What? No DVD Playback in Windows 8?

Has the leadership at Microsoft gone completely off its rocker? If and when you get a computer running Windows 8 in the future, just try and play a DVD. It won't work. There is no way to do it. Can you believe this new nonsensical move by the boys from Redmond? I can't. Why in the hell would anybody buy Windows 8 when some of the best features of Windows will be gone.

Now there is a caveat to this. You can still get get DVD playback if you buy Windows 8 Pro version for more money...then spend even more and buy the Windows Media Player add-on. But, there is no doubt enterprising folk will provide a DVD player app to work in Windows 8...just like someone will provide a Start Button to replace the one Microsoft removed.

I predict here and now that Windows 8 will be a flop. Businesses will not adopt it and folks running Windows 7 will not upgrade. There is no doubt in my mind that Microsoft has lost its way. New leadership with vision is needed from the top on down or they will continue to flounder. Just my opinion, folks. -JRC 

FBI Aims to Pry Open New Channels for Web Surveillance

The FBI is pushing for a change in 1994's CALEA law that would make social networking websites and online chat services more easily accessed by law enforcement surveillance teams. The bureau has asserted that a change in the way people communicate has lessened its wiretapping ability, a problem it refers to as "going dark."

Osama bin Laden didn't use encryption: 17 documents released

Osama bin Laden didn’t use encryption to protect the thousands of files stored in the Pakistani compound where he was killed. 17 of the 6,000 documents have now been publicly released.

The real story behind the big Microsoft and B&N deal

How could Microsoft and Barnes & Noble launch a historic joint venture when they were at each others' throats a few month ago? Read on

Microsoft goes green: data centers, offices to be carbon neutral come July

The program will begin in July, at the start of Microsoft's 2013 fiscal year, and includes a company-wide carbon fee, whereby various divisions will be held accountable for their own energy usage.

No Windows 8 DVD playback will mean increased costs, and consumer confusion

Windows 8 users who want out-of-the-box DVD playback capability will not only have to purchase the higher-priced Pro edition, but also the optional Media Center Pack. This is bad news for consumers because it means increased costs, more confusion, and the potential for more 'crapware' to be installed on new PCs.

 The iPad Has Killed The Netbook

While we can debate how much the iPad cannibalizes Apple’s MacBook sales, there’s no doubt that the device is continuing to kill of the entire netbook industry. While iPad sales are literally selling as fast as Apple can make them, netbook sales continue to plummet

New ZoneAlarm antivirus-firewall combo competes for free

For years, the firewall has been a feature restricted to paid upgrades in comprehensive security suites. ZoneAlarm just upended that paradigm with its new ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+Firewall.

Manage multiple online storage accounts from one place with Otixo

Otixo is a free online service that will connect with multiple cloud storage accounts and present them to you in a single, easy to use dialog.

Versatile Free Program for Saving or Printing a List of Your Windows Files and Folders

One of the features lacking in Windows Explorer is a way to create a list of the files in a folder. A new program called Karen’s Directory Printer solves this problem and comes with a selection of features that are quite useful.

Is Google in Trouble Again?

Lots of news and features to report in this edition...so, without any further ado, lets get to it...JRC

Google's Wi-Fi spygate troubles have only just begun

 

Google probably thought it was tossing water on that smoldering Wi-Fi spying controversy by releasing the full version of that FCC report a few days ago -- turns out it was gasoline instead. Now Google is looking at a raging inferno that could engulf the company.

Organ donations spike after new addition to Facebook Timeline

 

Organ donations saw a spike after Facebook added a feature to Timeline Tuesday that allows users to register to become organ donors. Results from the launch are staggering. Within hours of Facebook's announcement, the registry Donate Life California reported donor signups increased by 800 percent compared with Monday.

Amazon tries to catch up in personal cloud storage and falls further behind

 

If you don't know the Amazon Cloud Drive, like the other personal cloud storage services, it offers you 5GBs of free storage for starters. You can also store any MP3 music files you buy from Amazon in it without those counting towards your limit.

MS Patch Tuesday heads-up: 7 bulletins, 23 vulnerabilities

 

All versions of Microsoft’s flagship Windows operating system are affected by this month’s releases, including the newest Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

 

Microsoft Is Killing the Windows Live Brand

 

Microsoft revealed today that it is killing the Windows Live brand though many of the current Windows Live applications and services will continue with different names or, in Windows 8, as new Metro-styled apps. This move was long anticipated and parallels a related move to kill the Zune media brand.

Google Privacy - Free Firefox Add-in

 

Google Privacy is a Firefox add-in that allows you to control which search result links are tracked by Google and other websites, including Bing, YouTube, Yahoo and Facebook. 

Best smartphones for under $100 (roundup)

 

When it comes to picking out a smartphone that'll cost you less than $100, there's plenty of good news to go around. Constant sales on older-model phones mean that carriers are giving away great handsets in exchange for your two-year contract commitment.

The Rise of Beautiful Apps

 

A noticeable trend this year is beautiful apps or websites. It's all part of a larger trend that I'm calling The Visual Web, meaning that images and video are becoming an increasingly important part of what we consume online. 

Stupid tech support tricks: IT calls of shame

 

Pronoun problems, IT ghosts, the runaway mouse -- when it comes to computers, the customer isn't always right. Some funny stuff here.

Microsoft and Barnes and Noble Cuddle Up

First, they are suing them...then they make them partners. How weird is that? Not really...at least not in the world of high tech. Windows 8 users will be able to access hundreds of thousands of books for downloading on to the B&N Nook tablet. Of course, this move is Microsoft's attempt to disrupt the stranglehold Apple and Amazon have on tablets. In fact, don't be surprised if sometime in the future Barnes and Noble put out their own tablet running Windows 8. More in our first story.

And speaking of tablets, I continue to use and love my own Apple iPad 3. My biggest worry was integrating my iPad with my Windows world. That turns out not to be an issue. They mesh together quite well. I can use most of my most favorite Windows applications quite easily on the iPad. And now with the addition of Skydrive to both my desktop computer and my iPad, all my files are now available to me everywhere. 

I downloaded two apps that let me use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the iPad for free, plus there is a version of OneNote for the iPad. I've also integrated my mail, calendar, to-do lists, and contact lists directly from Outlook to the iPad via iCloud. And, of course, the retinal display on the iPad is the most gorgeous screen I have ever seen. So, if you are thinking about a tablet in your future, my recommendation is to get an iPad.

That's it for now...enjoy the rest of the show. -JRC   

Microsoft Partners with B&N in Nook Venture

The new partnership between Microsoft and Barnes & Noble gave a peek at one of the first fruits of their venture: a Nook application for Windows 8. The Nook app will extend the reach of Barnes & Noble's digital bookstore to hundreds of millions of Microsoft Windows users around the world, allowing access to Barnes & Noble's digital catalog. 

Report: Apple Legally Sidesteps Billions in Taxes

A published report says Apple Inc. uses subsidiaries in Ireland, the Netherlands and other low-tax nations as part of a strategy that enables the technology Relevant Products/Services giant to cut its global Relevant Products/Services tax bill by billions of dollars every year.

iTunes users griping about Apple's security questions

Apple recently ramped up stricter security measures for iTunes and iOS users in an attempt to prevent accounts from being abused or compromised. Beyond just entering a password, some users are now being asked to choose three security questions and a backup e-mail address when they try to download content.

Facebook's 'life-saving tool' -- an organ donor feature

The wide-reaching social network now offers the ability to share whether you are an organ donor, in the hopes that this will save more lives on a daily basis. 

Do I Really Need to Worry About Security When I’m Using Public Wi-Fi?

Is protecting yourself worth all of the fuss? We think so, and while we understand that VPNs and other security tools can slow down your system or be buggy and quirky at times, we have to fall back on the old adage, "Security through obscurity is no security at all."

Dropbox, SkyDrive, Google Drive: which one is right for you?

If you’re a Windows user looking for free online storage, three services stand out from the rest. Although Dropbox, SkyDrive, and Google Drive are superficially similar, there are some big differences. Here’s what to look for. 

How To Automatically Backup My Documents Folder To SkyDrive

I am sure many of you love to save your documents in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere and also for the backup purpose. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could automatically backup all documents and files in My Documents folder to your SkyDrive account? Well you can.

MySites for Chrome Transforms the New Tab Page into a Metro-Inspired Speed Dialer

If Chrome's built-in new tab page looks a little plain to you, or if you like the look of Microsoft's Metro UI, MySites is a Chrome extension that changes the new tab page into a start page decorated with a web search bar and colorful tiles that you can click to go straight to your most commonly accessed sites and favorites.

FotoSketcher - Free

Convert your photographs into high-quality, realistic artworks for free using FotoSketcher.

More on SkyDrive vs. Google Drive

I have pounded on Microsoft a lot lately. Well, today, I come not to bury Microsoft (again), but to praise them (thanks, Shakespeare).  Finally, the boys from Redmond changed SkyDrive into something very useful and free to folks like you and me.

Prior to Monday, using SkyDrive was absurdly ridiculous…now, its easy and very useful. It continually syncs the files on your computer (you choose which ones) up into the cloud. But it’s not only a backup system, but also useful if you use more than one computer. So, you can work on a file on your laptop and it will automatically sync it to the cloud and to your desktop computer. Your updated files are available to you everywhere.

You can also share those files you choose with other folks. It’s very good, although I would look for a few additional tweaks in the future. I can also set it up to deliver those files I want for my iPad and Android Phone. And, as I mentioned last time, if you were an existing user of SkyDrive, you can get 25GB of storage space for free (new users get 7GB free). I have been testing it for the last two days and it works just fine.

As for Google Drive, their terms of service has opened up a firestorm of criticism, right out of the gate. Here is what is says:

“When you upload or otherwise submit content to our Services, you give Google (and those we work with) a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from translations, adaptations or other changes that we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute such content.”

What? You are joking!! My stuff belongs to me and Google has no right to use it. So I won’t be using Google Drive any time soon. Besides, SkyDrive works so much better, at least for me. Google Drive is too much like DropBox, which I stopped using a few months ago. But, its time you discover all this for yourself. Read on…-JRC 

Cloudbusting: SkyDrive vs. Live Mesh vs. Google Drive vs. Dropbox

In the wake of this week’s surprisingly similar releases of the SkyDrive and Google Drive applications for Windows, it’s now clearer that both companies have the same service, Dropbox, in their sights. This wasn’t obvious at first since Microsoft already had a service, Windows Live Mesh, which was in many ways superior to Dropbox.

Who owns your files on Google Drive?

Dropbox and Microsoft's SkyDrive allow you to retain your copyright and IP rights to the work you upload to the service, but Google Drive takes everything you own.

5 Reasons Microsoft SkyDrive is Better Than Google Drive

If you're looking for a new service to sync and store files across multiple devices and the cloud, you should give SkyDrive a serious look. Not only do you get more free storage, but you'll also have an easier time managing online documents and you get free remote access to your home PC while you're on the go. Google Drive may be the current media darling, but for people just looking to get some work done here's why you should give SkyDrive a try.

Security firm claims Mac security is "10 years behind" Microsoft

Not content to dispel the "myth" that Macs are impervious to malware last week, Kaspersky Lab CEO Eugene Kaspersky is sounding the Mac malware alarm again this week. During the Info Security 2012 conference, he claimed that Apple is 10 years behind Microsoft on the security front.

In Win for Amazon, Judge Rules Against Online Sales Tax

A judge in Illinois has ruled against a law that would enable the state to collect tax on online sales from out-of-state companies. The ruling is seen as a promising victory for marketing affiliates as well as ecommerce giant Amazon, which has been lobbying against online sales tax in several states for years.

Taking stock of the Windows 8 versions

Microsoft just released details on the versions of Windows 8 it'll offer when the OS ships - most likely sometime in October. The easiest way to understand Win8′s new SKUs is to compare them with Windows 7. Here’s the breakdown.

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0

After almost 6 months in Beta, Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 is ready for download. This is the latest version of Microsoft’s free anti-virus/anti-malware utility and what I use to protect my own PCs.

Choose the best cheap tablet

There are some great tablets to be found under $300, but there's also plenty of garbage. To make sense of it all, here are some tips for choosing a great low-cost tablet for your needs.

Where to Find Windows 7 Gadgets

Microsoft discontinued Windows 7 Gadgets, probably because they conflict with their new Metro Interface. But if you like Gadgets, like I do, here is where you can still get them.

Visual Thesaurus Helps You Think Of Ideas

Graphwords (www.graphwords.com) is a visual thesaurus that produces output which is a cross between a mindmap and a tag cloud. Just enter a word and, a couple of seconds later, you have a scrollable, zoomable diagram full of words and phrases related to your original word.

Free Storage Solutions from Microsoft and Google.

Within 24 hours of each other, bitter rivals Microsoft and Google each released their own versions of cloud storage…or, more accurately, Microsoft upgraded their existing solution to be far more useful. Microsoft drastically updated their user interface on SkyDrive, making it much easier to use and giving every user 7 GB of free synchronized storage…and if you are an existing SkyDrive user, such as myself, you can upgrade your space to 25 GB…which of course, I did. That’s a pretty good deal.

FYI, in case you did not know, synchronized storage means files created on any computer you own are instantaneously added to the cloud so that all your computers are always in sync with your data whenever they come on line. It’s a great solution for backups and for being able to access data from anywhere. Microsoft’s solution adds smartphones, and other portable devices (like the iPad) to the mix.

Google’s new and highly anticipated Google Drive also came to market today, offering users 5 GB of free synchronized storage. Google’s methodology is much like DropBox in that you assign one location on each computer where all your syncable files are stored. With SkyDrive, they can be anywhere.

As I received 25GB of free storage from Microsoft, that is the solution I am going with for now. But, I will be testing out both. I suggest you read both articles below and decide for yourself. I will let you know in the near future how I feel about both of them.  So, let’s get started…-JRC

Microsoft takes on DropBox with major SkyDrive update

Microsoft has rolled out a set of new SkyDrive apps and new online capabilities to make SkyDrive the one-stop shop for file syncing and remote file access.

Free storage for you: Google Drive Arrives Today

The rumors were true. Google's personal cloud-based storage service, Google Drive, has been released today with 5GB of free storage. It includes both free and commercial versions.

Desktop File Syncing Faceoff: Dropbox vs. Google Drive

Google's new file syncing service, Google Drive, is finally available and it looking pretty great. But how does it stack up against the current king of file syncing, Dropbox? Here's where each app shines (and falls short).

Firefox 12 released - can now update itself

Mozilla has announced the official release of Firefox 12. In the latest release, Mozilla has included the previously announced update service for Windows that spares users the User Account Control (UAC) pop-up.

Android Is Suddenly In A Lot Of Trouble

The mobile story for 2011 was the rise of Android. It looks like the mobile story for 2012 is not going to be so good for Android. It appears as though the operating system is in choppy waters, and is suddenly facing a lot of trouble.

20% of Macs CarryWindows Malware; 2.7% Have OS X Infections

The security firm Sophos said that, while some Mac users are beginning to realize that their platform is increasingly being targeted, cyber-criminals look at Macs as a "soft target" for malware because many owners don't have anti-virus software and often have higher levels of disposable income than typical Windows users.

How to cope with the Gmail redesign

Reports are coming in from around the Internet that the Gmail redesign, which we were previously able to stave off with “revert to the old look temporarily”, is now forcing itself upon us. I too have succumbed to the new design, and have been forced to find ways to cope. Here’s what I did to make it semi-bearable:

100 Tips from a Professional Photographer

Here's a list of tips, advice, rules and just things to know about photography from Eric Kim, a street photographer who also holds photography workshop classes. I think the gist of it is to keep taking pictures always.

iTunes tips and tricks

In this installment, I answer questions about some of the little things in iTunes, tips and tricks that every iTunes user should know.

TweakNow PowerPack 2011 4.1

TweakNow PowerPack is a fully-integrated suite of utilities that lets you fine-tune every aspect of your computer's operating system and Web browser.

How Apple “Helped” Us All with Higher Book Prices

Sometimes lawyers and their clients, whose hands have been caught in the cookie jar just absolutely amaze me.

Here is Apple’s stand on why it is innocent of of any wrongdoing in the e-book price fixing case: Apple said its iBookstore for the iPad "fostered innovation and competition, breaking Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry, and that customers have only benefited from its offering.”

What? That is just total complete BS!! Do you hear me Apple? You are so full of S***T!  I am agog at this kind of rhetoric. (Apologies in advance for my language)

Please tell me how raising the price of an e-book from $9.99 to $14.99 or more is a benefit to me. Now, I like Apple for their innovation and I use both an iPad and an iPod, but forcing book prices higher and forcing Amazon to raise its book prices or be cut off from the supply chain is not innovation. It’s called collusion and price fixing and is designed to screw us all. They did, and now hopefully they will have to pay the piper. You need to stuff a gag in your lawyer’s mouth.

In better news, it looks like the long awaited Google Drive (G-Drive for short) is about to spring forth…and for a start, users will get 5 GB of cloud storage for free. Not bad, Google. And, back in 2006, I wrote a blog about using Yahoo Widgets on my PC. Well, it was great while it lasted, but Widgets are no more. Too bad.

Lots more to tell you about, so gather round friends and enjoy. - JRC

Apple prepared to go to trial in the US over e-book pricing

Apple is prepared to take its side of the e-book pricing fight all the way to court—and actually hopes it gets there. A lawyer for the company stated as much during a hearing on Wednesday, echoing similar statements made by the other two e-book publishers who are sticking by Apple's side: Macmillan and Penguin Group.

Google Drive to Launch Next Week With 5 GB of Free Storage

Citing a draft release from one of Google’s launch partners for the service, TNW claims the service will initially be free, giving out 5 GB of storage to every user.

How Google Drive will compare to Dropbox and Others

It seems that the long-rumored Google Drive is finally going to show up. From what we know now about it at this point, here’s how will it compare to Dropbox and other popular cloud storage services.

End Of The Road For Yahoo Desktop Widgets

Last week, Yahoo (or Troubled Internet Company Yahoo, as the press seems to be calling them at the moment) pulled the plug on its desktop widgets service and the Konfabulator engine. As of now, you can no longer download any new widgets. That is too bad!

Spoiler alert: Your TV will be hacked

With rising popularity of Internet-enabled TVs, the usual array of attacks and exploits will soon be coming to a screen near you

How Social Media Is Taking Over the News Industry

More than ever, people are using Twitter, Facebook and other social media sources to learn about what’s happening in the world as traditional news outlets become increasingly less relevant to the digital generation.

10 ways your phone camera sucks

Photo quality aside, there are plenty of other reasons to put down your smartphone and pick up a new point-and-shoot.

Improve Your Windows 7 Registry With 7 Easy Tweaks

Windows 7 is far more forgiving than its predecessors when it comes to modifying the Registry, if you use the built-in Windows 7 Registry Editor (Regedit). . This article from PC-World explains the purpose of the different registry keys and shows you a few handy tweaks.

Run your Android Apps on Your PC

BlueStacks App Player lets you run your Android apps fast and full screen on Windows PCs and tablets.

SlimCleaner (Free)

SlimCleaner packages a variety of cloud-based system-cleaning and -optimizing tools in one free utility. The new version comes with a Disk Summary, Disk Analyzer, Disk Wiper, and Shredder, all of which are easily accessible from the program's home screen.

So What Will Microsoft Call Windows 8?

Hello from the Southern Arizona desert where were are now in the 90’s. I was hoping for a few more days of mellow weather. But it is not to be.

And speaking of hot, the case against Apple and five major book publishers is heating up. Read the first story here and a get the real dirt on what these guys allegedly did. If true, it is definitely collusion and a clear violation of the anti-trust laws. It is one hell of a conspiracy story with secret meetings in hotels and expensive restaurants. I hope someone writes a book and puts it on Amazon for 99 cents.

As for Windows 8…prepare yourself for a shock. It will be called (drumroll please)…Windows 8. Wow…who knew? Anyway, enjoy today’s tantalizing tidbits - JRC 

Inside the DOJ's ebook price-fixing case against Apple: an analysis

The government alleges that the publishing industry openly colluded to raise ebook prices and end Amazon's dominance, and that Apple was a willing participant in the scheme. What's more, the alleged conspiracy sounds like it was actually quite a conspiracy, with secret CEO meetings in private New York dining rooms and promises made to bosses up and down the chain. It's all quite juicy, so let's dig in.

The next cyber security bill is even worse than SOPA

CISPA may sound like a good idea, but it's just another way for the feds to stomp all over our privacy

Microsoft Reveals Its Plan to Sell Windows 8

Microsoft just told the world what it’s going to call the next version of Windows, and — shocker — the official name will be “Windows 8.” It also revealed how many versions of Windows 8 there will be, and what the company will call them.

Facebook makes user addresses, e-mail identical

Company's move should make it easier for FB users to find people and e-mail those same folks from the social network.

How the PC of the future is closer than you think

Will your next PC be an Ultrabook, a tablet or something you control with blinks?

House Call 2012: Fixing a sluggish PC

This is the first in a new series of House Calls, an occasional project where I visit a reader’s home or business and attempt to diagnose and cure real-life PC problems. The idea behind House Calls is simple: selected Windows Secrets readers and I collaborate to learn new techniques for analyzing, maintaining, and improving personal computers — which we then share.

How to Find Stuff on Your Windows 7 PC

In Windows 7 something called Advanced Query Syntax (AQS) was introduced. It uses a set of operators and properties that allow searches to be narrowed down in a large variety of ways. The set of possibilities is far more than I can cover here but here are the basic parameters:

Barnes & Noble beats Amazon to the punch with lighted e-ink Nook

As rumors swirl that Amazon is developing a new Kindle with an integrated light, Barnes & Noble's new $139 Simple Touch with GlowLight is already a reality.

The ePub Format – It’s Not All About Kindle

Although the Kindle is the most popular selling e-reader, the ePub format is rapidly becoming the new standard in e-book publishing.e_reader. While Amazon seeks to protect its proprietary hold on the e-book market, other e-readers such as Barnes and Noble’s Nook, Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, Sony’s Reader and the Kobo range are collectively embracing the ePub format.

Scope Out Cheaper Gas Prices In Your Area

A recent survey of the two people next to my desk at work reveals that 100% of Americas prefer cheaper gas prices. With this in consideration, I gladly choose GasBuddy for the mobile app of this week. I love this app.

Nice to Know Book Publishers Will be Put in Their Place

A lot to cover today, so let’s get right too it.  - JRC

Justice Dept. files suit against Apple, publishers over e-book pricing

The Justice Department is alleging that Apple worked with publishers to raise e-book prices. Settlements are expected, according to multiple reports.

This is why DOJ accused Apple of fixing e-book prices

In 2010, Apple enabled some of the top book publishers to set their own prices for electronic books they made available on the iPad. Since then, prices that consumers pay for e-books have risen.

E-reader wars: does the iPad's retina display measure up to e-ink?

So we set out to answer the question: does the new retina display make the iPad the new must-have e-reader? Does the retina display trump e-ink when it comes to reading?

Iran expected to permanently cut off Internet by August

Millions of Internet users in Iran could soon be permanently cut off from the Web, social networks, and e-mail.

The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library is a little … odd

While it’s nice to be able to “borrow” books on the Kindle, our impressions are that the service is a little early for prime time, and — frankly — a little odd.

Amazon Will Now Buy Your CDs

To submit a CD in exchange for an Amazon gift card, go to the retailer's Trade-In site, select the "Music" category, and enter the artist and/or album name you'd like to trade.

Is Google+'s Facelift the Sincerest Form of Flattery?

Google on Wednesday announced new features for its Google+ social network. The Internet giant on Wednesday introduced what Google+ head honcho Vic Gundotra called a "more functional and flexible" version of the service.

The six best personal cloud storage choices for your stuff

Dropbox just added more free storage for their customers, so are they the best personal cloud storage? Or is its Google’s mish-mash of cloud services? Apple’s iCloud? Perhaps even Microsoft’s SkyDrive? Or, some other service entirely? Let’s take a look at today’s most popular choices.

Stupid tech support tricks: IT calls of shame

Pronoun problems, IT ghosts, the runaway mouse -- when it comes to computers, the customer isn't always right. Some funny stuff here.

Living Marine Aquarium ScreenSaver

Bring your computer to life with this 3D underwater screensaver. Free

Special Edition–Tablets and Smartphones

I figured it was about time I paid some special attention to the latest generation of computers: the tablets and the smartphones. So, it’s only proper that I write this special report on my almost-new iPad 3. Last week I purchased a Bluetooth Keyboard to turn my iPad from a consumption device into a full blown production device. Now, admittedly I am not quite used to this smaller keyboard, but I am getting there.

But back to the matter at hand. For about 13-15 years (I’ve lost track), I've written this newsletter/blog mainly for desktop and laptop PC's. But the times are-a-changin'. Many of you are using a tablet and/or a smartphone to enhance your computing and bring that computing power with you wherever you go. So it is time I paid this area more attention.

For this edition I will focus on the iPad, the iPhone, Android devices of both types, with a special hello to the Kindle Fire. Although the Fire is technically an Android device, it is its own master as many standard Android apps will not work on it. And as there are a few million Fires out there, I must include them. I am not including Windows Smartphones or any Windows 8 tablets. There market share is tiny, but I think they will grow in market share as time goes on.

For your information, I personally use an iPad 3 and an Android smartphone (Motorola Droid X). I like them both, but think I will get a iPhone when my contract expires next year. I love the iCloud feature that keeps all Apple devices synced instantaneously. If I had the money, I might even consider buying a new Apple desktop computer. The Windows 8 system and Microsoft's direction has turned me off, as readers of this blog know.

As for Android, I like my Android phone and use many of its apps on a regular basis. But Android itself is a mess. For instance, my phone uses Android 2.3. There are two updates above that version that I don't have and cannot get...Android 3 (called Gingerbread) and Android 4 (called "Ice Cream Sandwich). Why can't I get it? Because my cell carrier won't let me have it. They control the process of upgrades. That has contributed greatly to the mess that is today’s Android.

So, the bottom line is that the Android system itself is very fragmented. If you want to purchase a smartphone or an Android tablet,make sure you are getting one with the latest version installed. However, it's surprising that very few Android devices have the latest version. It was this ridiculous fragmentation of the system that made me finally decide on the iPad.

It is also a concern for Google, originators of the Android system, as there are strong hints they are moving away from the open source Android model into a different system that they control, called “Play.” You will see their new tablet in July. As for the Kindle Fire, it is Version 1 of that product and newer ones will be out this year. Although it is a good product now, it will definitely improve in value and capabilities.

All tablets and smartphones are about the applications. So I have compiled a list of the best rated applications for each environment. But, remember the following…almost all iPhone and iPad apps will work on each device, but if you have an iPad, there are apps that are best on it…and watch for updates that take advantage of the hi-res screen on the iPad 3. All Apple products (free or otherwise) are obtained through the iTunes store, which gives you great info about each product.

As for Android, you must absolutely know which version of the system you have and make sure the app you choose will work on your device. If you buy your apps from the Google Play Store and you have registered your device, the store will tell you whether the app will work on your device. Amazon also has an Android store, but it does not give you that information. But if you read the product description, it will usually tell you what you need to know.

As for the Kindle Fire…although it is basically an Android system, not all Android Apps work on the fire. You can only obtain Kindle Fire apps from the Amazon Store…but there are plenty of them.

So remember, when you look below at the applications listed below, not all Android Apps will work on your phone or tablet…be sure and check before you download.  I hope all this is of great use to you.

Apple Apps

Best iPad Apps

On this page, you will find the best 102 iPad apps for all your needs. We’ve taken the effort to categorize the apps and picked only those we believe to be the best ones and which will most likely be useful to you.

Best Free iPad Apps

In Apple’s App Store, there are now more than 500,000 commercial and free iOS apps available for download. 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.

iPad Apps Tracker: Top 200 for All iPad Apps

This web site shows you the most popular Apple iPad applications...both free and paids apps.

Seven 'must have' productivity apps for the iPad

These are all apps that I turn to on a daily basis and they transform my iPad from a content consumption device into a piece of kit that is capable of doing real work.

The Best iPad Tips and Tricks

A mobile device has changed the ways you interact with the computer. It neither needs a mouse nor a giant physical keyboard any more, but you still can find the ways to work around with it.

Top 200 best iPad apps 2012 from TechRadar

If you've just bought yourself a new iPad, you're going to want to start downloading the best apps straight away. It's the Apps that really set iOS apart from other platforms - there are far more apps available for the iPad than any other tablet. So which which ones are worth your cash? And which are the best free apps?

The 100 Best iPad Apps from PCMag.com

The iTunes App Store is packed to the brim with dozens upon dozens of quality apps. We'll help you wade through the slush to find them.

Best iPhone Apps

Here you will find the best 100+ iPhone apps for all your needs. We’ve taken the effort to categorize the apps and picked only those we believe to be the best ones and which will most likely be useful to you.

Android Apps

Best Free Android Apps

Since Android was introduced, more than 400,000 Android apps have been developed and most of them are available for download from Google Play—the online store hosted by Google—but not all are free. 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.

Best Tablet Apps for Android

Review of the Best Android Tablet Apps for your android tablets running on Honeycomb 3.0 and above. These best tablet applications will surely spice up the experience on your android tablet.

The top 50 Android tablet apps

Whether you've got a Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon's Kindle Fire or another Android tablet, you'll be looking for some great apps. We've picked some of the best.

Android Apps - 101 Best Android Apps

Another list of of the best Android Apps.

Best Android Apps

On this page, you will find the best 100 Android applications for all your needs. We’ve taken the effort to categorize the apps and picked only those we believe to be the best ones and which will most likely be useful to you.

11 awesome Android tablet widgets

Give your home screen a power boost with these 11 excellent widgets for Android tablets

Kindle Fire Apps

101 Best Amazon Kindle Fire Apps List

If you have bought an Amazon Kindle Fire. You might be surprised to know that you can't buy any application from Android market. You can only buy it from Amazon Appstore for Android.

The Best Kindle Fire Apps: A Starter Kit

If you're a new Kindle Fire owner, you need a starter kit.

Yahoo is in Deep Do-Do…Some Mac Owners Too!

Its sad to see Yahoo in trouble. They could have been as successful as Google…in fact, they were the Google of their time. But, they lost their way. One of our stories here details what happened. Sad.

And if you are an Apple Mac owner and you thought that Macs were safe from viruses and other such ilk…think again. They never were safe and still are not. More than 600,000 Macs have been infected with “Flashback,” a particularly nasty little bug that steals your personal information. Our first article talks all about it and how to detect it.

FYI, the reason Macs were deemed “safe” from virus attack was that their numbers were insignificant to the number of Windows-based machines. And, by the way, Apple never said they were invulnerable to malware attacks. They just never talked about it.

Despite all the bad news, there is some good useful information hidden below. So, just read on… - JRC

More Than 600,000 Macs Infected With Flashback Malware

Flashback was originally discovered in September 2011 and was designed to disguise itself as an Adobe Flash Player installer, using Flash player logos. After installing Flashback, the malware seeks out user names and passwords that are stored on your Mac.

Yahoo to lay off 2,000 workers to 'reshape' company future

The company today said that it will begin notifying about 2,000 employees of their "job elimination or phased transition." Yahoo currently employs about 14,000 people around the world.

Yahoo Then and Now: Diagnosing a Sad Decline

Two thousand people losing their jobs is just the worst kind of news and for Yahoo, it’s a culmination of years of decline. The company is not decimated. As of Q3 2011, it employed over 14,000 full-timers.

Google shows off long-secret glasses project in demo video

In a brief proof-of-concept video published this week, Google lifted the curtain on their forthcoming digital-overlay glasses, demonstrating how they work and the various ways people might use them. Video included.

Google’s Tablet Could Bring Order to Android Mess

Google isn’t talking, but there doesn’t seem to be much doubt the company plans to unveil its own branded tablet in the next few months, according to a slew of media reports.

Web filtering keeps you a little safer

Web-filtering services can provide additional security and protection from malware. Several vendors now provide this valuable service.

5 Ways to Keep Your Google Browsing Private

Two security experts give you a better idea of what you can do to keep your browsing history as private as possible.

All-You-Can-Read Magazine Stand Opens for Business

If you are hesitating about subscriptions to digital versions of popular magazines, there is an all-you-can-read subscription option. A joint effort of five major publishers, Next Issue Media is now open for business.

How to Make Sure Your PC Has the Right Time

Most PC users probably don’t pay a lot of attention to the date/time entry in the notification area. The time is supposed to be synchronized over the Internet once a week to keep it accurate. However, the default time server time.windows.com doesn’t always work very well and your time may not be as accurate as you think.

New Names–Same Stories…Sorry About That

Sometimes I despair when looking for stories that will interest my readers and fulfill my mission to you. And so often, it seem I keep reporting the same kinds of news stories over and over…just with different names.

Today, we have hackers stealing millions of credit cards, another retail technology store on the verge of extinction, and the good and the bad of the new Windows 8, etc. And sorry about that…but these were the most interesting stories I could find in the last few days. And, sadly, they are relevant to our tech world…so I publish them.

However, there is some good info in here, buried down towards the bottom…I pray you can find one good story that will help you out. I sure hope so. - JRC

Hackers Grab 1.5 Million Visa, MasterCard Numbers

It's no longer just a possibility. Visa and MasterCard are the latest victims of a security breach. Global Payments, an international credit card processor Relevant Products/Services, on Sunday confirmed that hackers had stolen credit card numbers of as many as 1.5 million customers.

Best Buy: Grasping At Straws

Nearly three months after a post-Christmas nightmare at my local Best Buy led me to conclude the company was in the early stages of going out of business, I still hear every day from customers, employees, and former executives with new horror stories.

Three Killer Problems That Threaten Windows 8

Windows 8 has a lot of features to recommend it. It's smaller. It's faster. It's smoother. However, it has three flaws that worry me a great deal.

Microsoft: Metro Not Just an Interface, It’s a Philosophy

Long-time Microsoft watchers like me are marveling at the company’s transformation. Slowly but surely, the siloed behemoth that once couldn’t get its desktop and mobile operating system teams to talk to each other is now starting to glide forward as one vast entity. The most visible refection of this sea change: design.

What is the Windows Store?

Windows Store is exactly what it sounds like, an app store for Windows 8. And even in this Consumer Preview version of Windows 8, where we can access only free apps, it's pretty clear that Microsoft has answered the needs of customers and provided a great apps platform that will extend the capabilities of the OS well into the future.

Google Claims Latest Chrome is Speedier

Google last week patched nine vulnerabilities in Chrome and boosted the speed and reach of the browser's hardware acceleration with the launch of version 18. According to the company, Chrome 18 enables accelerated Canvas 2D on Windows and Mac machines with compatible graphics processor units (GPUs), and expands support for the WebGL 3D standard to older systems.

Google's Art Project grows with 151 museums across 40 countries

It allows users to browse thousands of works of art in exceptional detail and uses technology like Picasa and App Engine along with technology that enables Street View to enter museums and collections.

Meet the new Ad-Aware, nothing like the old

Ad-Aware Free Antivirus Plus (download), Ad-Aware Personal Security (download), and Ad-Aware Pro Security (download) are substantially new programs. More so than any recent version of Ad-Aware, the suite is usable, lightweight, and worthy of your attention.

Most Popular Weather Site: Weather Underground

Last week, we asked you which sites you trusted for accurate, reliable weather forecasts, and then we took a look at the top five weather web sites. Now we're back to crown the champion, based on your votes.