Windows 7 Users: You Need to Read Article #1

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 7 Meltdown patch opens worse vulnerability: Install March updates now!

Microsoft's Meltdown fix opened a gaping hole in Windows 7 security, warns researcher.

Facebook's ID Scraping Is Even Worse Than We Suspected

It turns out, some of the information Facebook gathers is, frankly, quite scary.

Facebook makes privacy tools easier to find and use

Still reeling from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook will let you delete anything from your profile or timeline and end Facebook's use of that data.

Microsoft to roll out new Outlook.com 'over the next few weeks'

Microsoft is ready to roll out its updated Outlook.com web mail, plus the related Calendar and contacts features, over the next few weeks.

5 signs you’re not ready to cut the cable TV cord

Although cord cutting is getting easier all the time, it’s not automatically a better option for some than traditional TV service.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Prevent Facebook from tracking you online with this Firefox extension

If you’re still keen on using Facebook, though, you might want to access it through Mozilla’s Firefox browser, with the organization’s new extension in tow.

How to extend your Wi-Fi outdoors

You have many options for covering your yard in Wi-Fi, but you have to balance cost, reliability and complexity.

How to use Airtable, the spreadsheet app taking Silicon Valley by storm

Everyone in Silicon Valley seems to be talking about Airtable, a user-friendly spreadsheet app that makes it super easy to build custom applications — no coding experience required.

The Best Universal Windows 10 Apps

Windows 10 lets you easily install apps that run on all manner of devices, from tablets and phones to PCs and Xboxes. These are our favorites, and most of them are free.

How to buy glasses online

There are trade-offs, of course, but it's usually the cheaper option -- sometimes a lot cheaper.

Mobile Computing

The camera is now the only smartphone feature that matters

The camera is becoming the defining feature of the smartphone as the market changes again.

How to scan and fax from your iPhone

Faxing is definitely back-in-the-day, but when you need it, you need it. Here are some useful apps that will help you make retro connections to old-school organizations.

Apple iPad vs. iPad Pro: which tablet is right for you?

If you look at an iPad and an iPad Pro side by side, you won’t notice much of a difference. But, there are some big differences.

How to Make Your iPhone and Mac Work Together Seamlessly

You might not appreciate just how many different ways they can seamlessly work together—here’s what you need to know.

How to set up Android Auto in any car

Skip the expensive infotainment system. An Android phone and a few accessories will do just fine.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks here.

Apple Shines…Facebook Treachery Deepens

Tech News and Opinions

Everything Apple revealed at its 'field trip' event

Apple is ready to make a major push into the education market and during its keynote in Chicago this morning, the company revealed how it plans to make students and teachers fall in love with Apple.

Apple unveils new $329 iPad to take on Chromebook in schools

At its education event in Chicago on Tuesday, Apple showed off a new iPad to help get ahead in the classroom. $299 for students.

Facebook Collected Your Android Call History and SMS Data For Years

If you installed Facebook Messenger app on your Android device, there are chances that the company had been collecting your contacts, SMS, and call history data at least until late last year. Not on iOS devices.

Facebook knows literally everything about you

Facebook's terms and conditions are a giant lie. They are purposely misleading, too long and too broad. So you can't just read the company's terms of service and understand what it knows about you.

FTC to investigate if Facebook violated privacy settlement

Federal regulators are investigating to see if Facebook violated a settlement in 2011, which forced the company to undergo regular privacy screenings for 20 years.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

7 ways you can (maybe) get Microsoft Office 365 for free

Do you dream of making slides, writing reports, and calculating columns of numbers without cracking open your wallet? If so, have we've got seven (possible) deals for you.

Google Search starts rolling out mobile-first indexing

Google has found that relying only on the desktop version can cause issues for mobile searchers because desktop content sometimes differs from mobile content.

How to Delete Your Phone Contacts from Facebook

if you want keep Facebook from filling in the gaps by collecting data about your friends from you—or worse, records of your call data—it’s easy to shut your devices up.

Securing Facebook: Keep your data safe with these privacy settings

Here's Facebook privacy settings explained. Don't let your personal information get into the wrong hands.

Windows 10 vs Windows 7: Microsoft's newer OS is almost 'twice as secure'

The volume of malware seen on Windows 10 devices is far lower than on Windows 7 machines, says security firm.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.3: Get your iPhone and iPad ready for the biggest update yet

Here's what you need to do to make sure that your upgrade goes smoothly and you don't lose any data.

Best new apps for iPhone and iPad

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

These simple steps will ensure you never lose an Apple device ever again

Here is everything you need to know about Find my iPhone so you never lose any Apple device again.

How To Remove Android Malware From Your Smartphone

If you can still access your Android device, your first step should be to get rid of the infected app, before it tries to infect other devices or does more damage. Here’s how.

World's first Chrome OS tablet arrives but can it steal Apple's iPad thunder?

Acer jumps the gun on Apple's rumored iPad launch with the first Chrome OS tablet for the education market.

The Android tablet market is on life-support

From more than 30,000 respondents, 55 percent said they’d never owned a tablet and weren’t considering owning one either, which is a top-line number that makes sense.

More on Facebook Betrayal of Trust

Tech News and Opinions

Mark Zuckerberg answers Cambridge Analytica privacy questions

Facebook’s CEO says that he's sorry about the Cambridge Analytica scandal affecting "tens of millions" and that he'd be willing to testify before Congress.

Opinion: Facebook never earned your trust and now we're all paying the price

There was no Facebook data breach. You gave them the data, and they gave it away — all according to plan.

Ever Wonder How Much Facebook Knows About You? Here’s How to See

Facebook has a lot of information about—every post shared, photo uploaded, message sent, item clicked on, and pretty much every other data point you can imagine.

Cambridge Analytica Caught on Video Bragging About Lying and Dirty Tricks

The consultancy, already in hot water over its misuse of Facebook data, unknowingly told UK's Channel 4 it would go beyond using data to hurt a candidate.

How Europe is better at protecting data than the U.S.

A recent poll suggested the American public is getting hungrier for a crackdown on Big Tech. It may well turn out that inspiration lies across the Atlantic.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google G Suite gets new security features, anti-phishing features

Google announced security updates to Google Cloud customers' control over their security in Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Hangouts and Drive.

Deleting Facebook Won't Protect Your Information, But Doing This Will

Facebook's connection to Cambridge Analytica is damaging and causing people to delete their accounts.

Keep Facebook From Giving Away Your Data: The Ultimate Guide

Don't trust Facebook but have to use it? Here's how to keep your information — and that of your friends — safe and sound.

Facebook alternatives for keeping in touch with friends

Facebook isn't the only place to connect with friends and family online. If you're thinking about ditching Facebook, you might try these alternatives!

Best software to fix your iTunes library in Windows 10

Wondershare TidyMyMusic is a handy tool that has been created to help users download album artwork and lyrics, fix mislabeled music and also remove duplicate tunes that you might have in your library.

Windows Spectre Patches Are Here, But You Might Want to Wait

We think most people should wait for their PC manufacturers to roll out this update rather than rush to install Microsoft’s patch.

Mobile Computing

Google Assistant rolls out Routines

Google Assistant can now string together a handful of instructions triggered by a single phrase.

Instagram caves, will finally show you new posts first

Back in 2016, Instagram angered users when it announced that it was updating its feed algorithm to put the posts it thinks you’ll want to see at the top of your feed, rather than just showing you all posts in reverse chronological order. That has been changed.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are some new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs that look promising.

Major update to Files Go brings search capabilities, Google Photos integration

Files Go picks up three new features, turning it into one of the best storage management utilities around.

iOS 11 is such a mess, Apple showcases a bug in latest iPhone X ad

iOS 11 bugs are now so common they appear in Apple's ads for the iPhone X.

The 30 best iPhone tips & tricks, in iOS 11 and earlier

Within the iPhone lies a myriad of hidden features that you may not have realised existed - until now. Here, we've picked our favourite iPhone tips and tricks that can help you achieve things quickly and easily.

Facebook Betrayed All of Us

Tech News and Opinions

​How Cambridge Analytica used your Facebook data to help elect Trump

The Russian-linked Cambridge Analytica scammed 50 million US Facebook users for their data. The right-wing, voter-profiling company then used their information to target Americans with personalized anti-Clinton and pro-Trump propaganda.

Utterly horrifying': ex-Facebook insider says covert data harvesting was routine

Hundreds of millions of Facebook users are likely to have had their private information harvested by companies that exploited the same terms as the firm that collected data and passed it on to Cambridge Analytica, according to a new whistleblower.

Opinion: Delete your Facebook

Facebook has been caught allowing the personal data of fifty million users — 50,000,000 — get siphoned off by political data company Cambrige Analytica and hiding it until it knew the story would come out in the press.

The best Facebook alternatives

Are you on the hunt for a conservative Facebook alternative? While it may seem like a daunting task, you can rest assured you’re not alone.

Treasury Department hits Russia with sanctions over cyberattacks

The US government takes action against Russia for misdeeds including what it's calling the "most destructive cyberattack in history."

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. But there is a good solution.

How to Download Your Photos from Facebook

Facebook isn’t the best place for keeping your photos, but its convenience makes it a decent space for sharing them.

What’s the Difference Between Cloud File Syncing and Cloud Backup?

There’s a big difference between file syncing tools like Dropbox and online backup services like Backblaze when it comes to backing up your important files.

Microsoft to roll out the new Mail experience to all Outlook.com users

The company announced in a blog post that both Calendar and People will receive new beta experiences while the new Mail experience will start rolling out to all Outlook.com users in the coming weeks.

Stop Gmail From Adding The Important Label To Your Email

If Gmail has been adding the 'Important' label to your emails and you would rather that didn't happen, here's how to stop it from happening.

Mobile Computing

How to use color-coded calendars on iPhone and iPad to maintain balance in your life

Many people use color-coding to distinguish work and social events, as well as things like family calendars. But I also use them to help me maintain a balanced life …

Graphene could charge your phone in 7 seconds

Graphene gets touted as a “wonder material” because of its unique properties. Here are five potential real-world uses.

The 25 Best Productivity Apps For 2018

From wrangling words to shooting photos, these productivity powerhouses will help you get more done in less time.

The 49 best iOS Games

These are unequivocally the best iOS games on the planet for your iPhone or iPad.

The 45 best Android games of 2018

If you like games, here are the best of the bunch for Android devices.

Camera Shootout: Galaxy S9+ vs. Pixel 2 XL

To get a sense of just how good the Galaxy S9+ can shoot, we’re putting it up against another one of the best mobile photography experiences, the Pixel 2 XL.

Free Games Added To Amazon Prime Benefits

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon Prime Now Comes With Free Games Every Month

Free games are part of Twitch Prime, which is basically Amazon Prime. If you are a Amazon Prime subscriber, you can connect your Amazon account to your Twitch and start enjoying the benefits at no extra cost.

Google will ban cryptocurrency ads in June

The big G has followed in Facebook's footsteps, which banned ads promoting virtual coins back in January.

In latest Amazon jab, Walmart to expand grocery delivery to more than 100 cities

The retailer's food delivery requires a $30 order minimum and a $9.95 fee.

Calif. weighs toughest net neutrality law in US

Bill would recreate core FCC net neutrality rules and be tougher on zero-rating.

Cable Industry Slowly Realizes More Ads and Higher Prices Aren’t the Solution to Cord Cutting

Competing with Netflix and YouTube is turning out to be harder than cable companies thought.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Why Windows 10's new 'Sets' feature is key to the future of Windows

Sets isn't just about grouping apps together under one window; it's about Microsoft Edge and the future of Windows itself.

The new Firefox lets you stop websites from asking to send you notifications

The update also includes performance updates and screenshot features

Chrome makes it easy to switch to a password manager of your choice

A recent update to the browser now lets you export your passwords so you can import them into a different app easily.

Microsoft Blocks All Windows 7 Security Updates Unless You Have Antivirus

This is all thanks to the patch for Meltdown and Spectre that rolled out via Windows Update. Microsoft noticed that many antivirus applications were incompatible with the update and caused blue screen errors (also known as stop errors).

How to Set AdBlock to Only Block Ads on Specific Sites

If you like the idea of blocking overbearing ads, but don’t want to steal revenue from sites you like, you can set AdBlock to allow all ads by default, and then block them as needed.

Mobile Computing

How Apple let Siri fall behind the Google Assistant and Alexa

So how did Apple screw up Siri so badly when it was released so far in advance of the competition? A new report from The Information reveals how years of missteps left Siri eating dust.

20 Most Popular Paid iOS Appstore Apps Gone Free Today

These apps are available to download for a limited time only so be sure to get them now.

5 ways to make your iPhone speakers sound louder

Here are five free and easy ways you get some added oomph from your iPhone's audio, from easiest to still pretty easy.

12 Best iOS App Deals

Whether you're looking for a new productivity app or a game to kill some time on your iOS device, we've got you covered.

The Best SMS Texting App for Android

After testing all the popular texting apps for Android, the one I absolutely love is SMS Organizer from Microsoft.

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.

Inventor of the Web Says Tech Giants are Dangerous…Comcast Proves Him Right

Tech News and Opinions

Happy 29th birthday world wide web: Inventor slams tech giants

Sir Tim Berners-Lee said a few dominant platforms are controlling the world wide web.

Comcast 'blocks' an encrypted email service: Yet another reminder why net neutrality matters

Now imagine your favorite websites getting blocked by your internet provider in the name of net neutrality.

Apple Music Now Has 38 Million Subscribers

Apple Music is still falling behind Spotify, which continues to grow with 71 million subscribers worldwide.

Donald Trump blocks Broadcom's bid for Qualcomm

The President issued an order blocking the deal, citing "credible evidence" it could pose a national security threat.

Voice wars: Siri vs. Alexa vs. Google Assistant

Three voice assistants are fighting for space in your smart home -- is there a clear winner?

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Best tax program 2018: TurboTax, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, TaxAct compared

It's tax season. Here's a look at four online offerings to help you file with the IRS.

Sticky Notes app for Windows 10 updated with new changes for all users

Users will now be able to change the color of notes easily as the company has made changes to the layout. The company has also made changes to the settings and also there is a new app icon.

Microsoft explains how it will sell Windows 10 'S mode' now

Upgrading from "S mode enabled" PCs to full Windows 10 will be free.

You can now ask Cortana to check your Outlook email

Microsoft's Cortana assistant now lets you check for new Outlook emails using your voice if you're using Windows 10 or a Harman Kardon Invoke speaker and have set your language to US English.

How to speed up Windows 10 for free

Is your Windows PC too slow? Give your PC a free performance boost.

Mobile Computing

Here are the best smartphones running stock Android

There’s increasing demand for smartphones with stock Android, which is the basic version of the OS that was developed by Google and hasn’t been modified by a manufacturer.

You Now Have More Than An Hour To Delete Any WhatsApp Message Sent By Mistake

WhatsApp users now have more time to delete the messages that they send by mistake

10 best fantasy sports apps for football, baseball, basketball, and hockey

Just set your rosters, make your trades, and do some free agency. Then watch the game (for Android)

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks.

Amazon launches Alexa calling and messaging through tablets

Amazon is bringing Alexa calling (including video calls) and messaging to tablets. That not only includes Amazon’s own Fire tablets, but also Android tablets and Apple’s iPad lineup as well.

7 fun and useful things you can do with the Google app in iMessage

The Google app now makes iPhone owners better texters.

And The Next Big Update to Windows Will be Called…?

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10's next update will be called 'Spring Creators Update'

It appears that Microsoft is planning to reuse its "Creators Update" naming for a third Windows 10 update, due out shortly.

Microsoft: Switching out of Windows 10 S Mode will be free for all

Microsoft is officially acknowledging that Windows 10 S Mode will be coming 'soon' to all editions of Windows 10 -- and moving off it to a fully-featured version of the OS will be free for all users.

Geek Squad and the FBI have worked together for at least a decade

Who needs probable cause when you have geeks? That appears to be the thinking of the FBI, which has been working with Best Buy's computer repair service Geek Squad for at least a decade.

Alexa, shut up: Amazon tries to stifle spontaneous laughter

Amazon on Wednesday said it's making some changes to its AI-powered virtual assistant after customers reported unprompted laughter from Alexa-enabled devices.

Homeland Security's own IT security is a hot mess, watchdog finds

An inspector general audit found dozens of systems across the agency's networks were running old and outdated software, and in some cases, computers hadn't received security patches for five years.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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 Disable Notifications on Windows 10

Notifications can be distracting, but Windows 10 has a one-click switch that disables all of them. You can also disable notifications for individual apps, or hide the many other notifications that appear throughout Windows.

Best Laptops Under $300

Yes, you can find a decent Windows 10 computer that cheap, as long as you understand the trade-offs

This is why your internet sucks

On your phone, at home or in public, there are countless reasons why your internet speed may be unbearably slow. Here are some of the most common culprits.

What is malware? Everything you need to know about viruses, trojans and malicious software

Cyber attacks and malware are one of the biggest threats on the internet. Learn about the different types of malware - and how to avoid falling victim to attacks.

Mobile Computing

Spam calls: how to stop the robots from calling your iPhone or Android

Fight back against the constant, annoying scam calls

The 5 Best Weather Apps with the Most Accurate Forecast for Your Location

The best weather apps can help with everything from forecasts and weather alerts to traffic and health-related updates.

How to protect your iPhone data with privacy controls built in to iOS 11

Whether it's been a little while since you've checked out your privacy settings or you've never looked under the hood, follow along to make sure everything is set to your liking.

Google Lens arrives on every Android phone with Google Photos

Here's how to start using Google Lens on any Android phone. Google Lens support in Google Photos on iOS will launch "soon."

The Google App's New iMessage Extension Is Pretty Great

Google’s new iMessage extension now gives iPhone owners a compelling reason to grab the app and bury it deep in an iPhone folder.

Google announces Android P, now available in developer preview

The developer preview launches today -- with the full public beta expected later this year, followed by a consumer rollout in the fall.

The Equifax Breach Was Worse Than First Reported

Tech News and Opinions

Equifax's 2017 breach affected an additional 2.4 million people

This is the second time the credit reporting firm has raised the number of consumers affected since it first reported the hack.

Ajit Pai’s supporters say he’s gone too far with plan that hurts poor people

Pai's proposal to limit broadband choices for poor people who rely on a telecom subsidy program is coming under fire from all directions.

Everything from MWC 2018

The world’s biggest smartphone show just ended. Here’s what you need to know.

5G network speeds are coming. Here's what it'll feel like

Warning: 5G may not be so amazing or life-changing right away. The first generation of phones and service will have a lot of issues to work out.

Microsoft announces new updates to protect against Spectre and Meltdown attacks

Additional versions of Windows 10 are now protected from these attacks, and Microsoft has begun releasing Intel microcode updates directly, but only for a small number of devices. Incompatible antivirus software remains a problem, however.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to set up a VPN in Windows

When and how to use the VPN client built into Windows.

Google Lens: Everything you need to know about this helpful AR feature

Instead of searching the web with words, Google wants you to search the world using photos.

March Madness 2018: How to stream and more

Here's the cord cutter's guide to watching the 2018 NCAA tournament and Final Four.

This office supply will clean under keyboard keys in a jiff

Just wait until you see what's stuck between those keys.

How to Record Macros and Automate Tiresome Tasks In Microsoft Word

Macros are basic bits of programming that let you hit a quick button or keyboard shortcut to trigger a pre-recorded action. Here’s how to make easy ones in Word.

Mobile Computing

Microsoft is bringing Cortana to Outlook for iOS and Android

Cortana will read your emails aloud during car journeys

The five things that kill your iPhone's battery the fastest

There are no end of tips and tricks out there to help you get more out of your iPhone's battery, but based on exhaustive testing I've narrowed down the five things that drain your battery the fastest.

iPhone, iPad, Mac? Here's how long your Apple device will last

Analysis of Apple sales and active devices has helped produce a figure for the average lifespan of Apple products.

6 iPhoto Habits to Make Yours

If you find yourself sifting through the internet for tips about your phone camera, we have the guide for you.

Easier Bluetooth Pairing is Finally Coming to Android and Windows

As long as the peripheral is on and in pairing mode, you can just place it near your phone or PC and you’ll be prompted to initiate the connection.

OneNote for Android updated with usability improvements

In the latest version of the app, OneNote will now remember the notes you were working on and display them immediately when you open the app, which should speed record entry.

States Say “FU” to FCC

Tech News and Opinions

Defying Pai's FCC, Washington state passes law protecting net neutrality

Five states—Vermont, Hawaii, Montana, New Jersey, and New York—previously decided to enforce net neutrality via executive orders issued by their governors.
More than half of US states have pending net neutrality legislation.

Senate Democrats Have a Plan To Save Net Neutrality

Senate Democrats are proposing to undo the FCC’s wrongheaded rule through a process set up by the Congressional Review Act.

Best Buy to shut down all 250 U.S. mobile stores on May 31

This news should come as no surprise to anyone who passes by the miniature establishments, usually in shopping malls, and it seems like it is long overdue.

Why US “cyber-warriors” can’t do anything about Russian “cyber-meddling”

There’s not much USCYBERCOM, NSA can do without presidential order—maybe even with one.

Report: Apple plans three new iPhones for 2018

According to a new report from Bloomberg, three new iPhones will launch in 2018, all derived from the design and features of the iPhone X.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to See What Packages and Mail You Have Coming Before It Arrives

The US Postal Service offers a free service named “Informed Delivery.” It’s an online dashboard that automatically informs you about mail and packages being sent to your address, and it also provides email notifications.

Best Windows 10 apps of February 2018

Usually, I focus on apps that are available from the Microsoft Store, but these are so good that they've earned their spot on this list regardless of their distribution channel.

How to set up two monitors on your Windows PC

Even a generous 24-inch monitor can feel cramped when you’ve got multiple windows open on your desktop (and who doesn’t?). Fortunately, it’s simple enough to add a second monitor to your PC setup and spread out.

How to customize the look and feel of Windows 10

A few customization tweaks can help to make the experience more personal and improve productivity, and in this guide, we show you the ways to change the appearance of Windows 10.

You can use a ​VPN to battle ISP net neutrality abuse

The FCC's butchery of net neutrality has become law, and people are turning to virtual private networks to preserve their privacy and access.

Mobile Computing

7 display settings that can make your iPhone screen clearer

Here are seven iOS display settings, any one of which can make your iPhone easier on your eyes.

10 paid iPhone apps on sale for free right now

As always, these sales will be over before you know it so be sure to hurry if you want them for free!

Why does battery life get worse over time?

The chemistry that can provide power from metals makes those metals degrade over time and there's not much we can do about it.

Bluetooth 5.0: What’s Different, and Why it Matters

Modern smartphones and other devices, from the iPhone 8 and iPhone X to the Samsung Galaxy S8, advertise support for “Bluetooth 5.0” on their specifications list. Here’s what’s new in the latest and greatest version of Bluetooth.

Android Oreo vs Android One vs Android Go: All their differences, explained

We look at the three different Android platforms Google is now managing and explain where each one fits in the mobile industry.

OneDrive snaps up new photo features on Android

If you already have a sizeable collection of photos stored in OneDrive, you'll now be able to more quickly navigate them with a new "fast scroller" available in Photo view.