It’s Official! Apple’s Big Day is Sept 12…At New Apple Park

Tech News and Opinions

Apple sends invites to its Sept. 12 event at Apple Park

The iPhone 8 -- and several other products -- are expected to be unveiled at the event, the first ever in the theater named for cofounder Steve Jobs

APPLE PARK August 2017 Drone Tour 4K

Here is the final drone video of the new Apple Campus. It is nearly completed and is already occupied. Apple will host its first event in the new Steve Jobs Auditorium (pictured above) on Sept. 12.

6 ways you can help Hurricane Harvey victims

Even if you're far away from Texas, you can still make a difference.

NYPD is already replacing its Windows phones with iPhones

This is why you don't buy into a platform with an uncertain future

Amazon’s online Whole Foods store is now live as upcoming plans take shape

Since Monday, Amazon has added hundreds of new products from Whole Foods to its Prime Pantry online inventory

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Android on Chromebook Edges From Fantasy Into Reality

Google’s plan to bring Android apps and the Google Play Store has remained largely unfulfilled to date. But this summer, it’s possible that Google has finally gotten on top of the problems that have plagued this integration.

'We can’t sign into your account' Windows 10 error

Signing out of your Windows account and signing back in doesn’t solve the problem. Fortunately, there are a series of solutions that you can use to fix this annoying error code.

5 hidden search tips for Windows 10

Search tips to help you search your PC faster and smarter with and without Cortana.

Using Thunderbird For Email? There Are Add-Ins And They're Great.

It's simple to use, and talks to most types of email server (including Gmail, if you want).

How to mute entire websites in Chrome

An upcoming Chrome feature allows you to mute entire sites. Here's how Windows users can try it out today.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How Apple Plans to Change the Way You Use the Next iPhone

Premium device is said to come with new gesture controls to replace home button, taller screen with rounded corners.

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

What are the hottest new apps on the App Store right now? These! Updated daily.

Samsung launches Galaxy Note 8 with dual camera, improved display

The Galaxy Note 8 had a few important items on the to-do list as Samsung launched the device in New York City...like put the Galaxy Note 7 battery recall behind Samsung.

Google Maps is going to start helping you find a parking spot

Google is once again upgrading Google Maps this week with a new feature for Android users that will help them find parking once they arrive at their destination.

Microsoft To-Do grabs new features with latest update on Android

The company is adding a number of new features and enhancements to the app with its latest update, although the new additions aren’t anything major.

Turn your phone into a document scanner for free

Good cameras and smart apps combine for easy and efficient mobile scanning.

Windows Fall Update and Apple OS Updates Very Close

It’s all but confirmed that September 12 is the date for next big Apple event. There, iOS11 and the new MAC_OS will be released. At the same time Apple will announced the new iPhone 8 and a few other new and updated products. It is Apple’s biggest event of the year.

Microsoft will also hold an event, most likely later in September to release its latest update to Windows…AKA, the Fall Creator’s Update. All three products have been in Beta releases for some time now, so we know what will be in them. Our first two stories give the details on the upgrades for Windows and iOS 11.

While Windows only has one basic OS (with iterations for home and professional use), Apple has two…iOS 11 is for their iPhones and iPads. MAC_OS is only for iMAC desktop computers and the various Apple laptops. iOS11 will definitely have the most changes of the two Apple OS’s.

Many have speculated that Apple will eventually do away with MAC’s and focus on iOS products as it it by far the major source of Apple’s income. But that is in the distant future. With iOS 11, iPads can now replace the traditional laptop and Apple is actively promoting that concept. I know a few journalists who have done away with their laptops and are now using only the 10” iPad Pro (with a keyboard) for their only portable computing device. With iOS 11, it is finally a viable option.

As for me, I disposed of my Apple MacBook laptop a few months ago and now use an HP Spectre 360 running Windows 10. I even docked it to a 24” monitor and full keyboard to use as my main desktop computer. It is so fast and powerful it was stupid not to use it on a daily basis as my main Windows computer. In fact, I use it almost exclusively for writing this blog as my blogging software only works in Windows. But it also functions extremely well as a laptop and a tablet.

However, my main desktop is still my 27” iMac 5K Retina. The screen is so big and beautiful that it is impossible not to use. I still run Windows on it (using Parallels software), but most of my work focuses on Photoshop and Lightroom and you just can’t beat my iMac for this kind of work. On a side note, the Windows version of Office 365 is so far superior to the MAC version that I run it inside of Parallels.

But back to the topic at hand, I look forward to using my iPad running iOS 11 with a keyboard to see if I can use it in the field as a laptop. I will let you know my take on it after I use it for a while.

So as you can see, I will be getting all three OS updates for all my computers when they are released. It should be interesting and fun. I hope it turns out to be a fun experience for you also.

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update News: Everything You Need to Know

Read on to learn what Microsoft is bringing to the table, as well as some features that were promised at the company’s Build 2017 event that won’t be making it into

OS 11: The 11 best features of Apple's new software

Apple is due to release the latest version of its iPhone and iPad operating system next month alongside the iPhone 8. Here are the best new features.

The quantum internet is just a decade away

In the simplest of terms, a quantum internet would be one that uses quantum signals instead of radio waves to send information. But let’s explain that a bit further.

NFL without cable: A cord cutter’s guide for the 2016 season

Whether you've cut the cord or are sticking with cable, our guide will show you all the ways you can watch America's favorite sport on TV, including Monday Night Football and NFL RedZone

Why did CIA create a bogus software upgrade? To steal data from FBI, NSA

The CIA didn't trust its security service partners to share biometric information with it, so it created a bogus software upgrade to steal the data.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

15 Of The Best Places To Find Free Books Online

All together these sites have a lot of books. A lot. Like, in the millions. Seriously.

The best online calendars for groups, families, and households

Whether you’re a busy family, a professional team, or just a house full of roommates, these calendars can help keep everyone on the same page.

Why and how to erase your browsing history

Your internet history contains all of the browsing secrets you might want to hide.

Speed up Windows 10: Tips for a faster PC

Your Windows PC too slow? Here are nine speed tips to give your PC a performance boost without spending a dime.

How Can I Find Out If Someone’s Stealing My Wi-Fi?

How can I find out if other people are leeching my Wi-Fi, and how do I stop them if they are?

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Cheapest carrier data plans: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint

We help you avoid all the fine print and tedium that comes with choosing a phone plan.

Top 10 Android Stories of the Week

This week we took a first look at Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 8, reviewed Android 8.0 Oreo, and much, much more. Here’s the news of the week!

Top 10 Android app updates this week: Aqua Mail, Firefox Focus

One of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs.

Essential Phone review

Essential is the hot new kid on the block but it’s backed by the very man who created Android, Andy Rubin. The Essential Phone isn’t being sold on features or gimmicks, but rather an experience.

Best apps for finding a place to stay

The days of calling hotels and comparing prices over the phone are long gone and using apps to find, compare, and book reservation at hotels, hostels, and private residents is the way of the present.

This site tests and lists the best cameras in smart phones

DXOMARK.com/mobile tests and rates hundreds of smart phones to determine the best cameras. The results might surprise you

Amazon to Take Over Whole Foods Next Week

Tech News and Opinions

The FTC says it won’t stop Amazon from buying Whole Foods

The Federal Trade Commission says it won’t attempt to block Amazon’s proposed acquisition of Whole Foods, despite some calls for the agency to closely scrutinize the deal.

Amazon outlines Whole Foods integration plans

Amazon's $13.7 billion takeover of the upscale market closes on Monday. Amazon says look for food prices to drop right away. Soon, Amazon Prime Members will get special discounts.

Apple TV is losing badly to Roku and Amazon in the living room, survey finds

Will a 4K Apple TV be an effective counter to cheap streaming sticks?

Microsoft Announces Changes for Third Party Antivirus Products on Windows

The Redmond company relents on requested changes from competitors.

Best external drives of 2017

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Add a Custom Toolbar on the Desktop Task Bar on Windows

This article shows how to arrange this icons on taskbar instead of making a big mess on desktop.

5 best speed reading software for PC

Speed reading software can significantly help increase your reading speed, recall, and comprehension.

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.

When your laptop's touchpad stops working

Have you ever tried to use a Windows PC without a mouse, touchpad, or other pointing device? It’s all but impossible.

How to change your email address without losing your friends

Step-by-step instructions for a smooth transition

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

When will my phone get Android Oreo?

Here's a list of the companies that will, by year's end, launch new devices running Oreo or upgrade existing models.

How to use Alexa on an Android phone

At long last, Amazon has brought Alexa to any and all Android devices. Here's how to get it on your phone.d

This trick boosts your iPhone's speaker volume

Admit it: Sometimes you want to listen to music while you're in the shower, but your iPhone's speaker just isn't loud enough. Its and easy fix.

iPhone storage: what's the best way to expand it?

Wait, what? There’s a way to add more storage to an iPhone after you’ve purchased it? There’s no microSD card slot, you say, unlike many of your Android-owning friends' phones.

What to Do When Your iPhone or iPad Isn’t Charging Properly

Before you tear your hair out, take a stroll down our troubleshooting checklist to rule out common causes of charging problem

Oreo is Now Much More Than A Cookie

Tech News and Opinions

Android Oreo is here, and you'll be able to get it soon

Google announces the name of its latest version of Android with the unveiling of a statue in Manhattan that took place while the moon was eclipsing the sun.

Over 500 Android apps with a combined 100 million downloads found to secretly contain spyware

Unbeknown to the app developers, an advertising software kit contained code for stealing data from their products' users.

Microsoft: "Bing is Bigger Than You Think"

In the United States, fully 33 percent of all Internet searches—or 5 billion searches per month—happen through Bing. That is truly impressive.

NFL football to debut on Amazon in September

The first of 10 NFL football games will stream live on Amazon along with the fourth season of the award-winning “Transparent.”

Microsoft Company Store drops support for older browsers in September

If you access the Microsoft Company Store’s website right now, you’ll see a note saying that after a planned security update older browsers including Internet Explorer 10, won’t be able to access the store.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Docs: This big update just added some serious new features

Google Docs gains new team editing features, extra add-on templates, and integrated enterprise search.

What happens to your Facebook profile when you die?

Facebook has made moves to clarify the complex processes around deceased users, emphasizing its commitment to protect the privacy of messages.

How to speed up your Wi-Fi

To boost your upload and download speeds back up to where they should be, try making these tweaks to your router and other devices.

Living with Chromebook: The Basics

Chromebook can be surprisingly usable. But there are many caveats.

5 awesome YouTube app features to try

Spend more time watching, less time wandering blindly through the settings.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Android Oreo: The smart person's guide

Android 8.0 includes an impressive array of security, productivity, and efficiency updates. Find out what Android Oreo is, why it matters, and how to get it.

The Essential Phone is your best 'iPhone 8' equivalent on Android

Essential Products is the brainchild of Andy Rubin, and comes out of a hardware incubator he started after leaving Google a few years back.

Verizon’s good unlimited data plan is now three bad unlimited plans

Cheapest plan limits video to 480p, and there’s no way to watch 1080p on a phone anymore

Free iOS recovery app ReiBoot can save you a trip to the Genius Bar

It’s a tool you hope you’ll never have to use, of course. But eventually, you’re likely to find yourself staring at an Apple logo.

The Best iPhone Camera Accessories Money Can Buy

As the camera has improved over the years, so have the third-party gadgets designed to improve your iPhoneography.

iPad buyers guide

Whether you're going back to school, starting a new job, or considering how an iPad may fit into your lifestyle, we've got the buyers guide for you.

Roku Says “No More” to Pirates

Tech News and Opinions

Roku clamps down on pirate channels

Pirates have been using the channels to stream bootleg material. And Roku isn't putting up with that behavior any longer.

Barack Obama’s response to Charlottesville violence is the most liked tweet in history

The former president quoted Nelson Mandela in a series of tweets over the weekend.

Bill Gates reduces his Microsoft stake to 1.3%, as he donates $4.6bn worth of shares

Bill Gates - co-founder of Microsoft, and its former CEO and chairman - has donated 64 million of his shares in the company, valued at around $4.6 billion.

What Satya Nadella did at Microsoft

The world’s biggest software firm has transformed its culture for the better. But getting cloud computing right is hard.

OneNote for Windows 10 August 2017 Feature Update Begins Rolling Out

As Microsoft notes, these features are being made available to customers on a gradual basis. So may not get them immediately.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 tip: Use the system calendar to look up days and dates

Clicking the date and time on the Windows 10 taskbar pops up a handy scrolling calendar. Learn these secret navigation shortcuts to jump to any date without having to scroll.

Windows 10 Photos app update adds AI, mixed reality support

This latest update to Windows 10 photo app has been met with pleasure because it eases functionality, increases capabilities and has some long awaited cool new features too.

5 best iPad file manager tools for Windows PC

iPad file managers are specialized tools that allow users to view and open the files stored on their devices, copy them to another device, send them via email, and more

How to Stop Getting Notifications Every Time Someone Posts in a Facebook Group

Facebook groups are a great way for societies, organizations, or just groups of like minded people to communicate. Unfortunately, by default, you’ll get a lot of notifications.

What Is Memory Compression in Windows 10?

Windows 10 uses memory compression to store more data in your system’s memory than it otherwise could. Here’s what that means.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to Take Better iPhone Photos

It’s long been said that the best camera is the one you have with you. And with the world quite literally at your fingertips, documenting your every day has never been easier

How to Transfer Photos and Videos from iPhone to Mac/PC in Compatible Format

Transferring photos and videos from iPhone to Mac/PC in compatible format is made easier and hassle-free with the introduction of iOS 11.

How to improve iPhone and Android pictures with photo edits

Whether you have an iPhone 7 Plus, a Galaxy S8 or a Google Pixel, here are 3 tips to make your photos look better.

Gmail for Android: Tips, tricks and secrets

Today, the app does so many things, it can be hard to keep track of them all. Here are the six most useful Gmail features you probably aren’t using.

Google Maps: 5 expert tips

Don't take Google's trusty Maps app for granted. It gets even better once you dig into its settings and start customizing it.

Facebook updating Android app with new style, better readability

The app now features round profile photos, bubbles for the comments, new Like and comment buttons, bigger link previews, and more.

Neo-Nazis Get Bumped off the Net

Tech News and Opinions

Leaked Microsoft memo reveals high Surface Book return rates

Microsoft dismissed Consumer Reports’ Surface reliability ratings last week, but a new internal memo sheds some light on the issues that the software maker has faced.

Google, GoDaddy dump neo-Nazi site The Daily Stormer

Both Google and GoDaddy say the white supremacist site violates their terms of service.

Trump administration demands data on over a million visitors to anti-Trump site

The Trump administration is demanding web host provider Dreamhost turn over the logs of over 1.3 million visitors to an anti-Trump website it hosts, the company has revealed.

The news industry is worried Facebook and Google have far too much power

It’s something that has publishers so worried that they’re now deciding to band together to do something about it.

FCC faces backlash for saying Americans might not need fast home Internet

Everyone should have fast home Internet and mobile access, commenters tell FCC.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Opera 47 brings exportable bookmarks, smoother videos to Windows

Version 47 of Opera comes with a handful of useful improvements like the ability to export all bookmarks and increased capacity for the recently closed tabs.

How to Schedule Automatic Maintenance on Windows 10 (and What It Does)

By default, Windows runs these tasks every day at 2 AM and wakes up your PC to do it if it’s sleeping.

AMD or Intel: Which is the right desktop processor for you?

Some pointers to help you navigate through the desktop CPUs that AMD and Intel have to offer.

Windows 10 tip: Create a new local user account for troubleshooting

Having a secondary user account is useful for troubleshooting problems with your primary account. Here's how to create a local account and set it up as an Administrator so it's available when you need it.

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know from public and private cloud

An introduction to cloud computing from IaaS and PaaS to hybrid, public and private cloud.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Will my phone get Android O?

It's time for the annual guessing game to begin! Until then, here is what we believe will happen.

Google Contacts now available for all devices running Android 5.0 and up

Google is making it easier for Android device owners to use the official Google Contacts app to keep their contact list tidy.

Best Portable Battery Packs for iPhone

What's the best battery bank for iPhone? Here are our favorites!

How to put your old phone to new use

There are plenty of uses for them. While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are some of my favorites, most of which I use at home. (Video Included)

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

What are the hottest new apps on the App Store right now? These!

A guided tour of all the new features in iOS 11

There are improvements to the Control Centre, iPhone storage management, Siri, Live Photos, the App Store, Apple Music and much more.

Off to College? Here are Laptop Purchase Tips and Tricks

Tech News and Opinions

What you should know about buying a laptop for college

What features are most important? How much should you expect to spend? Could a tablet do the trick instead?

Microsoft Surface PCs blasted by Consumer Reports for reliability issues

In its annual reliability study, Consumer Reports blasted Microsoft's Surface lineup of PCs and removed its "recommended" designation for all Surfaces, according to reports.

Microsoft is refining Outlook.com with a new design and intelligent features

The company will be testing a new and smarter Outlook on the web as part of the beta program, and users will be able to get a sneak peek at the next-generation of Outlook.com by joining the beta.

This might explain why your electricity bill is so high

Even when you turn off your electronics, they could still be wasting electricity. When you press the off switch, many electronics -- like televisions, DVRs and satellite boxes-- go into standby mode.

Warning, Windows 10 users! Tech support scammers have a new method for phishing attacks

Microsoft's Malware Protection Center has spotted new phishing techniques that direct Windows 10 users to fraudulent tech-support sites. Here's how you could be affected.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Firefox 55 is out: Windows users get WebVR, plus more speed, faster launches

Firefox 55 has become the first desktop browser with WebVR support.

Microsoft fixes 'critical' security bugs affecting all versions of Windows

Microsoft patched 48 separate vulnerabilities — the majority of which were the highest "critical" rating.

Your Passwords are Probably a Lot Worse than You Think

Password breaches have become commonplace. Here's how to check the status of your passwords and, more important, keep your identity safe.

How and why to switch from Google to Bing

Whether you choose to switch search engines as a protest or just because you like Amazon gift cards, it's easy to do.

Microsoft blurs the line between desktop and cloud with OneDrive update

A new feature called “Files On-Demand,” will roll out along with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and will give users more control over which files are stored locally versus in the cloud.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to shoot amazing black-and-white photos on your iPhone

Sometimes we’re attracted by a pattern, or perhaps color even detracts from an image (like a row of cars in front of a beatific white building). At those times, we should shoot black-and-white images, which emphasize pattern, texture and shape.

How to Clear Cookies from iPhone & iPad

When you delete cookies from your iPhone or iPad, you free up storage space and improve your device's performance speeds.

OneDrive 9.1 for iOS Adds Paper Scanning, Offline Folders, and Expiring Share Links

Microsoft released a "completely rewritten" version update of OneDrive for iOS on Tuesday, promising bug fixes, performance improvements, and several new features for Office 365 subscribers.

4 ways to save a web page on an iPhone or Android phone

Instead of bookmarking a URL that might disappear tomorrow, try saving a web page—permanently—to your Android or iOS handset.

Android Distribution Updated for August 2017: Nougat Brings Fire and Fury | Droid Life

Google updated the numbers for the month of August, showing Nougat and Marshmallow still on the rise, while most of the rest of the Android versions dropped.

Samsung inexplicably opens up its Android browser

Samsung has announced that the new version of its browser, Samsung Internet, can be used on any relatively new Android phone, which is good news if you're bored of existing mobile browsers that already do the job perfectly well.

HBO Hacked! Game of Thrones Scripts Exposed

Tech News and Opinions

HBO is hacked, and Game of Thrones episodes may have leaked out

Though it has not disclosed what was taken, some news reports say the stolen goods may include new episodes of some series and also material related to Game of Thrones. Update: Hackers now demanding ransom.

Inside Mozilla: Firefox fights back

Inside Mozilla, CEO Chris Beard and his team are preparing to outmaneuver Google’s Chrome browser. The battle begins in November, with their release of Firefox 57.

Windows 10 privacy: You're happy for us to collect your data, says Microsoft

Microsoft suggests that Windows 10 users are pleased with its changes to privacy controls.

Microsoft Office Users Are Getting AI, But May Not Know It

Office 365 subscribers get regular updates, and many of the latest include features making Word and PowerPoint much smarter.

Amazon Prime: The Ultimate Guide

Amazon Prime has more than just free two-day shipping — your subscription gets you free music, movies, TV, and more!

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

You Don't Need Desktop Apps Anymore

Out of all your aging desktop apps, how many do you really rely on these days—or even better, how many of them don’t already have very capable web app alternatives you could use instead?

Best web browsers 2017: Chrome vs Edge vs Firefox vs Opera

We take a look at the performance and features of the big four internet browsers to see which one will serve you best in 2017

These are the lightest 15-inch laptops you can buy

Like a big screen, but need to travel light? Here are your best options.

5 best partition formatting software for Windows 10 PCs

For a quick definition, a partition is simply a way to tell your computer that you want to split your hard disk into many logical drives. Each and every partition will be treated separate drive.

Two secret Windows 10 buttons you need to know about

They are hiding in plain sight right on your desktop.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

YouTube adds a new feature for sharing and chatting about videos

YouTube has added a new mobile-only feature that allows you to share a video with friends and chat about it in a private thread — all within the YouTube app

iMore's favorite iPhone games

The iPhone is the mobile gamer's best friend, and the iMore team is no noob when it comes to gaming on the go.

7 drastic changes coming to your iPhone with iOS 11

The first time you use your phone after updating to iOS 11, these changes just might catch you off guard.

Best free apps for iPad

Looking for great free apps and games for your iPad? Here are some of our favorites!

What is Tasker and how does it work?

Tasker is the essence of Android. Tasker is an automation app that lets us mere mortals work a little Android magic. Yes, magic.

10 best couples apps for Android

Most app lists are for individual use. Smartphones can be great for couples as well. It’s really just a selection of apps that can be useful for more than one person.

Past FCC Chairman Calls Current FCC Actions “Shameful”

Our first story is an interview with Tom Wheeler, the previous chairman of the FCC. This interview with Fast Company magazine focuses on the current FCC Chairman’s plans to do away with net neutrality and should be read by everyone who uses the Internet. Here is my favorite quote from the article:

“It looks like the FCC is standing up for four companies when you really get right down to it. There are four companies who really are the major beneficiaries–Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, and Charter. They provide the vast majority of high speed internet in the country. Four companies. There are a thousand companies who are the early stage innovators, the kind of folks who bring opportunity and create new jobs, who have written a letter to the FCC saying their businesses will be threatened by the elimination of Title II in order to increase the power of the Big Four. That is just an absolutely startling comparison–four companies are going to get bigger and more powerful at the expense of a thousand startups and tens of millions of consumers. That is so out of whack as to be shameful.”

I know we have hammered the ending of Net Neutrality very hard here in the last several weeks. But I thought this interview with Tom Wheeler deserved high priority in this edition. Remember, Wheeler was a former lobbyist for the telecommunications industry before becoming FCC Chairman under Barack Obama.Originally he was against Net Neutrality, but changed his tune after careful consideration and listening to the arguments of the people and many Internet-reliant companies. The current chairman, listens to no one except the big telecommunications companies, and, of course, his boss, President Trump.

I sure hope we the people can win this battle. In other news, we have a lot of good tips and tricks for your computing devices, so read on! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Ex-FCC Chair Tom Wheeler Dismantles The Case For Abandoning Net Neutrality

The Trump FCC is simply doing the bidding of Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, and Charter in its quest to abandon rules against blocking, slowing, or speeding internet traffic, Wheeler says.

Congress to smart device makers: Your security sucks

Four senators propose the "Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act," calling for minimum security standards for connected devices in your homes.

Windows 10 after two years: Microsoft's mixed report card

Two years after its splashy debut, Windows 10 is now running on more than 500 million PCs worldwide. Was the upgrade worth it? Here's a report card.

Judge orders Apple to pay $506m to university for patent infringement

University of Wisconsin-Madison's patent licensing arm is set to score $272 million higher than a $234 million federal jury ruling in 2015. As you'd expect, Apple plans to appeal the case and damages.

11 NFL Games that Amazon Prime will Stream Live in 2017

The action begins Week 4 and goes all the way through Christmas Day. Wondering which games are in store for you? Here’s the full schedule:

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to check up and fix your internet connection

Having trouble with your internet? Here's how to find out what's happening with your network connection.

USB 3.2 doubles your connection speeds with the same port

Your future computer or phone will be capable of stupidly fast transfer speeds.

The best PC games

These are the best PC games of 2017 at the mid-way point of a surprisingly packed year.

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.

The Ultimate Checklist Guide to Reinstalling Windows on Your PC

Reinstalling Windows isn’t as simple as just clicking through an installer. You’ll want to have important data backed up first, and then you’ll need installation media and a product key before continuing—and those are just the basics.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

5 Important Considerations When Buying a Used iPhone

Buying a used iPhone can be a heck of a deal, but you need to know what to look out for!

Best ad blockers for iPhone and iPad

Ad Blockers keep your web browsing experience clean while stoping companies from tracking you.

Take hot shots with this Camera Lens Kit

Fancy the chance to pimp your phone pictures for just $10? The Acesori 5 Piece Smartphone Camera Lens Kit is the affordable way to shoot like a pro.

Why I switched to Firefox on my iPhone

With Firefox 8.0 for iOS, Mozilla has added Night Mode that makes bedtime browsing easier on the eyes.

Google demotes Android apps that crash or hurt battery life

Apps that are crash-prone or battery hogs are now demoted in Google Play search results so you'll be burdened with fewer one-star duds.

Governments & Technology–Like Oil Mixed with Water

To quote Forest Gump, “Stupid is as Stupid Does.” That easily describes the way governments handle technology…in a word, BADLY. How many times have we run stories here about people’s private data being exposed to the world via the Internet by sheer government incompetence. We have two new examples to share today:

Our lead story comes from Sweden where all of it’s citizens had all their most private data exposed by their equivalent of the Department of Motor Vehicles. When you get a driver’s license, you give the DMV some of the most personal info about yourself like your SS # and birthdate, address, phone numbers and more.

So do the Swedes. Except their version of DMV stored their records in the open, without encryption…readily available for anyone to hack. Their data was stored by IBM Sweden who outsourced it to unencrypted servers in the Czech Republic.

Not only driver’s information was exposed, but also the names, photos and home addresses of fighter pilots of Swedish air force, members of the military's most secretive units, police suspects, people under the witness relocation program, the weight capacity of all roads and bridges, and more. You can read more about it in our first story. The details are just shocking!

And speaking of shocking, attendees at the Defcon Conference held in Las Vegas last week showed how easy it is to hack US voting machines. 30 voting machines were set up in a special section of the convention and hackers were invited to see if they could hack them. They did and quite easily. Some of the machines were using unpatched Windows XP operating systems. It is absurd!

With all the publicity generated this last election about election and voting irregularities, these voting machine manufacturers better get their act together and soon. We may have to go back to paper ballots counted by hand.

In spite of all this, we do have some handy tip, tricks and information about your computing devices. So have at it. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

Sweden Accidentally Leaks Personal Details of Nearly All Citizens

This time sensitive and personal data of millions of transporters in Sweden, along with the nation's military secrets, have been exposed, putting every individual's as well as national security at risk.

Hackers easily break into voting machines at security conference

Voting is at the foundation of every democracy. Hackers find it's on shaky ground thanks to shoddy technology.

Amazon suspends sales of Blu phones due to privacy concerns

Following a report that some Blu phones use an app that collects your data, Amazon has made them unavailable on its site.

Honolulu is the first big US city to ban phone use at crosswalks

You'll risk a fine if you can't focus on crossing the street.

Apple discontinues iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle

Apple has officially discontinued the iPod Nano and iPod shuffle, signaling the end of an era as the last remaining traditional iPod models in its lineup disappear.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

What’s New in Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update, Arriving September

Here is a brief look at some of the new features coming to Windows, probably in September.

How to stream media from your PC to your HDTV over Wi-Fi

What to do when your PC is in one room, and your HDTV is in another.

Mesh Network for Your Home Explained

Mesh technology does deliver a significant benefit over the regular old Wi-Fi routers we’ve bought in years past and that remain on the market.

How to Change the Default PDF Reader in Windows 10

Microsoft Edge is not only the default web browser in Windows 10 but also the default PDF reader. But you can easily add a more feature-rich application.

How to Install Chrome OS from a USB Drive and Run It on Any PC

Google only officially supports running Chrome OS on Chromebooks, but don’t let that stop you.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

17 Best Widgets to Install on Your iPhone

Widgets were first introduced in iOS 10 to allow users to quickly preview their favorite apps without actually launching them.

The 5 Tasks You Should Automate As Soon As You Get a New Phone

Here are five automations you can set up quickly and for free as soon as you get a new iPhone or Android device (or apply whenever you like to an old one).

4 ways to turn off annoying notifications on your Android phone or iPhone

Weed out the random calls, messages and alerts, and focus only on the ones that really matter to you.

Android apps can find nearby devices even when they're offline

Nearby Connections doesn't need an internet connection to start talking.

These are the best Android games on sale right now

Noodlecake Studios is holding a sale on the Google Play Store, offering substantial discounts on a few of its titles. Check out the list below.

Tips for using the net while traveling abroad

We've all heard the nightmare stories of people who travel internationally and then get a ridiculous cell phone bill upon their return. But it doesn't have to be that way.