Our first three stories today are all about greed and tapping consumer wallets for more money…making us pay more than we should…or figuring out new ways to screw us…or sneaking nasty software on our computers because it makes companies more money.
In story #1, cell phone companies continue to overcharge us for services that cost them less. In story #2, our old friend Comcast is back up to its old tricks giving us less for more. My blood starts to boil when I read this stories.
I’m aware that corporations are in the business to maximize profits, but when they have virtual monopolies on products and services, the government needs to lay down some strict guidelines to protect the people it serves.
But, of course that won’t happen. The Congress is in the pockets of all these companies. For example, it was the government that gave cable companies the monopolies in the first place.
By having a monopoly, a cable company doesn’t have to spend any money on infrastructure which explains why our Internet services are so far behind other countries and why Comcast feels completely free to put data caps on our Internet use so they can rake in more profits for their bad service. They continue to be voted the worst company in America in the annual Consumerist Poll.
OK, it is time for me to cool off and for you start reading. Oh, one more thing…last time I published a story about so many users being dissatisfied with the new Firefox. In this edition, to counterbalance that story, I have a rave review on the new Firefox done by PC World. Go figure. You decide. -JRC
News and Opinions
Why Your Cell-Phone Bill Should Be Going Down—But Isn't
Consumers aren’t reaping the benefits of new wireless technologies.
Comcast may roll out data caps for all customers within five years
So much for Comcast's proposed merger with Time Warner Cable being good for your internet service.
Why One Company Stopped Recommending Software Downloads
Windows software downloads are a mess. Many programs try to drag adware and other malicious junk onto your computer. Even safe programs we test sometimes turn to the dark side and start bundling junk later.
Adobe Patches Acrobat, Reader, Flash and Illustrator
Updates to Acrobat, Reader, Flash Player and Illustrator are for critical vulnerabilities and will be available today.
Google Glass Now Selling To the U.S. Masses
Want to be an Explorer? Well, if you do, Google wants you, too. That's right, after a 24-hour sale last month, the wearable technology maker is once again opening up Google Glass to the masses. Got a spare $1,500 sitting around?
Computer Tips and Tricks
Windows XP die-hards can slash attack risk by dumping IE
Microsoft's own patch stats support advice that XP users switch to a non-Microsoft browser, halving the number of vulnerabilities to the OS
What are the Benefits of Chrome Apps that Duplicate a Website?
There are quite a few web apps for Chrome that seem to be nothing more than ‘prettified’ shortcuts to our favorite websites, but is that all they are, or is there more to them? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has the answers
8 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Google Drive
The multifaceted feature that allows you to create documents, photos, spreadsheets, drawings and more has boundless abilities. However, with Drive's constant updates and added hacks, we're only scratching the surface of what it can really do.
Firefox 29 review: Stalwart browser gets a magnificent makeover
The latest version of Firefox sports a visual makeover and design, that in our opinion, vaults it to the top in both appearance and efficiency.
Best Free Disk Space Analyzer
One way to find out which files are hogging disk space when your hard drive fills up is to use a specialist utility that displays your disk space usage. There are a number of excellent free utilities that differ mainly in the way the disk space usage is portrayed.
Mobile Computing
iCloud vs. iTunes backups: The crucial differences that affect your data
These two iOS backup methods were not created equal, and if you don’t choose carefully you could be risking significant data loss. To ensure your iPhone or iPad data is fully protected, here’s a look at what each option backs up and when to use it.
Use Instant Rice When Reviving a Wet Phone, Not Uncooked Rice
It's become common knowledge that you can save a wet cellphone by putting it in a sealed container of rice. However, according to an experiment by the folks at Gazelle, regular dry rice isn't very effective—instant rice is much better.
Malware authors target Android phones
Researchers report the number of malicious apps available on the Google Play store continues to grow. Your best defense is a security app, a cautious approach to downloads, and a close eye on your bank and credit card statements.
Cortana vs. Google Now vs. Siri: Which Voice Assistant Wins?
Can Windows Phone's Cortana compete with Android's Google Now and Apple's Siri as your mobile virtual assistant?
iOS 7: the ultimate Notes app guide
The Notes app is a stock application for the iPhone that allows you to jot down quick notes on a whim. It’s a fast running app with low overhead that’s perfect for saving a random note or thought
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