Adobe Flash: The End of Life Approaching…About Time!

Tech News and Opinions

Adobe to say rest in peace to Flash in 2020

Adobe's Flash, a pioneering yet often derided piece of the interactive web, will be phased out with end of life coming in 2020. It should have ended some time ago.

Kaspersky Lab launches free antivirus software globally

Kaspersky said the free version was not intended to replace the paid versions of its antivirus software, describing it as offering "the bare essentials," such as email and web antivirus protection and automatic updates.

Comcast accuses net neutrality advocates of not “living in the real world”

Anyone who denies harm from Title II rules is denying reality, Comcast says.

The Cloud Wars Explained - Amazon versus Microsoft, Google, Oracle

What exactly are these companies selling? Who's buying it? And why is one company that wasn't even in enterprise technology a decade ago, beating the pants off everyone else?

Google to radically change homepage for first time since 1996

Search company to integrate its app-based feed of news, events, sports and interest-based topics into Google.com page in the near future.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Change Your Desk, Change Your Life?

The idea that orderliness breeds success reigns supreme. But what if messiness, especially a messy desk, offers its own rewards?

Windows 10 Tip: Keep your apps organized with virtual desktops

Here is how you can keep your open apps better organized with virtual desktops in Windows 10.

Windows 10 tip: Add custom shortcuts to the Start menu

Adding your own customized program shortcuts to the Start menu is easy, once you know where those shortcuts are stored. Here's how to create your own subfolder full of one-click links to tasks in the Settings app.

How I deleted Google from my life

After being a devoted Googler for many years, I realized putting all my data on one platform had its downsides. A couple of factors in particular drove me to make a clean break.

Microsoft Paint lives on, just not inside Windows 10

You'll still be able to download Paint from the Windows Store, but Microsoft probably won't be adding too many new features in future. Paint 3D will be included in Windows.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2017 (July)

Some are new, and others have been standbys on this list for years. Regardless, we’re certain that any and all of these apps will make your life easier, and help you get the most out of your Android device.

40 Best Free Apps for iPhone in 2017

The App Store offers plenty of free downloads, and we've found 40 that deserve a place on your iPhone.

Simply the best: Which apps are the best for editing your photos in 2017?

We have the list of must-download apps ready to go! JRC: But somehow they did not include Lightroom Mobile.

How to bulk delete iPhone photos

Here are the fastest and easiest ways to bulk delete photos from your iPhone. (Video)

7 Essential Phone Accessories for College Students

Never worry about keeping your phone charged and sprucing up your dorm room with cool tech that works seamlessly with your Android phone.

Google Play introduces ‘Android Excellence’ collections that showcase editorially selected top apps and games

The idea with “Android Excellence” is offer Google Play’s editors the ability to showcase the highest-quality apps and games on Android on a rotating basis.

Here is Part of What to Expect When Net Neutrality Ends

Tech News and Opinions

Verizon Admits To Throttling Netflix As Part Of A ‘Test’

Seems like Verizon is getting ready for the end of Net Neutrality.

 

FCC receives more than 10 million comments on net neutrality rollback

A record has been set in an FCC proceeding, as millions make their voices heard in proposal to roll back net neutrality regulations. Not that the FCC will pay any attention.

 

Hackers are targeting hotel Wi-Fi with particularly evil malware

Just because your hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, it doesn’t mean you have to take it. Make sure you use a VPN when traveling. 

 

Microsoft begins blocking updates for older Windows versions on newer hardware

Windows 7 is supported until 2020, and Windows 8.1 will get updates until 2023, right? Not if you're trying to run those older Windows versions on new hardware, as some frustrated customers discovered this week

 

Microsoft is Removing Legacy Features in the Fall Creators Update

A Microsoft support document notes which legacy features are being deprecated or removed from Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Send a Text Message From a Computer

There are hundreds of online services out there that’ll get the job done, but none of them are as quite as simple and reliable as the methods outlined below.

 

How to Use Microsoft's Free Office Online Software

If you don't need the full might of Microsoft Office on the desktop, use the free online version instead.

 

Best password managers of 2017: Reviews of the top products

If you're still using your dog's name to log in to your bank, you are courting disaster.

 

How to stop Facebook from showing strangers your personal data

Social engineering hacks are the way of the future. Don't let your data give a hacker an opening.

 

36 Tips Every Evernote User Must Know

What are the tips and tricks that will make you an Evernote master? We've got them here for you.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

11 Free Apps I Couldn't Live Without as a Photographer

This is not your typical list of must have photography apps...but rather apps that make the life of photographer much easier.

 

How iOS 11 will free up space on your iPhone or iPad

Here’s a quick look at how Apple will ease the pain when iOS 11 lands this fall, with instructions for taking advantage of the new features.

 

Best investment apps for iPhone and iPad

Want to learn the ins and outs of investing? Check out these apps.

 

Best Earbuds for under $100

Earbuds are some of the most travel-friendly headphones out there, and while it's completely possible to spend hundreds of dollars on headphones, that doesn't mean excellent audio quality can't come cheaper. Here are our favorite earbuds for under $100.

 

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 deserve a look.

 

Is now a good time to buy a Chromebook?

See what's on sale, what's not, and what's coming soon on the Chromebook front.

More Deceit from the FCC Ministry of Propaganda

Tech News and Opinions

The FCC admits it didn’t file a report on its own DDOS attack

Maybe because it never happened. The site was shutdown by an avalanche of people logging in to protest the FCC stand on Net Neutrality. The supposed DDOS attack was a lie.

AlphaBay, Hansa taken down in dark web market crackdown

Adios, AlphaBay. US and European law enforcement agencies have slammed shut a booming online trade in drugs, weapons and stolen identities.

Why am I getting so many robocalls?

The Federal Communications Commission is working to help rid the world of the 2.5 billion spam calls made every months. Here's what they're up against.

Google bolsters security to prevent another Google Docs phishing attack

It's about to get really difficult to accidentally fall for a phishing attack.

Best External Drives of 2017

Your desktop setup is incomplete without an assist from external storage.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 no longer supported? How to tell if your PC is eligible for latest version

Millions of three- and four-year-old PCs are being blocked from installing the latest Windows 10 feature update. Is your PC at risk? Here are two ways to check for potential problems.

What Is the AppData Folder in Windows?

Windows applications often store their data and settings in an AppData folder, and each Windows user account has its own. It’s a hidden folder, so you’ll only see it if you show hidden files in the file manager.

6 things you should know about backing up your PC

Is it time to rethink the old ways of archiving your data? Maybe all but one of them...

Best Windows Backup Software

The best programs for keeping your data and Windows safely backed up

How to Reverse Look Up a Phone Number

Rather than answering the phone or calling the number back, there are a few quick ways you can identify just who it was who tried to call you.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

These are the cheapest data plans you can buy in the U.S.

Have a carrier in mind or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are the cheapest plans you can get from every one.

Top iPhone or iPad apps for productivity

Give your productivity a boost with some of the very best productivity apps available for the iPhone and iPad.

​Google is using machine learning to create a news feed from your searches

Google has rolled out a new version of its news feed that's based on the user's interests. (Android and iOS)

Apple releases iOS 10.3.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.6, and watchOS 3.2.3 updates

Before you install any OS update, back up your device, just in case you have problems with the update and need to revert.

Mozilla's new Firefox features improve browsing on iOS and Android

The mobile apps each get a few good upgrades.

Microsoft Leads Way to Bring Broadband to Rural Areas

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft announces rural broadband initiative

Microsoft wants to extend broadband services to rural America by using the buffer zones separating individual television channels in the airwaves.

Android as we know it is dead, but it's not going to go away

Android has problems, and Google knows that and has plans to replace it with something better. But the Android name won't be going anywhere.

With HoloLens, Microsoft plots a prosaic path toward success

Microsoft's mixed-reality headset is dodging the excitement of gaming and focusing on less glamorous but potentially more worthwhile projects.

A bunch of old PCs just got cut out of Windows 10 support

If your computer has an Intel Atom Clover Trail CPU, you’re stuck in update limbo.

Google is funding the creation of software that writes local news stories

The money will help pay for the creation of Radar (Reporters And Data And Robots), snappily named software designed to generate upwards of 30,000 local news stories a month.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

When Windows 10 takes up too much disk space, try this

Compact.exe helps reduce the size of your Windows installation, and there are other tricks, too.

What Google's Backup and Sync app can and can't do

Learn how to set up Google's new desktop app and what it can and can't do.

Macphun Luminar is Now on Windows: Get the Free Beta

Luminar is a powerful photo editing program that’s a competitor to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop that is easy to use. PS: I've been using it on my Mac for a while now and love it!

Five secret tricks only serious Gmail ninjas need to know

With great power comes great responsibility. If you click into this article, be sure to pay attention to the warnings

Google Earth launches live video feeds to bring us closer to nature

Google Earth is adding live video to its recently released “Voyager” storytelling platform, allowing users to see what is happening around the world in real time.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

The Secret to Saving Money on Cell Phones and Service

You can save money on your phone and plan if you do a bit of homework before you buy.

Microsoft's new app guides you through indoor spaces without GPS

GPS is great for finding your way around, except for when you’re indoors. Thankfully, Microsoft has been thinking about a better way to help you navigate large malls, hospitals, office buildings and parking lots effectively.

Google Maps will now show you how much traffic to expect on your route

Google Maps is capable of some seriously impressive things. Now, Google is expanding on that feature by showing how busy the traffic is along your route by the time of day.

How to take a screenshot on any Android phone

No matter what phone you have, we'll help you figure out the easiest way to snap the screen.

Apple Clears App Store of VPN apps and ad-blockers

If you're using a VPN-based ad blocker for your iPhone or iPad, Apple might soon remove it from the App Store completely or keep you from being able to update the current version.

Life hack: how to best arrange your iPhone apps, one icon at a time

After years of fiddling, I finally cracked it. This is how you should organise your home screen – and it’s advice that could be handy for Android users too.

A Verizon Security Screwup…14 Million Accounts Exposed!

Tech News and Opinions

Millions of Verizon customer records exposed in security lapse

Customer records for at least 14 million subscribers, including phone numbers and account PINs, were exposed

Amazon, Google join 'Day of Action' to defend net neutrality

Thousands of companies and organizations, including Google, Facebook and Reddit, want you to support the push for keeping the rules that govern the open internet

Microsoft Patch Tuesday Update Fixes 19 Critical Vulnerabilities

In all, 54 vulnerabilities were patched in Windows, Edge, Internet Explorer, Office and Exchange as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday release

Microsoft officially ends support for Windows Phone

Your device won't be a brick, but it won't get more updates.

Microsoft app helps blind people ‘see’ the world with AI

The app recognizes currency, speaks text and even identifies visual emotion.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

Like it or not, words, spelling, and punctuation can leave a lasting impression on others. But even the most educated people often unknowingly make these common flubs.

Windows 10 tip: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings

Are you tired of clicking through categories to find a specific Windows 10 setting? If you know the right command line options, you can create shortcuts that take you to specific pages with a single click.

Microsoft improves conversations and searches in its Outlook apps

Some of Outlook's more common hassles just disappeared

Google launches a new Backup & Sync desktop app for uploading files and photos to the cloud

The utility is meant to replace the older Google Photos desktop app, as well as the Google Drive client applications for both Mac and PC.

Windows 10 tip: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings

Are you tired of clicking through categories to find a specific Windows 10 setting? If you know the right command line options, you can create shortcuts that take you to specific pages with a single click.

How to Set Up and Use Windows Speech Recognition

You don't need Cortana to run commands and launch programs in Windows using your voice.

Mobile Computing

Invigorate Your Commute With the Best Car Apps for the iPhone

We’ve put together a list of the best car apps for the iPhone, each of which make your daily commute far more tolerable.

How to set up a safe, kid-friendly iPad or iPhone

Don't hand over an aging iOS device to your eager youngster before doing a little kid-proofing first.

This Android ransomware threatens to expose your browsing history to all your contacts

LeakerLocker forgoes using encryption, instead choosing threats to make money out of victims.

Here are 37 temporarily free and 45 on-sale apps, and both Google Play deals of the week

Android fans...here is your chance to download some great apps that are on sale and even free for a short time. Take a look and see what you can find.

Outlook for Android will soon be seeing layout changes and additional search features

Among the new features are some tweaks for conversation layouts, a new navigation interface, and better search functions.

How to Backup and Transfer your Stuff to a New Android Phone

Getting your data from an old Android phone to a new one isn't hard, but you'll want to follow these steps. (Video)

Microsoft Now Says, “Everybody in the Pool!”

A few weeks ago, Microsoft told everyone who did not have the Windows 10 Creator’s Update to hold off downloading it until they were notified they could have it. Now, according to our first story, Microsoft will be telling everyone who still does not have it, to get it now. Talk about a 180 degree turn.

I checked my two non-updated Windows computers and there was no message. But I clicked on the Check-for-Update button on my Samsung laptop and was told I could update (after installing some other updates). To make a long story short, it took many hours before the Creator’s Update was actually installed.

It started the final download late last night so I just let it run and went to bed. It was in the final stages when I got up this morning. Thank God I did not wait for it. But it is installed and running fine.

It was a different story for my older HP Desktop. Again there was no notification from Microsoft and the Update Button downloaded some normal Windows updates. But it never said the Creator’s Edition was ready to install. So for that one, I still sit and wait. It will be interesting to see if I ever get an upgrade notification from Microsoft.

I wish Microsoft would figure a way to get these Windows updated editions out to us sooner. When Apple does a new version of its operating systems, everybody can have it at once. That is really nice. Now I understand Apple only have a few devices that they manufacture…so updating is much easier.

On the other hand, Microsoft is dealing with hundreds of devices made by several manufacturers, so updates may never be smooth. I just wish there was a way to make it happen. Probably wishful thinking on my part.

But the Creator’s edition was released on April 11, and I just got it on my one laptop exactly three months later. True, I was able to get it on my nearly new HP Spectre laptop a month after its release, but , it would have been nice if all my Windows devices could be updated as close to the release date as possible.

On another note, I’ve included detailed user manuals for Firefox, Chrome, and Vivaldi in this edition. I hope you find them of use. PS: I do love using Vivaldi as my browser of choice and they keep adding new features on a regular basis. I still use Firefox on occasion, but never use Chrome. Vivaldi is a derivative of the Chrome system and one can easily download,install and use Chrome extensions in Vivaldi. You might want to give it a try. It is a speed demon!

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10: Microsoft will now prompt you to install the Creators Update

The first version of Windows 10 is at end-of-service; users will get a prompt to update now.

Opinion: Microsoft needs to stop overpromising Windows 10 features

Microsoft is making the same mistake again and again.

Amazon rolls out Geek Squad-style home services

The new smart home consultation and installation services could accelerate the adoption of Alexa -- and could help Amazon take down Best Buy.

Two-factor authentication is a mess

Nearly all major web services now provide some form of two-factor authentication, but they vary greatly in how well they protect accounts.

Photobucket Is Holding People's Photos To "Ransom"

The company is now charging $400 fee to hotlink images — which will break photos on tons of old websites and blogs.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How—and why—you should use a VPN any time you hop on the internet

Surfing the web through a virtual private network ensures that your online activities are both private and secure

How to manage your music library

It doesn’t matter how big your music collection is if you can’t find the tunes you want. This in-depth guide will help.

Learn the Basics: get started with Firefox

Learn all you need to know about using Firefox, the excellent browser from Mozilla.

How to Use Vivaldi Browser for Linux, Mac and Windows

In this article, we discuss some of these features and explain how to modify them to your liking. We also take a look at other key functionality found within Vivaldi.

How to master Google Chrome

Essential tips and tricks you need if you want to master Google Chrome.

Mobile Computing

Don't go to a carrier just to get smartphone financing

There are better ways to buy a phone affordably than running to the nearest carrier stores.

Google Calendar for iOS adds Today Widget

The Google Calendar app for iPhone and iPad adds a new ‘Today Widget’ for iOS, bringing a quick view of calendar events into the iOS search screen when swiping to the right.

Why Does My iPhone Display “Security Recommendation” for a Wi-Fi Network?

This is a warning that you’re connected to either an unsecured network or one encrypted with weak WEP security.

How to View How Much Time You Spend in Apps on Your iOS Device

You can view how long you've used a particular app in both the last 24 hours and the last 7 days.

The Best Texting Apps for Android

If you’re going to use texting as much as you do, you might as well be using the best apps to do it. Let’s talk about ’em.

13 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.

Should Twitter Delete the President’s Account?

Tech News and Opinions

Do Trump's tweets violate Twitter's harassment policy?

Twitter has a strong case to delete or suspend the president's account, according to its rules for combating abuse on the platform.

Microsoft will layoff thousands of employees: mostly sales staff

The job cuts amount to less than 10 percent of the company's total sales force, and about 75 percent of them will be outside the U.S., the company said.

T-Mobile will quietly hike prices to Verizon levels

This price hike, which could be coming as soon as tomorrow, is the latest in a string of tiny but noticeable changes to T-Mobile’s pricing strategy in the last year.

Tuesday's massive ransomware outbreak was, in fact, something much worse

The GoldenEye attack wasn’t aiming at your wallet. It was trying to destroy your data.

Amazon’s Alexa passes 15,000 skills, up from 10,000 in February

Amazon is currently the leader in voice-powered devices, where it’s expected to control 70 percent of the market this year — well ahead of Google Home, and others

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to play DVDs in Windows 10 for free

Windows 10 won't play DVDs natively, and Windows Media Center is gone.

Windows 10 will remind you to install the latest major update

Microsoft doesn't want an avoidable malware crisis on its doorstep.

How to Sync Your Browser Bookmarks, Extensions, and Other Data Between Computers

it’s incredibly handy to have your browser history and settings follow you around to other computers. The various makers of your favorite browsers know this, and all of them have built-in tools.

Windows 10 tip: Keep unwanted software off PCs you support

Everyone who does part-time PC support knows the pain of continually having to clean up after a click-happy friend or family member. Here's how to keep that poor soul out of trouble.

The Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboards Under $40

Mechanical keyboards are all the rage computer enthusiasts and gamers. Here is where to start.

Mobile Computing

How to lower your iPhone data usage

Using too much data on your iPhone can significantly raise the cost of your monthly cell phone bill. (Video)

How to Sync Outlook Calendar with an iPhone

If you have an iPhone 7 and a PC, this can be a hassle. The solution is cross-platform syncing, and yes, it is available for Outlook and iPhones.

How to rearrange multiple apps at once on iPhone and iPad

On iOS 11 and later, jiggle mode takes full advantage of drag and drop functionality, allowing you to move a bundle of apps at once, create a folder from multiple apps and more.

Five iPhone apps to help you stop losing your stuff

There are hundreds of tracking apps and devices claiming to help you find your stuff. Here are the good ones.

Best Android phones you can buy [July 2017]

There are dozens upon dozens of great options on the market today, but finding the best of the best can be a bit difficult. Let’s take a look at the best Android smartphones you can buy as of July 2017.

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are some great new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.