There is a New iPad in the World with a Killer Screen

Last Wednesday, it was Microsoft’s turn…yesterday was Apple’s big day in the sun. In San Francisco, the company introduced the newest version of it’s extremely popular tablet…the iPad. And no, before you ask, it is not called the iPad 3…not yet anyway. For now, it is “The New iPad.” Obviously, that name cannot last for long.

The newest and biggest feature is it’s retinal display…pretty much double the pixels of the iPad 2. In fact, it has a higher definition than any hi-definition TV. So, I imagine it must look incredible. I look forward to seeing it soon…it will be released for sale on March 16. It won’t be long after that I will head over to my local Apple store for a peak.

Apple also introduced a new version of its Apple TV. Not a whole lot new here except a better user interface. It looks very much like a Roku box. You can read more about the iPad and Apple TV and watch videos in our first two stories.

As for Windows 8, I have done nothing with it in the last two days, so nothing new to report there…I’ve had other projects going that took up most of my time. But, sometime in the next few days, I will install Windows 8 as a dual boot on my old Windows 7 desktop computer that I have reactivated for this test. So, more comments and impressions coming soon.

As for Windows 8 news, I have included a few new stories at the bottom of this blog. I realize many of you will not be trying out the Windows 8 consumer preview, so I expanded this edition so not to exclude stories that may be of more interest to you…and moved the Windows 8 stories to the bottom. And while I have two stories on using the new system preview, I’ve also included two stories on the important values and philosophies that Windows 8 is bringing to the world. I would urge you to read those two stories to get a better handle on what all this means.

Enjoy. JRC

Apple's new iPad: Hands-on

The iPad's new screen is a stunner. That's really all you need to know about the new iPad (yes, that's the name). That, and a reminder that pricing still starts at $499 for a 16GB Wi-Fi model, with 4G starting at $629. Also includes an informative video.

Apple Introduces New Apple TV - Review

As expected, a new Apple TV set-top box was announced at Apple's media event today. While the exterior hardware looks nearly identical to the old model's, several new features were announced. This story includes a video.

One-Third of U.S. Adults to Own a Tablet by 2016

The upwardly revised tablet sales estimates from Forrester Research are due in part to the introduction of the Kindle Fire by Amazon and the Nook Tablet from Barnes & Noble. "Both devices, in our view, expand the addressable market for tablets with their significantly lower-than-iPad price points."

Google Consolidates Entertainment Services into Google Play

Google on Tuesday announced a new online service called Google Play that consolidates previously separate entertainment-based online services into a single location that's easily accessible by users of the company's Android mobile OS. Ultimately, what we're looking at here is a rebranding of the Android Marketplace that better positions the service to compete with Apple's dominant iTunes Store.

Get Organized: Digitizing Personal Documents

Computers are very good at searching and retrieval. No matter how fast and efficiently you think you can find and retrieve information in your house from pieces of paper, rest assured, computers can do it faster. That is the A-number-one reason you should digitize many of your personal documents.

Connectify - Turn your Laptop into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Transform your Windows laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot at the click of a button so you can share a single Internet connection. Lets you share an Internet connection in a more user-friendly fashion than Windows’ built-in Internet Connection Sharing.

How to get more RAM: Add more memory to your computer

A good article from Microsoft on how to determine how much RAM you need, how much you can add to your computer, and how to do it.

A Windows veteran looks at Win8 Consumer Preview

If you download and install Windows 8 Consumer Preview, released late last week, I can almost guarantee that you won’t like it. Microsoft is not building Windows 8 for the garden-variety Windows expert. You and I aren’t being ignored, exactly, but we’re not at the top of the Win8 food chain. As perplexing as it might sound, aiming Windows 8 at a different demographic is probably a good decision. But it still might lead to Windows’ demise.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Does This Even Make Sense?

There are in fact, very serious issues to discuss around Windows 8. Very, very serious issues. And I have yet to really raise these issues in a meaningful way. So I'll do so now.

How to Dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8

If you like to try Windows 8 but don't want to give up Windows 7. Here's how to dual boot Windows 8 with your current Windows 7 installation so you can run them both side by side. All you need to do is create a new partition for Windows 8, install it on that partition, and then edit your new boot menu so Windows 7 stays the default OS.

How to customize your Windows 8 Desktop

The Windows 8 Desktop starts off as a clean slate with no clear access to the applications and features you need. Here are some tips on how to create the familiar Desktop you know and sometimes love.

Windows 8–My First Experiences

When Windows 8 Consumer Preview was released last week, I immediately grasped what Microsoft was trying to do…connect the desktop to the tablet to the smartphone. I loved the idea, and I liked the Metro interface. I hoped for a great experience so I could recommend it highly.

Well, it is early days yet…but so far, not so good. I have had Windows 8 up and running on my Netbook computer for 3 days now…and I am not in love. Darn! I wanted to be, too. Now, I admit my Netbook is my slowest, least powerful computer in my arsenal, but Microsoft said it would work…and it does…partially.

First, it took almost 4 hours to download it and get it up and running. I thought Microsoft said it would be quicker. I installed it right on top of my Windows 7 system, so maybe that does take longer. But after it was up and running, some of the Metro buttons would do nothing. The mail, contacts, calendar and weather apps would not work. Later I got the weather to work by installing it from the Microsoft App Store. But even though I uninstalled and reinstalled the mail app (of which calendar and contacts are part), it still does not work.

So, bottom line is some of it works and some of it doesn’t. It isn’t an issue as I can still get to my desktop and work normally. And I don’t want to sound too negative as parts of the OS work just fine. But I feel like the author of our very first story here…there is no reason to change unless you are going to get a Windows 8 tablet.

But I am not done testing and am not willing to give up. I still like the concept and will keep on playing with it. Sometime in the next week, I will install it on a more powerful computer, this time using the dual boot method. It is early days yet, so stay tuned for more updates. I am not writing it off yet.

Oh, and by the way, if you go to Windows 8, there is a huge learning curve, as it is not like anything Microsoft has done before. With the start button now gone, you will struggle at first. Believe it or not, I had a devil of a time trying to turn the computer off. It took some experimentation and an article on the Net to help me out.

As for today’s updates, I tried to minimize the Windows 8 stories and give you info to help you right now. So let’s get going… JRC 

Windows 8: Something old, something awkward

Though Windows 8 introduces some nice new features, they're minimal. If you aren't planning to get a touch-enabled tablet any time soon, Windows 8 should be near the bottom of your wish list. But if you're considering a move to a Windows-based tablet, you'll want to dive into Windows 8 with both feet.

A Million Downloads for Windows 8 Preview on First Day

Whether or not Windows 8 will be a hit, the consumer preview released on Wednesday is flying off the virtual Relevant Products/Services shelves. Microsoft Relevant Products/Services tweeted Thursday that the consumer preview hit a million downloads within one day of its release.

Microsoft extends consumer support for Windows 7, Vista

Microsoft recently tacked on five additional years in the form of Extended support for all editions of both operating systems for individual users. Full support for every edition of each OS will now last for approximately 10 years from release date, pointing ahead to January 14, 2020, for Windows 7 and April 11, 2017, for Vista.

Office 365: Office in the Cloud still promising?

In a hardworking, digitized world, it’s hard to imagine tools more sought after than those that show up reliably on any portable device and work well — or at least as well as advertised. Whether Microsoft’s Cloud-based Office 365 is that tool — in fact or even in potential — is still an open question.

The Pirate Bay tosses all torrents

One of the Internet's largest torrent-downloading sites is no longer offering torrents, but that doesn't mean the site is being shuttered. Now users can access files with magnet links.

What is OLED TV? Why You Should be Excited

By now you've probably heard about OLED, or organic light-emitting diodes. LG and Samsung both revealed potential models at this year's CES, with the LG winning CNET's Best of CES Award. Make no mistake, this is the most important advancement in TV technology in over a decade, and a vast improvement over both LCD and plasma.

How to Manage Your USB Devices Better

Most of us probably have a number of USB devices for our PCs. In fact, the USB port has become almost a universal way to attach things. If you are like me, you could use a convenient way to manage and keep track of all those gadgets and devices. And that is just what a free utility called USBDeview from NirSoft provides. It is a device manager specifically for USB devices and has a number of quite useful functions.

Smithsonian turns to 3D to bring collection to the world

A new effort under way at the world's largest museum and research institution could eventually mean more of its 137 million objects will be publicly available, even if just via 3D digital models.

Best Free Microsoft Downloads

There are literally thousands of free utilities available from Microsoft but they are buried so deep in so many different sites that it is almost impossible to find them. In this list we've assembled the best freebies we could locate, all in one (very long) convenient list.

Special Edition– Shock!! Windows 8 May Change Everything

On Wednesday, Microsoft unveiled the beta version of its new Windows 8 operating system and released it for everyone to try. Instead of being called a beta, it was released as “Windows 8 Consumer Preview.”

It caught most tech writers, including me, completely off guard. Before the release, many journalists thought Windows 8 could be a major flop. Most have changed their tune. For example, USA today said, “we really are on the threshold of a whole new era of personal computing.”

Here is part of the reasons why: Windows 8 is designed to run both as a tablet and desktop operating system. It has both a touch interface and the standard desktop interface we are all used to. You choose which one you wish to use. And the “Metro” touch interface works equally well as a touch system or with a mouse. In other words, Windows standardizes everything in one operating system so a user can easily move from his or her desktop or lap environment to a Windows 8 tablet, with each having access to the other via Skydrive.

While Apple and Android tablets were built from smartphone operating systems, Windows tablets, when they appear, will be built from a computer operating system. What you run on your desktop will also run on your tablet. This makes so much more sense than any of the current tablets offer. As a user of an Android smartphone, I make many compromises and workarounds to get the important information from my desktop and on to my phone…not all successfully. I want simplification and Windows 8 maybe the answer…time will tell.

I was also surprised how much I like the Metro-style interface on the desktop. It makes so much sense in so many ways. I have something similar on my desktop now that continually shows me time and weather and links to my various apps, but Windows Metro goes beyond what I have done on Windows 7. I am excited to try it out.

I downloaded Windows 8 and will hopefully get it up and running on one of my computers this weekend. If you read the second article, you will find there are many ways to do an installation, including upgrading right on top of Windows 7. You can get Windows 8 from the Microsoft Web Site. Although Windows 8 final edition may not be available until late summer or fall, the Consumer Preview is good through January.

This edition of Rants and Raves is all about Windows 8, nothing else. I wasn’t planning to do that, but there is so much information about the operating system that I wanted to try and answer all your questions. Hopefully, you will be amazed as I am. - JRC

Welcome to the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

This article will serve as a high-level introduction of sorts, providing you with a basic overview of what's new and different in this second and most crucial milestone on the way to Windows 8. But scattered throughout the discussion below, you'll find links to numerous other articles about the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

How to install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Believe it or not, it's a pretty easy thing to do. You don't need to look up an arcane command to access your BIOS, you don't need to partition a drive, and you don't need a blank DVD, a second PC or even a USB thumb drive... unless that's how you roll. With just an internet connection, you can perform the entire operation on any existing Windows 7 machine without any outside help, just so long as it fulfills the minimum requirements.

Windows 8 Beta: Hands-on with Microsoft's tablet-friendly OS

Microsoft pulled back much of the scaffolding and secrecy surrounding Windows 8 today at Mobile World Congress. I've been using the Windows 8 beta (download), officially known as the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, for the past week, and it's by far the most integrated and capable operating system Microsoft has ever put out. Includes a video.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview hands-on

Another in-depth look at all the new features of Windows 8, both as a tablet and desktop operating system.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview: The Windows 8 App Previews

A look at some of the new Metro-style apps that come with, or are available, with Windows 8 Consumer Preview. All apps in the Windows App Store are free during the preview period.

Windows 8 and bundling: What a difference a decade makes

Microsoft is taking some emboldened steps toward bundling formerly separate apps and services in Windows 8. For the longest time, bundling was a dirty word among Microsoft execs. It probably still is, given the trouble the Redmondians got into just a decade ago or so with U.S. antitrust authorities over “bundling Internet Explorer” with Windows.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview runs well on netbooks (mostly)

Windows 8 Consumer Preview may be optimized for computers with touchscreens and high resolution displays, but Microsoft’s latest operating system also runs reasonably well on netbooks and other older computers.

Windows 8 could leapfrog Android to be the true iPad competitor

The iPad isn't going anywhere: it has huge popularity, a massive app catalog, and dominating market share going for it. However, that spot at No. 2 seems wide open. Android tablets have been far from compelling thus far, leaving the doorway open for Windows 8 tablets to stake a claim that no other Windows tablets have previously been able to capture.

IE holds rival browsers at bay

This article includes a video showing off Internet Explorer 10. A preview edition of the new browser is included with Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

On The Threshold of Two Major Events

Tomorrow, Microsoft releases “Windows 8, Consumer Preview” for all to see and download. We’ve known about this for a few weeks. But, not to be out done, Apple sent out invitations today to a major event it is holding in San Francisco on March 7. Besides the date and time, the invitation only says:

“We have something you really have to see. And touch.”

This probably means Apple will be introducing the long-awaited iPad 3…at least that’s what all tech journalist say will happen. I believe we are going to see some really big changes in the iPad, including the possibilities of an 8” model, a display that packs 4 times the number of pixels in the iPad 2, and a faster processor, to name a few. I look forward to this event as I am in the market for a tablet.

But, back to Windows 8. I also am anxious to see this (and download it) also as Windows is my operating system of choice. The biggest change in Windows is the so-called “Metro Interface.” From what I’ve seen, this interface is for tablet computers although a desktop/laptop computer user will supposedly have no problems with it as it is mouse-friendly. This is a big, big gamble for Microsoft. I will download Windows 8 on one of my computers in the next few days and see how it looks and operates.

Our first story will give you a good look at what you can expect to see tomorrow in Windows 8. More coverage of this new operating system along with my first impressions will be published here soon. – JRC

Windows 8 Consumer Preview: What should testers expect?

Microsoft is launching the Consumer Preview of Windows 8 on February 29. By going with the “Consumer Preview” name rather than the traditional “beta,” the Softies are emphasizing that the coming bits are ready for everyday users to try on their x86/x64 PCs and tablets. So what are those who download the Windows 8 CP likely to encounter?

The post-PC future: Where Microsoft and Apple are driving us

There's a dramatic change now under way in personal computing, and Microsoft, the traditional PC powerhouse, and Apple, the reborn-and-rising power in personal computing, are the ones driving it. Here's where they're taking IT and users

Best budget tablets

Sometimes "the best" just isn't in the budget. We've collected our favorites of the tablets priced substantially less than the iPad and its high-end competition.

Windows Live, R.I.P.

Windows Live appears to be on its last legs, with Windows 8 ushering in a new generation of monosyllabic, Metrofied analogs. Here's a scorecard of what's changing

The Best of Mobile World Congress 2012

This event is on-going as we speak. There's an absolute flood of new phones, tablets, and other gadgets being introduced this week at Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona…and reporters are there to go through the show and bring you hands-on impressions of the best devices.

Google+ users spend increasingly less time on site

Despite a growing base of members, the search giant's social-networking effort is still in the minor leagues with users spending just 3.3 minutes per month on the site. Note: Me included. I am finding it less and less valuable.

So how much is a fair price to pay for an e-book?

This issue is going nuclear and a lot of people believe that charging $10 or more for the portability and convenience of an e-book is ridiculous. Remember how much money e-readers were supposed to save book buyers? It was among the big reasons why 20 million Americans decided to take the plunge.

The 10 Best Job Search Websites

There are dozens of sites designed to find you the perfect job. From them, we've picked our 10 favorites. Though we can't guarantee you'll find your dream job right away, you'll certainly have a panoramic view of what's out there. Who knows, you may even decide to explore a new career path.

Best Free PDF Tools

Why spend money on Adobe's outrageously expensive Acrobat Suite in order to manipulate PDF files when there are freebies available that will do just about anything you want? Whether you want to annotate PDF pages, edit pages, extract pages, append pages, merge pages or whatever there is free tool available to do it. And you can find them all here in this one huge annotated list.

President Says We Have Privacy Rights

Privacy is back in the news this day…with the announcement by the President that he is backing a so-called “Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights.” And, he may get the support of all the major Web browser manufacturers.

Now that is something when a company like Google, who knows most everything about you anyway, will support your right to privacy. Seems a bit ironic, that’s all. Anyway I look for the Congressional Hollywood Whores to try and attach riders to the bill to help out their entertainment friends…but of course, when it comes to Congress, I am the eternal pessimist. Sorry.

There are some other interesting things going on in this edition, so I will let you get right to it. -JRC

Obama unveils Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

The Obama administration plans to work with Congress to enact legislation to protect peoples' online privacy based on a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights being unveiled tomorrow. At the same time, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and AOL are committing to work with Do Not Track technology in most major Web browsers

Tech firms agree to privacy protections for mobile apps

In an effort led by California's attorney general, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others have agreed to require developers to inform users about data usage policies before they download apps.

Google Planning Data-Display Glasses

You're in a new city, and, through a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, you view data Relevant Products/Services overlaid onto your view of buildings, streets, fellow travelers, and more. This vision of a Terminator-like accessory is looking more likely, following new reports that such a device Relevant Products/Services will be released by the end of this year by -- who else? -- Google.

Airwaves to Be Freed Up for Faster, Better Wireless

A bill to auction off pieces of the public airwaves currently used for broadcast television so that they can be freed up for wireless Relevant Products/Services Internet is making its way to President Obama's desk. Members of Congress are promoting it, in part, as a jobs bill. The President is expected to sign it.

Why the FBI thinks you (and I) may be terrorists

If you are concerned about your privacy and always pay cash, or use peroxide to dye your hair, you fall within the subjective category of being a suspicious person.

11 ways to make Gmail smarter

Gmail is great, but it's easy to make it even better. These tricks and add-ons can help you make the most of your e-mail. Gmail comes packed with plenty of smart, sleek features, and smart users are discovering (or building) new ones every day.

How to Remove Your Google Search History Before Google's New Privacy Policy Takes Effect

If you want to keep Google from combining your Web History with the data they have gathered about you in their other products, such as YouTube or Google Plus, you may want to remove all items from your Web History and stop your Web History from being recorded in the future.

The Windows Start menu super guide

Since the debut of Windows 95, the Start menu has offered an easily navigated and extensible haven for all the programs we don’t use every day. In Part 1 of a series of stories on getting the most out of Windows’ Start menu, we start with the basics: pinning applications, folders, and files.

Angry Birds Chrome

Why waste your phone's batteries when you can play Angry Birds on your browser? It's just as addictive and as fun as the mobile version. And that's why your productivity will end here.

Google Continues Tripping Over Privacy Issues

They are at it again. Poor Google…well not really. They are anything but poor. Not that long ago, they were accused of scanning wireless Web locations for web traffic while taking photos for Google Maps. All a big accident, according to them.

Now, they are being accused by Apple of side-stepping the privacy settings on Apple's Safari browser to track usage on iPhones and Macs without permission. Microsoft has made a similar charge regarding its Internet Explorer browser. Another inadvertent mistake? Hard to believe as that kind of behavior requires some heavy duty programming. Will be interested to see how Google wriggles out of this one…especially with Congress now getting involved.

And speaking of privacy, I have been using both “Do Not Track Plus” and “Ghostery” (both previously recommended here ) on my Firefox and Chrome browsers and they are shutting down tracking cookies before they get on to my computer. Both free, of course. Consider doing it yourself. - JRC

Google Accused of Tracking Safari Usage Without Permission

A Stanford University graduate student has released a report that accuses Google and three other ad networks of side-stepping the privacy settings on Apple's Safari browser to track usage on iPhones and Macs without permission.

Microsoft: Google bypassed IE privacy settings too

In the wake of reports that Google had sidestepped privacy settings in Safari, Microsoft announced today it had discovered the Web giant had done the same with Internet Explorer.

Google Privacy Fiasco Lesson: There Is No Privacy

Google is in some hot water for bypassing privacy controls on the Safari Web browser in iOS devices--and allegedly on Internet Explorer as well--to surreptitiously track users’ online activities. While Google deals with the backlash and regulatory scrutiny from the FTC, there is an important lesson to be learned: privacy is dead.

Apple settles class-action suit over iPhone 4 antenna problem

Nearly two years after tech blogs screamed "Antennagate!" over problems with the iPhone 4's reception, owners will be getting a little pocket change for their troubles. Apple over the weekend settled a class-action lawsuit filed about the issue, promising to pay $15 or give a free case to everyone in the United States who bought one of the wildly popular phones.

What you can expect from Windows 8

With the Windows 8 Consumer Preview beta edition just around the corner, now is a good time to examine what we know and don't know about Microsoft's forthcoming OS, and what IT should look for when the Consumer Preview hits as expected on Feb. 29.

SkyDrive Integration Coming Soon to Windows Vista, 7 and 8

Many Windows users who partake in Microsoft’s free cloud storage service, SkyDrive, have always found it odd that the software company did not make it easier to access those cloud-stored files directly from the desktop. There are third-party ways of doing this, but it has always seemed like integration that should be included from the box.

Shocker: Facebook Users Hate Surprise Photo Tagging

Facebook photo junkies, take note: Failing to consider the wishes of others before posting their picture on the social network might just get you in trouble. A new survey from computer security firm Sophos found that nearly all Facebook users think it's rude when someone posts a photo or video of them without asking their permission first.

How to Set Up Your Wireless Router for Skype

Every router features management software which has configuration options for the router. If you take the time to get familiar with those settings, you can maximize performance—whether it's a $50 router or a $200 router.

How to Get the Best Use from the 7-Zip File Archiver Program

Although 7-Zip is a very popular utility, many people probably just install it and use the default setup. However, 7-Zip can be configured in various ways and you may want to set it up so that it better fits the particular way that you work. Here is how to get the best use from 7-Zip.

Wish I Could Think of a Cutesy Headline

I must be running short of brain power today. I can’t think of one smart-ass headline for today’s blog. But I can tell you it is chock full of useful (and sometimes) important information. No doubt you will find at least a couple of useful stories today (I hope).  So since I can’t think of a good headline, let us just get one with the news” - JRC

Microsoft Fixes 21 Security Flaws

Did you update your Windows Computer? Microsoft on Tuesday issued nine security updates addressing 21 separate flaws in products such as Windows, Internet Explorer (IE), .NET, Silverlight, and SharePoint. Several of the fixes address critical flaws, including some that could aid in so-called drive-by attacks.

LibreOffice 3.5 released, introduces new grammar tool

The community behind the LibreOffice project has released version 3.5 of the increasingly popular open source office suite. The update introduces new features and improvements that were developed by the project's growing body of contributors.

New MSN Site Updates Users on Topics Trending on Twitter, Facebook

Microsoft's MSN launched its msnNow site that puts together brief summaries on topics that are trending on Facebook, Twitter, Bing, and news site BreakingNews.com on a website accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile phones.

All the Google Search Tips in one Video

The search team at Google has created a short video that puts all the useful stuff you can do on Google.com, plus some related search tips and tricks, in one place.

Are your mobile apps spying on you?

The controversy over Path, a mobile social networking app that hoovered up its users' address books without telling them and got spanked for it, has just become a much bigger deal. How much do mobile apps really know about you? More than you might think.

Is your free Anti Virus tool a ‘resource pig?’

A reader’s complaint about Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) spurred head-to-head comparison tests of AV-software resource usage. I put six popular, free antivirus tools through their paces and measured their impact on startup and shutdown times, disk space, and RAM use.

Create Photo Collages Using Pictures of your Facebook Friends

The team behind Shape Collage, a popular photo collage software, have launched Loupe, an online tool that will help you create collages using Facebook photos. You can either use your own photo albums and turn them into collages or the app can also pull photos from the albums of your Facebook friends that are visible to you.

Get Organized: 25 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Organization and productivity go hand-in-hand. Learn even a few of these keyboard shortcuts for Windows PCs or Macs to improve your efficiency.

Top 15 free tools for every Windows desktop

Some people collect Windows utilities like windshields collect bugs. But for most of us, the word "utility" is key. If we find ourselves not using the tool a few times a week, we give it the heave-ho. Here are 15 utilities that belong in every Windows user's bag of tricks. They're all free for personal use.

Best Phone and iPad Apps

I normally don’t talk much about smartphones and tablet applications as there are so many different types of them on the market. This newsletter/blog has always been about Windows computing, either on the desktop or laptop. But, I cannot ignore the cellphones and tablets because so many of you have them…including me.

So, in this edition, I’ve included special articles on the best applications for iPad, iPhone, and Android Smart Phones. I’ve also included updates on the new Kindle Fire tablets and iPad tablets that will be coming out in the very near future. Of all the products mentioned, I only have an Android phone, which I like very much. Later this year, I hope to acquire a tablet of some type…am just waiting for the next generation to show up before I make up my mind.

But, I haven’t forgotten you mainstream computer users, as there are some interesting stories that may concern you. Pay close attention to the “Do Not Track Plus” add-on for all Web browsers. I‘ve installed it on Firefox and Chrome and it seems to work very well. Onward…-JCR 

Microsoft warns of dangerous IE browser vulnerabilities

These most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user simply views a specially crafted web page using Internet Explorer. Microsoft is warning all users of its Internet Explorer web browser to immediately apply the latest security patch as a precaution against malicious hacker attacks.

Terrific software and support ... for criminal botnet builders

Shadowy vendor of botnet construction kits based on Citadel Trojan provides platform with customer service that commercial software companies could learn from.

Windows 8 — streamlining the update process

It appears that Microsoft has heard our complaints about a tedious part of the Windows updating process. Changes in Windows 8 should make the never-ending task of installing patches a bit easier, by reducing mandatory system restarts.

Why Your MP3s Sound Bad: High-Resolution Audio Explained

There's more to digital music than MP3 and AAC files, as Neil Young recently reminded us. Here's why high-resolution audio is important.

Do Not Track Plus add-on stops the tracking paparazzi

If ad-blocking is the hacksaw of Internet-protecting add-ons, the overhauled add-on Do Not Track Plus bows today as a finely honed scalpel, excising tracking behaviors embedded in sites without destroying the modern Web. With video.

Amazon readying 9-inch Kindle Fire for 2012, analyst predicts

Bartley told investors in a research note this week that the 9-inch Kindle Fire could launch by the middle of the year. He didn't provide further details on the tablet, but did say that the 9-inch model should increase Kindle Fire sales this year from an expected 12.7 million units to 14.9 million.

Apple in 'crunch mode' preparing apps to demo iPad 3

Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPad at a event in San Francisco scheduled for the first week of March, according to a report.

Best Free iPad Apps

But here at Gizmo’s Freeware, we only select the best from the free ones running in full screen on your iPad, while iPhone apps running on the iPad in 1x or 2x mode are excluded from this list.

Best Free iPhone Apps

After using an iPhone for two years, I've learned that lots of things are just easier to do on the iPhone and it's great always having it near. If you are just starting to use an iPhone, I hope this list gets you up to speed with a lot of really great tools.

Best Free Android Apps

Android apps (short for applications) are mobile software designed for running on the Android operating system, which is one of the most popular platforms used in cellphones, tablets and other mobile devices. To help you get the best of the free ones, we have selected some gems in each category and added them here in a convenient list with clear and brief descriptions of each application item.

Eastman Kodak…Going…Going…

For me, it was a good day…and a bad day. The good: Microsoft announced Windows 8 Consumer Preview will be released on Feb. 29…and they introduced a version of OneNote for Android (they have already done it for iPads and iPhones). I love OneNote as it is my favorite and most used application. It is always running on my computer, and now I can access all the info on my Android Phone. As soon as I heard about it, I installed it and it is fantastic. Extremely readable and usable.

I was also happy to learn the exact release date of Windows 8 and am looking forward to installing it on one of my computers. I will keep you updated. Included here are more screenshots of the operating system and, as a bonus, some early photos of the new Office 15, which won’t be available for awhile.

The bad news, for me personally was that Eastman Kodak is slowly disappearing forever into the sunset. They filed bankruptcy a short time ago and today announced they will no longer make cameras. That saddens me personally as I grew up using Kodak cameras…from the little brownies all the way to higher end film cameras. For so many years, Eastman Kodak was the leader in all aspects of photography…from cameras to film to darkroom materials and more. I’ve used many of their products in the field and in the darkroom, so I hope you will pardon me as I feel a bit sad.

But life goes on and so does this newsletter. -JRC

Kodak to stop making cameras, digital frames

The Rochester, N.Y.-based company, which filed for bankruptcy protection last month, said it will phase out the product lines in the first half of this year and instead look for other companies to license its brand for those products. Once the products are phased out, Kodak said its consumer business will focus on photo printing and desktop inkjet printers.

Microsoft to launch Windows 8 Consumer Preview at MWC

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is launching in Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress on February 29.

Screenshots: Windows 8 Consumer Preview + Office "15"

Thanks to an exhaustive blog post and video about the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, Microsoft's ARM plans, and Office 15, we now have our best peek yet at the future of Windows. Here are some shots from that video, which reveal the Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Office 15 Technical Preview.

Windows 8 bundled Metro apps revealed

The next beta of Windows 8 will apparently give us a healthy dose of Metro apps, whether we want them or not. Microsoft plans to release the Windows 8 Consumer Preview--basically, a pre-release version of the new OS available to anyone who wants to download it--on February 29. Microsoft is reportedly finalizing the Metro apps that will be bundled with the new OS.

The dark side of Apple's dominance

Apple may become the Microsoft of mobile -- for better or for worse -- as Android sales drop and leave the mobile industry fewer dollars to divvy up

Five Tips to Make Your Facebook Timeline Amazing

Facebook Timeline is coming. It's just a matter of, well, time. Here are five tips to make your Timeline pop (plus a bonus tip in case you don't like Timeline).

In world of copyright craziness, BitTorrent, Inc. soars to new heights

It's a turbulent time in the world of content distribution. Despite a successful protest against overly restrictive anti-piracy legislation, law enforcement has demonstrated its already considerable power to take copyright-infringing websites offline, and several hosting and torrent sites have gone dark voluntarily to evade prosecution.

OneNote Mobile for Android is now available worldwide

Mobile versions of OneNote are currently available on Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, and now Android. No matter which platform you prefer, OneNote Mobile lets you easily capture and access all of your notes and ideas on the go.

The Best Android Phones

It was the introduction of Android that helped propel the app-based smartphone to what it is today. The thing Android offered, which Apple's iPhone couldn't, was choice. Since it was an open-source platform, several hardware manufacturers could use the OS on their handsets, and a variety of wireless carriers could offer those phones—and they did.

Get Organized: Clean Up iTunes (Part 2)

If your iTunes music collection is a mess, you might think it's too far gone to fix. It's not. You can clean up and reorganize your music, I promise! The trick is to do it in small chunks and in a way that ensures that your organization builds on itself.

Windows 8 Preview Closer Than You Think

We are probably only two weeks away from the release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview…as it is now being called. Will an upgrade be worth it? Hard to tell. Right now we know the biggest new feature is the so-called Metro Interface. It reminds me of a smartphone or tablet interface. Of course, those are both touch devices and my desktop and laptop are anything but touch devices.

Now, you can use your mouse to activate Metro buttons…or switch to the desktop interface you know enjoy with Windows 7. If that is the case, why pay for Windows 8? Well, I am sure there is more to it than that and I am going to try out the Windows 8 Consumer Preview on one of my laptops and let you know. If you would like to see the Metro Interface, check out our very first story.

I’ve also included a couple of interesting articles on photography in this edition, so be sure and check those out, if you are interested. As always, there are also other good stories here to keep you occupied, so enjoy. JRC   

Leaked Shots Reveal Windows 8 Consumer Preview

While we eagerly await the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which is still expected to come sometime this month, two blogs have leaked numerous screenshots of what appears to be the release. And based on these shots, we can see some important differences between the current build, the Developer Preview, and the coming Consumer Preview.

Opinion: Five Reasons why Windows 8 will be dead on arrival

Some of the author's die-hard Windows friends are very excited by Windows 8 arrival later this year. Others fear that Windows 8 will be a repeat of Microsoft's Vista disaster. The author knows Windows 8 will be a Vista-sized fiasco.

Adobe Launches Sandboxed Flash Player for Firefox

In secure software development, sandboxing refers to the practice of isolating a process from the operating system in order to minimize the fallout of a potential exploit. This type of technology has gained popularity in recent years, primarily because of its use in Google Chrome, a browser that has never experienced a successful remote code execution attack so far.

Be everywhere: Google’s real social strategy

There has been a lot of talk about how Google+ is failing, going to fail, or is a waste of time for both individuals and brands. It would be foolhardy, however, to treat Google+ as down for the count so early in the match. After all, Google has a lock on key distribution channels that it can use to muscle Google+ into the forefront of the social media conversation.

New Malware Attacks Target Online Banking

A new online banking fraud scheme is on the loose. Users are tricked by an offer of training in a new "upgraded security system" after being logged into the bank's real site, after which money is moved out of the account but evidence of the theft is invisible. The scam involves what has been dubbed the Man in the Browser attack.

Your next computer could well be a tablet

Like it or not — and I know that some of you don’t — tablets are changing the way the world works and plays. Whether it’s an iPad, Kindle, Nook, or a tablet based on Google’s Android OS, mobile devices are swirling across the computing landscape. Here’s how to pick the right one.

12 Great Tips to Scan Your Family Pictures

In the age of digital photos, photo scanners are still around largely because most of us—or our parents and grandparents—have collections of old film-based photos. Most people would like to get those photos scanned, if they could only figure out how. If that's the boat you're in, here are some tips that can help.

10 Photography Tips for Enthusiasts

You don't have to be a pro to really love photography. If taking pictures is your passion, consider these tips and ideas to help expand your skills and bring new perspective to your work.

A Handy Tweaking Tool For Windows

I normally try to steer clear of system utility tools such as registry cleaners, generic Windows clean-up suites and so on, because in my experience they can do more harm than good. But a simple, free program called Tweak Me seems to work rather well, and it's easy to reverse any changes because you can keep track of the selections you make.

Great Tech Info To Occupy Your Mind…Until Sunday Anyway

While my last blog featured more news, this one features more good information, which is probably what you want the most anyway…and there is some good info here for sure.

And as Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, I’ve included three stories that might be of interest…like how to watch the game for free on your computer. And, be sure and watch the preview of a Super Bowl commercial (see the very last story) that will air during the game. It may just make your day. Onward and Upward…JRC

Why Are Digital Cameras Disappearing?

Digital camera maker Canon is in a bit of a bind. Its high-end Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are growing in popularity, but compact cameras -- the basic point-and-shoot variety -- are starting to tank except in "emerging markets."

What Actually Changed in Google's Privacy Policy

It shouldn't take a letter from Congress for Google to give straight answers about Privacy Policy changes. In fact, it took a letter from eight representatives to persuade them to provide straightforward answers to the public about their new policy. Here's what you need to know about the substantive changes in the new policy:

Looking ahead to Windows 8: five big questions for Microsoft

The beta release of Windows 8 is just a few weeks away. It should be nearly feature-complete, and expectations will be high. So what’s keeping managers in Redmond awake at night? Here are my top five questions.

What Tech Gear Sucks the Most Power?

We break down what tech gear costs you the most on your electric bill even when it's not actively being used.

Best Free Online Applications and Services

With online applications and services, you do not need to download and install them into your computer for using them—you just need to open up a browser and access them online. Not only that you can save hard disk space as they do not need to be installed, but also you can work with files that are saved online from any computer anywhere, without the need to carry a storage device even a USB stick around with you.

Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

This huge list of free computer security products and services has been compiled over several years and is continuously updated. The purpose of the list is to provide a comprehensive documentation of the security products available rather than specific recommendations.

Get Organized: Clean Up iTunes

Duplicate tracks, unnamed albums, a disarray of miscellaneous songs and audio files--if those words describe your iTunes music library, take these three easy and accessible steps to clean it up.

Watch the Super Bowl on Your Cell Phone or Computer

A Super Bowl phone-watching offering is being made possible through a collaboration involving the National Football League, Comcast's NBC and Verizon Wireless. That means you'll need service through Verizon Wireless to watch on an iPhone or an Android phone. Another option: You can watch for free on a computer instead at NBCSports.com.

Twitter Launches Ad Scrimmage Competition for Super Bowl

To help fuel the conversation this year, Twitter is sponsoring what it calls a first of its kind competition called Ad Scrimmage, where ads can compete to see which gets the most buzz in the week following the game.

VW tries to out-Vader its last Super Bowl ad

Bonus Story: I tweeted this link on Twitter and Facebook.  In case you didn’t see, here it is again. I will just say if all Super Bowl ads are half as great as this ad, we are in for a wonderful Sunday. Don't miss it!!

ACTA: A Hollywood Censorship Dream Come True

Today it’s time to talk about the new threat to the Internet as we know. SOPA and its companion bill in the Senate are dead. Thank the gods for that. But a new international treaty deal is about become the law of universe. And you need to understand what that means.

The treaty is being strongly opposed by citizens of European nations as they fear it as Carte Blanche for governments to shut down whatever sites they deem to be infringing the copyright laws…without due process. And that is exactly what it is. For instance, it will take non commercial, non criminal file sharing and turn it into a criminal act. Normal people will become criminals.

Even the signing parties don't agree on the purpose, scope and nature of ACTA. This may be the scariest part. Part of the debate in the US is over President Obama's claim that ACTA is not a binding treaty, but rather a sole executive agreement that doesn't need Congressional approval. Many believe that this is unconstitutional, and Senator Ron Wyden has asked the President to explain what certainly appears to be a violation of the Constitution. However, over in Europe, they're insisting that it is a binding treaty.

The sad part is that it will force us to keep our outdated copyright laws…And it may be too late to get out of this very bad treaty. It looks like a done deal. JRC

Thought SOPA Was Bad? 10 Reasons to Oppose ACTA

If you haven't heard much about ACTA, don't be surprised. You see, you really weren't supposed to hear anything about ACTA until well after it was ratified and far too late for the rabble to do anything about it.

What Is ACTA And Why Is It A Problem?

First off, ACTA, unlike SOPA/PIPA, is not "a law." It's a trade agreement, in which a variety of countries agree to deal with intellectual property infringement in a similar fashion. But why was it kept a deep dark secret until someone uncovered and published it on the Net? President Obama says he will sign it...but does he have the right to? Treaties are ratified by the Senate.

Angry Birds boss: Piracy helps us 'get more business'

"Piracy may not be a bad thing: it can get us more business at the end of the day...We took something from the music industry, which was to stop treating the customers as users, and start treating them as fans. We do that today: we talk about how many fans we have.

The death of online piracy: the end of the Internet as we know it

Piracy finds its way into just about every legitimate avenue on the Internet. As such, the death of online piracy via shutting down otherwise legitimate sites and services could mean the end of the Internet as we know it.

Mozilla Releases Firefox 10 With Better Extension Updating

The new Firefox will be released today. Chief among what's new for end users is how Firefox 10 handles extensions upon auto-updating to the new browser version. Now, instead of rejecting extensions not specifically updated for version 10, the browser will assume extensions are compatible unless specifically marked otherwise.

Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, PayPal go after phishers with new e-mail authentication effort

Major e-mail providers, including Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo! are teaming up with PayPal, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more, to implement a new system for authenticating e-mail senders to try to prevent the sending of fradulent spam and phishing messages.

Microsoft Begins Office 15 Technical Preview

Microsoft today announced that it has begun the Technical Preview program for Office 15, the next version of its office productivity suite. While details are still sparse, the software giant did say, however, that Office 15 is the most ambitious undertaking yet for the Office Division. And that suggests some interesting changes ahead. A public beta is scheduled to be released this summer.

How tweet it isn't: Twitter's new censorship policies

Twitter has announced that it will allow governments to censor some (but not all) tweets. Did they really have any other choice?

12 Things You Should Know About Facebook Timeline

Until recently, users were able to opt-in to Timeline; now they will be automatically switched over. When you get Timeline, however, you'll have a seven-day preview period, during which you can delete the content that is on your profile and hide what you don't want displayed."

Swole.me Automatically Plans Your Meals Based on Your Dieting Goals

One of the hardest parts of dieting is figuring out what you can actually eat. Swole.me is an app that figures out your meals for you. You simply tell it your calorie goal, what meals you want to eat, and what foods you want to include in those meals and it'll generate a plan in seconds. Free.

AT&T Merger with T-Mobile Fails–You Get to Pay

A year ago, when AT&T announced its merger with T-Mobile, there was a small codicil in the agreement that said if AT&T could not go through with the deal, they would pay T-Mobile’s German parent company $4 billion. That’s with a “b”, not an “m”. Even though the feds nixed the deal, AT&T still has to pay…or should I say its customers have to pay. Prices are going up. For all of you AT&T customers, I am sad for you and you should raise a stink. Congress should step in also, but I am afraid they are too busy helping their Hollywood masters to do anything for you.

There are some other interesting stories included here, including Netflix recovery from near disaster…so I hope you will find something of interest. - JRC

AT&T punishes its customers for T-Mo merger’s failure

After blasting the Federal Communication Commission for “picking winners and losers” in the wireless industry by scrutinizing every deal, Stephenson claimed AT&T is now in a mobile capacity-constrained environment which has forced it to raise prices and manage connection speeds (aka throttle) for its highest volume subscribers.

Sprint vs. Verizon vs. AT&T Wireless Plans

Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint combined have over 60 percent market share of cellular providers, and the needs of nearly anyone can be met within the framework of one of these choices. When considering a smartphone, choosing the wrong plan, carrier, or features can leave users stuck with hidden fees or unnecessary monthly premiums. Customer service is also a key consideration when selecting service.

Ready or not, you’re getting IE 8 or 9

Microsoft is pushing the latest versions of Internet Explorer as part of its monthly updates. The main reason is to force you to stop using earlier versions which are open gates for malware infections. This blog post teaches you how to use the new IE and to make it look like the version you've been used to.

Netflix customers return in 4Q; stock soars 16%

Netflix has regained almost as many customers as it lost following an unpopular price increase, signaling that the video subscription service is healing from its self-inflicted wounds.

iPad dominates tablet market, but Android is closing fast

It wasn't long ago that Apple owned nearly 70 percent of the global tablet market. But now, the company is just barely holding on to half the space.

6 Google Chrome remixes worth trying

Chromium-based spinoff browsers bring privacy, security, social networking, and other interesting twists to Google's Chrome browser. Here are six of them to look at.

The Best Antivirus for 2012

PCMag has reviewed over a dozen antivirus tools explicitly identified as 2012 models, along with a number of others released during the same period.

Get Organized: File-Syncing Services to the Rescue

The purpose of a file-synchronization service is to give you access to all your most important, current files from any computer or Internet-connected device, like your smartphone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. Note: I use DropBox (mentioned in this article) and Windows Live Mesh (not mentioned). Both work great.

Crawler 3D Tropical Aquarium Screensaver

Download this 3D screensaver and liven up your desktop with a brand new 3D tropical aquarium full of colorful moving coral fishes that allows you to feed them and knock at the glass to make them move! You can also download and add new fishes & backgrounds.

Today: A Little News and Lots of Helpful Info

Not everyday can be filled with blockbuster news…and thank God for that. I would much rather publish good tips to help you understand technology and to make your computing much easier and faster. I hope that is OK with you. So read on and see what I dug up today. - JRC

Supreme Court holds warrantless GPS tracking unconstitutional

All nine justices of the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that police officers violated the Fourth Amendment rule against unreasonable search and seizure when they attached a GPS device to a suspect's car and tracked it for 28 days without a warrant. 

Internet now active with 2.1 billion users

Sweeping across the continents, Asia holds 922 million Internet users, Europe has 476 million, and North America is in third place with 271 million. Drilling down to individual countries, China is on top with 485 million people using the Internet, more than 36 percent of its total population.

ViewSonic launching Ice Cream Sandwich tablet for just $170

We don’t all need the latest and greatest Android tablets and ViewSonic is launching devices that meet those who want to save money without too much compromise.

Apple's mind-bogglingly greedy and evil license agreement

Over the years, I have read hundreds of license agreements, looking for little gotchas and clear descriptions of rights. But I have never, ever seen a legal document like the one Apple has attached to its new iBooks Author program.

Understanding The Windows 7 UAC

The User Account Control (UAC) was introduced as a security tool for Windows to help standard users perform admin tasks and to encourage users not to run as admin. When any program requires admin privileges, the UAC prompt asks users for permission to proceed. Potential malware can also be prevented due to the features of the UAC. The following tutorial will help you understand UAC prompts, enable a password protection setting and how it will help secure your system.

How the Kindle replaced my iPad...for book reading

There's a case to be made for convergence devices, and for merging every product down to just one. The iPad, in many ways, has been that device for me: I travel light, I read or watch movies or play games or surf the Web on it. It's a security blanket and a thin catchall. Still...I bought a Kindle.

10 must-have Google Chrome add-ons

From a session saver to a social media assistant to a simple in-browser image editor, these extensions provide a variety of useful tools for the growing legions of Chrome users.

How to start Windows 7 faster

High-performance PC hardware doesn't always deliver the speed users expect. But you probably shouldn't blame the hardware. The slowdown may be due to a software conflict.

How to try the Windows 8 Metro interface free

Windows 8 is still just a promise, except for a few folks with developer's builds. If you want to try out the fabled Metro interface on your computer, there's now a solution. The metro7 app changes the Windows 7 interface to make it look and feel like Metro.

Is SOPA Dead? I Hope So

It looks like Wednesday’s voluntary blackout of some major Websites had the desired affect…the SOPA bill may just have died. In this issue of Rants and Raves, I include a couple of articles about this highly controversial subject, plus a related confession by an on-line pirate that may help you understand why people pirate and how this relates to SOPA.

In other news, I am impressed by Apple’s new educational initiatives and think there are some real benefits for students of all ages if it comes to fruition. The only flaw I see is that students would be required to own an iPad. I hope this means that Apple’s new iPad 3 (announcement coming soon) will become more affordable.    

I think you will also find some other interesting articles and free software in this edition. So, let’s get started…JRC

Protests lead to weakening support for Protect IP, SOPA

An unprecedented online protest against a Hollywood-backed copyright bill may be working: some of its previous supporters in the U.S. Congress are backing down. The protest, which included a Wikipedia blackout and home page alerts at Google.com and Amazon.com, has prompted some senators contacted by CNET today to abandon their earlier enthusiasm for Protect IP and the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA.

Why SOPA Is Dangerous

Wev'e talked a lot about this bill on this blog...now you can find out why Hollywood and Congress want this bill passed and how it will work to demolish our constitutional rights.

Why I Pirate

An on-line real life pirate explains his personal reasons for pirating software, music, and videos. Definitely worth a read.

Apple boldly reinvents the school textbook with iBooks 2 and iTunes U

Apple just held a press conference in New York detailing new strategies and software to turn the iPad into a complete textbook replacement for students of any age. After rattling off the many reasons why textbooks are not as good as computers (weight, lack of up-to-date material, cost, no search, etc), Apple announced iBooks 2, iBooks Author, and an improved iTunes U, all with the goal of completely melding the iPad into the education experience.

Kodak files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

The company, which hopes to emerge from bankruptcy in 2013, said it has secured $950 million in debtor-in-possession financing from Citigroup that will allow it to keep operating during restructuring.

32-bit and 64-bit explained

This tutorial should help you to understand the concepts of 32-bit and 64-bit computing. We'll look at your computer system as three parts: the hardware, the operating system and the application programs. At the end we'll look at some of the common questions people have.

How to Know If Your Computer Is Infected

Most of us believe our PCs are not infected but there is always that nagging doubt "What if my PC really has a malware infection but it has managed to hide itself from my security software?" Alas there is no 100% answer to this question, but here are some steps you can take to put your mind at rest.

Get The Metro UI On Windows 7 With Metro7

If you’re interested in trying out the new Metro User Interface and can’t be bothered to go through the hassle of downloading the Windows 8 developer preview, then Metro7 could be just the program you’re looking for.

TweetDeck 1.2 Free

TweetDeck is your personal browser for staying in touch with what's happening now, connecting you with your contacts across Twitter and Facebook.

Some of Your Favorite Sites Will Be Gone Tomorrow

I’ve lost track of how long I have been doing this newsletter/blog. I know that I started sometime back in the 1990’s on printed paper, then via e-mail, now via a blog that is seen all over the world. As I am retired, you have to know it is a labor of love.

At the beginning of every new year, I like to re-explain my goals for this newsletter. I write this blog/newsletter mainly for computer non-nerds…in other words, the rest of us that just want to get the most out of our computers without going into all the heavy-duty tech stuff. We just want them to work and be easy to use!

However, sometimes having a little background on what is happening in technology keeps your computing knowledge current so you can make informed decisions about the computers and equipment you buy and the best software to use to be productive…or important stories that affect all of us, like the protest blackout coming tomorrow.

I also recommend interesting Web sites, and software (usually free) that you may find handy.  Again, I hope you find this blog/newsletter to be interesting and of some use. And now…on with the show! JRC

This Internet blackout has been brought to you by the U.S. Congress

Parts of the Web will go dark tomorrow to protest SOPA and PIPA, legislation that will do little to thwart piracy but could make your favorite websites disappear

U.S. online piracy bill headed for major makeover

U.S. legislation aimed at curbing online piracy, which had appeared to be on a fast track for approval by Congress, appears likely to be scaled back or jettisoned entirely in the wake of critical comments over the weekend from the White House, people familiar with the matter said.

Symantec accused of using 'scareware' tactics to sell full-version products

The complaint alleges that misleading 'scare' tactics are being used by Symantec in its Norton Utilities, PC Tools Registry Mechanic, and PC Tools Performance Toolkit products. The claims also suggest the software range always report harmful errors, privacy risks and other issues that exist, regardless of whether they actually exist.

Hotmail Improves Yet Again, This Time with Newsletter Filtering

Hotmail has been on a rapid update cycle of late, and if you are using this service, I suspect you've noticed the improvements over the past year especially. This week's update concerns an improvement to Hotmail's SmartScreen feature, which is used to identify and separate junk email from legitimate email. But with this update, SmartScreen does even more: Now it also separates email newsletters from other email.

10 tips to make your Web browser less annoying

Regardless of which web browser you use, in all likelihood there are some things about it that you don't like. Some "features" you might have to learn to live with, but in other cases you can fix the problems and make the browser work more the way you want it to. This article provides ten tips for making IE, Chrome, Firefox and Safari less annoying.

Ten little things to secure your online presence

Here’s some basic advice on the tools and tricks you can implement immediately to secure your identity and online presence.

How to rip DVD movies using freeware HandBrake

Most countries allow you to make backup copies of DVD's you own. HandBrake is a free tool which comes with plenty of features for beginners and intermediate users alike. This free cross platform, open source program can *convert a DVD into formats such as MP4, MKV, AVI or OGM that can be played on your PC, Mac, Linux box, iPod, PSP, Apple TV, Television, iPhone, or mobile phone. Just follow this guide.

Calibre - A Must for All e-Book Readers - Free

You've finally bought that Kindle or Nook or Kobo that you've been dreaming about, and you've purchased dozens of e-book bestsellers. Then, delighting in libraries offering more than 1.5 million free, public domain works--plus thousands of magazines and newspapers. Now, how to get them from your computer to your reader? What if they are in a different format than your reader? You need Calibre.

Automate your DropBox operations and experience with DropBox Automator

Most of you may be aware of DropBox, the free cloud storage service that lets you upload and save your files in the cloud. You can sign up for the service and install DropBox on any of your device and instantly start sharing your files over the cloud. This article will tell you about one more free service called DropBox Automator, that will make your DropBox experience even better by completely automating your DropBox file operations.

The Best of CES

As CES ends it week-long run in Las Vegas, here are some highlights, including the Best-Of Awards. Plus, I have a few other stories that you may find of interest. Check out the new free Kindle add-on to send documents from your computer to your Kindle. It works very well. So have fun… JRC

Best of CES 2012 Awards

CNET once again presents the official awards program of CES. The awards recognize the best products at the show, including a Best of Show award and a People's Voice award, as voted by the CNET audience.

Ultrabook PCs and Tablets Dominate 2012 CES News Cycle

For the past few years, Apple's presence has hung over the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) like the dark shadow of Mordor in Tolkien's classic Lord of the Rings series. But not this year: The big news makers at the 2012 CES are product lines designed specifically to compete with two of Apple's most successful offerings. And unlike in years past, it seems that Apple's competitors have finally gotten it right.

Top Five Tablets of CES

At CES we spotted hordes of tablets this year, but only a few knocked our socks off with impressive specs, great value, and innovations that rival Apple's leading iPad 2. Instead of giving you the tablet laundry list of every single slate shown here at CES (and there were many) we are going to get right to the point.

Roundup of the Raddest New Camera Releases!

Because all the sensor sizes, f-stops and long-winded terminology* start to melt into a foggy photo haze, we rounded up and broke down the most noteworthy camera stories from CES!

Dish to shut more Blockbuster stores than planned

Dish Network will be closing more U.S. Blockbuster stores across than it had originally planned, and will turn the remaining outlets partly into Dish customer-service points.

Archive Your Old Mail and Start 2012 with a Clean and Tidy Inbox

If one of your new year's resolutions—or goals at least—is to keep a tidier inbox, get started now by archiving those old messages you know you'll never get around to.

Amazon's Send to Kindle App Makes Sending Documents to Your Kindle as Easy as Right-Clicking

Windows: Amazon's new Send to Kindle utility is a shell extension that allows you to quickly send one or multiple documents to your Kindle device or library to read on your e-reader, or just for safe keeping.

Facebook Now Lets You Listen to Music With Your Friends, Chat About It in Real Time

Facebook began rolling out a new feature today in which users can listen, using Spotify or other music streaming services, to the same songs as their friends and chat about it as they listen.

CES–The Big Week Ahead

The annual Consumer Electronics Show is underway in Las Vegas. Although somewhat misnamed (consumers are not allowed in), almost anyone who is anyone in the field of electronics is here. From computers to TV’s and anything that has electronics in it (even autos)…its all here. This is where retailers and the press get a peak at what is coming their way in 2012.

That is all well and good, except there are very few surprises any more, thanks to the Internet. We already know all about what is coming. And, because almost everything is future ware, there have been many instances where products shown here never make it to market…too many actually.

Frankly, I think the show is starting to lose its appeal. Apple pulled out several years ago and this year is Microsoft’s last appearance. And tech reporters consider it a badge of honor NOT to attend this show. Last year, the big buzz was about e-book readers and tablets. Most of those never made it to market or had a very short life, thanks to Kindle and the Nook’s market dominance.

And what is the buzz this year? It is Ultrabooks…those very thin and lightweight laptops with powerful processors. They are everywhere at the show, thanks to the big push being given by Intel. This is actually phase 2 of a 3 phase Intel program for Ultrabooks. Phase 3, sometime in the near future, will  have laptops with detachable screens that become tablets. But that is probably set for next year.

So in response to all this I have 2 stories in this edition that cover CES. The first is CNet’s complete coverage of the show. You can come come back to this page all week long to get updates. The second story gives you a little more information about Ultrabooks and the Intel Master Plan. As for the rest… well the headlines and synopsis’ will tell you what you need to know. Have fun! - JRC  

CES 2012 - So far

Here is look at some of the products unveiled at CES 2012. You can keep coming back to this comprehensive site to see more. If you are interested in the new Technology that might be coming your way, this is the best place to find it.

Intel's Ultrabook Plan: Cheaper, With Touch Screens, and Marketed Like Crazy

Intel created the ultrabook laptop category last fall, in response to Apple's Macbook Air and to the casual computing afforded by tablets. Intel wants ultrabooks, which emphasize slim design and long battery life over raw performance, to account for 40 percent of the laptop market by the end of this year.

Google makes searching more personal

Get ready to start seeing more Google+ in your searches. This week, the Mountain View Internet giant is rolling out a set of changes to its basic search function designed to drive more traffic to its nascent social network.

Google patches Chrome, beefs up malicious file blocking tech

Google last week patched Chrome 16 and improved the download warnings in the impending Chrome 17. The company updated Chrome 16 with a security update that quashed three bugs, all rated "high," the company's second-most-dire threat rating. Two of the bugs warranted bounties of $1,000 each, including one to a developer who works for rival Mozilla, maker of Firefox.

Barnes & Noble Considering Nook Spinoff

While Barnes & Noble touted strong holiday sales for Nook products, it noted that sales of the Nook Tablet and Nook Simple Touch fell short of expectations. Nine-week holiday retail sales were up 2.5 percent from last year to $1.2 billion and online sales increased 43 percent to $327 million.

Lost your Windows discs? How to get replacement media, legally

Did your most recent Windows PC come with reinstallation media? Many do, some don’t. But contrary to what you might have read, creating replacement Windows discs is easy, and every major PC maker will supply backup discs, sometimes for free. I have details.

Get Organized: Clean Up Your Desktop

If your virtual desktop, server, and email inbox are disorganized disaster zones, it's not too late to save them! By following a few simple steps, you can reclaim a sense of order. Here are 5 articles to get you started.

Windows Defender Offline — old name, new use

Microsoft’s newly released beta version of Windows Defender Offline, a rootkit-sniffing and Windows-rehabilitation tool, should be the latest addition to your bag of Windows-repair tricks. WDO should be able to catch a wide variety of nasties that evade detection by more traditional antivirus methods. Highly recommend you get this one and use it.

Some Great Information Here to Start the New Year

Happy New Year, everybody! I am back after an extended Christmas/New Year holiday. I’ve had an enjoyable holiday season and hope you did also. My son surprised me on Christmas Day with a brand new high speed computer system, including a beautiful 23” monitor. So, have spent a great deal of time getting it set up with all the software I use. This computer is so much faster than my last system. Photoshop, Lightroom, and Painter are all blazing fast and don’t crash. I am a happy camper.

Very little hot news occurs this time of year, but have found a couple of stories of interest. The rest of the stories here are packed with great information about computers and smartphones. I am sure you will find something here that will be of great value to your technology needs. Be sure and check out the the Technology Buying Guide story. Its filled with good tips for buying every kind technology.

I hope you enjoy this first blog of 2012. - JRC

Rumored three iPad model lineup could cut entry price to $299

The rumored expansion of iPad models this year may reduce the price of entry for owning an Apple tablet, if a new report is to be believed.

Verizon caves to public pressure and dumps $2 fee

Well, that was fast. Verizon Wireless caved to pressure from outraged consumers and a possible probe by the Federal Communications Commission and backed off of a plan to charge customers a $2 fee to pay their wireless bills online.

Android vs. iOS vs. Windows Phone 7: A mobile showdown

If you're a first-time smartphone shopper or a current smartphone shopper approaching an upgrade, you may be curious about the mobile platforms that are available. Everyone knows about the iPhone and iPad, and everyone knows about "Droids" (Android is the platform, Droid is one specific brand on Verizon). Often overlooked is the newcomer, Windows Phone. How do the three mobile operating systems stack up?

What is LTE?

So, what is LTE? Verizon Wireless, in its advertisements, will tell you that it is the fastest, most advanced network. AT&T will say it is the next generation of wireless technology. But that doesn’t say much, now does it?

Your New PC: What You Need to Know

There are programs on the hard drive you should get rid of, and other things you should add immediately. If you haven't yet been introduced to Windows 7, or it's been a while since you've set up a new machine, we'll walk you through it all in these 12 simple steps.

Best Downloads for Windows - Starter Kit

For your downloading pleasure, CNET has compiled its list of all the best applications for PCs. We offer up some classic big hitters, as well as a few lesser-known apps that we plucked from obscurity. Also, we did our best to cover the most commonly searched download categories such as utilities, security, image editing, and file sharing.

The Ultimate Guide to Technology Buying

Here you'll find links to all of the recent buying guides, telling you exactly what you need to look for when you shop for a particular type of product. All you need to find the right technology to start the new year is right here.

Disk Investigator 1.61 (Windows) Free

Disk Investigator helps you to discover all that is hidden on your computer hard disk. It can also help you to recover lost data. Display the true drive contents by bypassing the operating system and directly reading the raw drive sectors.