Shop at Target? Then You Better Read This

There’s been a huge data breach at Target Stores…not the on-line store, but the regular brick and mortar stores all over the country. Millions of credit card and debit card information has been stolen. The breach is so large that the Secret Service is now involved.

The breach runs for all credit cards used in the stores from November 29 (Black Friday) up to possibly December 15. If you used your credit card in a Target Store during that timeframe, I suggest you talk to your bank and keep following this story. Sorry for the bad news.

Although tech news is always a bit sparse this time of year, I think I’ve rounded up to some good stories as well as some good tips. With that said, I will be taking next week off to be with my son for Christmas. I am not sure when I will be returning, but I will start publishing again right after New Years…if not soon. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to being back with you soon. - JRC

 

News and Opinions

Target investigating massive Black Friday data breach

It's not just online transaction databases that are susceptible to attacks. The retailer Target is reportedly looking into the theft of millions of in-store credit card and debit card records from its databases. Millions of people may be affected.

The fall (and rise?) of Yahoo: How the web giant crumbled and built some great tech in the process

In the end, the bigger and badder Google brought Yahoo’s business to its knees. The company isn’t dead, but its body has been prematurely autopsied countless times by technology journalists.

Lights out: 40W and 60W bulb phase-out begins January 1, 2014

This phase-out means that the consumer lighting segments will be restricted to efficient halogens (sort of the clean coal of the lighting world), CFLs, and LEDs

Why Apple Needs A Next Big Thing Sometime Soon

Apple released the 'next' big things 3-6 years apart. We're about to hit year four since the last one, and with Steve Jobs no longer around to lead the charge, the whispers are out there that the innovation may not be to the level it had been in the past to lead to these creations.

 Pre-encryption makes cloud-based storage safer

I must confess: Until recently, I deeply distrusted the security of cloud-storage services such as SkyDrive, Google Drive,and Dropbox. But now, thanks to pre-encryption software, I’m comfortably using several cloud services — with no worries about the security and privacy of my files.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Chrome Brings Apps to Your Desktop: Are They Worth Using?

Do you use Windows, Mac, or Linux applications? Google wants you to replace them with Chrome apps in the future. Google Chrome is now an app platform, complete with a Chrome app launcher for Windows and Mac

Browser Wars: Chrome vs. IE10 vs. Firefox

More application-like websites are on the horizon, and the major browsers are getting ready. Which is best for you?

New year, new calendar strategy: 10 hacks for staying organized in 2014

By using a mobile smart calendar creatively, you can bring order out of chaos in areas ranging from bill payment to time management - and, in some cases, even break your habit of being (un)fashionably late.

New Google Tips is surprisingly helpful

Google has launched Google Tips, a site which uses clickable cards to explain the features and capabilities of Google's biggest products.

Four Creative Uses for Your Old SD Cards

If you've been through a couple of smartphones by now, or have owned more than one digital camera in your lifetime, you probably have a few SD cards lying around that you don't know what to do with.

 

Tablets and Smartphones

Everything You Didn't Know You Could Do with Google's Voice Commands

Voice search is one of those features that seems silly, but is awesome once you start using it. Not convinced? Here are a few ways to turn voice search from a silly gimmick into a useful productivity tool.

The 10 Best Tablets

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? These ten top-rated tablets fit the bill.

Biggest Android news of 2013

Android has enjoyed a very big year. The platform has been growing faster than the competition. A flurry of new smartphones and tablets has been launched. New form factors and innovations, from voice controls to curved displays, point the way to a brighter future.

Shopping for an iPad? Here are the Best Last Minute Deals

Although the Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally the biggest shopping day of the season, this year retailers are making one last big push to get out of the red. Below is a list of last minute deals on Apple’s iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini at various locations.

BBB Warning: Smart Phone Apps May Share Your Information

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to make sure the apps they download don’t take more information than they need to do the job.

A Killer Windows Feature You May Not Know About

One of the benefits of writing this blog is I get to learn some new things along the way…and passing them along to you. Such is the case today.

As you probably know, I have a fairly new Windows 8 laptop that has given me fits. There are programs that I use on my desktop that I loaded on to my laptop…mostly Windows utility programs. One such program is Revo Uninstaller…and excellent utility that not only deletes unwanted software, but thoroughly removes all remnants of it from your system. It was one of the first programs I put on the laptop to help me get rid of the crapware that always comes with new computers.

On my Windows 7 desktop, Revo can do its job in 2-4 minutes. But on the Windows 8 laptop, it would often take 15-20 minutes to do the same thing. One could leave the room, go have a cup of coffee, and still be waiting for it to finish. Very frustrating.

Then I came across story #6 below about how to run older programs under Windows 8. It turns out one can specify a compatibility setting for each installed Windows programs. So, I changed the compatibility setting on Revo from Windows 8 to Windows 7, then ran it. Boom! It completely wiped out an app in 2-3 minutes. It worked! And it turns out you can change the compatibility settings in Windows 7, Vista, and maybe even XP. To learn more, be sure and read article #6.

There are lots of other interesting computer news, features, and tips in this edition, so I hope you learn something new like I did. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Why Apple's 2014 won't be like 2013

It's not just about the next hit product. Apple is preparing for a future beyond phones, tablets, watches and TVs, in which it's the premium brand for life in a fully digital age.

More Than 48 Million Tons Of Gadgets Thrown Away Every Year

What with all of these new and wonderful gadgets out this year, it's no surprise that some of your older tech might end up on the scrap heap.
But not 48.9 million tons of it.

Yahoo forced to acknowledge Yahoo Mail problems in worst failure yet

After a public UI and technical failure with its October redesign, Yahoo Mail miraculously gets worse as it goes. And then, Yahoo acknowledges delivery failures stretching back to November 25.

Microsoft's Windows 8 Is The Perfect OS That Nobody Wants

Windows 8 looks perfect. But new updates may revert its design to appease consumers. What is going on?

ZDNet’s top products and tech trends for 2013

The 13 entries on this list are comprised of two types: tech trends that came into clear focus this year, and products that did something new and have the potential to be disruptive.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

 

How to Run Older Programs under Windows 8 - For Dummies

When a new Windows version, like Windows 8, appears a few years later, some older programs feel threatened by their new environment and refuse to work. If an older program refuses to run under Windows 8, you still have hope because of Windows' secret Compatibility mode.

Accessing God Mode in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista

Here's a great "trick" that will allows you to have ALL the options to control your PC with Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 8 RT, Windows 7, Windows Vista and others in one folder.

Best Free eBooks Online

Some time ago I went looking for some free eBooks and was surprised to find that there are many resources for this. I decided to put together this list of sites that offer free eBooks. Originally, the list was for 50 sites. Today, the list has reached 913 sites.

How to Migrate to a Solid-State Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

Migrating your Windows installation to a small drive can be tricky, because your data won't necessarily all fit on the drive. Here's how to install an SSD without reinstalling Windows from scratch.

Five uninstallers that really work

It never ceases to amaze me how many applications include built-in uninstallers, yet leave fragments behind when you remove them. Fortunately, the are a number of commercial uninstallers that do a good job cleaning up your computer

 

Tablets and Smartphones

A Quicker Way To Close All Tabs in iOS Safari

Ever find yourself with too many tabs open in Safari on your iPad or another iOS device? They do seem to accumulate pretty quickly for me over the course of a couple days of browsing. Well, here’s a very way for closing all open tabs more quickly.

Can You Really Get Great Shots on an iPhone?

We all understand that, in the right hands, any camera is a good camera (or a good enough camera). So since the iPhone is, at the very least, a very capable camera, perhaps we should be talking about what iPhoneographers can do to maximize their camera’s potential.

Must-Have iPad Apps, 2013 Edition

Another "best of" article, but it is a good one. Worth a look if you own an iPad.

List of 53 New Android Apps you didn’t know about

The only purpose of this article is to share with you new apps which are largely unheard and not so popular...but are worth a look.

List of 35 Best Android HD Games 2013

There are lots of HD Games for Android which you can download straight from Google Play and feel the real experience of High definition gaming.

Keep Your Phone and Move to a New Carrier

With a bit of a push from consumer groups, the FCC, and even the White House, the 5 major cell phone carriers agreed to let users unlock their cell phones when their contracts are up so they can take their phones with them to a different carrier. It’s a bit complicated for now (what isn’t when it comes to cell phone carriers!) so read our first story to get the details.

In the last issue, there was a story titled, “Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps.” The first app mentioned is called “WizMouse.” I installed it yesterday and I love it. It allows you to scroll in windows when you mouse over them, not just after you click on them. Heartily recommended.

There are lots of interesting stories, tips and tricks in this edition, so I will stop babbling and let you read them. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

U.S. carriers agree to new cellphone 'unlocking' policy

Major U.S. wireless carriers on Thursday pledged to make it easier for consumers to "unlock" their mobile phones for use on competitors' networks

Microsoft patches 4 zero-day vulnerabilities in major Patch Tuesday event

24 vulnerabilities in total are patched in the December round of updates, but four of them are already being exploited in the wild.

Microsoft adds lots of new features to Bing's Snapshot box

Microsoft has added new features to Snapshot, and today the company unveiled even more bits of information that can show up when users search for a topic in Bing.

Is Apple Dying Without Steve Jobs?

Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs and, since the iPad, there has been no spectacular product launch, only the usual stream of updates and improvements. His more conventional management practices are said to be counter innovative.

2013 in Review: Tech Turkeys of the year

And now, for your reading pleasure, the very worst from the tech world in 2013

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Antivirus for 2013

Which of the current antivirus tools is the one for you? PCMag sorts the best from the rest. Includes both free and paid versions

Microsoft Makes It Easier to Switch from Gmail to Outlook.com

What they're doing is providing a wizard-based interface for importing your Gmail contacts into Outlook.com and then configuring Outlook.com to be able to send email as if from Google.

How to Do a Clean Install of Windows Without Losing Your Files, Settings, and Tweaks

There's nothing like a fresh install of Windows to clear your mind, but it comes at a cost: you have to set everything up again, just the way you like it. Here's how to reinstall Windows, migrate your important settings, and leave the clutter behind.

Lifehacker Pack for Windows 2013: Our List of the Best Windows Apps

Windows has more great programs than we can count, but some are essential to just about every PC setup. In our fifth annual Lifehacker Pack for Windows, we're highlighting the must-have downloads for better productivity, communication, media management, and more.

Get a Refund If Amazon Drops the Price on an Item You Just Bought

Well, the good news is Amazon will refund you the difference—if you ask within the right timeframe.

 

Tablets and Smartphones

The first 6 things you need to do with your new Android tablet

After you've gone through the initial setup but before you begin actual normal use of your shiny new portable device, there are a few things -- six things, in fact -- you'll want to take care of.

Spotify now free on tablets and smartphones

Previously, free streaming was offered only on the desktop; users wanting to listen on a mobile device were required to take out a £10 monthly subscription.

18 Photography Apps Each Smartphone Photographer Should Consider

Thanks to ambitious app creators, we can trick out our smart phone cameras with a seemingly endless supply of options. From filtering and sharing, to editing and correcting, if there's something you want your smart phone camera to do, chances are there's an app for that.

Gas Buddy - Find the cheapest gas when you are traveling

Find the cheapest gas when you are on the road. An app is available for all smartphone brands. Everyone with a car and smartphone should have this app.

Rovio Releases ‘Angry Birds Go!’ Kart Racing Game for iPad and iPhone

Angry Birds Go! is a 3-D racing game that puts you behind the wheel in a soapbox derby as either the birds or pigs. Race as Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig, and more.

Has Your Password Been Stolen? Mine Was

We continually hear about various company’s security being breached and passwords being stolen. In article #6 below, there is a Website listed that can check multiple databases to see if your passwords might be on the stolen list. All you have to do is enter your e-mail address.

I checked and sure enough, mine popped up on the list of stolen passwords from Adobe. That was not a surprise as over 150 million credentials were stolen from them. Thank God it was the only one, and I changed that password a long time ago. But, because of this breach, I am in the process of changing most of my passwords. You see, most of us use the same password over and over again…I am guilty of that. It just makes it easier.

But hackers are aware of our habits, so if they get your e-mail address and password, they can hijack your mail accounts and hack other sites, like your bank. Fortunately, that has not happened to me. But, I will make sure that it never happens. I suggest you visit: http://haveibeenpwned.com/ and enter your e-mail address. And be sure and read story #6.

And while you’re at it read story #7 and run the LastPass Security Challenge. I did and my score was not very good. So I am making changes to improve my security and raise my score. This challenge will also check for hijacked passwords and e-mail you the results. I highly recommend you run this check ASAP.

Although we are in the slow news cycle that always happens this time of year, I managed to cobble together several interesting stories, along with some really good tips for both your desktop computers and your portable ones. I hope you find something good. -JRC  

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook call for NSA muzzle

The Reform Government Surveillance group, an alliance between eight major technology firms, aims to persuade the U.S. government to stop undermining the privacy rights of the general public.

Tablet OSes killed Windows 8 and Microsoft with it

Analysis: Incompetent management destroyed the company...but so did table operating systems.

MS adds more options to Office 365 Home Premium

No matter how you measure it, Office 365 Home Premium has defied the odds and become a surprising success. This quick overview of Microsoft’s for-rent Office suite for home users tells why — and reveals new features available to you any day now.

The next USB plug will finally be reversible

Work has begun on a new generation of USB that will break compatibility with existing connectors in order to improve ease of use and allow for thinner devices.

Cyber Monday was the biggest online spending day in history

Americans spent $1.75 billion on Monday, an 18 percent jump over Cyber Monday 2012. Did the jump come at the expense of Black Friday sales?

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to find out if your password has been stolen

There are many public databases of breached accounts, the largest breach being that of Adobe.com, but no way to search across all of them. Until now.

How to Run a Last Pass Security Audit (and Why It Can’t Wait)

Stop being thankful you dodged the past security breach bullets and armor yourself against the future ones. Read on as we show you how to audit your passwords and protect yourself.

How to Migrate to a Solid-State Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

Installing a solid-state drive is one of the best upgrades you can make to your computer, but migrating your Windows installation to a small drive can be tricky, because your data won't necessarily all fit on the drive.

Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps

Some apps are essential, and everyone who's anyone knows to have them on their computer. Some apps, however, are fantastic, yet fly under the radar.

How to Talk to a Live Person: Every Customer Support Number You'll Ever Need

Customer Support is theoretically there to help, but it too can be a disappointingly unpleasant experience. Here is how to get to a live person right away.

 

Portable Computing

Google Play (Finally) Promotes Tablet-Optimized Android Apps

Google finally understands -- and has changed the way Android tablet apps are highlighted in the Google Play store. When an Android tablet accesses the store, by default the screen displays the top apps labeled as "designed for tablets.

How get the most out of Google’s apps and services when using an iPad

Going “all in” with Google’s online services does not mean that Android is the only option for your tablet. The following will show just how much attention Google has given to to Apple’s own iPad.

Heyday for iOS automatically journals your photos and locations so you don’t have to

Journaling apps are great for recording your memories, but the truth is that many of us give up manually inputting entries after just a few days. Heyday wants to take care of that for you by automatically creating your journal for you.

10 must-have Android apps for keeping on top of the news

There are a tremendous number of news outlets, blogs and RSS feeds to explore on the internet, but keeping up with them all can be tiresome. There are numerous apps for filtering all of this content in a timely, efficient manner.

Favorite iPad Apps of 2013

What truly makes the iPad great is its use of apps. It offers plenty of customization, allowing the user to customize his or her own iPad experience. Here are one writer’s favorite iPad apps of 2013

5 apps worth downloading this week

Featuring a new way to shop, a slick app that helps keep your life organized and one of the best photo editing apps out there.

Here’s the Scoop on Why Obamacare Website Failed

I am back from a great Thanksgiving visit with my son over in Yuma. He is one terrific cook and Thanksgiving dinner was marvelous. I am still feeling full from all the turkey and fixings…not to mention the desserts. Wow!

As for today’s blog, be sure and watch the video in our first story. Find out why the Obamacare Website came out broken. It is very revealing. Well worth the 12 minutes it takes to watch it.

There are lots of other stories here that you find interesting (I hope) including one about my old hometown and how they have the fastest Internet anywhere…and trust me, the speeds were incredible. I may not miss the town, but I miss those speeds. And I am proud to say, I played a part in making it happen.

So, anyway, I am tired of writing, so why don’t you start reading. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Why Healthcare.gov came out broken

A great 12 minute video from The Verge showing how and why it failed. Hint: its all about government procurement rules. Personal opinion: Our government is totally broken.

Which US city has the fastest Internet access? Wrong!

It's not one of the towns served by Google Fiber, and it's not in the backyard of any tech giants, though it is starting to attract their data centers. Hint: It's my former hometown...and I was part of making it happen.

Surprise! You are Watching More TV Than Ever

No one watches TV anymore. You don’t, and no one you know does, and it’s just a matter of time before the TV Industrial Complex folds in on itself and disappears. Except … it turns out that people are still watching TV

European regulators give Microsoft's Nokia acquisition final approval

The European Union's blessing follows US antitrust regulators' approval on Monday and approval from Nokia shareholders in November. The antitrust regulators passed the acquisition with no conditions, as expected.

Microsoft's Windows future: One core, many SKUs

Is Windows RT dead? Is the desktop going away ? What's 'Threshold' got to do with it? Here's my latest attempt to try to make sense of where Microsoft's Windows roadmap will lead in the next couple years and beyond.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Wireless Printing Explained: AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, iPrint, ePrint, and More

The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from. This definitely applies to wireless printers. When buying a printer, you’ll find that most printers support a variety of different printing standards.

10 Incredibly Simple Things You Can Do To Protect Your Privacy

Want to make your computing and on-line experience much safer. Check out these 10 tips (slide show)

The Top 12 PC Settings in Windows 8.1 You Should Know

Since Windows 8.1 has launched, a lot that has changed. Not so much with the Control Panel, but the Metro-themed “PC settings” that have definitely taken on more and more responsibilities; many control panels have finally been rolled into the PC settings.

Confused about online sales taxes? You're not alone

Are you doing some shopping online this holiday season and wondering why you're getting charged sales tax and your sister in another state isn't?

This 4-In-1 File Explorer Makes Moving And Copying Files Simple

The standard way to move or copy files and folders in Windows is to use Windows Explorer. But there's a fundamental flaw in its design which Microsoft consistently seems to ignore.

 

Portable Computing

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2013

Navigate the galaxy of apps in Google Play with this handy, carefully selected list of the 100 best Android apps.

The very best tablets of 2013

Tablets have been a huge hit over the year, and a number of great products have come to market, and with retailers trying desperately to attract attention with holiday deals, there's never been a better time to buy.

Five Best iPad Cases

Whether it's a rugged case you need, a soft case with pockets, or a keyboard case, you have options. Here are five of the best.

Best Free Image Editor for Android

Using one of the great freely available image editor apps you should be achieve pretty much any effect you desire, whether it be the usual photoshop-esque image editing like improving an existing photo by lightning it or removing red eyes or something a little more fun like creating a pop art collage out of a selfie, there is an image editor app on Android to meet your needs.

Best iPad action games

Are you ready to test your reflexes? These great action games for iPad will see just how well you can dodge, fire, pivot, and twitch. We’ve got a good mix of physics games here, endless runners, and everything in between.

Microsoft to Dump Windows RT? That’s a Good Bet

Here we go! It’s the holidays. Time for turkey, stuffing, family time, and mad dashes to all the stores to get their best deals of the year (maybe). You will find some good articles on Black Friday shopping here including apps to help you find all the deals without going to the mall…and even a story on what not to buy this coming weekend.

There is an interesting story out of Redmond that Microsoft will be cutting out one of its operating systems…and it looks like it will be Windows RT. I think that is a good one to kill off. So that leaves Windows and Windows Phone 8. Look for Windows Phone 8 operating system to eventually show up on tablets. All sources tell me it is a good one.

I will be taking the next several days off to be with family in Yuma. So no blog until next week. But the stories here and some great tips and tricks here should keep you occupied until then. Here’s a tip for all readers east of the Mississippi: Stay Home!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft: We aren't going to have three different versions of Windows

A Microsoft official confirms the company is planning to trim the number of different versions of Windows in its portfolio...and odds-on its Windows RT that goes bye-bye.

Twitter upping security to thwart government hacking

The microblogging site adds a new security measure designed to make it harder for organizations like the National Security Agency to uncover its data.

The cable industry is imploding: What providers must do to stay alive

Cable is dying of a slow, drawn out death. It’s not at the hands of Netflix, nor at the hands of fiber optic technology. It’s not even at the hands of the Internet. Cable is strangling itself with its own wires.

The Slow Roll Toward Talking Cars

A combination of embedded and cloud-based voice-recognition software will help drivers better communicate with their cars.

Here's how Walmart will fight off Amazon on Black Friday

The retailing giant is pulling out all stops, from free shipping to price match guarantees. And for Walmart, Cyber Monday starts on Saturday.

Price, set, match: Target's new weapon to beat 'key online retailers'

It looks like Target is going to try to beat Amazon at its own game.

 

Tips and Tricks

13 Things Not to Buy on Black Friday

Even though many product categories will see new all-time low prices, not everything is at its lowest price on Black Friday. In fact, there are 13 items you definitely shouldn't buy on November 29

The absurdly simple guide to backing up your PC

The first rule of PC Club is: Always, always back up. Thankfully, backing up your most important data is a cinch. It’s the getting off your rear to actually do it that stymies most people.

Everything You Can Do with Adblock Plus (That Isn’t Just Blocking Ads)

Adblock Plus is one of the most robust browser extensions out there, and while its namesake is its most-used feature, it's not just about blocking ads. You can do all sorts of things with it, including cleaning up Facebook's interface and making sure web sites aren't tracking you.

Streak Tracks Your Email, Lets You Know Who Read It, When, and Where

Streak, is an email organization suite for Gmail, unveiled message tracking today. It pops up a message to let you know when a message has been read, and offers a timeline view so you can see who's read it, when, and on what devices. Best of all, it's free.

Make Your Windows 8/8.1 Computer Act Like New with the Refresh Feature

Windows 8 introduced a new feature called “Refresh your PC” that provides a quick and easy way to clean things up and restore the operating system to factory-fresh condition. It can also be a lifesaver if your computer develops severe problems.

 

Portable Computing

14 Free Apps to Help You Snag All the Black Friday Bargains

Fortunately, your smartphone is all you need to make sure you get the very best prices on everything on your holiday shopping list. Download these essential apps while the turkey is in the oven and prepare to save. Best of all, none of them will cost you a cent.

myMail- A Beautiful Email App for Android and iOS

myMail brings all your email accounts into one simple, bright, and friendly interface and supports almost all popular email services including Gmail, Yahoo!, AOL, iCloud, Hotmail and Outlook. So you can have all your emails in one place.

Infinity Blade goes free for Black Friday week

Even though it's now three years old, if you're looking for a great game to play on your iPhone or iPad then the original Infinity Blade title is still well worth a look. Fantastic graphics

Favorite iPad Apps of 2013

What truly makes the iPad great is its use of apps. It offers plenty of customization, allowing the user to customize his or her own iPad experience. Here are my favorite iPad apps of 2013.

Gas Buddy - Find the cheapest gas when you are traveling

Find the cheapest gas when you are on the road. An app is available for all smartphone brands. Everyone with a car and smartphone should have this app.

All Quiet on the Western Front

As we slowly approach the two biggest holidays of the year, the news stories get thinner and thinner. But I have managed to cobble together a few stories that may be of interest.

For those of you following my adventures with my Windows 8.1 tablet…nothing new to report. That is because I haven’t looked at it once since my last blog. Too many other good things to work on. And if you are wondering if Android 4.4 has arrived on my Nexus 7 Tablet…NOPE! 9 Nine days and counting.

By the way, I read where Amazon, Best Buy and a couple of other stores will be selling the Nexus 7 for $199 on Black Friday (currently $239). Why not buy one and join me in our update watch. Misery loves company. Maybe you can figure out why the battery keeps draining when not in use.

Nothing else to bitch about so I will let you read on. Thanks for your support.    -JRC

 

News and Opinion

List of Airlines Allowing Personal Electronics Below 10,000 Feet

Southwest joined the gate-to-gate club, but found a way to set itself apart from the rest of the carriers by offering WiFi service from the time passengers get on their flight until the time the get off.

Vint Cerf: 'Privacy may be an anomaly'

The so-dubbed father of the Internet believes privacy will be increasingly harder to achieve given our desire to tell all via social media.

Google finishes 2,048-bit security upgrade for Web privacy

This means two things. First, traffic will be harder to decrypt since 1,024-bit keys aren't in use at Google anymore. Second, retiring the 1,024-bit keys means the computing industry can retire the technology altogether by declaring such keys untrustworthy.

Never Forget That Wireless Carriers Are Evil

This is a look at the latest in how carriers and the CTIA are protecting valuable revenue streams by blocking features that would curb smartphone theft.

Three signs you’re drinking the Microsoft Kool-Aid

Have you been drinking the Microsoft Kool-Aid? Here are three sure signs you need to step back, take a deep breath, and re-examine marketplace realities.

 

Tips and Tricks

10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal

Dropped Wi-Fi signals, dead zones that receive no wireless signal at all, and slow performance are the biggest complaints about wireless networks. These tips can give your wireless performance a boost.

How to find free Wi-Fi during your holiday travels

Finding Wi-Fi on the road has become a lot easier over the past ten years. You just have to know where to look for it.

Best budget laptops

The era of the $300 Netbook maybe long gone, but you can still find basic Atom-powered hybrids or Core i3 touch screen laptops for between $500-$600, and step-up versions for a little more

Which Companies Are Encrypting Your Data Properly?

These service providers have taken a critical step towards protecting their users from warrantless seizure of their information off of fiber-optic cables.

Botnet innovation: Resistance is (nearly) futile

Botnets are not a new threat, but they are a serious one. Amassing the resources of possibly millions of compromised PCs, attackers use that combined power for all sorts of nefarious activities. Since their inception, botnets have been one of the more difficult threats to neutralize, and new and innovative techniques are making this malware even more difficult to stop.

 

Portable Computing

Black Friday Apps

Ever wish you could take on Black Friday with a secret weapon? One that would help you brave the crowds and come out victorious? Well we've got, not one, but five of 'em to help you out!

The 100 Best iPhone Apps

Want the best apps for your iPhone? Explore our list of the top 100 iPhone apps, and discover cutting-edge releases as well as tried-and-true favorites.

Google Now vs. Siri: The rematch (Video)

Watch us test the two most powerful virtual assistants to find out which one is smarter, faster, and most helpful.

Popular Email App 'Boxer' Now Finally Available on iPad

"Boxer has been around for about half a year, and it has proven to be very successful for iPhone users. Today, the company announced that their email client for Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook has finally been upgraded to universal status. Not only that, but you can also send important emails to Evernote and keep your correspondences organized with Sanebox."

I’m Mad As Hell…Etc., Etc.!

These are the times that try men’s souls…or at least mine. Seems like everything goes wrong these day and my anger level rises another notch.

Of course, it all starts with my laptop and Windows 8. Back when they first introduced it, I hated it. Now that I own a new laptop with it (no choice these days), I hate it more and more. For me, it is a total piece of #$%#$ that should have never been put on the market.  One of these days, I will tell you about all my attempts to experiment with it and make it useful. It is anything but. Most of their so-called Metro apps are terrible and nearly useless.

For now, I will just mention my recent attempt to make a backup image copy before I deleted it forever and installed Windows 7. First, the image backup software in Windows 8.1 that works so well in Windows 7 does not work. It said I didn’t have enough room on my 500GB USB hard drive to back up 72GB from my laptop. What? That is nuts. Turns out the Microsoft knows it does not work but released it anyway…and they have not fixed it yet. Unbelievable!

I used another piece of software to back it up so I could erase the damn thing and install Windows 7. But, then I found out it is nearly impossible to get rid of it. Microsoft has done some extra little things including inside the BIOS so that only a bona fide computer nerd can get rid of it. I read the instructions and it is way over my head.

Even trying to do a dual boot is a nearly impossible task. I might be able to accomplish that one, but am a little scared to try. One wrong step and I have a completely worthless laptop. We shall see. PS: Upgrading to Windows 8.1 wiped out some of my useful desktop apps.

Just remember all this when you go shopping for a Windows 8 desktop computer or laptop.

I am also angry about the so-called upgrade on my Nexus 7 tablet to Android 4.4. Its been a week now since Google announced it was being delivered to users. Not here yet and from what I read on the Net, no one has received it (see story below). Then why did they bother to announce it? 

And I won’t even go into the terrible football season…at least for me. All my teams are losing and the officiating has become so bad it is hard to watch. Frustrating.

So that is my story and it is definitely not a pretty one. But there are some other less anger provoking stories stories included here, so why don’t you get started. – JRC

 

News and Opinions

Steve Ballmer: Here's The Real Reason I'm Leaving Microsoft

Steve Ballmer has given his exit interview to The Wall Street Journal. In it, he gives his fullest explanation for why he's stepping down as CEO of Microsoft.

TPP Leak Confirms the Worst: US Negotiators Still Trying to Trade Away Internet Freedoms

For those of us who care about free speech and a balanced intellectual property system that encourages innovation, creativity, and access to knowledge, it’s not a pretty picture.

Microsoft unveils state-of-the-art Cybercrime Center

The Cybercrime Center in Redmond, WA combines Microsoft’s legal and technical expertise as well as cutting-edge tools and technology with cross-industry expertise, marking a new era in effectively fighting crime on the Internet.

Gmail is boiling the frog - and we are the frog

As we continue to enjoy Gmail's benefits - and compare them, usually favorably, with the alternatives, we must face the unavoidable reality that we have sold our souls for free email.... Not only can we no longer live without it - but we are beginning to struggle imagining why we would even want to.

Amazon Plans to Offer Desktops in the Cloud

In theory, a user could access Windows-based applications from many kinds of devices, including Apple Macs or iPads, Android or Amazon Kindle Fire tablets, Google Chromebooks or conventional laptops.

 

Tips and Tricks

Laptop buying guide

The most important things to know when shopping for a new laptop, hybrid, or Windows tablet

A Free App to Make Your New PC Cleaner and Faster

Your new computer will probably come with a ton of junkware. Decrap will help you get rid of all this junk.

Navigate Files Like a Pro with These Windows Explorer Tips and Tricks

Thinking about Windows Explorer may make you yawn, but you spend a lot of time in it every day. It's your hub for everything on your system, and it has a lot of cool stuff built-in you probably haven't noticed. Here are a few tips and tricks for getting more out of it.

PCs fail. Be ready with the best boot-drive programs

When your PC stops booting, a boot drive is the electronic version of a defibrillator. If you can boot your PC, you can detect bad memory, chase bad sectors, change passwords, and recover data ... all the things you need to get the machine back to normal. I'll show you how to make the boot drives you need.

Beyond Dropbox: Shopping the cloud

Is it time to drop Dropbox? My subscription is nearly up, so I'm re-evaluating four major alternatives - Copy.com, Google Drive, Microsoft Skydrive, and SugarSync - for price and features. Which is the best, and which is the best for me?

 

Portable Computing

Google Mum on Delayed Android 4.4 KitKat Software Update for Nexus Tablets

Google isn’t talking about why the Android 4.4 software update it announced last week for Nexus tablet owners still isn’t available, but whatever the reason, the situation spotlights a clear difference between Apple’s iOS and Android.

Tablet Choices for Photographers

Download, edit and shape your images on the go with one of these popular mobile devices

13 highly productive Android apps that play nice with your PC

Getting things done on disparate devices doesn't mean you have to abandon a cohesive workflow. These 13 Android apps sync, link, connect, or just plain play nice with your computer in ways that make it easier to stay productive no matter where you are.

Four privacy settings you should enable in iOS 7 immediately

If you downloaded and installed iOS 7, there are a few privacy settings that are turned off by default that you should enable right away.

iPhone Sells For Double The Price Than Your Average Android Smartphone

For devices sold in the third quarter of 2013 and purchased without a contract, iPhones cost on average $635 whereas during the same period of time Android phones sold for $268 on average.

Gmail for iPad Updated & Looks Great

The Gmail iPad app was updated last week, to Version 2.7182. As you can clearly tell from the version number it’s quite a nice update for Gmail on the iPad. It brings a ‘visual update’ for iOS 7 and a handful of cool new features.

The President and Microsoft Screw Up Again

President Obama said he didn’t know the Healthcare Web Site was a giant screw-up…and apologized to all the good folks out their who had their health insurance cancelled. I recently read an article that our President has a history of not knowing things until it was too late. Meanwhile Congress on both sides of the aisle continue to play the Blame Game. Where have all the real leaders gone?

Meanwhile, Microsoft goofed once again with one their monthly updates…a particular nasty vulnerability was supposed to be patched…but wasn’t.  At least this time they didn’t screw up people’s computers. Look for something next week.

And speaking of updates, I am still waiting for Google to send me the latest version of Android (KitKat) for my Nexus 7. They started rolling it out on Tuesday. However, Apple delivered new iOS7 updates starting today (see story below) and I got it immediately. I wonder what Apple knows the Google doesn’t?

OK, I am done bitching until next week. I hope your weekend will be great and that you find a few articles here that will be of interest. Take care. -JRC 

 

News and Opinions

Judge Permits Google To Continue To Make Books Relevant Online

Today, a U.S circuit judge declared that Google provides enormous benefit to society and authors, and denied the Author’s Guild’s copyright suit to block the massive book-scanning project

Google: We're bombarded by gov't requests on user data

Requests from governments worldwide for user information have more than doubled since three years ago. Worse still, says Google, is what the US won't let us tell you.

Surprise: Apple Maps Is a Hit, Google Maps Loses Ground

The Google Maps mobile apps, on both iOS and Android, were used by 81 million people in September 2012. By September 2013, according to ComScore, that number had fallen to 58.7 million. In just one year, Apple Maps has gained 35 million regular users.

Microsoft: One of the Patch Tuesday vulnerabilities not actually patched

One of the Internet Explorer vulnerabilities supposedly fixed in Tuesday's cumulative update was not in fact fixed.

Obama: I would not have launched Healthcare.gov if I had known it wasn't going to work

President Barack Obama says he had no idea how bad the problems were with the online insurance marketplace Healthcare.gov even a week after launch. If he had known, he would not have allowed it to open on October 1st, he said during a press conference today.

 

Tips and Tricks

‘PC settings’ gets major makeover in Win8.1

Microsoft made a host of changes to the commands and options on Windows 8.1′s PC settings page, adding new functions and moving or renaming others. The result is a better user experience — but one that’s undeniably confusing at first. Here’s a guide to the most important changes."

6 Ways to Boost Productivity With iCloud

Although iCloud is often compared to other cloud services such as Microsoft's SkyDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive, its deep integration with iOS and OS X gives it some unique features.

Ten Steps You Can Take Right Now Against Internet Surveillance

This isn't a complete list, and it won't make you completely safe from spying. But every step you take will make you a little bit safer than average.

How to Manage Internet Explorer Favorites the Easy Way

Internet Explorer (IE) comes with a function called “Organize Favorites” but it is pretty primitive and I find it a pain to use. So I use a better way.

Five 802.11ac Wi-Fi routers not to pick for your home

Following is a list of five AC routers that you want to avoid, for one reason or another. This list is sorted by the review order with the latest review on top, and will be updated when more lemons are found

PCs fail. Be ready with the best boot-drive programs

When your PC stops booting, a boot drive is the electronic version of a defibrillator. If you can boot your PC, you can detect bad memory, chase bad sectors, change passwords, and recover data ... all the things you need to get the machine back to normal. I'll show you how to make the boot drives you need.

 

Portable Computing

The iPad finally gets a great productivity suite — and it’s not from Microsoft

A new, free productivity app for iPad enables you to create and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents with a gorgeous user interface rebuilt for the iPad (with video).

iOS 7.0.4 Download For iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, 4, iPad, iPod touch Is Out!

After a couple of minor updates amending a couple of early teething issues and security holes, Apple has today delivered yet another update.

Everything you need to know about buying a smartphone

Everything you need to know about carriers, plans, and finding your perfect phone

Massive Google Search 3.1.8 Update Rolling Out

Brings Google Experience Launcher To All 4.1+ Devices, New Cards, Completely Fixes GEL On Tablets, And More. This one is a big deal!

Retailers to slash prices of Apple, Microsoft tablets on Black Friday

According to leaked and published advertisements of the sales, which will begin on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 28, Best Buy, Target and Walmart will all sell brand-name tablets at steep discounts.

Post Office to Deliver on Sunday? Yep…But Only For Amazon

Amazon has stepped in to save the Postal Service’s bacon. Amazon has paid gobs of money to the US Postal Service to deliver their packages on Sunday. It will only be in New York and LA for now, but lots more cities will be added next year. It wasn’t that long ago that USPS wanted to shut down Saturday delivery. Go figure.

Today is Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday (always the second Tuesday of the month). Several important updates are included so make sure you either have your Windows computer set for auto updates or you download them yourself. Either way, just do it!

If you’ve been waiting for the new iPad Mini, they just went on sale today on-line or in Apple Stores. Hot-diggity-dog!

OK, enough out of me. Now take a look at today’s stories and see which ones might be of interest to you. -JRC

 

News and Opinion

Netflix, YouTube gobble up half of Internet traffic

Netflix and YouTube together make up half of peak Internet traffic in North America while their main rivals barely register, a study says. At the same time, file sharing is a sliver of its former self.

Amazon, Postal Service cut deal to deliver packages on Sundays

The online retail giant plans to deliver packages seven days a week, now in New York and Los Angeles, and in much of the country next year.

A New Firefox Design is Coming in 2014

"Mozilla has been preparing a new look for Firefox, one that takes its cues from both mobile and touch screens, but it will be difficult to reverse course once implemented."

Bletchley Park vows to upload secret World War II code-cracking archives

Bletchley Park, the British wartime code-breaking center that housed computing legends such as Alan Turing and Tommy Flowers, will put its paper archives online after HP provided the scanning hardware to get the job done

Why I've all but given up on Windows

These are words I never thought I'd be writing. After more than two decades of being a dedicated Windows power user, someone who over that time has installed and supported countless systems running versions of Windows spanning from 3.0 to 8.1, I've now all but given up on the platform.

 

Tips and Tricks

How long do disk drives really last?

It is one of the mysteries of storage: how long do disk drives last? An online backup vendor with 75 petabytes spills the beans.

Gmail Users No Longer Need To Download Attachments

Now users will be able to skip the whole process involved with downloading email attachments, and instead view and save their files directly to Google Drive – without leaving their inbox.

15 Ways to Prevent Your Facebook Page From Getting Hacked

The following tips will help you keep your Facebook account, and your online reputation, secure. If you use Facebook on a regular basis, you might want to read this.

Patch first, ask questions later

Security research firms helped me realize that unpatched software is to blame for the majority of successful exploits.

Microsoft to issue 8 updates, 3 critical, on Patch Tuesday (Today)

All supported versions of Microsoft Windows, Office and Internet Explorer are affected by at least one of the eight bulletins. Microsoft also clarified the impact of this week's disclosure of another vulnerability in Windows, Office and Lync.

How to set up two monitors

Chances are that your graphics subsystem can handle two screens. But the issues are different with desktops and laptops. PS: I use two screens and can't live without them.

 

Portable Computing

It’s Here, iPad mini with Retina Display is Now On Sale

As of today, the new iPad mini with Retina display is available for online and in-store purchase. The 7.9-inch tablet features the same pixel resolution as the full sized iPad, the same 64-bit A7 processor chip and M7 coprocessor chip, and offers all of the same iPad optimized apps and games.

5 good office apps for the iPad

Much has been written about the lack of Microsoft Office on the iPad but there are good office apps to fill the void. These five apps, actually seven apps, go a long way to provide all the productivity functions most iPad owners need.

How To Save Battery Power On Android Devices

Android Phone’s battery life is a pain. To Save Battery Power On Android Devices we have some suggestions and tips following which you can make sure that your android phone’s battery lasts longer.

24 Best New Android Games From The Last 2 Weeks

All kinds of new games to help you waste more time with your phone or tablet. My favorite: Romans from Mars

Camera Awesome Comes To Android After More Than 20M Downloads On iOS

It’s packed full with a ton of great features that help you get creative and take better pictures and videos with your smartphone or tablet.

My iPad vs. My Nexus 7

It’s a beautiful time of year here in Tucson. Temps in the high 70’s and low 80’s. I am loving it, to be sure. What has all this to do with tech? Absolutely nothing. So let’s move forward with the tech news.

A quick update on my new Nexus 7 tablet vs. my iPad 3. I do like my Nexus 7 as it is a pure Android/Google experience and not tainted by any other manufacturer’s biases and not dependent on any carrier’s whims on upgrades. I current have version 4.3 of Android, but will shortly be upgraded to 4.4 (KitKat). Some of the built-in Android apps are just wonderful while others are just so-so.

But, if I had the choice to own a Nexus 7” tablet or an Apple iPad 7” tablet and money was no object, I would choose the iPad. It is just easier to use and I find myself using my iPad 10” tablet more than the Nexus 7. But, of course, the iPad Mini tablet is nearly twice the price of the Nexus. In my opinion, it is not worth twice the price.

I like the Nexus for its size and weight and the screen is beautiful. The iPad is heavier (which is why I find the new iPad Air so appealing), but also has a wonderful retina screen. The Nexus seems to have a battery draining problem that I have yet to fully solve. The battery drains a fair amount while its not in use. Not long ago, I didn’t use it for 24 hours and it was dead when I tried to activate it. That is not an issue with the iPad.

Also, most of the Android apps are made for smart phones and not tablets, while Apple clearly distinguishes between iPhone and iPad apps. But, in all fairness, most phone-base Android apps look fine on  the tablet (but not all).

I hope this helps you if you are thinking about purchasing a tablet for yourself or as a Christmas gift. I will update again after I receive the new Android 4.4. So, onward and upward…now its time for you to peruse all the stories I have gather for you in this edition. Enjoy your weekend. -JCR

 

News

Blockbuster throws in the towel

The DVD-rental chain will close down its remaining US stores and curtail its DVD-by-mail rental service.

Google bans Windows Chrome extensions found outside the Chrome Web Store

Google says the decision to transform Chrome into a gated community stems from security concerns, in an echo of the official reason that Microsoft moved to the Windows Store model to distribute modern UI apps.

Microsoft improves its free online Office

Where's Office for the iPad? Maybe you're looking in the wrong place. Today, Microsoft released its latest batch of Office Web App updates, pushing its free offering well past the feature set offered by its rivals.

IE11 for Windows 7 Globally Available for Consumers and Businesses

Microsoft says this new version is about 30 percent faster than its nearest competitive browser on Windows 7 and in terms of raw JavaScript performance, it’s 9 percent faster than IE10.

 

Tips

15 Free Google Helpouts to Get Expert Tips for Your Everyday Problems

Google Helpouts is a new service that connects you live to real experts who can help you with a variety of problems. Here's a look at some of the best and most useful Helpouts we could find.

How to Harden Your Browser Against Malware and Privacy Concerns

Preventing your computer from communicating with potentially dangerous sites, and helping to avoid malware, plays a very important role in increasing your online privacy. Thus, protecting your privacy really does require that you also increase your security.

Get Organized: Managing Digital Family Documents

Going paperless takes some forethought, especially in deciding how to manage household paperwork, from bills and monthly statements to deeds and titles. Here are some of the best services that help you do it right.

Fake Chrome, Adobe Flash updates

Be on the lookout for fake updates to Chrome and Adobe Flash using high-quality techniques.

Top 10 Clever Google Search Tricks

Google is a more powerful tool than most people realize. You can get much more refined searches with Google's built-in tools, advanced operators, and third-party extensions.

Help Guard Your Online Privacy with this Nifty Firefox Add-On

"Although you can take various measures to block trackers, it isn’t always clear who you have or haven’t blocked. There is a new Firefox add-on called Lightbeam that makes it easier to see just who is tracking you."

 

Portable Computing

10 Tips to Conserve iPad Battery Life

Apple claims a pretty impressive battery life for the iPad - up to 10 hours of use on a full charge. Here are a few tips to make that number even larger.

The 100 Best iPad Apps

Fill your iPad or iPad mini with the best software available in the Apple App Store

Google Now updated for iOS

Google Now's been bringing all kinds of handy new features to Android in recent months, and now its time for iDevice users to get a slew of new functions too. Included are notifications, reminders, new cards and hands-free voice controls

The five things you need to know about Android 4.4: KitKat

The latest version of Google's Android Linux-based operating system is out (sort of). Here's what you need to know about it today.

Amazon Prime members can now get new Kindle books for free

With its new Kindle First program, the retail giant has come up with another way to lure people to Prime.

Microsoft Updates Its Outlook.com Android App With Better Syncing, Storage, Colors And More

If you are an Outlook,com and Android user, this update will contain at least a few things that you like. You can now sync all your mail to your device, plus more.

The Case Against Gmail and Healthcare.gov

Sorry about not publishing last week. I went out of town for a few days and wound up staying much longer than I anticipated. I hope you forgive me.

But, I am back and have collected some good articles to improve your computer knowledge. You may have noticed I changed the layout of this blog. Instead of running the occasional special editions on portable computing, I am now including them and regular computing articles in every edition. Too many of us are using desktop, laptops, tablets and smartphones every day so I decided to put the most interesting articles for all devices in one place. And, to be clear, you will not be cheated on the number of stories. More work for me, but, what the hell! I’m retired.

Like many of you I’ve been following the news on Obamacare and its disastrous Web site. I normally ignore most news stories since I retired, but I’ve always had a fascination with stupidity, especially on such a monumental scale…and that is what the Obamacare Web fiasco is. I won’t go into the non-web related stories on this subject…except to say if they can’t create a Web site that works, what makes you think they can handle the medical insurance needs for a whole nation?

There are two interesting stories I will call your attention to by ZDNet writer Ed Bott…a reporter I greatly respect. He wrote two pieces on the problems with Gmail and why he has left their services. The second article is a how-to in case you wish to do it also. Both articles are worth the read…as are the rest of the articles here.

Well, enough of me…its time for you to get started. Thanks again for reading this blog. -JRC

News

HealthCare.gov costs show that feds have literally no idea how to build a big web site

Could you build a working website for $300 million?

The so-called 'death of the PC'

Is the PC dying? Not really. It's more to do with that users now have choice about which tools they use

FAA green-lights gadget use during entire flight

Agency expects airlines to begin letting you use your electronic devices -- in airplane mode -- from departure to arrival by the end of the year.

Adobe security breach actually affected closer to 38 million users

That hack attack on Adobe's user base has turned out to be a lot more serious than originally revealed. The original announcement said only 3 million users were affected.

Desktop and Laptop Computing

The case against Gmail

Gmail was a breath of fresh air when it debuted. But this onetime alternative is showing signs that it's past its prime, especially if you want to use the service with a third-party client. That's the way Google wants it, which is why I've given up on Gmail after almost a decade.

How I switched from Gmail to Outlook.com (and how you can too)

So long, Gmail, it was nice knowing you. After nearly a decade, I've finally moved my personal email away from Google's service. If you're considering doing the same, here's a step-by-step guide to help you set things up the right way.

Microsoft: Productivity Web apps improve with IE11

Pasting a photo or a formatted list into a browser-based word processor isn't as fun as playing Hover online, but Microsoft still made the mundane chores a little better in its browser.

How to Erase Yourself From the Internet

If your growing weariness of being constantly tethered to the internet has become overwhelming, it might be time to scrub yourself from the social media sphere altogether.

Browser Care: All-In-One Maintenance Tool For Chrome, Firefox & IE

Auslogics Browser Care is yet another great tool that aims to mark its name in this genre by letting you get rid of unwanted add-ons and toolbars, reset your browser home page and search engine, and clean up temporary browser data. Even better, it supports Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer all in a single package.

How to Fix an Annoying Windows USB Problem

Do you ever find that sometimes one of your USB ports won’t work? You might have a bad USB port but there is another possible cause of USB problems and here is an easy way to fix it."

Portable Computing

iPad Air benchmarks show 80 percent speed bump over iPad 4

The new iPad comes close to doubling the performance of its predecessor, according to Primate Labs.

Introducing Kindle First—Exclusive Early Access to New Books

Customers can read one of next month’s new releases today. Choose one title to read early for $1.99; Prime members choose one title for free

Just How Bad Are Android Tablet Apps?

It’s clear that Apple’s iPad is way ahead when it comes to the sheer quantity of tablet-optimized apps. It’s also clear that some popular apps — particularly touch-optimized games — only show up on iPad. But that’s not the whole story.

Get ready for the $50 Android tablet Black Friday 2013 deal

Specials from Walmart and Toys "R" Us list no-name 7-inch slates for cut-rate prices coming for the holiday shopping season. Will you be buying one?

Android 4.4 gives apps vastly better Web technology

Apps that draw upon the browser engine now have modern options like video chat and 3D graphics in Google's new KitKat release of Android.

Let go of that laptop: the ultimate guide to making a tablet your main computer

With the tablet’s lighter weight, longer battery life, and near-instant boot-up, the building blocks of a productivity engine are already there

Microsoft Says: Apple iPad Playing Catch-up to Surface

The Redmond attack dogs are out in force. After Tuesday’s Apple announcements, Microsoft hit back hard saying the press got it all wrong…the Surface Tablets are far superior to Apple’s iPads and Apple is just trying to play catch-up. After all, MS Office is free for Surface users, Apple’s iWork apps are a joke, and the iPad is more expensive than the Surface (their words, not mine).

The truth is the original Surface RT is cheaper…now that Microsoft cut the prices because people weren’t buying it. Remember, MS had write off over $900 million dollars in the earning reports because they were stuck with clunkers that didn’t sell.

Sorry Redmond…the iPad and iOS 7 are so far superior to Windows 8 that Microsoft is not even in the same league in portable devices. I use them both so I know. If Microsoft cut the Surface price down to $50, I still would not buy one.  My opinion, of course.

Speaking of BS, the contractors for the new Healthcare Website are giving out their excuses in front of a Congressional hearing. See our first story. OK, enough BS for now…let’s get rolling. -JRC

NEWS

Contractors describe scant pre-launch testing of U.S. healthcare site

The Obama administration launched its troubled healthcare insurance website after only a minimum of crucial system-wide testing, despite contractors warning officials repeatedly about performance risks.

CryptoLocker: A particularly pernicious virus

Online attackers are using encryption to lock up our files and demand a ransom — and AV software probably won’t protect you. Here are ways to defend yourself from CryptoLocker. PS: This virus is very, very bad.

Starbucks Links Coffee Makers to Web Fueling $27B Market

Over the next year, Starbucks said it plans to double the number of its Clover coffee-brewing machines, which connect to the cloud and track customer preferences, allow recipes to be digitally updated and help staffers remotely monitor a coffee maker’s performance.

Across desktop and mobile, Chrome is used more than Firefox, IE, and Opera combined

Social analytics firm Shareaholic today released browser share data for the year 2013 so far. There are quite a lot of figures to go over, but the biggest trend that immediately jumps out is Chrome’s utter dominance.

 

TIPS AND APPS

Free MP3 Merger Software to Help You Merge MP3 Easily

Free Merge MP3 is a very efficient program that allows you to merge multiple audio files together into a big file. You will also be able to join your MP3 files while maintaining original audio quality.

NeroKwik (free) Photo App

NeroKwik is a cross-platform app that gathers all your photos from different sources into one single gallery.

Beyond Dropbox: Shopping the cloud

Is it time to drop Dropbox? My subscription is nearly up, so I'm re-evaluating four major alternatives - Copy.com, Google Drive, Microsoft Skydrive, and SugarSync - for price and features. Which is the best, and which is the best for me?

How To Use Facebook's 'Turn Off Platform' Setting

There's a setting that acts as a "kill switch" to keep Facebook apps and other websites from sharing or accessing your information. It's a useful trick that many people don't know about, especially if you want as much privacy as possible while maintaining your account.

Are you being served?

See how to build the best home media library setup. Choose the right hardware and the right file formats, and sit back and enjoy your media collection with ease!

 

MOBILE

4 Reasons Why You Should Pick Apple iOS over Android

There’s a reason why the Apple iPhone is the most popular smartphone in the country right now. And it’s not just good marketing and hype.

Best Android tablets

Unlike Apple's closed system of hardware and software, the open-source nature of Google's Android OS makes it inviting for many hardware manufacturers to try their hand at making an Android-based device.

Hands On With the Apple iPad Air

The Air's weight is its killer app. You can't see this. You have to feel it.

iOS 7 tips and tricks you need to learn

Here's how to get the most out of Apple's new mobile operating system

10 Useful and Free Android Apps for Photographers

This article is about Android apps that help a photographer in using the smartphone as a tool to aid him in photography in various different ways. All the apps listed here are free but most of them have paid versions with additional features.

Apple Wows Us…Sort Of

Today was Apple’s big day in the spotlight…the second one in as many months. Today, as expected it was about iPads, Mavericks, MacBook Pros, and the new Mac Pro (you know, the one that looks like a black garbage can).

The star of the show was the new iPad, version 5…except the name has changed. It is now called the iPad Air. Good name! Screen-wise, it is about the same size as the previous versions…but it is much, much thinner and about 33% lighter.  And, if their claims are correct, about 10 hours of battery life. The price? Same as the last generation of iPads, starting at $499.

Apple also introduced a new iPad Mini, same 7.9” size, but this time with a Retina Display. But, the price also went up from $329 to $399. The version 1 model will still be available at a new low price of $299.

Apple also released it’s new version of its desktop operating system, OS10, this version being called “Mavericks.” The surprise news was they are giving this upgrade away for free to all Mac users, regardless of how old their current operating system is. Nice move.

The rest of the show was about the new MacBook Pro laptops at 13” and 15” and the release of a powerful Mac Pro desktop computer that starts at $3,000…that is almost bare-bones. Expect the prices to skyrocket when you add such things as a monitor and more memory.

All-in-all it was a good show by Apple. I watched it on my iPad as the broadcast was only available on Apple equipment and software…a clear demonstration to remind us all that Apple is a very closed system.  

But, the Apple event is only part of today’s news. The on-going saga of the healthcare.gov Website boondoggle continues to amaze most Americans. If they can’t set up a vastly overpriced Website, what makes you believe they can run a health care system? It’s government stupidity running amok!

So, stop, take a deep breath, and read on! -JRC

APPLE

Hands on with the New iPad Air

The iPad Air, just introduced by Apple, is a lighter, thinner 9.7-inch tablet, and it weighs just 1 pound

Apple announces iPad Mini with Retina Display; starts at $399

The new tablet will obviously feature a much-requested 2,048x1,536-pixel Retina Display, comes in space gray and silver, and houses Apple's A7 chip, last seen in the iPhone 5S.

New Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display

The MacBook Pro line has now gotten the entirely expected upgrade to current Haswell CPUs, which our Labs testing shows offers significant improvements to battery life in the PC and Mac systems we've previously tested.

Apple's biggest new announcement was the free OS X upgrade

Free OS X Mavericks upgrade, along with the new MacBooks and Mac Pro, hints that Apple isn't turning its back on PCs

iOS 7.0.3 update released for iPhone and iPad

This was not part of the event, but today Apple released iOS 7.0.3 for the iPhone and iPad, an update that brings with it numerous bug fixes and improvements to the recently-released iOS 7.

 

NEWS AND TIPS

Healthcare.gov, heal thyself -- but where to start?

Healthcare.gov is a screwup of massive proportions, even by Uncle Sam's standards. Get this patient some help, stat!

HHS brings in Verizon to help HealthCare.gov

The federal health care exchange was built using 10-year-old technology that may require constant fixes and updates for the next six months and the eventual overhaul of the entire system.

Akamai’s state of the internet: the world grows as the U.S. falls behind

Akamai’s State of the Internet report for the second quarter of 2013 has promising news for the world, but less so for the United States.

Amazon Bumps Free Shipping Threshold to $35, Now You Really Want Prime

Amazon Prime is a no-brainer for anyone who shops online. Today, a policy change for non-Prime customers makes a membership more valuable than ever.

How to Keep Google from Putting Your Name and Picture in Their Ads

If you are signed in with a Google account and you +1 some product, Google may now have the right to use your name and picture in certain ads for that product. Although there are limitations, I suspect many people (including me) will object to being used in any advertising. Here is how to change the setting.

 

WINDOWS

Nokia Introduces a Tablet to Rival Microsoft's Surface

Well, this is awkward. Just hours after Microsoft's Surface 2 became available for sale, Nokia unveiled its own take on a Windows tablet, the Lumia 2520, putting some pressure on its soon-to-be parent company.

Windows RT 8.1 Update Returns

Three days after it temporarily halted the availability of the Windows RT 8.1 update from Windows Store, Microsoft has restored the download.

An Important Disk Cleanup Job after Upgrading to Windows 8.1

If you are one of those who have upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, there is a way to free up a lot of disk space. It makes use of a special setting in the Windows Disk Cleanup system utility.

The Metro hater's guide to Windows 8.1

Are you a desktop diehard? If you've got no use for the Start screen and Metro-style apps, I have some good news for you. Windows 8.1 has a handful of interface tweaks you can make that will put the Windows desktop back in charge.