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.