Lightweight News Today, But Some Great Tips!

Tech News and Opinions

Intel unveils monster 18-core Core i9: 'First teraflop-speed' consumer PC chip

As well as the Core i9, Intel has lifted the lid on the whole new Core X-series of high-performance CPUs.

Amazon starts offering refunds for unauthorized in-app purchases

Parents of kids who made unauthorized purchases within app hosted by Amazon will start seeing refunds.

The Biggest Software Flops of All Time

Software is a funny thing. It weighs nothing, but takes dozens or even hundreds of people to make. And sometimes it just doesn't work out. A fun look back at failed software.

Microsoft: USB-C isn't ready for Surface customers

'It’s not that it’s not great. It’s not that people don’t use it, but it’s not ready for these products yet. It’s not ready for our customers.'

Yes, Blockchain could reverse the course of civilization and upend the world's most powerful companies

Businesses often win by centralizing resources and extracting value, and today's governments and financial systems empower them to do it. Blockchain changes the equation.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Free Disk Space Automatically with Windows 10 Storage Sense

"As laptops get smaller, storage space gets more valuable. For most Windows users, the amount of storage wasted on temp files and the Recycle Bin would free up a fair bit of space on our hard drive if only we could we could remember to get rid of it.

How to use Microsoft's Sway presentation program to tell a better story

Do you have a story to tell? Microsoft Sway is a versatile presentation program. Let Sway bring your story to life through beautiful, visual storytelling.

Microsoft Word Editor - your writing assistant

Editor checks your document or email message for spelling and grammar errors, and makes suggestions for writing style. Suggestions are based on the context of your writing, using machine learning and natural language processing.

iPad Pro vs MacBook: Which to buy and why

Weighing getting a svelte MacBook against an iPad Pro? I just went through the decision tree myself. Here's what I learned - and bough

Uncovering Templates, the Hidden Gem of Evernote

Templates are real timesavers, but how do you use them, and where can you find them? Now, everything you’ve ever wanted to know about templates in Evernote is all in one place,

Mobile Computing

'Judy' Malware Potentially Hits Up to 36.5M Android Users

It's 'possibly the largest malware campaign found on Google Play,' according to Check Point

8 paid iPhone apps on sale for free right now

These are paid iPhone and iPad apps that have been made available for free for a limited time by their developers. There is no way to tell how long they will be free.

Best iOS keyboards for your iPhone: RANKED

I focused on keyboards that are explicitly designed for typing and tried to weed out options with poor user reviews

26 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

The mapping product that can do everything can actually do a whole lot more.

Updates to Google Photos ensure you’ll actually see those party photos you’re in

Forgot to share photos of your party with friends? Google Photos will help.

Pimp your smartphone with the latest Android O Pixel launcher

If your device is running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow or above, you can now get it to work with the latest Google O Pixel launcher.

FCC Hands Control of Internet to Cable Companies

Here is a shocker: Hundreds of thousands formal documents sent to the FCC that support Net Neutrality have been ignored. An excellent in-depth report by The Register shows that the new Internet rules adopted by the FCC were written by cable companies, almost word-for-word. This is no surprise as FCC Chairman Ajit Pai was once an associate general counsel for Verizon.

To quote the article:

“The revised document demonstrates that not only is the FCC policy process going to be a sham, but it is being done with the active steering of special interest groups. Big Cable sends suggestions for changes to the FCC, FCC chair Ajit Pai makes those changes or adds in questions and asks for public comments, and then the FCC only considers the responses that support the cable industry's desired answer to the question asked in the first place. It's so blatant it's extraordinary.”

After the manhandling of a reporter by FCC security people, this whole FCC operation now reminds me of the National Socialist Party of the 1920’s and 30’s in Germany and how they handled dissent from their plans. Ajit Pai needs to be removed from his position. He does not have the interest of the American people as his first priority. Big business is in charge. I hope this is not indicative of what we can expect from our government for the next 3.5 years…but I fear it is.

I have never said this before, but I beg you to read this first article to understand what is happening here. It is important. We do not want special interests to control the Internet. –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

FCC revised net neutrality rules reveal cable company control of process

Almost all the changes in the revised document have come directly from the cable companies that will benefit most from the approach that the FCC is proposing. In some cases, it is embarrassingly transparent.

Windows 10 Device Usage: Creators Update After One Month

After a little over a month of availability, the Windows 10 Creators Update has been deployed to about 18 percent of all Windows 10-based PCs worldwide. That seems a little small to me.

New Video: A Drone's Sunset Flight over Apple Park

A spectacular video showing the nearly completed Apple Headquarters at Sunset.

EU close to making Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter block hate speech videos

The European Council has approved proposals that would require companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to block videos containing hate speech and incitements to terrorism. The proposals will still need to be passed by the European Parliament before becoming law.

Report: DDoS attacks are less common, but they're bigger

This report talks about changes in the frequency, size, and type of DDoS attack that the company has observed over the first few months of this year.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to take screenshots in Windows 10

Taking screenshots with Windows 10's built-in controls is easy, but the methods to do so aren't exactly obvious.

How to Unfriend Someone on Facebook

You can unfollow people, but if you know you’re not going to run into them in the future, it’s often easier just to go all out and unfriend them. Here’s how.

How to get past Windows Defender SmartScreen in Windows 10

The SmartScreen filter in Windows 10 can sometimes stop you from downloading the app you want. Here's how to get past it, and why sometimes you should think twice before doing so.

How to protect your laptop in cargo when you fly

In this guide, learn about current regulations and how to deal with theft, insurance problems and hardware damage.

How Long Will Microsoft Support My Version of Windows With Security Updates?

Microsoft doesn’t support every version of Windows forever, and there are different types of support. For example, Windows 7 is no longer receiving “mainstream support”, but is receiving “extended support”—what does that mean?

Mobile Computing

How to make your Android phone and iPad play nice

Apple has its ecosystem on lockdown, and only Apple products can talk to other Apple products. That being said, there are still a few ways you can at least keep your data in sync between Android and iPad.

Gmail for Android and iOS is getting Smart Reply

By taking advantage of machine learning, Smart Reply can help you power through outstanding emails in your inbox by suggesting suitable replies that are friendly and conversational.

Google Photos for Android now offers easy archiving

Help eliminate the embarrassment of bad angles by archiving what you don't care for others to see

Timbre is a totally free app for editing video and audio

For Android: Timbre lets you do more than just edit mp3s: you can split and join audio or video, remove sections, and combine files together, as well as remove the sound from your videos or create audio tracks from them.

Google Assistant for iPhone Review

Google Assistant now lives on the iPhone. Its purpose lies in its name: to help you with your day-to-day life. Here is a quick review.

Redesigned Version of Microsoft OneNote Now Available on iOS

Microsoft took the unusual step of pushing out a redesigned version of OneNote for Mac and iOS ahead of its release on Windows and Android.

Google Assistant Launched for Apple Devices

I watched a video podcast this morning (iOS Today on  the TWIT Network) that praised the release of the Google Assistant on iOS devices. It is a fairly new app that has already been highly praised, but only ran on newer Android phones. I think it took everyone by surprise when it show up on iOS a few days ago.

The show’s hosts ran comparisons between it and Siri issuing the same voice commands. Google Assistant blew Siri away. It can do far more than Siri can do at the present time. Of course, we’ve know that Siri is the weakest of voice command apps. It is way behind Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, and Microsoft’s Cortana.  

I downloaded the Google Assistant this morning for my iPhone…and it also showed up on my iPad. Because my day was so hectic, I have not had a chance to even look at, but will do so very soon. Looking forward to giving it a spin. You can read about it in our Mobile Computing section below.

But be sure and read our first story about how Google is blowing the doors off of Apple (as is Microsoft). Apple is in danger of falling way behind in so many ways. Few of the most used apps in the Apple ecosystem are made by Apple. The only Apple apps I use on my Mac are Notes and iTunes. The majority are made by Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.

While Apple is the most valuable company in the entire world, it dare not sit on its laurels for too long. I look forward to see what they have to offer at WDDC in June. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple should fear Google. Here's why

Commentary: Google is crushing Siri and dominating the smart home, but Apple has a chance to strike back in June.

 

FCC Officially Votes to Gut Net Neutrality Rules

As expected, the FCC voted to move ahead with a plan that would dismantle net neutrality rules put in place by the previous administration.

 

Senators ask FCC why reporter was “manhandled” after net neutrality vote

Senators to FCC: Don’t roughhouse journalists who are trying to ask questions.

 

Microsoft's new Surface Pro has 13.5 hours of battery life and LTE option

Microsoft is launching a new Surface Pro today, and it’s dropping its numbering scheme as a result. While many were expecting a Surface Pro 5, Microsoft’s new tablet / laptop hybrid is simply the Surface Pro from now on.

 

Apple reveals it received a secret national security letter

Authorities demanded data from twice as many Macs, iPhones, iPads in the second-half of last year than the first-half, despite fewer overall requests.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The 2017 ultimate guide to Gmail backup

Want to make sure you have a local or backup copy of all that mission-critical business and personal history in your Gmail archives? Here are your options.

 

11 Hidden Tricks Inside Windows 10

With such a complex, nuanced, and vast piece of software, it makes sense that there are little tricks and UI flourishes that most people don't even know about.

 

How to set up a new Windows 10 PC perfectly in one hour or less

Doing a clean install of Windows used to be a tedious process that could take the better part of a day. With Windows 10 and cloud-based software and services, you can get the entire job done in an hour or less.

 

How to Optimize Google Chrome for Maximum Privacy

If you’re concerned about the data Chrome sends to Google, we’ll explain what all the various settings do so you can make your own decisions.

 

How Long Will Microsoft Support My Version of Windows With Security Updates?

Microsoft doesn’t support every version of Windows forever, and there are different types of support. For example, Windows 7 is no longer receiving “mainstream support”, but is receiving “extended support”—what does that mean?

 

Mobile Computing

Google Assistant for iPhone Review

Google Assistant now lives on the iPhone. Its purpose lies in its name: to help you with your day-to-day life. Here is a quick review.

 

Redesigned Version of Microsoft OneNote Now Available on iOS

Microsoft took the unusual step of pushing out a redesigned version of OneNote for Mac and iOS ahead of its release on Windows and Android.

 

Tips and Tricks: Backing Up Your iOS Device

Apple has made things a lot easier since the introduction of iCloud in iOS 5. Since that time, we have had the capability to backup our devices to the cloud automatically.

 

Android Device Manager is now known as Find My Device

In Version 2.0, there are a few changes to make navigating the app a bit easier.

 

12 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from the last week

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous week or so.

 

Google Voice updated to 5.2, adds new widgets and call screening

Google started rolling out another update to Google Voice, bringing things up to 5.2 The new version of the app brings widgets in three new size.

Notes, Updates and Corrections

There is still more news on the WannaCry ransomware we talked about in the last edition. Be sure and read our first three stories to learn the latest. A correction from the last edition…Microsoft issued a fix for this vulnerability a couple of months ago in Windows 10. It was the older versions that were still vulnerable. They have now been patched.

Yesterday, Google held its annual I/O conference for developers and announced several new products and upgrades for both Google and Android. There were lots of them, so our 4th story gives you an in-depth roundup of what was announced. There are some interesting new features and products coming our way, so be sure and take a look.

Regarding DirecTV Now, we are still waiting for an app so it can run on Roku boxes and sticks. They promised they would release one in the first quarter of this year, but it did not happen. DirecTV now says it will be out sometime in 2017. Rumor has it that since Roku is so popular, DirecTV is worried that too many new users will flood the system and bring it down. There are still some nagging little problems with DirecTV Now…so if the rumor is true, they should hold off on a Roku app until everything works a little better. I am glad I bought an Amazon Fire Stick so I could use the system.

And speaking of rumors…many tech journals are reporting that the upcoming Apple iPhone 8 will cost $1,000 or more. Wow! It would not surprise me if that is true since Apple has been raising their prices lately (with the exception of the new iPad which is at a great price). Anyway, $1,000 for an iPhone might be a deal breaker for many people. 

I still have not received the Windows Creator Update on three out of four of my computers running Windows 10. But the 4th one, my HP Spectre laptop is running just fine. I recently bought a 24” monitor and plugged the Spectre into it. Using a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard, it is now my main Windows desktop computer. With an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and an SST drive, it would be silly not to use it. Make sure your next computer has an SSD drive…you will be amazed at its speed and reliability.

In the last edition, I included story about how to clean up your computer after the Creator’s Update installation. Make sure you bookmark that story for when you finally get the update. You will be shocked how much hard drive space you will recover.

While Arizona is one of just four states without blanket bans on texting while driving (except for school bus drivers), my home city of Tucson just passed a new law forbidding holding a cell phone while driving. So remember that if you ever come this way.

That’s it for me this week. I hope you have a great weekend. -JRC   

 

Tech News and Opinions

Hackers behind stolen NSA tool for WannaCry: More leaks coming

The Shadow Brokers group unleashed an exploit that fueled a global ransomware attack. Now they say they've got more where that came from.

 

Tim Cook’s refusal to help FBI hack iPhone is validated by ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack

The FBI last year wanted Apple engineers to create a brand new version of iOS that would allow them to skirt around iOS security measures. Thank God he said "NO!"

 

Opinion: Upgrade already! If you're still using Windows XP, you're a menace to society

And, if you're an IT pro with decision-making capacity in an organization that continues to use XP, you should be fired.

 

Google I/O 2017: highlights from the developer conference

Here is all the highlights from the Google I/O Conference and all the latest innovations for both Google and Android.

 

Yahoo Mail For Windows 10 Is Shutting Down Next Week

Yahoo released a native Mail app for Windows 10 a while back, and naturally many people have been relying on this app to get their daily email fix. Well, we have some bad news.

 

Intel turns up the dial to Core i9 with new processors

Rumored high-end offerings look very juicy indeed

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 tip: Stop using the horribly insecure SMBv1 protocol

For years, Microsoft has been recommending that you disable the vulnerable SMBv1 protocol. The recent WannaCry ransomware outbreak underscores the need to take this important step. Here's how.PS: Its easy!

 

The 10 best Edge extensions so far

The catalog for the Microsoft Edge browser extensions isn't huge, but it's still got some helpful tools to enhance your web browsing.

 

10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Check out these quick tips to get the strongest signal from your wireless router, extend and optimize your Wi-Fi coverage, and speed up your surfing.

 

How to use Night Light in the Windows 10 Creators Update

The Creators Update brings a built-in way to adjust your screen's color temperature and make it easier to sleep after a late-night computer

 

How to Use Microsoft Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a new application included with Windows 10’s Creators Update. You can use it to work with 3D models and put together 3D scenes. Your work can be shared online or even printed on a 3D printer.

 

How to Create a System Image Backup in Windows 7, 8, or 10

Let’s take a look at how to create a full backup image of your PC without the need for a third party utility.

 

Mobile Computing

20+ iPhone tips you’ll use frequently

Today I thought you might enjoy this collection of 20 lesser-known iPhone tips, which I do hope are of use to you.

 

Cheap 2017 iPad vs. 9.7-inch iPad Pro: How to decide

There is the iPad, and there is the iPad Pro. One is almost twice the price of the other. They are virtually identical, except for a few minor features. So which should you buy? And why?

 

Apple now has a how-to guide for iPhone camera users

Apple has a new new site dedicated to camera tips and how-to videos, which just went live.

 

Latest Google Maps update shows you exactly where to turn using Street View images

An update rolling out today to Google Maps is making it even easier to arrive smoothly at your destination by allowing users to see exactly where to turn and what lane to be in using Street View images.

 

Amazon refreshes its Fire lineup with four new tablets

Though the update is largely a refresh of existing devices (the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is new), it stands as a mark of Amazon's commitment to offering affordable, value-packed tablets that are geared towards dedicated customers.

 

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. Here are some new ones that do.

Global Ransomware Attack Puts Lives in Danger

A ransomware attack is currently infecting computers all over the world on a massive scale. This malware infects computers and encrypts all the data, making the computers unusable. The hackers then demand that $300 be paid in Bitcoin to unencrypt the system. It must be paid within 3 days or the data is lost  forever. The map above shows the spread of the infection around the world. 

The reason the ransom is so low is to ensure the money gets paid. How many of you would pay that amount rather than lose your data and have to start all over again?

The good news is that Microsoft has issued patches for all Windows computers that protects against it. They even issued one for Windows XP which is no longer an active product for Microsoft and has not been patched for some time.

Sources say that the attack virus comes from a government agency, probably the NSA, if you can believe that. They stockpile computer flaws without telling anyone. Apparently someone stole this one and sent it out.

We first heard about it when several hospitals in the UK were shutdown. Soon, it spread to banks, phone companies, airlines, and other businesses. They were hit because they were running old versions of Windows and their IT departments did not keep up with security patches.

So be sure and read our 5th story about how you can protect yourself against these ransomware attacks. I also recommend you make a complete system backup on a portable drive, then disconnect it from the computer. This will allow you to restore your computer without paying any ransom. Just a thought. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Worldwide ransomware hack hits hospitals, phone companies

The ransomware attack has hit 16 NHS hospitals in the UK and up to 70,000 devices across 150 countries using a leaked exploit first discovered by the NSA.

 

Ransomware attack: The second wave is coming, so get ready now

A new stage of the WannaCrypt ransomware attack could arrive with the start of the working week. Are you prepared?

 

Microsoft slams spy agencies for 'stockpiling' vulnerabilities

Microsoft is criticizing government agencies for hoarding software flaws and keeping them secret, calling a massive, new ransomware attack a "wake-up call" to this problem.

 

WannaCrypt ransomware: Microsoft issues emergency patch for XP

Microsoft takes unusual step of providing direct support to unsupported systems as targets in 74 countries - including vast swathes of UK hospitals - have been impacted by ransomware attack across the globe

 

Simple things you can do to protect against ransomware attacks

In the wake of a worldwide cyber attack that has debilitated more than 200,000 organizations in over 150 countries, experts shared tips with ABC News on simple things you can do to help protect yourself against a ransomware attack.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

What Happened to Solitaire and Minesweeper in Windows 8 and 10?

The classic desktop versions of Solitaire and Minesweeper are gone in Windows 8 and 10. But you can still play Solitaire and Minesweeper without ads, and without paying a cent.

 

How to securely erase any hard drive, SSD, flash drive, iPhone, iPad or Android device

Here's everything you need to know about securely wiping hard drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, and even iOS and Android devices.

 

The Windows Store is looking a lot like the future of Windows

It’s been a busy few weeks for Microsoft: But one thing that stood out among the various announcements was a renewed focus on the Windows Store, which is increasingly looking like a central piece of the future of Microsoft’s operating system.

 

Don’t forget to free up gigabytes of space after the Windows 10 update

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the update, you might notice your hard drive has filled up a few extra gigabytes. It doesn’t have to be this way.

 

Transfer VHS tapes to your computer

The best ways to digitally transfer and store all your old analog VHS home videos.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple fixes dozens of security bugs for iPhones, Macs

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company rolled out 23 security fixes in iOS 10.3.2 and another 30 fixes in macOS 10.12.5, both of which were released on Monday.

 

9 Superb Free Apps that you Simply Must Install on your Android Device

With the release of versions 4.x, including ICS, Jelly Bean and KitKat, the Android system has since been improved with fresh functionality and more useful features added by default.

 

2 tricks to make iOS Control Center less annoying

If you get annoyed by Control Center popping up on your iPhone, here are two easy things you can do.

 

The 10 Best Outdoor Apps

Turn your phone into a star chart, a 360-degree camera, a botany expert, and more with these handy programs

 

Microsoft makes Windows play nice with Android and iPhone

Microsoft, of all companies, is the knocking down the walls between Apple, Google and itself.

Another Important Week for Windows 10

This was Build Week, 2017. This year’s annual conference for Microsoft developers was held in Seattle. They held two keynote addresses, plus a series of individual classes for developers. But, we non-nerds are only interested in the keynotes…well maybe not the first one. That was for real nerd developers.

But the second one, held just this morning, was about the future of Windows…specifically the next big update called, “Fall Creator’s Update.” Although we will have to wait until October (or later) to get our hands on it, it has some very interesting new features that I look forward to seeing. Many of them are detailed in our first three stories.

The big shocker…Apple’s iTunes is coming to the Windows Store. No one saw that coming. But, the most ambitious new feature is one that breaks down the barriers many companies put up to keep you buying their products. For example, if you begin work on a presentation on your PC, your phone will ask if you want to continue working on it once you're on the go. Copy something off a webpage on your PC, and paste it on an iPhone. You can even save files on one device and pick them up on another.

There is much more, but our first three stories should get you started. We will have more in the next edition. I should mention that Microsoft wasn’t just teasing us about future Windows updates. Rather they were giving developers the information and tools they need to develop applications for Fall Creator’s Update. 

Last time, I mentioned I had not received the Creator’s Update on any of my four computers running Windows. Well, late yesterday afternoon, I got it on my HP Spectre laptop. Since that is my newest computer, it makes sense that it came first. Microsoft did say newer computers get priority. Have not had much of a chance to play with it, so more on it soon. Have a great weekend! –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft reveals new Windows 10 features coming in fall update

On day 2 of its Build 2017 developers conference, Microsoft announced a name for its fall release of Windows 10 and showed off a few new features that will be in that update. A surprise announcement: iTunes is coming to the Windows Store.

 

Microsoft's new plan for mobile relevance: Use Windows to make other devices better

"Microsoft's new motto: "If you can't beat them in mobile, join them." The coming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and some under-the-cover developer technologies are key to trying to make this happen.

 

Windows 10 Getting New 'Fluent' Look With Fall Creators Update

At Build, Microsoft revealed details about its fall Windows 10 Creators Update and mixed reality gear from partners, including new motion controllers.

 

Amazon Reveals $230 Touch-Screen Echo Show

With Echo Show, Alexa can 'show you things,' Amazon says of its new gadget...and you can make video calls to others who have the device.

 

Trump's cybersecurity executive order met with mixed reviews

The order asks for a full review of all cyber capabilities in an effort to strengthen federal systems, but that might be tough — if not impossible — given the timeline.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Opera’s new browser gives you direct access to WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram

Opera may be the underdog of the browser world, but it continues to fight hard, adding interesting new features to try and win over users.

 

Windows 10 tip: Use filters for faster and more accurate searches

The Windows 10 search box does an amazing job of helping you find files and folders, photos, apps, settings, and more. Typing one of eight words at the start of a search can make your results even more useful. Here's the list.

 

26 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

The mapping product that can do everything can actually do a whole lot more.

 

The Best Office Suites of 2017

Everyone knows Microsoft Office, but it's not your only choice for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. These office suites are tops, whether you want local or cloud-based office functionality.

 

Windows 10 Creators Update: the 10 best new features

While the previous Anniversary Update included more significant features, the Creators Update includes some small and welcome additions.

 

Mobile Computing

How to record your own voice for Waze navigation

Love the sound of your own voice? Now you can listen to it give you driving directions!

 

How to fix photos not uploading to or downloading from iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library is great… at least when it works as it should.

 

Google Photos — Everything you need to know!

Organize, browse, and fall in love with all your mobile photos and videos easily from one convenient location using Google Photos!

 

Allo's next trick: Turning your selfies into emoji

The new features takes advantage of Google's machine learning abilities to make a set of stickers based on your face.

 

Any.Do 4.0 for Android Update Adds Integrated Calendar and Assistant

With the integrated calendar, you finally don’t need to leave Any.Do to manage tasks and check your calendar. The calendar features daily, weekly, and monthly views, and should be just the amount of calendar you need to fully manage your to-do list life.

 

Google Maps for iOS will now remember where you parked

Despite the improvements Apple has made to its own Maps platform, Google Maps is still the number one choice for millions of iPhone users. And it keeps getting better.

Net Neutrality Raises Its Ugly Head Again

Thanks to comedian/newscaster John Oliver, net neutrality became a national issue staring the public right in the face. If you have not seen the video on HBO, you can watch it on YouTube. And it is well worth a view.

Besides being funny, it also points out the hypocrisy of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and his plans for handing control of the Internet to a handful of big communication companies. As our first story points out, people’s reaction to the Oliver diatribe and the proposed repeal of Net Neutrality was so strong that they brought down the FCC Website…just like they did three years ago when Oliver had a similar rant on the same issue.

Meanwhile, Pai has been on a public relations tour soft soaping his plan and saying how good it will be for all of us. Liar! And to add to the lies, the FCC now claims that their Web site crash was not the result of people protesting, but rather a DDOS attack. Total BS!

Be sure and watch the Oliver video…you will laugh and, at the same time, learn a whole lot more about this important issue. And you should file you feelings on the issue by going to the FCC Web site…gofccyourself.com -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Net-neutrality supporters cripple the FCC website again

Sunday, John Oliver told the internet 'Go FCC Yourself.' And it listened.

 

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants to rewrite net neutrality rules

In an interview with CNET's Maggie Reardon, Ajit Pai says he wants to see a return to "light touch" internet regulation reminiscent of the Clinton years.

 

Good news! The entire Senate just embraced web encryption

Last week the US Senate quietly began serving its entire domain -- including each of the 100 elected senators' websites -- over an encrypted HTTPS channel by default.

 

Google Drive Passes 2 Trillion Files Stored

If you were surprised at just how many people were affected by the recent Google Docs phishing scam, you shouldn't be. The service is massive, and getting larger by the minute.

 

How to Recycle Your Technology

Do your part by donating your old tech or getting rid of it in an environmentally safe way.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft releases emergency patch for 'crazy bad' Windows zero-day bug

The vulnerability has been dubbed the worst Windows remote code execution flaw in recent memory.

 

HDMI vs DisplayPort vs DVI: Which Port Do You Want On Your New Computer?

We have a variety of alternatives, all of which seem to be fighting each other for the limited space on your laptop or graphics card.

 

How to manage family options in Windows 10

The Creators Update made it easier to manage your family in Windows 10. Here's how to do it

 

4 Chrome extensions that make you more productive in Gmail

Have your email read to you, hide your inbox, master keyboard shortcuts, and more.

 

The Best Password Managers of 2017

With the help of a password manager, you can have a unique and strong password for every secure website. We've evaluated two dozen to help you choose.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Set Up Your Phone for International Travel

Unless you prepare in advance, using your smartphone abroad can be a nightmare. These tips can help smooth the way.

 

Why you should care about Android malware and the importance of security patches

Android is secure, but your phone probably isn't. 3.5 million pieces of malware in 2017 means that matters.

 

Use Siri to see which plane is flying over your head

Ever wonder where that plane you see flying above is heading? Siri can tell you.

 

Camera App: The Ultimate Guide

How do you use the built-in Camera app for iPhone and iPad to take amazing photos, panoramas, bursts, time-lapses, videos, slo-mos, and more? We'll show you!

 

Get more out of alarms in the iOS Clock app

Alarms for different days! Different times! Become the master of time with these tricks.

 

How to sync reminders and calendars between iOS and Android

Syncing between the two platforms isn't inherent, but you can sync Reminders and lists with certain apps. That way the whole family can stay on the same page, no matter which operating system each person prefers.

A Look at the New Windows S and Surface Laptop

Earlier this week, Microsoft held an event in New York City to announce a new version of Windows dedicated to the education market. It is called Windows S. The bottom line is that Windows S is for schools, mainly K-8, and perhaps some high schools. If you are finished with high school, you don’t need it and it is doubtful you would even want it.

It is very restricted as to what it does. Each school administrator can decide what software will work on it and how to tailor it for their school. Here are the basic restrictions on the OS:

1. It will only download and run apps from the Windows Store. If it is not available in the store, you can’t have it. For instance, the two most downloaded apps for all Windows computers are Google’s Chrome Browser and Apple’s iTunes. Neither is available in the Windows store so you cannot run them. But this restriction also means there is very little chance Windows S computers will download malware.

2. The only browser you can use with it is Microsoft’s Edge.

3. The only search engine you can use is Microsoft’s Bing.

4. Seven hardware manufacturers will be making a variety of computer devices that will run Windows S with prices starting at $189. They will be coming out this summer.

5. Microsoft has not said what the “S” stands for, so just go with it.

Microsoft also introduced a new computer of its own at this same event. It is a slim, but powerful laptop called the Microsoft Surface Laptop. It runs on Intel i5 or i7 processors, has a 13.3” retina-type screen weighs about 2.5 lbs. and claims to have 14.5 hours of battery life. Prices start at $999 and it comes standard with Windows S.

This looks to be a fabulous computer, probably aimed at high school and college students…but really it would be a cool lightweight laptop for just about anyone…except it comes with Windows S. Well good news there…For the rest of this year, you can update the OS to Windows 10 Pro for free ($49 after 2017)…thereby eliminating the Windows S restrictions. If you are looking for a new laptop, this one is worth a look.

There is much more to both Windows S and the Surface Laptop, and I devoted the entire Tech News section to in-depth articles about each of them. My early opinion of Windows S is that Microsoft has hit a home run in the education market, although we won’t know for a while if that is true. But, I think the boys and girls from Redmond have dealt a death blow to Apple’s education market products and Google should be very scared right now about their future in that same market. They pretty much own it right now, but that is going to change…I think. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft launches Windows 10 S, its Store-centric version of Windows 10

Microsoft is adding a new more locked-down version of Windows 10 (formerly known as Windows Cloud) to its line-up.

 

What is Windows 10 S?

Microsoft's May 2 event in New York City was ostensibly focused on education. But the biggest surprise was a major addition to the Windows 10 family. Here's what you'll find on a PC running Windows 10 S.

 

Microsoft takes aim at Chrome OS with a new, and very necessary, education push

Windows 10 S, and the range of education-oriented systems starting at $189, are a big deal.

 

Windows 10 S laptops will start at $189 and ship this summer

Microsoft’s answer to Chrome OS is called Windows 10 S. This new operating system is a streamlined and secured version of Windows 10. It runs sandboxed apps and doesn’t require expensive hardware.

 

Who exactly is Microsoft's new $999 Surface Laptop for?

Surface boss Panos Panay says it's for college students, and will last from freshman orientation through graduation.

 

Surface Laptop: Is Microsoft Ready to Eat Apple's School Lunch?

Microsoft has gone all in on hardware. This approach worked for Apple, but can the Surface Laptop replace the MacBook Air in people's hearts and minds?

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Customize and Enhance Your Windows 10 Display

Tweak your display in Windows 10 to make it look better according to your preferences.

 

Do vs. Done Lists: Jot Down Your Small Wins to Amplify Success

According to research, having a sense of making progress with work that matters to us is the most influential factor in maximizing long-term creative output, positive emotions, and motivation.

 

Stay connected with family and your scheduled events

I was able to activate a shared family calendar by simply adding one additional family member to my Microsoft Account Family page.

 

6 of the best photo collage software for Windows PC users

Photo collages that display a collection of photographs within a single image file are a good alternative to slideshows.

 

Use PowerPoint Photo Album to chronicle corporate or personal events

Intuitive menus and dialog screens make it easy to create a slideshow.

 

Mobile Computing

US border searches of phones and laptops have almost doubled

A former Homeland Security official said the spike in device searches was a "conscious strategy" to use a loophole that allows agents to search devices at the border without a warrant.

 

How to turn anything into a PDF on your iPhone or iPad

Once you know where this iOS PDF converter is buried, you can quickly and easily turn anything into a handy PDF on your iPhone or iPad.

 

5 handy things the Photos app can do with your iPhone snapshots

These tips will help you find best features Photos has to offer—draw shapes, write captions, publish a gallery online, un-delete a trashed photo, and more.

 

Five Things You Should Do Before Selling Your Android Phone

You may already know that you’ll need to factory reset the phone, but that’s actually the last thing you should do before selling. There are a handful of things that you’ll need to do first.

 

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. The apps listed here are do deserve some attention.

Did You Get The Windows 10 Creator’s Update? Me Neither

Well, I finally made it back to my computer…and with a new knee. Before you ask, it was quite painful, and still is. But therapy is coming along nicely. Although the exercises are quite painful at times, they will be worth it in the end. But, the therapy and my time in the hospital is not the problem…it was the variety of pain medications that caused my slow recovery time.

I had all kinds of side effects from them…dizziness, nausea, sleepiness and other smaller issues. I could feel my IQ drop 20 points within minutes of taking a couple of them. I am still not back to a normal brain yet, but am getting there. The meds have been changed and balanced so the side effects have been reduced.

I can walk (with a pronounced limp) without a walker or cane, but I still use them from time-to-time. Have even been out grocery shopping a couple of times. My therapist is pleased with my progress, but still have a ways to go. She comes in 2-3 times a week and gives me quite a workout. But I am on the road to recovery and should be able to get these blogs out twice a week from now on.

Now, lets change the subject from me to tech.

Have you received the Creator’s Update yet for Windows 10? I am betting no. I have four computers with Windows 10 installed and none of them have been upgraded yet. I could choose to do it myself, but have held back…just curious to see how long it will take. The Creator’s Update was released on 4/11…nearly 3 weeks ago. But although a few million supposedly have received it, most of us have not.

Microsoft did say that it will take months before everyone gets updated…and now if you read our first story, you may discover that Microsoft has slowed down the release because of hardware compatibility issues…and they advise us not to install it manually. That makes me a little nervous.

There may be more to this slow-down than they have said. We shall be following this continuing saga and keep you up-to-date.

Microsoft held a big event this morning, announcing both a new laptop and a new version of Windows designed for students. More about that in our next edition. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Do NOT Install Windows 10 Creators Update, It's Buggy

Microsoft started seeding the Windows 10 Creators update a few weeks ago, however, things aren’t going as planned. There are problems with some hardware compatibility. Hence, Microsoft has blocked the updates to affected devices and warned users against installing the Creators update manually.

 

NSA stops controversial program that searches Americans' emails

The government's surveillance court previously warned the National Security Agency (NSA) that searching Americans' emails and text messages that were collected domestically would not be constitutional.

 

FCC Chairman Moves to Eliminate Net Neutrality Regulations

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a proposal to his fellow commissioners that would reverse a 2015 decision to reclassify broadband as a telecom service, or Title II.

 

About.com, the general interest site even its own CEO doesn’t care for, is going away

I'm not going to be the guy who ruined About.com,” he said. “It's already ruined, so this is all upside here.

 

Verizon is losing customers like crazy, even with unlimited data plans

In the first six weeks of 2017, Verizon Wireless lost 398,000 on-contract wireless customers. Considering that analysts expected Verizon to add nearly 250,000 customers in the first quarter, that’s dire.

 

US congressman to constituents: 'nobody’s got to use the internet'

Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has set a new (albeit temporary) record for “Congressional Representative With No Idea How the Real World Works These Days.” JRC: Why do we keep electing stupid boobs to run our country?

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Adjust Scaling for Different Monitors In Windows 10

Windows doesn’t do the best job of scaling on high-resolution monitors. And if you have multiple monitors with different pixel densities, things can get even more confusing.

 

6 Privacy Tips for Microsoft Windows 10 Users

Microsoft made it no secret that it wanted Windows 10 to give you a personalized experience. Unfortunately, this means that Microsoft must collect a great deal of data on how you use your computer. If you’re uncomfortable with that, here are some tips on how to increase your privacy on Windows 10.

 

Is Google is tracking you? Find out here

With location reporting, Google can track your whereabouts, which you may find useful, interesting or invasive. Learn how to check if Google is tracking you and how to stop it if it is.

 

How to Secure Your Online Accounts By Revoking Access From Third-Party Apps

Now’s a good time to audit any other third-party apps you’ve given access to your accounts.

 

Windows 10 Gmail users: These new Mail & Calendar features are coming your way

Microsoft has started trialing an improved experience in Windows 10 Mail & Calendar apps for users with Gmail accounts.

 

Google Earth rebooted with satellite images, 3D navigation

The search giant rebuilds Google Earth from the ground up, letting you travel from the Eiffel Tower to Bryce Canyon. And it's now on mobile and the web.

 

Mobile Computing

A beginner's guide to iOS: How to get started with your new iPhone or iPad

Like all mobile operating systems, Apple's iOS takes some getting used to. Here, we'll show you how to navigate the interface, create folders, use 3D Touch, activate Siri, and carry out a host of actions.

 

10 Cool iPhone Camera Tricks to Help Improve Your Photos

Many of us have fallen for the irresistible charm of the iPhone, yet a lot of don’t realize half of what it can do, especially when it comes to the camera.

 

Free to iPhone, iPad, Mac users: Apple is now giving away its iWork and iLife apps

Even if you own older Apple hardware, you can now get Apple's iWork Office rival and iLife apps for free.

 

Mint (for Android) Review & Rating

Mint is the best mobile app for keeping your personal finances under control.

 

7 ways to repurpose an old Android phone

Just because your phone is old doesn't mean it can't be put to good use. Instead of selling it, consider assigning it one of these useful tasks.

 

Run Android Apps on Your Windows PC

With a little leg work, you can run Android apps on a regular old Windows PC. There are a few different ways to go about it, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.