Off to College? Here are Laptop Purchase Tips and Tricks

Tech News and Opinions

What you should know about buying a laptop for college

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

Microsoft Surface PCs blasted by Consumer Reports for reliability issues

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

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

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

This might explain why your electricity bill is so high

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

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

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

Your Passwords are Probably a Lot Worse than You Think

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

How and why to switch from Google to Bing

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

Microsoft blurs the line between desktop and cloud with OneDrive update

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

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

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

How to Clear Cookies from iPhone & iPad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samsung inexplicably opens up its Android browser

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

HBO Hacked! Game of Thrones Scripts Exposed

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

Inside Mozilla: Firefox fights back

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Prime: The Ultimate Guide

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

You Don't Need Desktop Apps Anymore

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

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

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

These are the lightest 15-inch laptops you can buy

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

5 best partition formatting software for Windows 10 PCs

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

Two secret Windows 10 buttons you need to know about

They are hiding in plain sight right on your desktop.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

YouTube adds a new feature for sharing and chatting about videos

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

iMore's favorite iPhone games

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

7 drastic changes coming to your iPhone with iOS 11

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

Best free apps for iPad

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

What is Tasker and how does it work?

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

10 best couples apps for Android

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

Past FCC Chairman Calls Current FCC Actions “Shameful”

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

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

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

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

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

Congress to smart device makers: Your security sucks

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

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

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

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

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

11 NFL Games that Amazon Prime will Stream Live in 2017

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to check up and fix your internet connection

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

USB 3.2 doubles your connection speeds with the same port

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

The best PC games

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

How to Optimize Google Chrome for Maximum Privacy

If you’re concerned about the data Chrome sends to Google, we’ll explain what all the various settings do so you can make your own decisions.

The Ultimate Checklist Guide to Reinstalling Windows on Your PC

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

5 Important Considerations When Buying a Used iPhone

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

Best ad blockers for iPhone and iPad

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

Take hot shots with this Camera Lens Kit

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

Why I switched to Firefox on my iPhone

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

Google demotes Android apps that crash or hurt battery life

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

Governments & Technology–Like Oil Mixed with Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tech News and Opinions

Sweden Accidentally Leaks Personal Details of Nearly All Citizens

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

Hackers easily break into voting machines at security conference

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

Amazon suspends sales of Blu phones due to privacy concerns

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

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

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

Apple discontinues iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

Mesh Network for Your Home Explained

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

How to Change the Default PDF Reader in Windows 10

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

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

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

17 Best Widgets to Install on Your iPhone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are the best Android games on sale right now

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

Tips for using the net while traveling abroad

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

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

Tech News and Opinions

Adobe to say rest in peace to Flash in 2020

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

Kaspersky Lab launches free antivirus software globally

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

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

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

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

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

Google to radically change homepage for first time since 1996

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Change Your Desk, Change Your Life?

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

Windows 10 Tip: Keep your apps organized with virtual desktops

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

Windows 10 tip: Add custom shortcuts to the Start menu

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

How I deleted Google from my life

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

Microsoft Paint lives on, just not inside Windows 10

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2017 (July)

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

40 Best Free Apps for iPhone in 2017

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

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

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

How to bulk delete iPhone photos

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

7 Essential Phone Accessories for College Students

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

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

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

Here is Part of What to Expect When Net Neutrality Ends

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

 

FCC receives more than 10 million comments on net neutrality rollback

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

 

Hackers are targeting hotel Wi-Fi with particularly evil malware

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

 

Microsoft begins blocking updates for older Windows versions on newer hardware

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

 

Microsoft is Removing Legacy Features in the Fall Creators Update

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Send a Text Message From a Computer

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

 

How to Use Microsoft's Free Office Online Software

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

 

Best password managers of 2017: Reviews of the top products

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

 

How to stop Facebook from showing strangers your personal data

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

 

36 Tips Every Evernote User Must Know

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

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

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

 

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

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

 

Best investment apps for iPhone and iPad

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

 

Best Earbuds for under $100

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

 

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. Here are some new ones that deserve a look.

 

Is now a good time to buy a Chromebook?

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

More Deceit from the FCC Ministry of Propaganda

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

AlphaBay, Hansa taken down in dark web market crackdown

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

Why am I getting so many robocalls?

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

Google bolsters security to prevent another Google Docs phishing attack

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

Best External Drives of 2017

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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

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

What Is the AppData Folder in Windows?

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

6 things you should know about backing up your PC

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

Best Windows Backup Software

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

How to Reverse Look Up a Phone Number

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

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

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

Top iPhone or iPad apps for productivity

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mobile apps each get a few good upgrades.

Microsoft Leads Way to Bring Broadband to Rural Areas

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft announces rural broadband initiative

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

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

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

With HoloLens, Microsoft plots a prosaic path toward success

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

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

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

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

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

Macphun Luminar is Now on Windows: Get the Free Beta

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

Five secret tricks only serious Gmail ninjas need to know

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

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

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

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

The Secret to Saving Money on Cell Phones and Service

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

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

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

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

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

How to take a screenshot on any Android phone

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

Apple Clears App Store of VPN apps and ad-blockers

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

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

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

A Verizon Security Screwup…14 Million Accounts Exposed!

Tech News and Opinions

Millions of Verizon customer records exposed in security lapse

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

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

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

Microsoft Patch Tuesday Update Fixes 19 Critical Vulnerabilities

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

Microsoft officially ends support for Windows Phone

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

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

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

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

Windows 10 tip: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings

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

Microsoft improves conversations and searches in its Outlook apps

Some of Outlook's more common hassles just disappeared

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

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

Windows 10 tip: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings

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

How to Set Up and Use Windows Speech Recognition

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

Mobile Computing

Invigorate Your Commute With the Best Car Apps for the iPhone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Microsoft Now Says, “Everybody in the Pool!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

Opinion: Microsoft needs to stop overpromising Windows 10 features

Microsoft is making the same mistake again and again.

Amazon rolls out Geek Squad-style home services

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

Two-factor authentication is a mess

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

Photobucket Is Holding People's Photos To "Ransom"

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

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

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

How to manage your music library

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

Learn the Basics: get started with Firefox

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

How to Use Vivaldi Browser for Linux, Mac and Windows

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

How to master Google Chrome

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

Mobile Computing

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

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

Google Calendar for iOS adds Today Widget

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Texting Apps for Android

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

13 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from the last week

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous week or so.

Should Twitter Delete the President’s Account?

Tech News and Opinions

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

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

Microsoft will layoff thousands of employees: mostly sales staff

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

T-Mobile will quietly hike prices to Verizon levels

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

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

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

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

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

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to play DVDs in Windows 10 for free

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

Windows 10 will remind you to install the latest major update

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

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

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

Windows 10 tip: Keep unwanted software off PCs you support

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

The Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboards Under $40

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

Mobile Computing

How to lower your iPhone data usage

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

How to Sync Outlook Calendar with an iPhone

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

How to rearrange multiple apps at once on iPhone and iPad

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

Five iPhone apps to help you stop losing your stuff

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

Best Android phones you can buy [July 2017]

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

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

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

Sprint Sucks!!

I just wasted three days of my life trying to become a Sprint customer. Three days and several hours! Am I angry? You bet I am! Angry and frustrated. So what happened? I will try and keep this tale of woe short so not to drive you away.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran an article here about how customers of other smartphone providers can get one year of unlimited talk, text and data free from Sprint just by switching…no contract and no catches. For reasons I won’t go into here, I wanted to switch from Verizon to a new carrier. So I decided to give it a try.

According to the article, this offer was not available in stores and could only be completed on-line. So I went through all the pain of providing my information including a credit card number and indicating my willingness to pay for Sprint to overnight me a Sim Card. I clicked on the last button to place the order and a message popped up saying there was some difficulty and I needed to call an 800 number to finish the deal.

So I did. I was connected with an Sprint agent who was obviously speaking to me from some far off foreign land. From there I was passed off to another agent, obviously in the same country. He did not quite know what to do but gave it his best shot. I was on the phone with him for over two hours while he figured out what to do. He didn’t have a hold button so I could hear women and children in the background, all speaking some foreign language I could not identify. Apparently he worked from home.

It took two hours for him to figure out what to do but he finally created an account for me. There was no information in the account, like my phone number as I needed a Sim Card. So, he connected me to another agent who would supposedly get me a card. That agent had no idea what I was talking about. She gave me another phone number to call.

So I did. After a long discussion, with a new agent in that same far off land, she told me she could not overnight me a card like their ad said and that it would take 2-5 days. She advised me to go to a local Sprint store and get a blank card. We made arrangements for her to call me back in the morning at 9:00 AM for the final setup. I went to my local Sprint store and got the card. End of day one.

Day Two: 9:00 AM came and went…no phone call. After relaying my story to the fellow in the Sprint store, he advised me to call the American-based Sprint 800 number. So I did. That phone service kept hanging up on me because I could not provide my phone number. I never did get to talk to a human…American or foreign. Ridiculous!

Finally I called the original 800 number and got to talk with another helpful woman, again in a far off foreign land. We were doing good but she had problems getting my number cut loose from Verizon. So I called Verizon, with her listening in…and after a little difficulty, Verizon made my number available for transfer to Sprint.

However, after the call, she never came back on-line. I called and called, but could not get her back. I finally gave up for the day, figuring she or someone would call me back. That never happened.

Day Three: I made one last call to that far off foreign land and got some jerk who didn’t know his ass from his elbow. He said he could not make the transfer. At this point I lost my composure and told him to wipe my account off the Sprint ledgers and that I was done with Sprint. I would find some other carrier. Free service would have been nice but it wasn’t worth what I went through for three days.

Bottom line, I am still with Verizon for now, but will continue to look for a better rate. The main reason Sprint fell to last place years ago among the 4 main providers was there terrible customer service. Well, from my experience, that has not changed. They might be saving a lot of money by having their customer service in some far off foreign land, but is it worth it? I think not. If they had made this special offer available in their local stores, it might have been a different story. But they could not help me.

Apparently I am not the only one who is dissatisfied with Sprint. You might want to check out what other current Sprint customers think on Reseller Ratings.com. I think I will be avoiding Sprint in the future…free or not!

Thanks for listening. There is good information below including more on the ransomware currently savaging Europe plus some very helpful tips for your computers and portable devices. So keep on reading. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Petya, WannaCry: Ransomware is going global

WannaCry should have been a major warning to the world about ransomware. Then the GoldenEye strain of Petya ransomware arrived. What’s next?

Petya cyberattack victims have paid thousands in Bitcoin but won't get their files back

Victims of the ongoing Petya cyberattack have paid £7,064 ($9,000) in Bitcoin to hackers so far to try and get their files back — but they won't have much luck. The ransom website has been blocked.

Microsoft aims to simplify Windows 10 PC set-up with Windows AutoPilot

Microsoft is adding several new management features to Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and its Intune mobile-device management service this Fall.

Trump Accuses Amazon of Not Paying 'Internet Taxes,' Which Aren't a Thing

In an apparent attempt to discredit The Washington Post, the president posted one of his most confusing tweets since taking office.

Tom Wheeler defends Title II rules, accuses Pai of helping monopolists

Former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler spoke out against the FCC's proposed repeal of net neutrality rules this week, saying the repeal will help monopoly broadband providers abuse their dominant position.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Tips to make you a better Windows 10 multitasker

Be more productive -- or at least more efficient -- with these tips.

Windows 10 will hide your important files from ransomware soon

Microsoft is making some interesting security-related changes to Windows 10 with the next Fall Creators Update, expected to debut in September.

Yahoo Mail rolls out a rebuilt, redesigned service, including a new ad-free option

The update includes a new design, feature set, and technology stack, as well as a new subscription plan for desktop and mobile called Yahoo Mail Pro

Google News gets a fresh new look and more features

There’s now a new navigation column on the left side which you can customize by different topics of interest including Sports, Entertainment, Food, and more.

Parallels Toolbox for Windows launches to simplify your computing life

Parallels is best known for its Windows virtualization tools for Mac, but not today. Parallels Toolbox is debuting on Windows with a whole range of one-click tools that are designed to make your computing life a little easier.

Mobile Computing

5 Fixes For The iPhone "Storage Almost Full" Notification That's Ruining Your Life

Here's how to make it go away once and for all

iOS 11 will change how you'll use your iPad forever

iOS 11 is ambitious because it represents a break from the past, one where Apple is willing to add genuine complexity to iPads and iPhones in the name of productivity.

Set phone reminders for anything

Your phone can act as a combination of secretary and to-do list when it comes to reminding you about what you need to get done

Emoji 5.0 is official, here's all 56 new emoji coming soon

We now have the full list of emoji that will be included in the big Emoji 5.0 (Unicode 10.0) update. Here’s the full list of the 56 new emoji.

Google Photos adds smarter sharing, suggestions and shared libraries

Google today will begin rolling out new sharing functionality in Google Photos, first unveiled at the company’s I/O developer conference in May.

Google's first-ever storewide Play Store sale is now underway!

These covers apps, games, books, and music. Over the course of the next few weeks, you will see discounts wherever you look in the Play Store, and some of these may be super-enticing.

New Ransomware Attack Sweeping Europe

Tech News and Opinions

A new ransomware attack is infecting airlines, banks, and utilities across Europe

The most severe damage is being reported by Ukrainian businesses, with systems compromised at Ukraine’s central bank, state telecom, municipal metro, and Kiev’s Boryspil Airport.

Six quick facts to know about today's global ransomware attack

Tuesday saw a second major cyberattack in as many months, affecting several countries and dozens of major companies -- and that's just the start.

Google hit with record $2.7B fine for abusing search dominance

The figure is twice as big as predicted -- and there could be more to come for the search giant as the European Union looks into Android.

Virgin Mobile is no longer selling Android phones

Options are generally a great thing for consumers, and Virgin Mobile would probably agree — as long as you like iPhones.

Google won't scan your Gmail anymore for ad targeting

The tech giant will stop combing through emails to tailor ads. But it’s not like it doesn't have all your info anyway.

Making sense of Microsoft's Surface lineup

With its new Surface Laptop and a major internal makeover for the Surface Pro, Microsoft's line of PCs now includes four models. Here's a closer look at where each one fits in the competitive landscape.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft revamps Skype in a bid to do battle with iMessage

Its revamped service combines familiar Skype features like instant messaging and international calling with third-party service integration, improved group chat, and photo sharing with the ability to add annotations and emoji stickers.

How to use Microsoft Excel's Conditional Formatting

Set up your spreadsheet to highlight important data automatically.

How to Stop Twitter Videos From Autoplaying

Thankfully, they do so without sound, but it can still be annoying, and if you’re on mobile, it can burn through your data cap.

Windows 10 themes can spruce up your PC, and they're free in the Windows Store

As of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Windows desktop themes are available in the Windows Store to download and install on your fully updated machine.

Troubleshoot Performance issues in Windows 10/8/7

If you are facing performance-related issues like Non-responding programs, freezing, system crashes, sluggishness, etc. , on your Windows PC quite often, then you can try a few of these suggested tips. They may help you resolve such issues.

Mobile Computing

Common iPhone battery problems and how to fix them

Sudden shutdowns got you down? Battery life next to nil? iPhone feels like it's on fire while charging? I've got fixes.

How to Set Apple Maps to Avoid Tolls and Highways

If Apple Maps is your navigation tool of choice and you prefer avoiding toll roads, staying off the highways, or both, it’s easy to tweak Apple Maps to meet your needs.

Facebook's Messenger adds new Snapchat-like filters, animated emoji, and masks

Today Facebook has announced a bunch of new ways to add a bit more fun to video messaging via its Messenger platform.

Here are 45 temporarily free and 61 on-sale Android apps to start off the week

There are quite a few, as is usual for a Monday, so buckle in.

10 best transit apps for Android

You can find transit apps all over the place that help you find a variety of transportation. Here are the best transit apps for Android.

Become an expert at Safari for iOS with these 8 tips and tricks

Hide your frequently visited sites, remotely close Safari tabs on other devices, turn web pages into PDFs, and more.

Lots of Windows 10S Reviews Are In…Not Good

Tech News and Opinions

Reviewers give a giant thumbs-down to Windows 10 S

Microsoft shipped a new edition of Windows 10 last week, preinstalled on its elegant and eagerly anticipated new Surface Laptop. How did reviewers react to Windows 10 S? Spoiler alert: They hated it. They really, really hated it.

California may restore broadband privacy rules killed by Congress and Trump

State law could protect customers' browsing history, but FCC rule is still dead.

iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro: 5 ways to choose

Apple's and Microsoft's top tablets aim to replace your laptop, but can they? Here's how to find out.

Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop vs. Surface Book vs. Surface Studio

The computers are so good, even Apple is following Microsoft's lead.

Advanced CIA firmware has been infecting Wi-Fi routers for years

Latest Vault7 release exposes network-spying operation CIA kept secret since 2007.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to use Gmail's Google Tasks as your daily to-do list

Dedicated to-do apps abound, but one of the best may be right in your inbox. Google Tasks, integrated into Gmail, provides a simple way to create ordered task lists, complete with due dates, and even turn emails into action items. Here’s how to get started.

How to search Google

These hidden tricks that will help you find what you need faster.

How to Give Your Facebook Profile a Custom URL

How to add an easy to remember username to your Facebook account, and with it, get a simple URL you can point people to.Let’s look at how.

Microsoft Brings Dictation to Office

You’ll need to install a plug-in for this to work. But you also won’t need to be on the latest version of Office, or using some Office 365 subscription.

Google Launches Go-To Job Aggregation Site

The initiative will allow Google users to search for jobs either on mobile devices or personal computers, and to use a set of filters to obtain highly targeted results pulled from many different sites across the Web.

Mobile Computing

How to Back Up All Your Photos with Amazon’s Prime Photos

Many Amazon Prime subscribers don’t realize that in addition to free shipping and Prime Instant Video, they also get unlimited photo storage for all their computers and mobile devices.

Download: Sega Forever Free Classic Games For iOS And Android Launches, Details Here

Sega, one of the most well-known gaming companies in the world, is releasing a new collection of free-to-play retro games for the iOS and Android platforms under the Sega Forever brand.

Android vs. iPhone: 6 Android features missing from iOS 11

Sure, iOS 11 looks cool, but Android's still cooler in some key ways.

Everything you need to know about the JPEG-killing HEIF format Apple is adopting

HEIF is the new photo format that Apple is using to replace JPEG. And it probably will replace JPEGs, because the iPhone is the most popular, most-used camera in the world, and as of iOS 11, most iPhones will be switching from JPEG to HEIF.

How to transfer all your stuff from one Android phone to another

No one wants to spend forever moving all their stuff to a new phone. Here's a quick and painless guide to get you up and running fast.

Amazon Buys Whole Foods. The Ramifications are Huge!

In case you missed it, Amazon plans to buy Whole Foods for over $13 billion…thereby entering the brick and mortar side of retail in a big way with over 450 stores. Will this change the grocery business? You bet it will! It will also change all retail business in a big way.

Amazon has been eating away at many retail businesses since its inception. Remember Borders Books, Barnes and Nobles, and hundreds of other small bookstores? Same is happening to toy stores. That’s the Amazon Effect. Amazon cornered the on-line shopping world and has now become the “Everything Store.” They can now bring their expertise to the traditional retail world with new concepts that will shake up everything.

Do you use Amazon? I sure do! I am a Prime Member and shop them for most everything these days except groceries. I’ve used them for years because their customer service, prices, and broad choice of products makes them so easy and wonderful to use. They are an exceptional company that offers true value for my dollar. Now, I can get a plethora of products delivered to my door the same day that I order them on-line.

When its 114 outside as it is as I write these words, home delivery sounds pretty good. And that is what we can come to expect from Amazon/Whole Foods…probably at pretty good prices. Wal-Mart will be forced to do the same…and as I do much of my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, that is OK with me. I could write a whole blog about Wal-Mart competitive food prices.

As for Whole Foods prices, they are higher than most grocery stores…but there is already talk that Amazon plans to lower prices and shed the high price image of Whole Foods stores. We shall see.

My first three stories go in-depth on what this all means for us normal, everyday consumers, and how some of the traditional stores we have been shopping at for years may disappear in the next couple of years. I encourage you to read them.

You may also find some other interesting stories and tidbits in the rest of this blog, so why not give it a good look. Thanks. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon to buy Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, dives into bricks, clicks, groceries

Amazon said it will keep Whole Foods running under current leadership as it expands its physical and grocery footprint in one swoop.

Amazon vs Walmart: It's on!

According to Credit Suisse, over 8,600 brick-and-mortar stores may close their doors in 2017. Bebe, JC Penny, Sears, and Macy's. Get ready to kiss them good-bye. Malls? They'll be as quaint as vibrant downtowns.

The real reason Amazon buying Whole Foods terrifies the competition

Whole Foods under Amazon's stewardship will almost certainly accept lower profit margins than it does as an independent chain — and that spells trouble for everyone else in the grocery business. Some interesting videos included.

Nearly 200 million US voter records leaked by GOP firm

Personal details of American voters were stored on an unsecured and exposed server.

Apple Music isn’t even close to catching up to Spotify

The score: Apple 27 Million...Spotify 140 Million.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to manage your music library

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

ProtonMail makes its free VPN service available to everyone

ProtonMail, the encrypted email created by CERN and MIT scientists, has released a new product in response to the administration's roll back of Obama-era internet privacy rules...a VPN services that is free for life.

Windows 10 customize touchpad

One of the biggest improvements the Creators Update recently brought to Windows 10 was enhanced support for Precision Touchpads, the built-in mousepads on select laptops that support multi-touch gestures.

Microsoft's Modern Keyboard hides a fingerprint sensor

Microsoft has quietly unveiled the Modern Mouse and Modern Keyboard, its next generation of Windows 10 input devices.

Use your TV as a computer monitor: Everything you need to know

Will it even work? The short answer: Yes, although you may need a special cable depending on what type of input/output ports you’re working with.

Mobile Computing

How secure is your favorite messaging app?

Here are four benchmarks to evaluate the security of your favorite app.

Cortana can now be set as the default assistant on your Android device

The personal assistant arms race is heating up, as the latest update for Microsoft's Cortana can now easily replace the Google Assistant.

Best Microsoft Office Alternatives for iOS

If you're used to the Microsoft Office suite of apps but for some reason want other options, then check these out for your iPhone.

Would you pay $25 a month for a premium Angry Birds membership?

The developers of the new Angry Birds Evolution game sure hope so.

Sprint offers a free year of unlimited data. What's the catch?

No, it's not a joke, but it is a limited promotion. Here's how you can get access to the deal.

Seven tips for shooting nature photos with your smartphone camera

Nature is full of interesting stuff, and, thanks to smartphones, we’re almost never without a pretty-good-quality camera.

What is “The Internet of Things?” Find Out Here

Tech News and Opinions

Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things in less than four minutes

Now you can learn everything you need to know about IoT by watching the latest episode of Explanimators from Microsoft Story Labs

Microsoft's 'Office in the Windows Store' release is coming June 15

The full versions of Microsoft's Office apps, brought to the Windows 10 Store using the 'Project Centennial' bridge are set for imminent release.

Google Drive To Let Users Backup Their Entire Computer To Cloud

It was only a matter of time before a popular cloud-based storage stepped out of the shadows of that particular industry and attempted to play its hand to monopolize the market

Windows 10 S Review: Faster, Simpler -- and Incredibly Painful To Use

It joins Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro as the three versions of Windows aimed at consumers. However, confusingly it is not an upgrade to either, but a class of Windows in and of itself.

US internet company refused to participate in NSA surveillance, documents reveal

The company, which wasn't named, quietly pushed back in the government's secret court against the National Security Agency's surveillance program, but ultimately failed.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How best to change your display settings in Windows 10

Use Window 10's built-in tools to tune your display.

The 5 Best Free VPNs to Maintain Your Privacy Online

There are both paid and free VPN services. Free VPN services will likely use your data for their own commercial goals or bombard you with ads. They’re also slower and less reliable than paid VPNs. Here are a few free VPNs that you might want to consider signing up to.

Windows 10 tip: Manage your saved Wi-Fi networks

Every time you connect to a wireless network, Windows saves your connection properties. Here's how to trim unwanted networks from that list and how to prevent metered networks from blowing up your monthly bill.

Firefox 54 is out: 'Faster but no memory hog like Chrome'. So is it time to try it again?

Mozilla says its thrifty multi-process architecture delivers speed and stability without hogging memory. JRC: I am using the new version and it is definitely faster.

How to Change Your Display Name on Twitter

There’s a long tradition of people changing their names to a joke or pun because it’s Christmas or Halloween, or just for no reason at all. Here is how to do it.

Mobile Computing

How to Use a Cell Phone for Dramatic Night Photography

Whether you’ve packed your camera bag light or are simply looking for a creative way to make a picture work in extremely dark conditions, your mobile phone flashlight is a surprisingly capable and adaptable lighting tool.

Microsoft Updates iOS Photo App 'Pix' With Artistic Filters Powered by AI and Deep Neural Networks

The company said that the Pix team used neural networks to browse massive datasets of classic paintings in order to "learn the essence of what makes a given style of painting recognizable."

6 super YouTube tricks for Android and iOS

You'll get an eyeful once you watch your first YouTube video in virtual reality. Also: browse videos in private, double-tap to skip ahead, and more.

5 steps to make your own in-flight entertainment system

Plane trips can be long, but it's now pretty easy to take entertainment with you to pass the time.

Should you be excited about the Essential Phone from the co-creator of Android?

When the co-creator of the Android operating system announces a smartphone, you pay attention. Andy Rubin recently introduced the Essential Phone, a bid to give the iterative smartphone market as much of a jolt as Android itself did.