might use web mail and have no need for an email client, but still want a way to manage appointments and contacts with the look and functionality of Outlook. If so, Essential PIM is a viable, free alternative that lets you color-code appointments, create tasks and notes, link contacts to appointments and link email messages to notes.

WinUtilities Free Edition

WinUtilities (Free) is a multi-functional system performance and optimization suite for Microsoft Windows. This collection of tools lets you supercharge your PC's performance, enhance its security, tweak and optimize its settings, and customize and personalize your screens.

Your Cell Phone May be Recording Everything You Do

The biggest scandal to hit the tech world in a long time is unfolding as we speak. It was discovered this week that 142 million cell phones are infected with spying software called “Carrier IQ,” manufactured by a company of the same name. It records and transmits every phone call you make, every keystroke, every text message and maybe even every photograph you take. It is hidden in the operating system of the phone using rootkit technology, making it virtually impossible to find unless you are an expert using special tools. You will not find it as an installed application, even if it is present.

Here is what we know so far: Most Apple iPhones contain the spyware; cell carriers AT&T and Sprint, both admit they install it in phones; Verizon says they do not install it in any of their phones…ditto for Microsoft in their Windows Phones. It has been found in Blackberry phones, but the company denies ever putting it in. It is very prevalent in most Android phones, except perhaps those from Verizon, although that has not been verified yet. The bottom line is there is a very good chance your cell phone is infected with this spying software, even though you never gave your permission.

Every day, new revelations about Carrier IQ are forthcoming. The company itself says the software helps phone carriers monitor what is happening on their networks to help make improvements. At this point, we are not exactly sure the extent of the data the company has and how they use it. When the fellow who uncovered the spyware went public, Carrier IQ threatened immediate legal action if he didn’t stop publishing his articles. When the Electronic Frontier Foundation entered the picture, Carrier IQ immediately backpedaled on their threats and began their public relations campaign to look saintly. 

Members of Congress are now involved and are speculating that the software may be in violation of privacy laws, making Carrier IQ open for criminal prosecution. 

I plan to keep you informed of new revelations as they come forth. And, just so you know its not all gloom and doom out there, I have included a few other stories with more positive content.  -JRC

So, there's a rootkit hidden in millions of cellphones

So, it seems that there is a rootkit hidden in millions of Android, Symbian, BlackBerry, webOS and even iOS handset that logs everything we do. You have to be kidding, but its true. How dare they do this!!!!

Carrier IQ: The Sony rootkit all over again

Can someone legally record almost everything you do on your phone without telling you? Yes. Meet Carrier IQ, whose software is installed on nearly 142 million handsets

Julian Assange to iPhone, Blackberry users: you're screwed

If the Carrier IQ scandal disturbed you, then prepare to be truly spooked: a Bureau of Investigative Journalism panel, headed by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, says that surveillance companies are selling software that turns your smartphone into a spying tool. The software allegedly allows intelligence operations to take pictures without your knowledge, read and alter messages, and track your location.

Finding and cleaning out your smartphone’s Carrier IQ poison

Millions of iPhones, Android and other smartphones have the Carrier IQ spyware rootkit in them. Here’s how to find it and try to zap it.

Google future-proofs your e-mail, documents from spies

Google is strengthening the encryption on Gmail and other services so that messages stored today can't easily be decrypted later by faster computers using brute force methods.

Hands On with iTunes Match

The iTunes Match is a piece of Apple's iCloud online storage service that backs up all music in your iTunes library, whether you bought it from the iTunes Store (before or after DRM), ripped it from a disc, or acquired it from another online source.

Chrome usage within striking distance of Firefox

According to Net Applications' November browser usage measurements, Chrome is now within 4 percentage points of Firefox. With a 2 percentage-point increase in one and a 2 percentage-point decrease in the other, Google comes out on top.

Five Best Recipe Organization Tools

Keeping digital copies of all of your hand-written recipes, favorite recipes from cookbooks, and other dishes you find on the web can be a difficult task, and there are plenty of tools to help you do it. We asked you which tools you used to manage your collection of hand-me-down recipes and favorite recent finds. Here's a look at the top five, based on your nominations.