Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Some Depressing News…and a Few Good Things Just for Fun

So you think the law makes you safe from government eyes? Then explain how an FBI laptop was found to have personal data about 12 million Apple iOS users. Check out our first story, then explain it to me.

Our second story should convince you to delete Java (not to be confused with JavaScript) from all your computers. I sure did.  It is an open invitation to hackers. Maybe that is how the FBI got all or part of the info on Apple users. You probably don’t need it anyway.

I’ve also got three new stories on Microsoft…none of which will make you happy. But you need to be informed.

Want some good news? If you have an Android phone and noticed it running very slowly lately, our last story about a free app called “1TapEraser” might offer some home. I tried it out and my smartphone is running much, much faster. So simple to use.

And if you are thinking about a new iPhone and are waiting for Apple’s announcement about the new iPhone 5, your wait is almost over. The press invitations for a new product announcement went out today. The event is next Wednesday…and its about 99% sure to be about the new iPhone. I’m looking forward to it as a little birdie told me I am getting one for my birthday. Yahoo!

I have a few other stories that are worth reading, so let’s move forward. - JRC

Hackers Scour FBI Laptop, Find Data On 12 Million iOS Users

Hacker group Anonymous claims to have obtained 12 million iOS user IDs from the computer of an FBI agent and has released nearly 1 million of those IDs along with corresponding personal information. The claim, if it is true, raises important questions. For instance, what was an FBI agent doing with personal information about 12 million private citizens? 

Security pros advise users to ditch Java

The 'write once, run anywhere' software platform has become a favorite of cyber attackers. Is it time for users to kill their Java?

Apple's September 12 invite hints at iPhone 5

Apple today sent members of the media invites to an event in San Francisco next week, where the company is expected to unveil the next version of the iPhone.

What's missing in Windows 8 apps

Windows 8 ships with some absolutely gorgeous apps. Navigating through News, Travel, or Weather, it's hard to deny the rich and colorful depiction of content. While its four core productivity apps are equally pretty, they're woefully inadequate in their current state for getting things done.

The Last Days Of Windows XP?

Windows XP, the zombie operating system that refuses to die, may be about to finally receive a killing blow to the head by the company that spawned it eleven years ago. So what will put XP out of its undead misery? Buyers of PCs running Windows 8 Pro will have the ability to downgrade to Windows 7 and Vista, but not all the way to Windows XP.

Microsoft Sneaks Out New Privacy Policy

In a revised privacy policy updated over the weekend, Microsoft now says that it will take the content that people upload and use it to improve Microsoft’s “integrated” suite of online services.

Smartphone battery life: 2 problems, 4 fixes

Battery life on smartphones is generally terrible, and everyone knows it. Here's why, and who is trying to fix it.

Easily Troubleshoot RAM-Related Problems On Your PC

If you want to troubleshoot RAM-related issues, or you simply want to know what's taking up all your memory, then RAM Map from the SysInternals team (which is now part of Microsoft) is a great place to start.

Five Best Journaling Tools

Public declarations and diatribes have their place, but sometimes you need a private space for your thoughts, dreams, and ramblings. Whether you crave a digital or analog tool, you'll find it in this Hive Five.

1Tap Eraser Keeps Your Android Phone Clean Automatically

If your Android phone is getting bogged down by cache files from apps you've long uninstalled or a call history that hasn't been cleared since you bought the phone, 1Tap Eraser can clean it up and give you that storage and speed back.

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