Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Tucson

Christmas is almost here and I look forward to all the season’s merriment. I hope yours will be as good as mine. A personal thanks to the numbskulls at Verizon who sent me several e-mails informing me my son bought me an iPhone 5 for Christmas…then changed my voice mail password.  NOT!!! But I will enjoy it anyway.

As you know, quality tech news stories are hard to come by this time of year…especially as many tech news sites shut down for the holidays.  So, with that in mind, this will be the last blog for 2012. But I am coming back, for sure.

Still, for this edition I was able to find some interesting stories and tips you might find useful. If you have an iPad, this is the season for super-sweet deals on apps. I have downloaded several that were free for a short time, and some really good ones for 99 cents. Our last story will get you started.

As your editor, I face a serious dilemma for next year’s tech blog. For so long, this blog has been mostly about desktop and laptop computers, hardware and software. But those sales are dwindling as we see the rise of tablets and smartphones. And of course, we have technologies that are not compatible…Android, Apple, Windows, and Windows RT.  And there are subsets of those…like Windows XP, 7, and 8.

The dilemma is: do I stick to desktop and laptop computing or try to cover it all? Any input you have will be greatly appreciated. But have no fear, I will figure all this out. You probably have noticed stores about some of these newer technologies already creeping in. Millions of people now own iPads, iPhones and Android Smartphone, including many of you. I just want to keep you current.

Any, so long until next year and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. - JRC

Threat of mass cyberattacks on U.S. banks is real, McAfee warns

A new security report by McAfee confirms that cybercriminals claiming to hack into hundreds of bank accounts next spring is a "credible threat."

Apple releases iOS 6.0.2 with Wi-Fi fix

Apple on Tuesday released iOS 6.0.2, an update aimed at fixing a Wi-Fi bug afflicting some devices. The whole of Apple's release notes for the update read as follows: "Fixes a bug that could impact Wi-Fi." The update applies only to the iPad mini and iPhone 5.

Forrester report finds US tablet ownership doubled this year

Forrester deduced from its nigh 60,000-strong survey that 19 percent of 'mericans over the age of 18 own at least one tablet

Putting Wi-Fi router’s security to the test

If your Wi-Fi router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) — and most newer home/small-business routers do — it might easily reveal its passwords to a readily available hacking tool. You can use that tool to be 100 percent certain your router isn’t vulnerable to malicious WPS hacking. Here’s how.

The year in tech: Biggest fails, flops, and faux pas

Just like every other year, 2012 brought its fair share of mistakes, flops, and failures. Here are 20 of the biggest tech mishaps from the past year.

The eight best technologies of 2012

In praise of the iPhone 5 (with Google Maps), Workflowy, snap-your-credit-card apps, and more.

Best Apps to Increase Productivity

I’m always on the lookout for new apps that will tweak my productivity in a small but meaningful way. Here are some of my favorite apps as we look forward to a super-productive (and busy) 2013.

Amazon Spreads Its Ecosystem

Apple sells devices. Amazon sells the ecosystem. And that ecosystem is vast. It’s just not available equally everywhere...yet. Only Amazon can still win when you buy some other company's product.

Review: Google Music Offers Free Cloud Tunes

Another benefit is that Google will upgrade your lower-quality tracks to versions encoded at 320 kbps, which you can download to replace your inferior-sounding songs. Amazon and Apple offer this feature too, but not for free.

9 Windows Start menus for Windows 8

Some of you may get a new computer this Christmas with Windows 8 installed. These free and low-cost utilities bring a classic Windows Start menu -- and respite from Metro annoyances -- to Windows 8

Big Holiday iPad App Sales Already Rolling

Now is a very good time to be on the lookout for big bargains on great iPad apps and games. It looks like lots of iPad app and game publishers have not waited for a holiday weekend – they’ve already kicked off their price drops and holiday sales.

Instagram and Facebook Team up to Anger Users

You may or may not use Instagram in conjunction with your Facebook account. I don’t, but the last couple of days, Instagram created a fire storm among users (FYI: Instagram was purchased recently by Facebook for an outrageous sum).

Instagram instituted a new Terms of Service agreement that said they had the right to use or sell your photos for advertisement purposes with out your prior consent and without compensation. Outrageous, to put it mildly.  Just before sending out this blog, Instagram and Facebook apologized and said they will remove the language that sparked the furor. I still don’t trust them. That is why I never used the service.

But wait, there’s more. Only last week, Instagram disabled a feature that allowed its users to post their photos directly into Twitter. Instagram said it wanted its members to use its own online services. Twitter quickly struck back, announcing new digital image "filters" for its own photo-posting features. The filters, which are similar to those on Instagram, allow people to make over smartphone snapshots in black and white or in movie-style looks.

So my advice is stay away from Instagram. It will do you no good. I’ve included a list of alternative apps that will do the same thing.

Besides the Instagram furor, there are some other interesting stories here and some great ‘How To’s” included in this edition, so have at - JRC

How to download your Instagram photos and delete your account

On 17 December Instagram unleashed brand-new terms of service that has rubbed many of its loyal users the wrong way. Instagram can sell your photos to third parties for ads without telling you.

Instagram apologizes to users: We won't sell your photos

Facebook breaks its silence, pledging to "remove" language that sparked a revolt among Instagram users concerned their photos would be sold for advertising or marketing purposes.

The Six Best Instagram Alternatives

Even though Instagram has apologized and supposedly reversed their policy, I would not trust them. After all, they are owned by the champion of privacy, Facebook. If you're worried, here are some alternatives.

Google Music Launches Its iTunes Match-Like Scan-And-Match Feature In The U.S.

Unlike Apple and Amazon, which charges about $25 per year for their respective services, Google offers this service for free.

Google puts Dead Sea Scrolls sacred text online

Since the sacred text of the Dead Sea Scrolls was discovered in the 1940s few besides religious scholars were allowed to closely examine the centuries old text. Google now gives the world up close and personal access to the scrolls,

How to Clean Up Your Online Presence and Make a Great First Impression

It's time to take your online reputation into your own hands instead of leaving it to Google. Here's how.

How To Download Your Twitter Archive

Twitter has begun allowing members to download an archive of all their tweets, so they can look back on their entire history on the microblogging network for the first time.

Digital Photography Super Guide:How to Organize Your Photos

So you've shot some great photos with your DSLR, point-and-shoot, or even phone camera. How can you store, organize, and share them? Here's how.

Mailvelope Offers Free, Easy-to-Use PGP Encryption for Gmail, Outlook, and Other Webmail Services

It's no secret that email is grossly insecure. If you want a little privacy in your inbox, the easiest way to do it is to encrypt your messages, and Mailvelope offers free, OpenPGP encryption for most popular webmail services that's easy to configure and a breeze to use.

The Best Startpage to Make Your Browsing Easier

FVD Speed Dial offers you simple and convenient access to all your favourite websites. It has a cool design, in fact the best of all SpeedDials I've used. It will surely impress you because of its user friendly interface. You can create custom background templates within the browser window and change the look of your browser completely

US Says No to UN Takeover of Net

Although this was not unexpected, it is nice to see the US supporting a free and open Internet. Several countries, mostly dictatorships and those who freely support censorship gave it their best shot, but freedom-loving countries prevailed. Hooray for us. Fortunately, Hollywood is not a country nor a member of the UN, so they could not vote.

In other news, Apple has re-approved Google Maps and it is available now for the iPhone. I assume it is coming very soon to the iPad. As you might recall, Apple created their own map which turned out to be a disaster. It was so bad that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, wrote a letter of apology to Apple Fanboys everywhere. The new Google Maps is now even better than before.

And speaking of Apple, if you are an iTunes user, there is an update to the new iTunes 11 that restores the duplicate file finder and fixes some minor problems. While I mostly like Apple products, I do not like having to download the entire iTunes application just to get some minor upgrades. But, I live with it.

Sorry about being a day late with this edition, but my Internet service was down for most of yesterday. Upward and onward! - JRC

ITU treaty negotiations collapse as US, Canada and UK refuse to sign

As anticipated, several countries pushed to expand the UN's authority to regulate the internet and the US, along with many of its allies, have said they will not sign the updated treaty.

Google maps app is BACK on iPhones

Google's maps app for iPhones, iPads and iPods is back less than three months after Apple booted it out of the iOS platform. In that period, the Cupertino giant publicly apologized for replacing its rival's mapping application with its own shoddy satnav-like software; the top exec behind Apple's crap map app, Scott Forstall, left the company; and Australian iPhone map users were lured towards a deadly desert.

The 100 Top Tech Stories of 2012

From the iPhone 5 to SOPA, we name the 100 most important technologies, people, trends, and news events this year.

8 things Microsoft is doing wrong

Windows 8 was supposed to jump-start sales of PCs, not help them drop off. So what's wrong? Well, plenty. Microsoft, of course, is a huge company that's flush with cash. It can afford to make mistakes. The 8-figure kind. And making them it is.

Routers using WPS are intrinsically unsafe

Simple hacker tools can easily sniff out Wi-Fi passwords from routers that have Wi-Fi Protected Setup enabled — quite possibly yours included. Here’s how to protect your network — and even hack your own router to see whether it’s vulnerable.

How to measure your true Internet speed

Curious about your Internet speed? Most Internet service providers (ISPs) offer some sort of throughput test tool on their sites — just click, and you’ll get a couple of often-impressive numbers. It’s in an ISP’s interest to provide the best speed numbers possible; your actual throughput is probably something quite different.

Netflix vs. Amazon Instant Video: Who streams supreme?

So which streaming video service is better. As I have both on my Roku Box, its a bit of a toss-up. Let's see what the expert say.

10 best Free Online Virus and Malware Scanners

Antivirus are not only the desktop apps which will help you to scan your PC but always protect your PC from virus, trojans and malaware attacks. There are several online antivirus scanners are available on the market, which gives the same protection to your Windows PC.

How to Turn Personal Pictures into Windows Icons Quickly and Easily

There is a very simple way to create a whole album of icons. Why should your desktop look just like all the other desktops? This tip will show how to convert your favorite JPG, PNG, and GIF files into your own personalized icons

Freemore Audio Video Suite (free)

Freemore Audio Video Suite is a collection of more than 30 audio, video and image tools to convert files, edit or record audio, join video or audio files, convert images to PDF, create image slideshows, download/convert YouTube videos, and more.

Tips and More Tips…and a Little News

So how is your Christmas shopping going? Mine is doing fine, thank you very much! I am down to 3 people to buy for (4 if I include myself), so that makes it much easier. Amazon and other on-line retailers make it even easier.

Against my better nature, I include a couple of Microsoft stories here. Sorry, I just felt they were important. I don’t want to be accused of Microsoft censorship. My favorite is story #2…about why Windows 8 is not selling. People don’t like it! That sums up my personal view in a nutshell.

But on the good side, I’ve included several good articles that may help you with your Christmas shopping and tips for making your technology time more productive. There is an old saying that says one teaches what one has most to learn. Count me in on that. I learn a great deal from many of the articles I publish here. I hope you do also.

With that said, let’s move forward. -JRC

Microsoft confirms Surfaces coming to non-Microsoft retail outlets

Currently only available in Microsoft stores, the company is going to expand retail distribution for its Surface tablet/PC devices starting in mid-December…just in case you want one for Christmas.

Opinion: Microsoft’s Astonishing Windows 8 Boondoggle

Herein rests a problem for Microsoft. People just do not like Windows 8. What a surprise!

Windows7, 8, RT to receive more critical patches next Tuesday

The patches are also aimed at the other current versions of Windows, including XP, Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Server 2003 and 2008. Five of the patches are rated critical, while two are deemed important.

On T-Mobile killing the subsidy: It's about time

Under this model, consumers either pay full price for the smartphone, or pay in monthly installments until the device is paid off. There will be no long term contracts under this plan. I wonder if and when other providers will be forced to do the same.

Tablets with the best screens

The importance of a tablet's screen quality cannot be understated. The vast majority of your interactions with a given tablet takes place on its screen. This year we've continued to see tablet screen quality jump by leaps and bounds, especially from the perspective of clarity.

Five lies your TV salesperson will tell you

Using the time-honored tactics of obfuscation, misdirection, and a little bit of fear, the people who try to sell you TVs can hit you with some heavy-duty lies. But when it's your dollar on the line, being prepared with some facts can only be a good thing.

Yahoo! Introduces New Mail

Yahoo! announced today that it has redesigned its once-dominant web email service to be faster, more intuitive, and easier to navigate. And it is accompanying this release with new or improved mobile mail experiences on iPhone, iPad, Android, and even Windows 8.

19 handy Google tricks that you weren’t aware of

There are many tricks hidden away that will help improve your Google experience. To help you out, here are a number of tips and tricks that you can use for four of Google’s more popular features: Gmail, Maps, Google Drive and Google News.

Get Organized: How to Digitize Your Recipes

Learn the best way to turn stacks of index cards and torn-out pages of cooking magazines into a digital, searchable, and sharable recipe collection.

A New Utility to Keep Your PC Clean and Protect Your Privacy

PrivaZer is a deep cleaner that removes traces of information that other cleaners miss and it does this quite quickly. Those who are concerned about privacy will appreciate the thoroughness of the program in removing traces of possibly personal information.

Sorry…No Windows 8 Stories Here

Every time I put together one of these tech blogs, I hope there are no critical Windows or Microsoft stories I need to include. I’ve over-saturated you with them over the last couple of month…mostly because there were things you needed to know, since most of you are Windows users.

Today, I am able to achieve that goal. No specific stories about Microsoft. Hooray!

What you will find here are a couple of important news stories, some tips, and some buying guides on certain tech products. I particularly like story #6 that explains what you need to understand when buying an HDTV. I am sure many of you have that on your gift list.

So, with all that in mind, let’s move forward. - JRC

The U.N. and the Internet: What to expect, what to fear (FAQ)

The U.S., Canada, and European allies are squaring off against Russia and China at a U.N. Internet summit. At stake: the future of how the Internet will be run.

Apple Will Be Made in America, Finally

Hoping to achieve what even Steve Jobs once considered the impossible, the largest company in American history will attempt to actually make a major product in America.

Review: Microsoft Office 2013 features new look, prices

This review focuses on the desktop applications, which you'll be able to buy either on their own or as part of the cloud-connected Office 365 suite next year.

The New Weather Underground Wundermap Offers Current Conditions, Plans Trips, Even Helps Buy a Home

The team at Weather Underground, your favorite weather site (and mine) just took the wraps off of an all-new WunderMap, which displays everything from current conditions, radar, temperature, wind speed and direction, and more all in an easy to use layout. Plus, for serious weather fans, there's even more under the hood.

Most Popular Photography Tips, Tricks, and Hacks of 2012

2012 was a great year for all things photography, with lots of posts to help you behind the camera, in front of it, when you're shooting, and when you're editing. Here is a cornucopia of helpful articles on making better photos.

TV tech explainer: Every HDTV technology decoded

Don't let numbers and marketing terms like 240Hz, 1080p, LED, contrast ratio, and 4K confuse you. Find out what they all mean -- and which ones matter -- here.

How to buy the best portable hard drive

Before you can choose the right drive, however, you have to identify your needs, wants, and budget.

Headphones buying guide

the variety of styles and options is wider than ever, and the opportunities for in-person testing fewer. To help you find the perfect set of headphones, here’s my yearly buying guide: what to look (and listen) for, descriptions of the different types.

The best e-readers for Christmas

Digital reading devices separate into two basic types. On the one hand, you have the traditional e-reader, based on e-ink technology, and designed specifically reading. But now we have the 7in tablet, an altogether more sophisticated gadget, but one now starting to challenge the old-fashioned e-reader on price, especially when you consider the extra functionality it incorporates.

Best Android-powered tablets (December 2012 edition)

While there's no doubt that the king of the tablets is Apple's iPad, that doesn't mean that there's no demand for Android-powered hardware. There are some very good reasons why an Android tablet might be perfect for you.

Microsoft’s Latest Attempt at Suicide

Just when you  think Microsoft can’t make anymore dumb moves, they top themselves with a new product that just makes you scratch your head in wonderment. This time, it’s the Surface Pro Tablet.

This tablet, although not yet on the market, is similar in appearance to the Surface RT tablet…but it runs the full Windows 8 operating system…meaning it can run most Windows programs that you use on the desktop. So far, so good. That is what most Windows users would want.

But here is where it starts to go wrong. This tablet is priced at $899 without a keyboard! And a keyboard and sales tax, you are looking at $1,100…for a tablet. That is absurd! For that kind of money, you can buy a fantastic notebook or ultra book. The most expensive iPad tablet is  far less than that. This price dooms it to instant failure, in my opinion and in the opinion of most tech journals.

But wait…there’s more. The battery life for this new monster is rated at 4+ hours. Now that is totally absurd in this day and age. You can read more about it in our first story. 

Another disturbing story is the failure of Microsoft’s Security Essentials to pass the AV-Test for catching worms and viruses. I’ve been recommending this program for a few years now.  I think today I will remove it from my computers and switch to Avast. You can read all about it in our 4th story.

Besides all the Microsoft tales of woe, there are some useful tips and information included here, so let’s get started. -JRC

Surface tablet with Windows 8 Pro: DOA

Now that we know several key points about the Surface Pro, Microsoft's claim that it 'isn't just any tablet' certainly rings true -- but not in a good way.

Steve Ballmer's Nightmare Is Coming True

Almost one year ago today, we laid out the nightmare scenario for Microsoft (MSFT) that could lead to its business collapsing. After laying it all out, we concluded, "Fortunately for Microsoft, none of this is going to happen." We were wrong.

Why Does Everyone Hate Windows 8? Should I Upgrade?

Windows 8 is getting a bad rap from a lot of people, but it really does have a lot of good stuff going for it. After all, people hated XP when it came out, too. Here are some of the things people are complaining about, and why they probably don't matter.

Security Essentials fails latest AV-Test

Microsoft's free antivirus suite did not pass the most recent efficacy test by AV-Test.org -- the only one out of 24 suites tested to not earn certification.

Hands on with iTunes 11: Is this Apple's best iTunes to date?

Apple's newly designed update to iTunes is here. We took a hands-on look too see what's changed with iTunes 11, and we can safely say we liked what we saw.

The Ultimate List Of iTunes 11 Tips, Tricks And Changes

iTunes 11 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor, and it has received lots of positive feedback since it became available for download on Thursday, November 29th.

What Is a 4G Network?

What is the difference between 4G and 4G LTE? The simple answer is right here.

How to Get Reduced Prices and Save Money When Shopping on Amazon

There are several ways you can save quite a bit of money when shopping on Amazon, but only if you utilize the right programs and strategies. Here's how.

Mozilla launches Facebook Messenger for Firefox

Facebook Messenger for Firefox is built on Mozilla’s Social API for the Web. The new feature allows Firefox users to chat away with their Facebook friends no matter what site they’re on.

Are TV extended warranties worth it?

An extended warranty on a TV appears, at first, like a decent idea. After all, TVs are expensive, very high-tech, and pretty complex, right? However, dig a little deeper and you'll find that extended warranties are almost always a waste of money.

The Editors' Choice List: Our Selection of Best Free Windows Apps

Here is an updated list of the best free Windows apps as reviewed by Gizmo. Its a very extensive list covering every kind of application you can imagine. You need to bookmark this site.