The blowback from Lenovo’s installation of Superfish on their laptops continues to make big waves. More research by security experts have unveiled some huge privacy issues. Based on some of the comments from Lenovo officials, they did not due their homework when they installed the intrusive software portion of Superfish, made by another company. The did great disservice to their customers and they will probably pay dearly for it. Read more in Article #1.
Our second story demands that PCC vendors be held responsible for their installation of additional crapware that can lead to a more security concerns and invasion of privacy…while our third story tells you how and why crapware is installed on most Windows-based computers. And our 4th story puts a bow on this whole issue by uncovering security problems on Netgear Routers. If you own one of those, you best read it.
On the good side, we have some great tips here for desktop, laptop and mobile users. I heartily recommend you read the story, “300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know.” Well worth it.
And for you owners of Kindle Fire tablets, we’ve got a story about the best 40 apps you should add to your tablet. I don’t cover the Kindle Fire very often, but I know some of you do own one of those.
So get started with the bad news, then work your way to the good things that will make your computing better. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Lenovo's Superfish spectacle: 'Catastrophic' security failures discovered
Superfish isn't just adware -- it can also be a nightmare for those who value their privacy.
In a post Superfish world, it's time to hold PC vendors more accountable for adware
If the egregiously invasive Superfish software teaches Lenovo and other PC vendors anything, it’s that they’re accountable for the software they preinstall on computers.
Crapware: Why manufacturers install it, what you can do about it, and why it's not going to go away
If you've ever bought a Windows PC or Android smartphone or tablet from one of the big name vendors then chances are that you are familiar - perhaps even intimately familiar if you've ever tried removing it - with crapware.
Got a Netgear wireless router? You've got a security problem
A warning has been issued about what appears to be a serious security issue affecting several Netgear Wi-Fi routers, and could result in hackers stealing sensitive information, including admin passwords and wireless keys.
Republicans attempt to push back FCC's Net neutrality vote
This is the latest political maneuver from Republicans who are unhappy with the proposal that will likely become regulation later this week.
Computer Tips and Tricks
18 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try
Google Maps (and its cousin Google Earth) remain powerful and versatile tools—and most of us are only scratching at the surface of what they have to off
How HTTP/2 will speed up your web browsing
Thanks to changes in the web's fundamental protocol, it is going to get faster and safer.
19 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier
As more services migrate to the cloud, browsers reinforce their new role as multi-function boxes of digital magic.
Dropbox Users Can Score 100GB of OneDrive Storage for Free
In an obvious attempt to lure users to switch to its OneDrive cloud storage service, Microsoft is giving Dropbox customers 100GB of space for free for a year. Pretty good considering Dropbox only gives you 2GB for free.
300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know
Here is a list of 300 free resources on the Net that are great and free to use. Keep this list handy.
Mobil Computing
The 40 Best Kindle Fire Apps
Amazon's tablet is only as useful as the apps you put on it. This list of the 40 best Kindle Fire apps aims to help you see all the possible uses for your tablet, from entertainment to productivity.
Google Now starts showing gas stations along your route
Google already has ways to find gas stations before you hit the open road, but it hasn't usually offered relevant stations. Wouldn't you want to see pumps that don't require a big detour?
Your iPhone has been hacked by the NSA
That iPhone in your hands? It's been compromised by the National Security Agency through its SIM card, and government spies can access your phone through a backdoor installed on it without even needing a court order.
6 time-saving Safari gestures for iPhone and iPad
Safari is likely one of the most-used apps on your iPhone or iPad. But even if you are an experienced Safari surfer, it's possible you aren't aware of some of these time-saving gestures that can help you do things a little more easily or with fewer tabs.
Android malware spies on you even after phone is shut down
A particularly devious new Android malware can make calls or take photos even if you shut the device down. To achieve this, the malware hijacks the shutting down process — making it appear as though your Android device is shutting down. But the phone is actually still on.
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