Thank God March is Almost Here

I must admit I get tired listening and reading all talk about Apple vs. The FBI. It is definitely a big story and needs to be heard. On Thursday, March 26, the two sides will square off in court to present their arguments. But, don’t look for any decision until sometime in March. The wheels of justice grind ever so slow.

I shared my opinion about the brew-ha-ha in our last edition so I will refrain from any more rhetoric on the subject. However, our first three stories will give you more insight into the whole thing. 

In other news, the week-long Mobile World Conference wraps up at the end of the week. This is the largest mobile technology show in the world and there are many new phones, tablets and other devices being shown there. Apple and Microsoft are no-shows, as usual. So the phones being shown there are all Android. Story #4 will give you all the news that is fit to print about the show.

As I said in the headline, I am glad that March is almost upon us. Why? Because other big stories that don’t involve the courts and lawsuits will take place inside those 31 days. Both Apple and Microsoft have one each of their annual events taking place in March, and many new products, along with a few surprises, with be announced. As a user of both Microsoft and Apple products, I look forward to these shows with eager anticipation.

There are other good stories here, not to mention tips and tricks for all your techy gadgets. So have at it…and enjoy the upcoming weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple to argue First Amendment in iPhone encryption fight

To prevent the unlocking of an iPhone linked to the San Bernardino terrorist shootings, Apple's attorneys will assert that computer code should be protected as free speech.

 

Apple reportedly working to harden iOS security in response to FBI dispute

According to a new report, Apple is already hard at work on creating new security measures to further protect iOS devices from the type of workaround at issue in the company's current dispute with the FBI.

 

Rallies Take Place in Over 50 US Cities to Support Apple in FBI Case

Following on from limited protests in California last week, rallies extended from Albuquerque to Washington DC to support Apple's insistence that complying with the bureau's demands risked compromising the security of millions of users' data

 

Mobil World Congress 2016

Here are all the major products and stories coming out of this year's Mobil Congress going on in Barcelona, Spain. Lot of new phones and other devices.

 

Microsoft's new tally for Windows 10: 200 Million

The number includes not only personal computers and tablets, but also Xbox One video game consoles and smartphones now running a preview of Windows 10 Mobile.

Computer Tips and Tricks

Three easy ways to paste plain text into Word

Pasting formatted text from the web can often be a hassle—but not if you use these tricks.

 

Use voice commands to write and format text with Google Docs

Google Docs added voice typing last year, but you can now use it to edit and format your document.

 

Why You Should Upgrade Your Router (Even If You Have Older Gadgets)

Many people have the attitude that it doesn’t matter if their router is older because their phone, laptop, or other wireless gear isn’t cutting edge anyways. Even if you don’t have brand new tech toys you still benefit from upgrading a dated router.

 

Windows 10 telemetry secrets: Where, when, and why Microsoft collects your data

How does Windows 10 telemetry really work? It's not a state secret. I've gone through the documentation and sorted out the where, when, and why. If you're concerned about private documents accidentally leaving your network, you might want to turn the telemetry setting down.

 

10 ways to customize the taskbar in Windows 10

We were all excited to get the Start menu back in Windows 10, and we wasted no time in customizing it to the best of our abilities. But what about the poor, neglected taskbar, who never left us in the first place? Here's how to make the taskbar look pretty and work for you.

Mobil Computing

How to use iMessage for iPhone and iPad

iMessage lets you send text, pictures, videos, sound, location, and more—right from your iPhone and iPad!

 

8 Android voice commands that are actually really useful

Everyday Android tasks like setting an alarm or getting Google Maps directions are often easier to do with voice commands than by swiping and tapping.

 

Adobe brings Lightroom for Android up to par

Adobe released an update to Photoshop Lightroom for Android that puts the free image-editing and -organizing app on equal footing with the iOS version.

 

Morgan Freeman Waze GPS navigation system

Morgan Freeman is finally a GPS navigation voice. The actor will be lending his reassuring voice to Google’s app Waze. Well, for a limited time.

 

8 Android voice commands that are actually really useful

Everyday Android tasks like setting an alarm or getting Google Maps directions are often easier to do with voice commands than by swiping and tapping.

 

How to quickly rid your inbox of junk mail with a single iPhone app

If you’re looking for a better way to manage email subscriptions and junk mail, your life is about to get a whole lot better. Unroll.me is an iPhone app that lets you quickly triage and manage all your subscriptions in one place.

Apple vs. The FBI…I’m on Apple’s Side

In spite of all the headlines that make Apple sound like a villain who supports terrorism, this is a very complicated issue…for more complex than you can imagine. In simple terms, the FBI wants Apple to simply unlock a phone used by one of the two Muslim nut jobs who killed all those people in San Bernardino a few months ago.

First of all, this phone did not belong to the terrorists. They destroyed their phones before the attack. This phone belongs to the San Bernardino County Health Department who employed one of the killers. It is encrypted, like all iPhones. Even Apple cannot undo or break that encryption. The FBI wants to try it themselves. All they want Apple to do is write a simple program that unlocks the phone.

For those of you who own an iPhone, you know the device is unlocked when you enter a 4 digit passcode that only you know. Apple does not know it. This 4 digit code has over 10,000 permutations…but if you attempt to unlock it using random numbers, the phone will brick itself after 10 incorrect entries. Then no one will ever get in.

The only way for Apple to help the FBI get into it is to write a special program for the FBI that will unlock the phone and shut down all the security protections Apple has built into the phone…which is what the court ordered Apple to do.

The problem is if that program is given to the FBI, they now have access to almost every iPhone in the world. Then every iPhone becomes completely insecure. Not only that, if that program gets into the wild, well you can guess the rest. Think it can’t happen? With the government’s track record of security, I guarantee you that this program will soon be in the hands of bad people. Your iPhone would become an open book for all to exploit.

It is extremely doubtful that the FBI will be able to decrypt the phone, even if they get into it. Apple has one of the finest encryption programs in the world. Not only that, it is extremely doubtful that if they could decrypt it, they would find anything useful. The good stuff was probably on the phones the killers destroyed. Not only that, but the two terrorists are dead, so the info is not going to be used in any prosecution. So do you want your iPhone put at risk for such a dubious undertaking? I sure don’t.

There is much more to it than I have explained here. I suggest you read the first two stories to get more facts. Besides this issue, there is more here  today that can help you (hopefully) with your computing needs. Enjoy. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple vs. FBI: Here's everything you need to know (FAQ)

A polarizing question: Should Apple help the FBI unlock a terrorist's phone?

 

Tim Cook Explains Feud With FBI In Email To Apple Employees

In the letter to Apple employees, Tim Cook has explained the company’s position, saying that giving in to the FBI’s demands would set a “dangerous precedent that threatens everyone’s civil liberties.”

 

What Apple could learn from Windows 10

Despite years of being criticized for copying Apple and for some of the missteps of Windows 8, Microsoft has increasingly shown a real sense of creative design in recent years.

 

Samsung launches Galaxy S7, S7 edge: Is it worth an upgrade?

Samsung's Galaxy S7, S7 edge launch provides a microSD storage option that disappeared with the Galaxy S6. Is that reason enough to upgrade?

We Asked Experts What Would Happen If Everything Was Encrypted

Would it even be possible? Security experts from Access Now and the Electronic Frontier Foundation weigh in.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Online Tax Preparation Software for 2016

If you're doing your own taxes, picking the right tax prep program is essential. Here's how the top services stack up.

 

7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of TurboTax

For many, it's a cold, horrible winter weekend. You might as well get them taxes done before April 15 sneaks up on you.

 

The Best Antivirus Utilities for 2016

It's critically important to keep your PC safe from viruses, malware, and other threats. These are the top-rated antivirus packages we've tested.

 

Find and recover Windows files

How to find recent downloads and other docs, and how to rescue deleted files.

 

4 Effective Strategies to Organize Evernote

First: figure out what your challenges are, and then decide which organizational system will best help get things done productively.

 

Mobil Computing

25 best Android tips to make your phone more useful

Android is the most popular computing platform in the world thanks in part to how fast it has evolved over the years. It can be hard to keep up with the new features, but here are 25 best tips for Android.

 

Google's Android has too many flavors and Apple isn't the only one who thinks so

The chief of Google's mobile software, must both fend off Apple and fight Android "fragmentation." His modus operandi: Lighten up, everyone.

 

The Best Productivity Apps for 2016

Buckle down and get productive with these excellent apps for managing your work, organizing your life, collaborating with teams, and much more. Lots of good info here.

 

How to use Clock for iPhone and iPad

Clock is one of the original apps that shipped with the original iPhone back in 2007. And here is everything you need to know about it

 

Turn off notifications from websites in Chrome on Android

Sometimes it is too easy to accidentally turn on notifications while browsing on your phone. Here's how to disable them.

Hollywood Hospital Freed from Hacker Bondage

In our last edition, I told you about a hospital in Hollywood, CA whose entire computer system was shut down and held hostage by some evil hackers. The soulless perpetrators demanded a ransom of $3.6 million to restore the system. The hospital used all their old fashioned analog systems like handwritten notes, paper patient files and all those things we did before computers to keep operating. They transferred some patients to other hospitals and did whatever they could to help their patients. They care about human life, unlike the hackers.

The shutdown was well into the second week when the hospital paid a ransom and got their system’s restored. Here is the interesting bit: The hackers did not get $3.6 million. Instead, they settled for about $17,000 in the form of 40 Bitcoins. There is no further information about why the hackers settled for so much less. My guess is this story drew such world-wide attention that they thought it best to take whatever they could get, then disappear as fast as they could. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies were all over this trying to track them down.

In other news, the Department of Defense has decided to migrate all 4 million of their computers over to Windows 10, all to happen within one year. Wow! That is a feather in the cap of Microsoft and a ringing endorsement of this new version of Windows. I believe the main reason is this new version is so secure as compared to previous versions. I am sure it was tested over and over before the order was placed. If you haven’t made the switch yet, this decision by the DOD should weigh heavily on your decision. You have six more months to get Windows 10 for free.

Well, that is enough out of me. I hope you find enough good information here to make this blog permanent reading. Thanks. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

U.S. DOD to Migrate 4 Million Seats to Windows 10 Within One Year

Windows 10 has received its most notable endorsement yet, with the U.S. Department of Defense committing to upgrade 4 million seats to Microsoft’s latest OS.

 

Apple's Tim Cook: We'll fight 'iPhone backdoor' demands from FBI

Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company will fight a court order that demands it make a custom version of iOS for the FBI.

 

American Airlines Is Suing Gogo Over Its Crappy Wi-Fi

The company wants to switch to the competing service used by JetBlue and Virgin America — but Gogo is digging in its heels.

 

Apple Surpassed 10% Share of Notebook Market in 2015 Amid Industry Decline

The latest data from research firm TrendForce shows that MacBook sales continue to gain momentum in an otherwise declining notebook market.

 

These Are the Companies That Send Out the Most Email Spam

It’s almost impossible to completely block out email spam. That said, if you know who the biggest culprits are, you know a good place to start.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

You can now log into Gmail without a Google account

Google is now letting you use Gmail without a Gmail account. If you’re still hanging onto that Hotmail or Yahoo email address, Google is letting you use its service.

 

Microsoft’s Outlook.com now has an overhauled look and features

Microsoft is adding 13 new themes to its email service. While the look is familiar, it's now more closely aligned to the look and feel of the desktop and Windows 10 versions of the Outlook app. It also looks a lot more like the Outlook web versions of Microsoft's Office 365 service.

 

The most reliable hard drives in 2015, according to Backblaze

Here's a surprise: Seagate hard drives may now be more reliable than Western Digital models, according to Backblaze's Hard Drive Reliability Review for 2015.

 

How to Configure the Windows 10 Weather App

Windows Weather App is still a popular way for people to quickly check in with the weather from their desktop. Here’s how to configure your app’s settings, manage your favorite’s list, and set up the live tile.

 

How to stop Google Chrome from running in the background

Google's browser is handy, but it's also a drain on your battery life. In fact it is one of the biggest battery drainers for laptops

 

Mobile Computing

How to Create an 'Unread' Folder in the iOS Mail App

In iOS 7, Apple introduced the option to add an "Unread" mailbox to the iOS Mail app, giving users a place to aggregate all incoming email for quick access. The feature was never widely publicized, and as a result, many iOS users today are unaware that it exists

 

Apple officially acknowledges iPhone bricking ‘1970 date’ bug

AppleCare has been flooded with people bringing in their devices after trying out this bug. The company says it will release an upcoming software update to prevent this issue from affecting iOS devices in the future.

 

Secret Mail shortcuts: Twelve gestures to speed up your iPhone email!

Mail is both simple and accessible to first time iOS users and powerful enough for pros. If you play around with it for a while, you'll discover a bunch of gesture shortcuts that can really speed up and expand your workflow.

 

Everalbum launches an Android version of its photo app to take on Google

Nearly four months after its public launch, Everalbum has announced that the photo-sharing and storage service now has an Android version of its app.

 

6 tips for mastering navigation on an Android or iOS device

You'll have an easier time finding your way around Android and iOS once you're hip to the hamburger menu, the overflow button, the action button, and more.

Congress Finally Does Something for Us

I know you think I am joking with that headline, but it is for real. The US Senate and the House have passed a bill that permanently removes any possibility for Internet Access Taxes. Now, this does not remove state sales taxes on products you buy from on-line retailers. I wish it did. But no provider of Internet access can ever charge a tax for selling you access to the Web or any other Internet service for that matter.

This tax-free access has been going on for years, but only with temporary bills that needed to be renewed every so often. Now it is a permanent ban. Hooray for that!

In other news, our first story is about some serious black hat hackers who have shut down a hospital for over a week now, demanding $3.6 million ransom to restore computer services. This is life-threatening hacking. If someone dies as a result of this, the hackers, if caught, could be charged with Murder One. And California still has the death penalty.

Well, not much else for me to say. So I will shut up and let you read on. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Hackers take hospital offline, demand $3.6m ransom

For more than a week, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center has been in a state of emergency after a malware attack shut down the network unless a ransom of $3.6 million was paid.

 

Senate passes permanent ban on Internet access taxes

Congress had extended the moratorium several times since 1998, but supporters weren't able to pass a permanent ban until now.

 

Google is finally shutting down Picasa

Picasa is a photo-sharing and storing website that’s been in Google’s lineup since 2004. Ultimately, Google stopped rolling out any notable updates to the service, so it was only a matter of time until the photo website was shut down

 

Russia Dials Up the Crazy, Wants to "Ban" Windows

Following in the august footsteps of China, Russia is the latest totalitarian state that is publicly seeking to “ban” Microsoft Windows and replace it with less U.S.-centric technologies

 

Microsoft continues its pivot to being all about cloud services |

It's not over for Windows and devices. But Microsoft's future is increasingly about the cloud and subscriptions, as its financials and corporate priorities show.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to make Windows 10 faster: 5 ways to speed up your PC

Try these methods to make your machine zippier and less prone to performance problems.

 

How to Stop Windows 10 Apps From Running in the Background

Those new Windows 10 apps have permission to run in the background so they can update their live tiles, fetch new data, and receive notifications. They may drain some battery power. But you can control which apps are allowed to run in the background.

How to change the look of Windows 10's desktop with native settings or Aero Glass

When it comes to visual aesthetics, Windows 10 is reasonably configurable. You can adjust color schemes and backgrounds easily with these tools.

 

You Should Upgrade to 64-bit Chrome. It’s More Secure, Stable, and Speedy

Using Chrome on Windows? There’s a good chance you’re still using the 32-bit version. You should upgrade to the 64-bit version. It’s more secure–not to mention faster and more stable.

 

Move your Windows 10 libraries to a separate drive or partition

Physically separating programs and data protects them both and makes for easier backups. Its an idea worth considering.

 

Mobile Computing

Best new apps for iOS, Android and Windows: Serato Pyro, Fetch, and more

There's a whole fleet of great new apps that have dropped over the past seven days, many of which are more than capable of providing your ageing handset with a new lease of life.

 

The best news apps for Android

Android has a plethora of great apps to choose from thanks to the massive selection in the Google Play Store. But if you're looking to get your daily news fix, we recommend you check out this little lot.

 

Amazon Updates Its Kindle App With Interactive Magazines for iPad, Support for iPad Pro

Choose from a wide selection of books, newspapers, and magazines from Wall Street Journal, New York Times to Reader’s Digest.

 

Apple screen protector installation program now rolling out to Apple Stores

The program allows customers to get a Belkin screen protector carefully applied to their iPhone in store. At Apple Stores across America, customers can purchase a Belkin screen protector and have it applied in store by an Apple Store employee for free.

 

Every iPhone User Can Now Broadcast Live Video on Facebook

Facebook users can access the new feature by tapping the “Update Status” box at the top of their News Feed, which will reveal a new icon for live video.

Is Amazon’s Echo a Big Deal? It Just May Be

If you watched the Super Bowl last Sunday, you probably noticed that Amazon had a few ads during the game. There were five of them, I believe…all promoting the Amazon Echo. This was the first time ever that Amazon advertised during the “Big Game”…and since each ad cost $5 million, you have to believe Amazon is serious about promoting and selling the Echo.

Now, I do not own one and do not see myself getting one in the near future. But listening to people I know rave about it…well there has to be something to it. It is a revolutionary product and has a good chance of being a major success…especially as Amazon keeps adding to its capabilities on a nearly daily basis. I suggest you read our first article to learn more about it. PS: Click on this link to see all five ads and some hilarious outakes.

In other news, you will notice that there are three stories today about hacking and security. If you are a Windows user, be sure and read the first story in the Computer Tips section and update your computers ASAP.

Well I am off to start my weekend. Our temps here in Tucson are in the low 80’s now. I hope your weather is improving also. Have a great weekend! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

How to use the Amazon Echo and why you should get one

As Amazon regularly adds new functionality, the Echo continues to grow more useful. In fact, it's now the most-used gadget in my home.

Hackers are trying to steal our tax refunds...again

Online thieves were recently able to get their hands on taxpayer identification numbers before the Internal Revenue Service detected the attack and shut it down.

 

Sorry, But Your Facebook Friends Don't Care About You

You can only count on four of them in a real "emotional crisis.

 

Opinion: We Need to Kill Voicemail...Now

Voicemail needs to die. It's an archaic time-waster and nobody likes it. But it hangs on, undead, with bits and pieces falling off but still ready to bite your ear off and chew on the gristle.

 

Hacker leaks thousands of FBI, DHS employees' details

A hacker has gained access to a database containing names, job titles, email addresses, and phone numbers of tens of thousands of government workers.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Every version of Windows hit by 'critical' security vulnerability

Microsoft said in its latest monthly security bulletin that users of Windows Vista and later, including Windows 10, should patch immediately to prevent a serious flaw in how the operating system handles certain files.

 

6 tips to keep your Facebook clean, secure and private

Review your security and privacy settings, and get rid of acquaintances cluttering your friends’ list.

 

10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

You want the strongest wireless signal you can get from your router, wherever you are in your home. Here are some quick tips for achieving optimal reception.

 

Microsoft starts providing release notes for Windows 10 updates

Microsoft is starting to provide users with information about what is in the updates it's delivering for Windows 10, as oficials promised last Fall.

 

Yes, Windows 10 runs great on old hardware

Can you run Windows 10 on a PC that's eight years old? Oh yes, and it runs spectacularly well.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft now has 74 hardware partners pre-installing its apps on Android devices

Apps included in this arrangement include Word, Excel, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Skype.

 

Almost no one is using Android Marshmallow, still

Launched in early October, Android 6.0 Marshmallow is on 1.2 percent of Android devices, according to the latest stats offered up by Google's Android Developer Dashboard. Of course, the fault lies with phone companies who don’t send out updates to their customers…the biggest reasons why the Marshmellow numbers are so pathetic.

 

The Best Earphones (In-Ear Headphones) of 2016

If you're a music lover, chances are you're not happy with your phone or media player's bundled earphones. Most of the time, they sound pretty dismal. Here some that sound better.

 

9 Best iPhone Apps that must have on your iPhone

Download these apps for iphone 4, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. These are the best apps and they are very useful in your day to day applications.

 

13 tips for getting the best results from your iPhone camera

The iPhone takes great pictures. Here are some great tips to make you photos even better.

White House W-Fi Sucks

I’ve come to the conclusion that the tech guys running the government computer systems don’t have a clue about running secure computer systems, much less setting up a simple Wi-Fi network for the President of the United States (see our first story). Government computer experts verge on idiocy.

Look how many government servers have been hacked. The vital information about every government worker and everyone who has ever applied for a government job have all been stolen…much of that information can be found on the Internet for anyone to see. And remember the Obama Care computer fiasco? Government computer jockeys and their immediate superiors are morons!

Now we have the President of the United States saying on network television, just before the Super Bowl that he can’t get a decent signal in many places in the White House. That is absurd! Think about it.

I spend a fair amount of time on the campus of the University of Arizona. It is huge…392 acres to be exact. And I can get a secure Wi-Fi signal anywhere I go on campus. The UofA is a whole lot bigger than the White House. Maybe we should send some of the undergrads in the computer school who run the UofA networks to DC to help out our poor President. I bet they would be shocked to see how the system is run.

We trust so much of our lives to the government and most of our most private information is stored in their computer systems. And very few of their tech geniuses know how to run such systems properly. Of course, they are caught up in the bureaucracy also, so their hands may be tied by stupid rules and regulations. So, do you have faith in our government and their bureaucratic nonsense? Just moronic.

All right…time for you to take over. So have fun. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Crappy Wi-Fi signal? The White House has that problem too

The pre-Super Bowl interview on CBS confirmed that it isn’t just President Obama who is disrupted by insufficient coverage; his daughters are also “irritated by it.”

 

Twitter clips wings on terror tweets

The San Francisco-based social network said Friday that since the middle of the year it has suspended more than 125,000 accounts with suspected links to the terrorist group Islamic State.

 

Steve Ballmer Comments on Microsoft today

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stepped down two years ago this week, but as the company's largest individual shareholder, he still keeps a close watch on what is going on.

 

The Technology Behind Hillary Clinton's Email Scandal, Explained

The Hillary Clinton email scandal has seemingly everything that can bring down a presidential candidacy. Here is how it worked.

 

Researchers are a step closer to creating an untraceable 'quantum Internet'

Scientists are figuring out how to create a 'quantum Internet' that will be totally secure and virtually unhackable. So secure, in fact, that even if someone did manage to listen in to your private communications, you'd immediately know about it.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How much RAM do you need, should you upgrade it, and will it speed up your PC?

This article takes you through all the ins and outs of RAM, including how much you really need and how to know when it's time to upgrade.

 

Most Windows security flaws mitigated by 'removing admin rights'

Almost nine-out-of-ten vulnerabilities targeting Windows last year could have been prevented by removing accounts with administrative rights.

 

Google search is about to get a lot smarter

The company's go-to guy for artificial intelligence is taking over its biggest business as its current search boss retires.

 

OneNote—what’s new in January 2016

When writing our New Year’s resolutions, we challenged ourselves to answer just one question: How do we make 2016 the best year yet for OneNote users? To that end, we’re thrilled to announce the number of features we’ve released in the past few weeks.

 

How I Finally Organized My Messy Inbox with Sortd

I’ve tried dozens of solutions to clean up my inbox, and so far, the Sortd Chrome extension comes closest to helping me use and organize email the way I work.

 

Mobile Computing

What's killing your battery? Android's top 10 performance-sapping apps

Is your phone or tablet battery constantly reduced to a sliver of red on the screen? New research has found the worst performance-draining apps on Android devices, and Facebook is the biggest culprit.

 

Uninstalling Facebook app saves up to 15% of iPhone battery life

Testing reveals Facebook iOS app drains battery life, even when it isn’t being used, and that using Safari instead will make an iPhone last longer

 

Best Email Apps For iPhone: The only 5 iOS email apps you should try

There are a few cases where a pre-installed iPhone app made by Apple is the best tool for a particular job, but the Mail app certainly isn't one of them. JRC: I use the Outlook app on my iOS devices. If the PC and MAC version were only this good!

 

5 upcoming Android phones that are worth waiting for

There are some amazing phones coming out in the next few weeks and months. The last thing you want is to drop hundreds on a new device only to feel behind the times a few days later.

 

2016 Guide: Android Tablets With the Longest Battery Life

Looking for an Android tablet that can go the distance? These eight models lasted more than 12 hours on our battery test.

Stuff…or Much Ado About Nothing…Well, Almost Nothing

Sunday, as you know, is the grand and glorious climax to the football season. But, in watching some tech TV today, I found out you will see the game covered like never before. New technical devices and software will give you amazing views of each play. Not only you, but replay officials can watch any play from almost unlimited points of view. This should be exciting.

And speaking of the Super Bowl, Microsoft released their concept of watching football in the future with the help of their HoloLens headset. It is probably a few years off, but be sure and watch the short video. It gives you a good idea what augmented reality is all about. I hope I am still around when this concept becomes reality. Wow!

And speaking of Microsoft, they are now sending Windows 10 to millions of computers running Windows 7 and 8.1. They announced they were going to do this in October. It won’t necessarily install on your computer, but it will be there. There are mixed opinions on this move and I don’t like the idea of anyone putting anything on my computer that I don’t know about. Of course it won’t happen to me since I already have it on all my current PC’s. But, forewarned is forearmed. It may already be on your computer as we speak.

I’ve included an extra story (for no additional charge) about the newest version of Linux called “Mint.” Now I have fooled around with older versions of Linux over the years and never really cared for it…much less recommended it for the average computer user. It was difficult to set up and use. But the demo I saw today says this new version is quite good and easy to use and set up…it deserves an in-depth look. I am going to try it out on my MAC (running inside Parallels). Will let you know what I find.

Well, that is all for my comments today, but do continue reading as there are some good articles here. If you are going to watch the game on Sunday, I hope you enjoy it. If not, have fun doing something you like. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft is about to start automatically downloading Windows 10 onto PCs

Microsoft announced in October last year that Windows 10 would download automatically onto PCs, and has now started the process.

 

Opinion: Ad companies are the biggest privacy problem today, not governments

The adblocker dispute is going to become one of the fundamental battles on privacy. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch.

 

Amazon’s Retail Store Plans Go Beyond Books

The man behind the Kindle is leading Amazon’s project to create the retail stores of the future. And bookstores are just the beginning.

 

By 2020, more people will own a mobile phone than have electricity

The proliferation of mobile phones will continue as mobile data traffic jumps tenfold over the next four years, according to a study by Cisco.

 

Marissa Mayer unveils make-or-break plan for Yahoo

The beleaguered CEO of the struggling Internet pioneer delivers a "bold" strategic plan. She is cutting jobs, selling patents and real estate, and inviting would-be acquirers to speak up.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

10 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection

Before you schedule a service call with your cable company, check out our tips for troubleshooting your Internet connection

 

How to Open Certain Workbooks Automatically When You Start Excel

If you use a few Excel spreadsheets daily, it would be handy if you could open those spreadsheets automatically every time you start Excel. Thankfully, Excel has this feature built-in–if you know where to look.

5 ways to troubleshoot Windows 10 update problems

When your update stalls, it's time for some detective work. Try these fixes until one of them works.

 

29 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

While there is plenty of debate out there as to which browser is best, for my money it's the sleek, minimalist package known as Google Chrome. And the data shows that most users agree. JRC: I completely disagree with that statement, but there are some good tips here if you use the Chrome Browser

 

The Best Online Tax Preparation Software for 2016

If you're doing your own taxes, picking the right tax prep program is essential. Here's how the top services stack up.

 

Why switch to Windows 10 or a Mac when you can use Linux Mint 17.3 instead?

Linux Mint 17.3 is the best Linux desktop operating system and it might be the best PC operating system, period, for you.

 

Mobile Computing

The Amazon Kindle Gets a Design Refresh with a New Home Screen, Better Access to Settings

Amazon is rolling out an update to the Kindle Paperwhite and Voyage this month that’ll change the way your home screen looks. Alongside the new home screen, it’ll also give you better access to common settings and recommendations for books.

 

This is the fastest wireless carrier in the US

A new study taps data supplied by everyday phone users just like you. The winner might not be who you were expecting.

 

7 Android shortcuts for doing things faster

Many of Android's most oft-used features-everything from taking a picture to silencing alerts-are only a few taps, swipes or button-presses away.

 

11 of the best apps for iPhone from January 2016

January moved fast, but a whole lot happened last month, so we’ve whittled through the iOS app updates and new launches to bring you a more highly-curated list than ever before.

Quick Tips to Protect Your New (and old) Apple Devices

The one thing that most people believe is that there is no need to worry about security for their beloved Apple devices, which is a bit over inflated. So here are a few security tips for iOS and OSX.

The Techiest Super Bowl Ever…Live from Silicon Valley

Well it is Super Bowl Week…the week-long extravaganza that ends on Sunday afternoon with the big game between Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. I must admit I am not overly excited about this game, but rest assured I will be watching. All the other hype that is going on now will not get any attention from this football fan. My feeling about the Super Bowl is, “Just play the damned game!”

Regardless of my feelings, this is definitely going to be the highest hi-tech game ever…for us TV viewers and especially for those folks in attendance at Levi Stadium. You know that this stadium sits in the heart of Silicon Valley. Within a mile of the stadium are some of the biggest tech company headquarters….names like Yahoo, Intel, PayPal, Cisco, MacAfee, Oracle, and more. And you can probably guess many of Silicon Valley’s finest companies played a role in making this the most hi-tech arena in the world.

About 1.5 years ago, I had the privilege of being at this stadium for the very first football game ever played here…Denver vs. 49ers. True, it was a preseason game and the 49ers were massacred. But, I still had fun and my iPhone apps worked just great. I think it is a wonderful stadium and I learned a lot more about all the hi-tech stuff in this stadium by reading our first story. If you are like me and love football and hi-tech, this is the place to be. Let’s hope the game matches the quality of the stadium.

As for the rest of today’s blog, there are some interesting stories here and well as valuable tips, tricks and software recommendations. So, enjoy. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Techiest Super Bowl ever: Silicon Valley's stadium girds for the big game

Levi's Stadium is one of the most high-powered venues in sports. On Super Bowl Sunday, we'll see if its network can handle the data-storm caused by throngs of smartphone-wielding fanatics. JRC: Be sure and look at all 12 photos on the bottom of the page for a real in-depth look at the technoly.

 

Windows 10 Overtakes Windows XP In Market Share

"Even though Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and its market share is quickly shrinking, for many years, it was the most widely used operating system on the planet.

 

Microsoft’s abysmal phone sales may mean the death of Windows 10 Mobile

Microsoft’s latest quarterly results show such abysmal phone sales, it’s hard to believe that the Windows 10 Mobile ecosystem can recover.

 

Feds say 'Oops!' in anti-hacking deal

An update to an international accord potentially opens everyone to attacks, something the US government didn't figure out until after it was signed.

 

Circuit City is coming back

Watch out, Best Buy. Circuit City is coming back this year, but it may look a little different.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Chrome Extensions for Gmail

Here is a collection of our favorites, many of them free, and all worth a try if you're a serious Gmail-er using Chrome on almost any platform, be it Windows, Mac, Linux, or even a Chromebook.

 

How to Build Your Smart Home: A Beginner's Guide

The Internet of Things lets you automate your home and monitor it from afar. Ready to dive in? Start here.

 

Everything you need to know about mechanical keyboards before you buy

Any substantial amount of typing or gaming demands something more robust, and a mechanical keyboard is indeed that. The switches on a mechanical keyboard will last longer, remain more consistent, and be more comfortable than a cheaper board.

 

Top 11 Security resolutions for the New Year

2015 has been the worst year so far for security breaches. Although the state of online security reminds me of that scene in Office Space where Peter says that every day you see him is the worst day of his life, there’s a few things you can do to protect yourself against getting your data and online identity stolen.

 

CNET's guide to keeping your information private online

Between Facebook, your email and your browsing history, you're putting, and leaving, a lot of your personal information online. Here's how to get a handle on keeping it private.

 

Mobil Computing

68 best iPhone and iPad apps of 2016

To help you decide what truly deserves a place on your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch we’ve whittled down the array of colourful tiles to the very best. Here’s our choice of the greatest apps on iOS for 2016.

 

The Best Android Apps to Make Driving Safer, Easier, and More Fun

The very last place you should spend long amounts of time on your phone is behind the wheel of a car. Fortunately, plenty of apps are designed to help you find information and deal with distractions on the road safely.

 

Chrome for iOS is much faster and more stable, but Google hasn't solved its biggest problem

What Google doesn’t seem to have fixed is Chrome’s drain on your phone’s battery.

 

Samsung update allows ad blockers on default mobile web browser

Mobile ad blocking is thought to reduce web-page loading times and mobile data usage.

 

Secret Siri commands: Cool questions you can ask right now!

Siri can help you stay connected, organize your life, and get thing done both professional and personal. It can also do a lot of cool tricks... all you have to do is know what to ask!