XP Approaches Death While The World Waits for Blue

Windows XP will be killed off completely in about a year. That means no upgrades, no support, no security fixes…no nothing. This is fair warning for you XP fans that it is time to move on. You have another year on life support, so make your plans early. My advice is go to Windows 7…stay away from 8.

And what is “Blue”, you ask? No one outside of Redmond knows. Is it Windows 9 or a Service Pack for Windows 8? Or is it much, much more? That is the current speculation. It is an upgrade for many Microsoft products, not just Windows, according to some inside sources. But Microsoft won’t even acknowledge there is something called Blue. Trust me, there is…and while I hate reporting rumors, I just wanted you to know it is out there.

Plenty of other good things in this edition and lots of good information. I suggest you pay special attention to the article on Sandboxie and the 2nd part of the series on home networking. You will not be sorry. So, without any further ado, let’s get it on! - JRC

Researchers discover new global cyber-espionage campaign

Security researchers have identified an ongoing cyber-espionage campaign that compromised 59 computers belonging to government organizations, research institutes, think tanks, and private companies from 23 countries in the past 10 days.

It's time to loosen your cold, dead grip on Windows XP

Nothing suggests that Microsoft will push back its April 8, 2014, endgame for XP. If you haven't already done so, the time to migrate is nigh.

Windows 'Blue' rumors fly fast and furious

Microsoft is saying zip about the rumored next version of Windows. Here's what we know -- or think we know -- about Windows 'Blue'

Security alert: Bogus tech-support phone calls

“Hello. This is Microsoft Tech Support. Your PC has notified us that it has an infection.” The call is a scam — an extremely prevalent one. Here’s how it works and what you need to know to stay out of the trap.

An Introduction and a Quick Guide to Sandboxie

Sandboxie is a unique security product based on the principle of sandboxing. In simple computer terms, a sandbox is an isolated environment for running programs. Sandboxie makes surfing the web really secure and safe: you can always be relaxed and be sure that no malware can infect your system

Home networking explained, Part 2: Optimizing your Wi-Fi network

A second in a series of articles explaining home networking. Here is how to have the best Wi-Fi coverage at home and avoid "dead zones."

Panacea or pariah: Five PC cleanup utilities put to the test

Plenty of those utilities look like scams-search for "improve system performance" and you'll see what I mean. Interspersed among the few useful posts out there are links to a smorgasbord of PC clean-up and optimization utilities; some are worth downloading, but most are not.

Find Information on How To Delete Accounts on Various Sites Quickly and Easily

Sometimes, we feel the need to delete an account on a site. It can be for many reasons...and it is not always easy. Here are two sites that provide information for deleting accounts on popular sites.

Yahoo launches new home page with 'endless' news feed

The new page puts news at the center of the home page's design and allows for full customization based on interests

iTunes U crosses 1 billion downloads—have you used it?

2,500 public courses are available...on practically every topic imaginable. I use it to view lectures I missed at UofA. It is a great tool and most everything is free.

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2013

While our tastes and yours may be different, we think our list is a good starting point. We do our best to keep it fresh and interesting enough that even the most experienced Android user will be able to find something worthwhile.

Lots of Microsoft News + Updates on Mobile World Congress

We are busy, busy busy. First, trying to keep up with all the news coming out of Barcelona where the Mobile World Congress is underway. This is the #1 show for smartphones, tablets, and all mobile devices. We are seeing a plethora of new announcement from all the major (and minor) firms.  A few new phones are pretty much the size of tablets while new Android tablets abound. So, be sure and check out our first story.

Microsoft has also been busy this week. While they are considered a minor player in Barcelona, here at home they are keeping the newswires hot. We have all the relevant updates here on the end of Hotmail (and what you can do about it), the rise of Outlook.com, and the arrival of Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 users. Plus Google Glass and Firefox bring us there latest updates.

Oh, and if that is not enough, I’ve included 180 quality pieces of free software for you to pick and choose through. As I said, busy, busy, busy. So let’s get to it. -JRC

Roundup of the Mobile World Congress 2013

It's the biggest show in the world dedicated to mobile devices. Here is a roundup of the new devices being shown at the show. Lots of interesting information to sink your teeth into.

Confirmed: Google Glass arrives in 2013, and under $1,500

Google's augmented reality glasses are ahead of schedule. Are you ready to get yourself fitted for a set?

Firefox to follow Safari, start blocking cookies from third-party advertisers

Firefox already supports the Do Not Track header, which has the effect of asking advertisers not to track your browsing around the web, but this patch goes a step further, adding a default setting that refuses unwelcome third-party cookies altogether.

Firefox 19 Arrives, Finally Adds a Built-in PDF Viewer

Firefox 19 also adds startup performance improvements, new features for developers, and the usual bug fixes.

Now Available: Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7

Microsoft announced today that Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 is immediately available to download in 95 languages. The firm will begin auto-updating customers to IE 10 in the weeks ahead, with those who downloaded the release preview getting the update first.

Office Web Apps on SkyDrive updated with new features

Why buy Office 13 when you can use Office Web Apps for free. Microsoft detailed the latest updates to the Office Web Apps, now available on SkyDrive (and Outlook.com). Here are the details:

Missing The Evil Empire: Bring Back Microsoft

Maybe it was the DOJ, maybe it was Gates’ retirement, but something is missing at Microsoft. There was an evil genius quality that the company used to exude that this guy just can’t seem to match. Ballmer is all bluster, while Gates was silent until he was already twisting the knife.

Microsoft's Hotmail phase-out: What's a user to do?

Microsoft is moving all of its Hotmail users to Outlook.com by this summer. Here's what the hundreds of millions still using Hotmail need to know about the transition.

Microsoft Outlook.com e-mail Review

Outlook.com delivers unlimited storage, excellent inbox organizational tools, and complete SkyDrive integration. It doesn't serve personalized ads, and it's all wrapped up in a simple, easy-to-use interface. It is a great e-mail program!

The Best Free Web Apps of 2013

Some of the best applications you'll never have to buy are already available instantly for you to use—in your desktop browser. Here are PC Magazines 180 favorites.

Office 2013 and Office 365? I’m Confused

There’s a new Office in town. But good luck trying to figure it out…or even purchase it. Wait, I mean rent it…but you can still buy it…just hope your computer never dies because Office 2013 dies with it. And what the hell is Office 365. Microsoft has everyone so confused that perhaps only the Chinese Army can explain it (see first two stories).

You can rent Office 365 (which is Office 13) for $100 a year and install it on up to 5 computers. Or you can buy Office 2013 for anywhere from $140 to $400, depending on the features, and use it on one computer only. If that computer dies, so does Office 2013. It is not licensed to you, but rather to your computer. Isn’t that the dumbest thing you ever heard of? Oh wait…Microsoft has who litany of dumb things it has done in the last year. Does Microsoft need a leadership change to put reason and logic back into the company? Ya’ think?

As for me, I am sticking with Office 2010. Since retirement, my use of Microsoft Office has drastically dwindled…with the exception of OneNote and the occasional Excel spreadsheet. And I will be damned if I will rent anything from Microsoft on a monthly basis. Of course, that is what they are driving you to do, whether you want to or not. 

If you want a great Office-type product, check out LibreOffice (see story #7). And if you are a OneNote fan like me, you can always use Evernote, for free. It works just great…in some ways, better than OneNote.

Well, there is much more to this edition than Office. Check out the cyber wars going on in our first two stories and look for some great info and tips further down. Thanks again for taking the time to read my blogs. -JRC 

China slams cyberattack accusations over lack of proof

A US report specifically pointed the finger at Chinese military Unit 61398, noting that digital forensic evidence led investigators to the building housing that unit.

The cyber war is real -- and our defenses are weak

The U.S., Israel, China, and Iran are funding acts of hacker aggression, and the targets are as good as sitting ducks

Social media disaster for Burger King: Twitter feed says chain sold to McDonald's

Burger King got a nasty social media surprise on the President's Day holiday when someone took over its Twitter account and announced the company had been sold to its rival.

Outlook.com exits preview with 60 million active users, Hotmail UI to be retired this summer

It's been so long since Microsoft launched Outlook.com that we forgot it was technically in preview mode. Well, that ended today. However, they still have not updated the Calendar yet. Hopefully soon.

Big changes in Office 2013 and Office 365 test Microsoft customers' loyalty

Microsoft's new license terms for retail editions of Office 2013 have received intense scrutiny this week. But those changes are just part of a much larger story. Look closely at Office 2013 and you see Microsoft's radical new business model in action.

Making sense of the new Microsoft Office offerings

If you're considering stepping up to the newest version, you have more choices than ever, including something called Office 365. What does it all mean?

How to affordably own your office software

If you take a close look at Microsoft's new Office licensing, it's crystal clear: Microsoft no longer wants you to own your office software. They want you to rent it. So, why not get LibreOffice for free instead?

Power through Gmail with 21 time-saving tricks

With a little know-how and some key add-ons, you can make Google's webmail service jump through hoops in ways you never thought possible.

How to Create Strong Passwords that You Can Remember the Quick and Easy Way

Check out the Web site Password Savvy. It is free and requires no registration. It is an online page where you can generate useful but hard-to-hack passwords.

How to set a TV up by eye

Sometimes you don't have access to a setup disc but want to do a rough setup using the tools in your head. This guide should help you get a TV watchable.

For Excellent Product Reviews, go to gdgt.com

Looking to buy a technology product, but want to read what other people think of it, check out GDGT.com. It combines readers and editor's reviews.

A Blizzard Warning for Tucson? A Joke, Right?

Well, that is the big news for me. I was sitting at a lecture over at the UofA earlier and many people’s phones, including mine started emitting that terrible emergency warning sound, even though my phone was on “Do Not Disturb” mode. So what did it say?

Blizzard Warning!!! How can that be? I spent much of this day outside in my shorts and t-shirt. After reading the warning, it is for elevations a little higher than Tucson, although we might get a little snow tomorrow evening. Very, very rare here. We shall see, but I think I will be wearing jeans for the next few days.

As for the tech world, there are some interesting developments as outlined below. But I think the most important story here is the article below about setting up a home network. It is written for the common man and goes into great detail on how to set one up (including the router) and how to make it safe. So very, very important today. But I think you will find most of today’s stories have value…so on with the show. -JRC

Politicians push bill to help states collect online sales tax

The Marketplace Fairness Act would allow states to require online vendors to collect sales and use tax on certain out-of-state purchases. Only businesses with less than $1 million dollars in annual U.S. sales would be exempt.

Best Buy to make Internet price matching permanent to prevent 'showrooming'

Best Buy won't match any online retailer's price, but instead has a list of 19 retailers it will match. Those retailers include Apple.com, Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, and Walmart.com.

Facebook hacked, but has found 'no evidence' that user data was compromised

As one of the largest sites on the internet, there's no doubt that Facebook is a prime target for hackers. It looks like some of those hackers were apparently successful — Facebook has just admitted that its systems were targeted last month in a "sophisticated attack."

Two Major Apple Evangelists Switch to Android

What does it mean when high-profile "influencers" and devoted Apple lovers start moving to Android? They all have different reasons, and you may or may not agree with them or be persuaded by their arguments. But even the most hardcore Apple fans must recognize that these decisions are significant.

How Microsoft will change forever and thrive again

The rise of new breeds of competitors such as Google and Amazon have ensured that Microsoft isn't remotely the same company it was just 10 years ago. Give it another five years, and Microsoft could be doubly unrecognizable -- especially considering its current crossroads.

Windows 7 users: Move to SP1 to continue receiving Microsoft support

The end of support date for Windows 7 without Service Pack 1 installed is April 9, 2013.

Cocooning: It's back and thanks to tech, it's bigger

Consumers are staying home more, watching movies delivered via cable, satellite, Internet or disc, eating in and transforming their apartments and houses into a shelter from the daily social storm.

Home networking explained

This is an excellent in-depth guide written for the layman that explains what home networking is all about. There is special emphasis given to explaining routers, a must for today's home networks.

Millions of Free eBooks and Audio Books Online

This is the launch page for the pages here at Gizmo's Tech Support Alert that list sites with free ebooks and audiobooks. There is a main page for both ebooks and audiobooks that lists all the sites carrying each. There are also 24 pages of genre listings.

7+ Taskbar Tweaker Adds Tons of Extra Taskbar Settings to Windows 7 and 8

Windows: Ever wish you could tweak the taskbar's shortcuts, or add other features Microsoft forgot about? 7+ Taskbar Tweaker adds a ton of extra settings and shortcuts to the Windows taskbar, and it works in Windows 7 and 8.

Tips, Info, and Freebees Galore

There is so little news of importance these last couple of days that this issue is mostly devoted to tips and freebies. I did find a couple of new items that fit the bill for this newsletter. But most of the news won’t probably interest you…it sure didn’t interest me. There are plenty of rumors out there that tech “journalists”print as new stories with little or no confirmation…but I almost always ignore those. When the rumors come true, I will tell you about them.

Mostly, I lay before you today some good things that you might find useful. So let’s get to it… –JRC

Intel plans to launch Internet television service this year

The company has confirmed it will be launching an Internet television service this year with both live and on-demand content. Employees are already testing a new set-top box.

Obama signs long-awaited cybersecurity executive order

Announcement may reduce pressure on Congress to move ahead with CISPA, a controversial privacy bill that's loathed by privacy groups and is scheduled to reappear tomorrow.

Microsoft, Big Data Pick Oscar Winners - And They Are...

Microsoft Research's has used the predictive nature of the early awards shows to place his bets on who will be winning the various Academy Awards. And the winners are...

Hundreds of Criterion Collection movies streaming for free on Hulu through this weekend

They are opening up the floodgates and making hundreds of classic motion pictures available at no cost.

Watch 6301 Full-Length Documentaries From Your Browser

If you've ever wished that YouTube was more serious, or in-depth, or intellectual, then here's a treat for you. A web site from which you can want thousands (6301 to be precise) full-length documentary programs on everything from money to health to music to sexuality.

Ultimate Google toolbox: 20 tips, tricks, and hacks

With this toolbox of tips, usability tricks, and third-party services, you can rule the Google universe and bend it to your will. The following will help you keep your privacy, fix Google annoyances, and get the most out of automation

How to access your old 3.5-inch floppy disks

I did a little shopping on Ebay and found plenty of 3.5-inch external floppy disk drives, most of them selling in the $10-15 range. If you'd rather not go the auction route, Newegg also sells an external floppy drive for $14.99 shipped.

Folder Colorizer brightens up Windows Explorer, may help navigation

Check out the free Folder Colorizer to add a dab of paint to the place and inject some color and life into the operating system. You may be surprised at the difference in not just your mood, but the efficiency of navigation.

PhoneClean Freeware

PhoneClean enables you to free up space on your iPhone, iPad or iPod by deleting temporary data files, cache and off-line files, as well as cookies and script files.

Evernote Food 2.0: Your Entire Food World In A Single App

We went back to the drawing board and rethought Evernote Food from scratch. The result is one the most beautiful, fun and complete food applications ever. Free for all iOS devices.

Windows Surface Pro a Big Hit? Hmmmm

Microsoft released its Surface Pro tablet for sale nationwide on Saturday and was sold out almost immediately. Mostly the 128 GB models went first because the 64 GB model only gives you about 25 GB of storage capacity (the operating system takes up the rest).

The Surface Pro differs from the Surface RT in that it runs regular Windows software. But it is also double the price and only has just over 4 hours of battery life (compared to 9 for the RT). The main reason is the powerful Intel i5 chip. Construction wise, it’s a winner, but the battery life and high price (about $1,200 for the 128 model) is a deal killer for me.

Now Microsoft says they sold out the first day…and there were lines in some of the stores. But a well-respected tech writer says that most regular retailers like Best Buy, Office Depot, and others, only ordered a handful of each model based on the poor sales performance of the RT tablets. Microsoft stores obviously had many more, but there are not that many of those stores.

Anyway, he did some math, based on the conversations he had with retailers, he estimates they sold 15,000 Surface Pro tablets. Still a fair start for Microsoft’s latest gamble. It does prove that Windows users still want a real Windows tablet, which does not surprise me at all. But, if you are interested, I would sit back and wait to see what other manufacturers come out with in the near future.

Lots of interesting stories and useful tips here. Be sure and check out the two personal financial stories. Have fun. -JRC

Microsoft sells out of 128GB Surface Pro

Quick sell-out of the 128GB device seen as a sign that early buyers were considering the Surface Pro as a notebook rather than a tablet

Microsoft Has Lost Its `Audacity,' Former Top Exec Says

Kempin is hardcore, old-school Microsoft. His book is a kind of lament for the company, which he says has become listless, bureaucratic and afraid to compete. He has harsh words for CEO Steve Ballmer and even for Bill Gates.

Windows 8 PCs languish in a world of hurt

Quick, does anyone have a Windows 8 success story they'd like to share? Because right about now Microsoft and the companies that make Windows PCs could use some good news.

Why does crapware still exist? Follow the Silicon Valley money trail

If you followed security experts' advice and manually updated Java this week to fix a critical vulnerability, you might have gotten more than you asked for. Oracle probably makes tens of millions of dollars a year from crapware, and big venture capitalists see it as a growth business.

How to Ask a Question When You Want Technical Help

Before you go to a forum or help desk with a computer problem, it is essential that you be prepared properly. How you ask your question or present your problem is key to obtaining help. Be sure to have all the facts about your problem lined up beforehand.

The 4 most likely reasons you were hacked

When your system has been compromised, it's safe to assume the worst. Here's what the bad guys have in mind

Grab 50GB of Box Online Storage Free for Life

Need more cloud storage space? Box (formerly Box.net) is back with a new 50GB promotion, so you can store and share your files online—and now easily sync them across your devices.

Get Organized: How to Take Control of Your Personal Finances

It's high time you wrangled your cash flow problems into a meaningful and lucrative plan. These software applications and websites can help you organize your personal finances.

Best Free Income Tax Filing Software and Service

Free or low cost alternatives are probably more important today than in past decades. The USA tax code becomes more complex with each new congress. We could all use help in ensuring our returns are accurate. The IRS Free File site lists many options for filing Federal Income tax returns. I tested all of the programs listed by the IRS and include their ratings below.

Dukto Freeware

Dukto enables you to transfer files between computers without having to set up shared folders or configure a Windows network.

Your Computer Security May Need Some Attention

I am back in Tucson after a month’s stay in the Bay Area…and I am very happy to be here. My shorts are back on and I am more than ready for all the benefits of springtime in Arizona…and they are plenty. Major league Spring Training starts later this month; the huge Tucson Book Festival is coming in early March; and concerts and lectures continue on unabated. This also means I will be back to my regular blog schedules. Just happy to have my life back to normal.

Now as to my headline: a few security issues raised their ugly heads. First, Homeland Security is advising everyone to turn off Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). What is it, you ask? Simply put, UPnP's purpose is benign. It's meant to let networked devices seamlessly discover each other with Simple Service Discovery Protocol and establish useful network service connections using a variety of other protocols. However, bad guys have found a way to use it to take over your computer.

So how does one turn off UPnP? Our first story will tell you how. Many people don’t need to do it as their routers usually come with it turned off. But an easy way to detect if you need to turn it off is to go to Steve Gibson’s great security Web site and run a simple test. It only takes a few seconds and I urge you to do it to be safe. If it says you are not safe, then read the first article carefully to turn it off.

By the way, Steve also set up a “honey pot” trap on a spare computer with UPnP enabled. He wanted to see how many scans he would see looking for open computers. The numbers were shocking. So be aware that your computer is always being scanned for vulnerabilities. 

Next, Microsoft’s Security Essentials Anti-Virus software has failed yet another Anti-Virus test. That’s three now. If you use it, I would think strongly about removing it and installing another Anti-Virus software. I removed mine, and after some additional study, I installed Avast. Now that I am using it, I like it better and it has one of the highest ratings for catching malware.

Finally, Microsoft is issuing fixes for 57 vulnerabilities on Tuesday, in their monthly Patch Tuesday update. Make sure you install it!

Now that I have given you plenty to worry about, let’s move forward with more news, information and tips. –JRC

How to fix the UPnP security holes

The US Department of Homeland Security is urging everyone to disable the common networking Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocol. This is being done because Rapid7 security researchers have found that tens of million devices worldwide are wide open to attack because of flaws in the network protocol and its implementations.

Microsoft Security Essentials Tanks Another Antivirus Test

Microsoft Security Essentials is free, which is great, but its protection has been getting slammed in antivirus tests in the last few months. The vast majority of antivirus products manage to pass certification with AV-Test; not Microsoft.

Patch Tuesday: IE at risk of malware attacks; 57 flaws in total

In the latest round of monthly patches from Microsoft, due out this coming Tuesday, users of Internet Explorer should jump ship for the next few days as all versions of the browser are at risk of malware attacks. There are 12 patches for 57 vulnerabilities for Windows, Office, and Microsoft Office.

Macmillan reaches e-book pricing settlement with DOJ

Now all that's left is Apple. The Justice Department says it will continue to litigate against the electronics giant for allegedly conspiring with Macmillan and four other big book publishers to raise e-book prices.

Windows 8 app releases grind to a near-complete halt

The Windows Store's growth has slowed to a near-standstill. That's a catastrophe for a platform that started out lagging far behind the competition. Worse, the pace of new submissions has only slowed since Windows 8's launch.

Surface Pro reviews are in and the results are sobering

The new Surface Pro tablet is now available. A survey of more than a dozen reviews of Microsoft's tablet reveals a surprisingly critical, sometimes bitter tone about the Surface Pro.

The case for renting Office 2013 instead of buying it

Office 365 may seem more expensive at first, but it's actually cheaper in most circumstances -- and offers more functionality

America's Worst Online Retailers

Research company ForeSee recently released its “E-Retail Satisfaction Index (U.S. Holiday Edition),” which is based on more than 24,000 customer surveys conducted between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The companies covered by the study are 100 of the largest online retailers based on revenue.

LibreOffice 4: A new, better open-source office suite

LibreOffice 4 has just arrived and, at first glance, this popular open-source office suite looks really good. Oh, and by the way, it is free.

How to Use Disposable Email Addresses and Avoid Spam

Are there times when you would like to try some free service that is offered on the Internet but are reluctant to provide your email address because it might lead to spam? Don’t skip that free service – use a disposable email address. Here is how to get addresses that you can throw away.

'Should I Remove It?' Helps You Decide Which Windows Apps To Uninstall

Should I Remove It? is a Windows application that analyzes your installed programs and provides you suggestions regarding the ones you can safely remove. Free.

Serious Cyber Wars Heating Up

Well, it’s Super Sunday and my 49ers are in it. Get out the tranquilizers and Tums for me. If you are a football fan, I hope you enjoy the game.

On Monday, I head back south to Tucson and home. I must say as much as I have enjoyed myself in the Bay Area, it is time to go home. I am as excited about that as I am today’s game. So, soon life will return to normal and I will get back on schedule with my blogs.

Meanwhile, we have some good stories and tips here you might find useful…at least I hope so. So take care, enjoy the game (and the commercials) and I will be back with you soon with more good stuff. -JRC

Why Antivirus Software Didn't Save The New York Times From Hackers

Chinese hackers gained entry into its computer network for four months in hopes of identifying a reporter's sources for an investigation into the business dealings of relatives of China's prime minister. The Times' antivirus vendor, Symantec, did little to stop the hackers, the paper said.

Unseen, all-out cyber war on the U.S. has begun

Security pros and government officials warn of a possible cyber 9/11 involving banks, utilities, other companies, or the Internet

Twitter Transparency Report Warns Of 'Serious Chilling Effect' From Growing Government Surveillance

The report disclosed that Twitter received 1,009 requests for account information from July to December 2012, a 19 percent jump from the first half of the year, which Twitter chronicled in its first transparency report in July. Eighty-one percent of the new requests came from the U.S.

A close look at how Oracle installs deceptive software with Java updates

Oracle's Java plugin for browsers is a notoriously insecure product. Over the past 18 months, the company has released 11 updates, six of them containing critical security fixes. With each update, Java actively tries to install unwanted software. Here's what it does, and why it has to stop.

The Most Ridiculous Law of 2013 (So Far): It Is Now a Crime to Unlock Your Smartphone

When did we decide that we wanted a law that could make unlocking your smartphone a criminal offense? The answer is that we never really decided.

How The New "Six Strikes" Anti-Piracy Scheme Could Ruin Public WiFi

The "6 strikes" anti-piracy scheme crafted by Hollywood and U.S. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is due to be implemented in the next few weeks. As the program's long-delayed arrival nears, we're starting to get a glimpse at how it's actually going to work. And it's not pretty.

Free Office 2013 alternatives

If you are part of the camp that is unconvinced by Microsoft's new offerings, then know that there are some fantastic and completely free alternatives out there. Here are four that we like.

7 Ways To Keep A Personal Journal

he most important thing about journaling is to actually journal and be consistent if you’re going to do it. The methods of journaling that we’ll cover in this article will allow you to do all of these things.

30 Awesome Microsoft PowerPoint Templates for Presentations

Creating an interesting and resourceful PowerPoint presentation is not an easy task. It should contain all the vital details and must appear appealing as well. Here are some free templates that may be of use.

Photo Finishing Your Memories Old and New

Organizing our family's photos is one of the things that became part of my routine after making a New Year's resolution a few years ago.

Sudoku online

Are you a Sudoku fan? If so, you have probably been stumped on puzzles a few times. This fun site will teach you how to solve Sudoku with interactive tutorials as well as hints and tips.