Thursday, March 20, 2014

What? No Bad News? How Can I Rant?

Isn’t it nice that for once, I don’t have to tell you some bad news. Even better, you don’t have to listen to me go off on something. I supposed one could call our story #5 on Comcast bad news, but I have already done a rant on that so I will give it a pass here. But you should read the story.

Last time, I told you how Microsoft released OneNote 2013 for free…for everyone. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, you should. Today, I have included a link to the Dummies Book site last lists a series of articles on the uses of OneNote…plus how to do them.

There are two stories about Firefox: One is about their latest update, while the other tells why they stopped work on a Metro Version of their fine browser. Can you guess why? And their rivals at Gmail are now encrypting all incoming and outgoing mail. That is great news.

There are many more good stories here so why don’t I just let you get on with your reading. Thanks again for being here. -JRC 

 

News and Opinions

Avast: Windows XP users already attacked 6 times more often than Windows 7 users

You read that right: XP users are 6 times more likely to get attacked—and that's while the operating system is still supported.

IBM to set Watson loose on cancer genome data

IBM announced that it would be using Watson, the system that famously wiped the floor with human Jeopardy champions, to tackle a somewhat more significant problem: choosing treatments for cancer. In the process, the company hopes to help usher in the promised era of personalized medicine.

Firefox 28: Mozilla patches 20 Firefox flaws, plugs Pwn2Own holes

Mozilla has patched five vulnerabilities pointed out last week at the Pwn2Own hacking contest, where the hackers were awarded $200,000 for their collective efforts. Update now.

Mozilla kills 'Metro' Windows 8 Firefox plans, claims interest has been 'pretty flat'

Firefox-maker Mozilla announced yesterday that it’s ending work on the “Metro” version of its browser (the former name Microsoft used for its Windows 8 tablet interface) — mainly, because nobody seems to be interested.

Comcast and Time Warner Cable: The upshot for us

While the raging debate over the advisability of the merger focuses primarily on TV, ultimately the far larger question will be our future access to the Internet.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Get a Grip on Your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn Accounts

With even just a few online social profiles, your digital life can quickly get out of hand. Here are some tips for taking control of your social media accounts.

OneNote 2013 - For Dummies

Last time, we told you how to download OneNote 2013 for free. Here is an excellent list of how-to's for OneNote that will tell you how to get started and how to solve specific problems.

Every Gmail Message You Send Will Now Be Protected by Encryption

Good news, security lovers! Google just announced that Gmail will be all encrypted all the time. More specifically, every single email you send or receive will use an encrypted HTTPS connection, regardless of which device you're using and which network. Even public Wi-Fi is okay.

What will be New in the Upcoming Windows 8.1 Update 1

Microsoft will be releasing a new update for Windows 8.1 in April. The company inadvertently made a finished copy of the updated system available for a brief time several days ago. The changes are not major but should make mouse-and-keyboard users happier.

Zoom to the Moon’s North Pole with this Incredible New Gigapixel Map

OMG – breathtaking! That was my reaction when I clicked on this incredible new interactive map of the moon’s north polar region. Be prepared to be amazed. It took four years and 10,581 images for the LROC to create it.

 

Mobile Computing

Customize Android's icons with Nova Launcher

Installing a new icon pack adds a fresh coat of paint to your trusty phone or tablet. Here's how to do it in a few short steps.

Most Popular To-Do List Manager: Any.Do

The "best" to-do list app for you is a highly personal choice, but some do stand above others. In a reader's poll at Lifehacker, here are the top finishers in this category.

Google lets you launch Android camera by voice command

With the Google Search App on Android, you can just tap the microphone or say 'OK Google,' then 'take a photo' or 'take a video.' Google will launch your camera app in the preferred mode.

Skype For Android Hits Version 4.7, Brings Major Under-The-Hood Redesign That Results In Substantial Battery Savings

In short, the team has carefully crafted an update for Skype for Android that allows it to run in the background with virtually no impact on battery life.

You Are Your Phone

Your phone has so much of your information that it may as well be you. Make sure you protect yourself and your phone from thieves, malware, and other mobile threats.

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