Thursday, December 22, 2011

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.

1 comment:

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