Thursday, November 13, 2014

Chinese Hackers Slice and Dice Government Websites

Walmart Will Start Price-Matching Amazon at Its 5000 Stores

You have to hand it to them…these Chinese hackers are good…or our government security systems are pretty bad. This is not the first time stuff like this has happened…nor will it probably be the last.

In other news, Wal-Mart has vowed to match Amazon prices and other on-line retailers. But would you rather shop at Wal-Mart during the Christmas rush and fight with some clerk for price matching on some item…or just push the buy button on Amazon or some other Web retailer and get that price without leaving your home? I know what I would do.

We’ve a few other good stories and tips here so read on…and have a nice weekend. - JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Chinese hack U.S. weather systems, satellite network

Hackers from China breached the federal weather network recently, forcing cybersecurity teams to seal off data vital to disaster planning, aviation, shipping and scores of other crucial uses, officials said.

U.S. Postal Service Hacked Compromising Employee and Customer Data

The U.S. Postal Service confirmed today that they were the victim of a cyber attack that possibly compromised the personal data of over 800,000 employees in addition to the personal data of any customers who contacted the USPS call center during the first eight months of this year.

Wal-Mart Will Start Price-Matching Amazon at Its 5000 Stores

You'll now be able to get Amazon's bargain prices at your local Wal-mart, as the company embraces price-matching with online retailers.

CurrentC threatens to punish stores for adopting Apple Pay

MXC has been in full damage control mode ever since its partners began blocking Apple Pay at stores, and while the consortium behind CurrentC claims there aren’t any fees for supporting Apple Pay, its partners should think twice before defecting.

Opinion: Windows 8: Why Microsoft's giant gamble didn't pay off

Windows 8 was designed to bridge the gap between tablets and PCs, but left customers cold. What does this mean for Microsoft and Windows 10?

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft fixes severe 19-year-old Windows bug found in everything since Windows 95

With help from IBM, Microsoft has patched a critical Windows vulnerability that flew under the radar for nearly two decades. I hope you patched your computer with the latest Patch Tuesday updates.

How to Buy a Laptop

We'll brief you on all the latest styles and features, and parse the latest buzzwords and trends, helping you figure out which features you want, and how to find the laptop that's right for you

Write! for Windows Is a Stylish Instrument for Inspiration

There are tools that inspire creative writing simply with its looks. One of such programs is Write!

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.

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.

 

Mobile Computing

The 10 Best Tablets

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? Or for a Christmas gift for someone special? With Android, Apple, and Windows options, these ten top-rated tablets fit the bill.

11 Instagram Tips for the Photo Obsessed

Are you snap happy? Then you probably have Instagram on your phone. The supersocial photo-sharing app has 200 million monthly active users, but there's a lot more to the service than just selecting a filter.

Mobile 4G LTE experiment: A month without Wi-Fi

For the past month I have relied solely upon 4G LTE connections, leaving the Wi-Fi turned off when working out of the office. The takeaways from this experiment have been surprising.

Redesigned Google Maps rolling out now to iPhones and iPads

The Google Maps app for iPhone and iPad has been bumped up to version 4.0, bringing a whole new "Material Design" look to the mapping, search, and navigation app.

Verizon 'Supercookies' could be a boon to advertisers, hackers

Supercookies could take a bigger bite out of your privacy than you think, say researchers. Here's what they're worried about.

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