More Cord-Cutting Info and Other Tips

As you may have guessed by now, I am a passionate cord cutter. I do not have cable TV in my home. Rather, I use a nearly infinite source of entertainment and information offered on my Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices. The first article below compares all the current services offered by the major non-cable TV providers.

If you have read this blog before, you know I am a DirecTV Now subscriber and a pretty happy one at that. To be honest, I don’t use it all that much, but will be now that spring and summer are approaching and there is more useful content coming. But, as a subscriber, I got a big bonus yesterday.

You may or may not know that some major content providers provide separate video applications over and above their cable or satellite offerings. These would include ESPN, HBO, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Disney, and several others. Here is what makes them special: ESPN has a multitude of channels not offered on cable or satellite. With their special WatchESPN app, you get all those channels in one location to watch when you want.

If you are an HBO subscriber on cable or satellite (or DirecTV Now), you can only watch a program at a certain day or time. With their special “HBO Go” app, you can watch any movie or show they offer any time you want…including many they no longer show on their regular channels. Same is true in one form or another with other content providers.

These apps are available for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and other devices including mobile devices. But the kicker is you have to be a cable or satellite subscriber to those channels. But, yesterday I found out that as a DirecTV Now subscriber, I am finally entitled to access to all those aps. So for $40 a month, the price I pay for DirecTV Now + HBO, I now can use those apps…and have loaded some on my devices. I will probably watch more of them than use DirectTV Now. FYI: Here is a list of all those available bonus channels.

Changing subjects…Here are a couple of other non-related browsing tips you might find useful:

Most browsers now offer the ability to view web page content without seeing the other extraneous stuff you see on pages. No, it is not an ad-blocker app, it is called “Reader View.” It is not available for every page…look for the little open-book icon at the top of your browser, usually below the tabs. You will love it!

Another great browser tool that is an add-on (or extension) is called “Autopagerize.” It auto loads articles that are several pages long, all onto one page. How many times have you Goggled something only to find yourself continually clicking over and over to see the next page. With Autopagerize, it just keeps adding them to the bottom of the first page. I love this one…and it is total free for just about every browser on the market.

Well, I hope you found all this useful. For more tips and tricks and just plain good info, just keep on scrolling down. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

PlayStation Vue vs. Sling TV vs DirecTV Now vs YouTube TV

For those fed up with their cable or satellite TV company, there has never been a better time to cut the cord.

 

WikiLeaks’ New Dump Shows How The CIA Allegedly Hacked Macs and iPhones Almost a Decade Ago

The new documents show how the CIA was ahead of the curve in attacking Apple computers.

 

Senate votes to let ISPs sell your Web browsing history to advertisers

ISP now stands for "invading subscriber privacy," Democratic senator says.

 

Estonia has 1.3 million people: Here's how it plans to get 10 million e-residents by 2025

Just over two years into its plan to offer people who are not Estonian citizens or residents a digital identity, Estonia sees fintech and blockchain services as the way to achieve its ambitious goals.

 

LastPass Quickly Fixes New Vulnerabilities

A Google security researcher has discovered new vulnerabilities in the LastPass password manager. The good news? LastPass already fixed them.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

What’s the Difference Between Notepad and WordPad in Windows?

Don’t dismiss them out of hand—while neither are as powerful as paid software in the same niches, they might just do for you.

 

Microsoft Online Services Hit With Another Outage

Many users are reporting issues of logging in or not being able to access their content on services like OneDrive or Outlook.com

 

Why Is My PC Making a Clicking Noise?

If you hear a distinct “clicking” or tapping coming from your PC, it’s probably worth investigating.

 

Google announces Family Link, a tool for managing Google accounts for kids under 13

Family Link lets you create a Google account for your under-13 offspring with advanced parental controls built-in.

 

How to use Mentions in Windows 10's Mail app

Microsoft recently rolled out its Mentions feature to the Windows 10 Mail app. Here's how it works.

Mobile Computing

 

New iPad vs. iPad Pro 9.7-Inch: Apple Tablet Showdown

The new iPad is the most affordable Apple tablet you can buy; let's see how it measures up against the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which has a few advantages over its more affordable counterpart.

 

Hidden Tips for Mastering iOS 10

Apple packed a lot of improvements and tricks into its latest OS, and now—a few months after its release—we revisit those tips and add a few new ones.

 

Apple Workflow app: What it is and how to use it

Apple bought an app called Workflow on Thursday. The app automates stuff you do all the time on your iPhone and iPad and turns those tasks into a simple button.

 

How to use indoor maps in Google Maps

One of the more useful additions to Google Maps is the ability to navigate within malls, museums, libraries, or sports venues.

 

8 handy things to do with your new Google Assistant

From telling it what to call you to playing tic-tac-toe, here are some nifty ways to get started with your new Assistant.

 

Help! My family plan's gotten out of control

Gathering friends and family onto one family plan can save you big bucks, but is it worth the headache?

Suppose Apple Announced New Products and No One Came

Well, that headline is a little misleading, but still cute. What really happened is Apple announced several new products including a new iPad…but they did it with a press release rather than an event. Kind of a big surprise, really. Maybe the iPad and tablets in general have lost their mojo. Sales for iPads have been decreasing for 9 straight quarters.

The new 9.7 inch iPad is just called “iPad” and is cheaper and faster than previous entry models. It comes with either 32GB or 128GB and is priced at $329 ($100 more for the 128GB version). The new iPad will be available to order on Friday, March 24.

But, there were other new products announced and one discontinued. First there is a new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus…now in bright red.  Surprising is the fact it will come only in 128GB and 256GB configuration. Price starts at $869.

Next, Apple announced that their 4” iPhone SE will get a storage bump to 32GB and 128GB. The base model will sell for $399. Also announced were a slug of new, overpriced Apple Watch bands and a couple of new iPhone cases.

Finally, Apple is releasing a new, free video editing app for iOS called “Clips.” It is designed to help you capture, edit, and post short, shareable videos to your social networks. You can filter your videos, create animated captions called Live Titles, and add music and emoji's. It is coming in April. That probably means we will also see the latest upgrade to iOS 10.3 in April also.

I mentioned that Apple discontinued one item. That would be the iPad Mini 2. It has been available for quite some time as a cheaper alternative to the current iPad Mini 4. While Apple has not killed off the Mini line, there is only one model left…the iPad Mini 4 with 128 GB of memory…$130 more than the now-deceased iPad Mini 2. You can probably find the Mini 2 in stock at places while supplies last. I saw one at Costco just the other day.

There were several rumors floating about that said there were some new iPad Pro models being released very soon. That still may happen but don’t know when. And I don’t know if it will be by a press release of a real live event. Things have sure changed for Apple.

 

Tech News and Opinions

Apple's quiet release of its cheaper, faster iPad proves no one cares about tablets anymore

The iPad franchise has gone from headlining marquee Apple events to showing up in a quiet announcement via press release.

 

The Productivity Wars Are Heating Up; Google and Amazon Take on Microsoft

If Microsoft is not careful, there are several competitors, namely Google and Amazon, who are building up their arsenals to take on Office with the hope of tapping into the lucrative cash flow from these services.

 

Millions of records leaked from huge US corporate database

The database contains more than 33 million records from government departments and large corporate clients which get sold onto marketers.

 

Future of the PC is an intelligent cloud that connects a family of devices

The modern PC is evolving but not into a single form factor, as some may believe

 

Amazon will now tell Prime members what to wear via a new “Outfit Compare” feature

Now the online retailer is looking to dole out its fashion advice to the masses, too, through a new feature called “Outfit Compare,” which is currently available to Prime members.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to use a Chromebook: 10 must-know tips, tricks, and tools for beginners

Chromebooks are dead-simple to use, but just like any PC a little tweaking makes your experience that much better.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Start Your Transition to Microsoft Edge

If you’re interested in switching to Microsoft Edge from another browser—or perhaps you just wish to access your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords—you can do so more easily once you’ve installed the Windows 10 Creators Update.

 

Chrome quietly received a big 3D graphics boost

You should see faster performance, new texture types and visual effects (such as volume-based effects and tone mapping).

 

Shut up already! How to turn off unwanted web page sound

Sick of advertisements blaring when you visit a new web page? Here's how to stop annoying audio.

 

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.

 

Mobile Computing

Galaxy S8 and beyond: Samsung bets big on Bixby's AI

The digital voice assistant will debut soon on Samsung's next flagship phone, and the company plans to quickly add it to more products.

 

The Best RAW camera apps for shooting with the iPhone!

What are the best RAW camera apps available for my iPhone?

 

7 apps that are quietly killing your data plan

Stop these popular apps from running up monthly data charges.

 

Flipboard (for Android) Review & Rating

Flipboard is an excellent news-reading app that gathers articles from around the web and delivers them to your Android device in attractive Smart Magazines that you can tailor to your own interests. JRC: I use this app on every device I own. I also curate 3 magazines in Flipboard.

 

8 Android app shortcuts that are actually useful

Save yourself some taps while freeing up storage space, creating reminders, scanning receipts, recording audio notes, and more.

 

Gmail App Now Lets You Send and Request Money

The Gmail app on Android could be your new payment hub, assuming you are a fan of Google Wallet and need to send cash to people on the regular through email.

Russians Spies Hacked Yahoo?

Tech News and Opinions

Justice Department indicts Russian spies over Yahoo hacks

The Justice Department on Wednesday said it's indicted four hackers responsible for the second-largest online breach in history.

 

Marissa Mayer will get $23 million ‘golden parachute’ when Verizon completes Yahoo purchase

That payout will be a mixture of cash (around $3 million), equity, and benefits.

 

Apple found guilty of iPhone price-fixing in Russia

The tech giant had retailers coordinate on the prices of the iPhone 5 and 6, says the country's antimonopoly agency.

 

E-Book Sales Down 17% In First Three Quarters Of 2016

Nielsen Book determined that 2016 overall saw a decline of 15% in adult e-book sales, leading to a total decline of 16% in 2016 over 2015, including all age groups.

 

3 Reasons You’re Not Getting Sharp Photos

There are more than a few ways to improve your chances of getting sharper images. Here are a few tips to get you started.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Why Are My PC Speakers and Headphones Making Weird Noises?

There are dozens, maybe hundreds of explanations for unwanted sounds coming from your speakers. Luckily, the most common issues are fairly obvious.

 

How to Delete Your Accounts From the Internet

Deleting accounts you've created on the internet isn't always easy. Here's how to leave several big-name services, from Facebook and Google to Netflix and Hulu

 

Windows 10 Tip: Get the Creators Update on Your Own Schedule

This week, Microsoft began advertising how you can get the Windows 10 Creators Update as quickly as possible. But what if you wish to hold off a bit

 

Microsoft finally fixes 'critical' Windows security flaw after patch delay

The software giant made customers wait a month before rolling out a fix for a serious Windows security flaw with public exploit code.

 

Creators Update includes a few features for Windows Defender

It starts with security against memory and kernel attacks.

 

Mobile Computing

Disable WPAD in Windows to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks

Web Proxy Auto-Discovery (WPAD) gives organizations a way to automatically configure a proxy server on your system. Windows enables this setting by default. Here’s why that’s a problem.

 

Burner Accounts 101: How to Get Extra Numbers for a Smartphone

When you don't want to hand out your own phone number, don't buy a separate phone, just download one of these burner apps to your existing smartphone.

 

7 Easy Ways to Make Your Android Phone Less Annoying

Smartphone frustrations can snowball and add real stress to your day. Here are seven quick and simple things you can do to make your life just a bit easier.

 

Microsoft's Arrow Launcher for Android gets another big update

The biggest feature coming along in this update is tablet support, but there are a number of other little handy additions.

 

How to get your iPhone or iPad ready for iOS 10.3

It's likely that Apple will release iOS 10.3 before the end of the month, which means you have some time to get your hardware ready for the upgrade.

 

Should you buy a refurbished iPad?

Buying a refurb can save you a bunch of money, but buying from the right place will save your sanity.

The New Windows is Close While An Old One Nears Death

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft to begin Windows 10 Creators Update sign-off process this week

This coming week, Microsoft is expected to begin its internal sign-off process, in which the company will compile RTM (Release To Manufacturing) candidates and then release it for Insiders to test before deeming it good enough for the public.

 

Windows Vista has less than a month to live

If you’re one of the few people still using it, you have just a few weeks to find another option before time runs out.

 

Net neutrality DOA? Here's what's next for the internet

GOP says net neutrality hurts business. Democrats say changes will harm consumers.

 

Android is set to overtake Windows as most used operating system

Microsoft Windows holds the slimmest of margins over Android, and they could trade positions very soon if current trends continue.

 

More People Have Netflix Than a DVR

That's a huge change from 2011, when 44 percent of households had a DVR and just 28 percent had Netflix, according to a report conducted by Leichtman Research Group.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Untangling the mesh: Everything you need to know about Wi-Fi systems

Here is an in-depth explanation of the good and the bad of Wi-Fi systems (aka mesh networks) and their alternatives that will make your home Wi-Fi great.

 

Microsoft's playable ads let you try apps without downloading

Click a promo and it'll stream the full app for 3 minutes, giving you a feel for how the software works without forcing you to quit what you were doing before.

 

Best Windows 10 Apps for March Madness

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is just around the corner and for those who partake, the Windows Store has a few apps that might help you survive all the highs and lows of the tournament.

 

Use the Hidden PowerCfg Tool to Optimize Battery Life on Windows

The PowerCfg command is a hidden tool on Windows. Beyond just tweaking power-management settings, it can generate some sophisticated HTML reports on Windows 7, 8, and 10.

 

How to Run Windows 10 From a USB Drive

Yes, you can load and run Windows 10 from a USB drive, a handy option when you're using a computer saddled with an older version of Windows.

 

Mobile Computing

 

Japan's decluttering guru Kondo now has an app for tidying up

The app called "KonMari," was launched a few months ago and gives out organizing tips, allows people to share before and after pictures, and provides a platform for her followers to socialize.

 

When cell phone disaster strikes, you have some options

Don't wait until your phone is stolen or submerged to prepare for the worst.

 

How to access your iCloud Photo Library on the web

How do you access your Photo Library, and all your pictures and videos, from anywhere? With iCloud on the web!

 

10 best video chat apps for Android

Video calling is about as easy as it can possibly get these days. You can do it on computers, mobile devices, and even tablets.

 

11 Uses for Your Old Smartphone

Do you have an old smartphone lying around? Turn it into something cool.

The Great and Not-So Great Media Streaming Devices

Since PC Magazine just released its latest ratings of the current batch of media streaming devices (story #1), I thought its a good time to talk about these devices based on my own experiences. Of all the devices listed, I have first-hand experience with the Amazon Fire Stick, the Roku 3 and the Roku Stick, and Google Chromecast. I know…I am a nerd.

First, let’s mention one I have no experience with and is doubtful I ever will. That would be the Apple TV. PC Magazine talks about it but does not give it a rating. They use pretty light-weight language in their short review so as not to offend Apple. As I don’t have to worry about that, I think it is a device not worth owning…unless you might be an Apple Fan Boy and will buy anything they sell. I’m not.

It is way, way overpriced compared to the others ($150-$200), is highly Apple-Centric, doesn’t support 4K, and doesn’t support two of the biggest content providers: Netflix and Amazon. As a great portion of my TV watching is done on these two channels, the exclusion of those two makes Apple TV a no-go for me.

As for my Roku devices and my new Amazon Fire Stick, they are definitely excellent products. I’m really enamored with the Fire Stick ($39) as it has fantastic voice search built-in using Alexa and excellent picture quality. It is fast and efficient in its operation.The voice search is about 95% right on the money. 

I still love my Roku 3 device ($79) and use it on a regular basis. As I wrote here once before, the picture quality is just slightly less than the Fire Stick, but is not really noticeable unless you spend a lot of time comparing the two. Definitely recommend it.

As for the Roku Stick ($29, $39, $49), it is much slower in operation than the Roku 3 or Fire Stick. The picture quality is excellent. I don’t use it much as it is on the bedroom TV and I do most of watching on the 50” TV in the living room. More comfortable seating there also.

As for the Google Chromecast ($35) I can’t recommend it. After using it for a short time before I bought the Fire Stick, I didn’t like it very much. There is no remote control…you must use a tablet or smartphone to operate it. I found that to be a great nuisance, especially when using it with DirecTV Now . The picture quality was good, but not great.

Bottom line…if you want to spend the least amount of money for one of these devices, get the Amazon Fire Stick. You will not regret it. If you want to spend a little more, get the Roku 3 or better. They do have many more channels to choose from and there are some models with 4K capability. 

A quick word about DirecTV Now…it still is not available on any of the Roku devices, but does work well on Fire Stick. I did not use DirecTV much in February, but will be using it more from now on as baseball is here as well as the Stanley Cup playoffs and Indy Car racing (am not a basketball fan). And I do watch the occasional film on Turner Movie Classics. Love some of those old movies.

One other issue on the subject of cutting the cord: I got very used to no commercials on Amazon, Netflix, Acorn, and PBS, so when I see them on DirecTV channels, it drives me up the wall. Once you free yourself of commercials (for everything except sports, of course) you really get used to watching shows uninterrupted from beginning to end. Just a warning.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but thought you might like to know my experiences with cord-cutting. And now…on with the show. -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

The Best Media Streaming Devices of 2017

We pit the highest-rated streaming boxes and sticks against one another to find out which one is your best bet for watching shows, movies, and more on your television.

 

IBM built an atomic hard drive

IBM announced they have drastically reduced the space required to store a bit of information down to that of a single atom.

 

Facebook enlists AI tech to help prevent suicide

Now Facebook is ready to take a first and significant step in building a safer and more supportive Facebook community by significantly strengthening its own suicide prevention tools.

What to expect from the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft is putting the finishing touches on the next big update to Windows 10. Here's what you can expect when the Creators Update begins rolling out to the general public next month.

 

Microsoft reduced Windows update sizes by 35 percent

With the "Creators Update," downloads will be significantly smaller.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Easiest Way to Fix Wi-Fi Issues: Move Your Router (Seriously)

Are there Wi-Fi dead zones in your house? Before you do anything drastic, you might be able to fix it by simply moving your router.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Turn Off File Explorer Advertising

While the Creators Update will include a number of important improvements to Windows 10, the escalation of File Explorer advertising isn’t one of them. Here’s how to turn it off.

 

What’s the Difference Between Office 365 and Office 2016?

There are two ways you can buy Microsoft Office. You can buy the traditional Microsoft Office 2016 product, or get it as part of an Office 365 software subscription. Here’s the difference.

 

Google's Keep is now an excellent sidekick to its productivity apps

Now, it’s getting an upgrade that’ll make it useful for creating professional documents.

 

Explore the galaxy in full 3D with Celestia

There are lots of free space exploration programs around, but Celestia is one of the best.

 

Mobil Computing

Samsung's Tab S3 and Galaxy Book take on iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4

With no Galaxy S8 announcement at Mobile World Congress this year, Samsung turned to its Android and Windows 10 tablets to fill the void.

 

Google Allo update adds Android Auto support and animated emojis

Google has updated its Allo messaging app that is now a lot more useful to those who spend a lot of time in their car.

 

Google says many of the holes revealed in the CIA leak are already fixed

Earlier this week, WikiLeaks released more than 8,000 documents that revealed how the CIA targets Android phones.

 

Apple to WikiLeaks: Our latest iOS stops potential CIA hacks

You should apparently update to the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system on your iPhone or iPad.

 

How to take photos on an iPad that don't suck

Rather than struggle and switch between your iPhone, iPad, and DSLR, you could learn how to master the ways of the iPad camera with a few of our helpful hints.

 

How to extract your messages and voicemails from your iPhone or iPad

How do I extract messages and voicemails from my iPhone or iPad? There's an app for that!

Microsoft Locks Out Many Users

Were you locked out of your Microsoft account in the last couple of days? I sure was. Microsoft suffered authentication problems that have yet to be explained. As of now, the problems seemed to be solved…at least according to articles I read on the Net.

I was going a little crazy as I could not get mail from my live.com address, not to mention even logging in. My e-mail programs reported authentication problems. I even went to the trouble of looking for other e-mail programs for my Windows computers. As I was making one more attempt to log in using the Microsoft Mail application, it suddenly cleared up. And now all is well.

FYI: I did not find another Windows-based e-mail program that I liked…and as my needs are simple, the Microsoft Mail program works well for me and looks good…that is when it recognizes my email name and password. PS: I use “Spark” for my email software on the MAC and Outlook on iOS devices.  I admit I love playing around with different software applications.

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Hit With Authentication Issue, Many Users Were Locked Out

If you are trying to login to your Microsoft account today and are being told your password is incorrect, it can’t find your account, or your two-factor authentication has failed, you are not alone.

 

FCC Blocks Rules to Let You Control How ISPs Use Your Data

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, however, says the move simply "granted the telecom industry its wish."

 

Windows updates to become more reliable and predictable, with fewer surprise reboots

It'll be easier to stop Windows from rebooting in the middle of something important.

 

How to Use Netflix’s Secret Category Codes to Satiate Any Movie Craving

How to Use Netflix’s Secret Category Codes to Satiate Any Movie Craving

 

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X Review

Look out, Intel. AMD's Ryzen 7 processor can go cycle-for-cycle with your best processors. And for a lot less money.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

 

How to install apps on a separate drive on Windows 10

When your PC has limited storage space, or you simply want to keep things separate, use this guide to install or move apps to a different drive on Windows 10.

 

Clippy is back, and this time it's coming for your browser

The world's most infamous paper clip is back in the form of a Chrome extension called Clippy Everywhere!

 

The 25 laptops with the best battery life

These are the current laptops, tablets and 2-in-1 hybrids with the longest battery life.

 

How to Clean Up Your Facebook News Feed in Just a Few Taps

Thankfully, Facebook has developed some tools to help you sort and clean up your News Feed.

 

How to Find Your Windows PC’s Serial Number

But you can often find a PC’s serial number with a simple command, a peek in your BIOS, or on the hardware itself.

 

Mobile Computing

How to customize Notification Center on iPhone and iPad

Can't find that notification that just popped up on your iPhone screen? There's a way to fix that!

 

20 Secret iPhone Tips And Hacks That You Didn't Know About

These are some of the best iPhone hacks you didn't know about, and exactly how you can find them.

 

How to Fix Inaccurate Charge Percentages by Calibrating Your Phone’s Battery

This process should work on iPhone, Android, and even tablets or laptops (almost all of which use lithium ion batteries).

 

Newest Lightroom designed to help snap those tricky photos

Adobe tackles tricky lighting with its newest phone software for photography. And it goes beyond standard JPEG images.

 

When is Google Assistant coming to my phone?

According to Google's announcement, the personal voice assistant that launched on the Pixel phone will slowly make its way to all devices in the US with English set as the device language.

 

13 Secret Codes That Unlock Hidden Features on Your Phone

Coders have a storied tradition of baking in secret passageways (or sometimes, just fun little Easter eggs) that can only be accessed by inputting a special "key." And so that tradition continues in the mobile age.

Someone’s Fat Finger Brought Down the Internet

Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but an itty bitty typing mistake at Amazon Web Services brought much of the Net down. As our level of technological sophistication keeps growing, the possibilities for major problems also grows. Not only in this example, but just look at the number of holes for hackers that keep opening up as our devices and operating systems grow in in sophistication. Due diligence is the watchword for developers and technicians. For more information on this, check out our first story.

On another subject, the rumors about the next iPhone are growing on a daily basis. Now, I hate rumors. I prefer to see a product’s final version instead of speculations prior to release. But I may have to make an exception for the iPhone 8. Some fascinating rumors are out in the wild now, some of them coming from highly respected publications, such as the Wall Street Journal. As many of us are iPhone users, I thought you might find some of the more credible rumors interesting…so here goes:

• The phone will have no bezel and will appear as a single sheet of glass
• With no bezel, there will be no physical home button
• Virtual buttons will replace home button
• Touch ID and the camera will be built into the display
• The screen itself will be a flexible OLED display
• It will use less power and offer a better contrast ratio and colors
• The display may be curved
• They will do away with the lightning port and replace it with USB-C
• It may also have wireless charging
• It will have a higher water-resistance rating
• Some models may be around $1,000

Again, these are only rumors. And we won’t know the final results until October when the phone is announced. If you would like some in-depth analysis of these rumors, just click here to read more about it.

Well, there is plenty of news and tech tips here to keep you busy, so I will let you get to it. I hope you have a great weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

How a single typo brought the web to its knees

This week, an Amazon Web Service (AWS) failure caused a massive outage all over the internet. Today, we know why: a typo.

 

Mobile World Congress 2017

Here is the latest news and updates from this year's Mobil World Congress in Barcelona.

 

These are the most exciting phones at MWC

LG, Sony and Samsung --the most popular phones on CNET now introduced to us at Mobile World Congress 2017.

 

Mossberg: The PC is being redefined

The redefinition of the PC is an ongoing thing. Even students who might otherwise be permanently attached to their phones are still likely to use a MacBook, Windows laptop, or Chromebook some of the time.

 

Google's YouTube TV will offer a streaming cable TV service for $35 a month

The plan is to launch YouTube TV in the US, an internet-based television service that will offer access to local broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW, along with a bunch of cable networks.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

​Gmail boost: Now you can receive 50 megabyte attachments to your emails

Starting this week, Google will help Gmail users in this scenario by letting them open up any files of up to 50 megabytes (50MB) in size.

 

How to share an internet connection using a wireless hotspot on Windows 10

When you need to share an internet connection with other devices, use this guide to quickly create a wireless hotspot on Windows 10.

 

How to force Cortana to use your default browser

A Norway-based developer recently created a program called EdgeDeflector that puts a stop to Cortana’s shenanigans.

 

Replacing Evernote with Bear

It’s another cloud-based note-taking app, and it doesn’t have half the features Evernote does. It is also exponentially faster and more pleasant to use. As it turns out, these things are related.

 

The Best Tune-Up Utilities of 2017

A PC tune-up utility is an application that digs deep into your computer and fixes trouble areas. It performs several functions.

 

Mobile Computing

Best Microsoft apps for Android

From heavy-hitters like Office to side projects developed by employees in their free time under the Microsoft Garage label, Microsoft has a lot to offer on Android.

 

How to Prevent Certain Photos from Showing Up in Android’s Gallery or Google Photos

There’s not an easy way to just let Gallery or Google Photos know you want to keep certain photos (or even folders) private. But there is a workaround.

 

Google's iOS Keyboard Updated with Voice Typing, More

If you use an iPhone, you know that the built-in virtual keyboard is lackluster at best. Fortunately, you have plenty of options. And one of the better choices, Google Gboard, just got a big update.

 

How to Share Your iTunes Library Among Multiple Devices

You have one iTunes library at home but you want to share it among different devices. Here's how.

 

Best way to shoot photographs at night with the iPhone

Shooting late at night can be a bit tricky, especially with an iPhone, but you don't need a 7 Plus to capture stunning pictures.

 

How SIM cards work

We deal with SIM cards on a daily basis in our phones (and sometimes tablets), but yet, we know very little about them.

First Look at New Phones from World Mobile Congress

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung boss to be indicted for bribery, embezzlement and hiding funds abroad

Lee was arrested earlier in February after being accused of bribing South Korean President Park Geun-hye to help him assume control of the Samsung Group.

 

All the phones we saw at Mobile World Congress 2017

There's a long list of new phones to be excited about.

 

Nokia now has three budget Android phones, but everyone will want the 3310 nostalgia model

For around $50 you'll get a 2.4-inch screen, voice and text messaging, limited Internet browsing via an Opera Mini browser, a 2MP camera, and a 22-hour battery

 

Mozilla announces acquisition of Pocket

Pocket is a popular app that allows you to save links from several browsers and other applications in an easily-accessible list.

 

Which Roku Should I Buy? Express vs. Stick vs. Premier vs. Ultra

Well, to start, there are no bad choices: every Roku device can stream Netflix, Hulu, and thousands of other channels in full HD, not to mention some great free video channels.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Three steps to make managing passwords easier

Dealing with passwords will probably never be painless, but you can at least simply the process

 

Shut down Windows 10 with just one click (or two)

Another version of Windows, another silly three-click process just to shut down your PC. Here are some faster alternatives.

 

How to Scan, Save, and Shred Your Tax Documents

Get organized with these tips on how to manage your tax documents, both physically and digitally.

 

How to make Word custom bullet points to enhance your documents

Even the most boring reports can use a bit of bling.

 

Windows 10 will soon let you block desktop apps from installing

The latest Windows Insider preview build of Windows 10 includes options to only allow apps from the Windows Store, but the feature appears to be set as allowing apps from anywhere to install by default.

 

Mobile Computing

iOS widgets: 6 of the best to replace Apple's own

iOS widgets are a great way to check in on your day. Apple gave us its own take on widgets with the core apps built into iOS 10, but you can do better.

 

Five best flight tracking apps for iPhone

If you're feeling lost in the air, these flight tracking apps will keep you grounded!

 

Best way to shoot photographs at night with the iPhone

Shooting late at night can be a bit tricky, especially with an iPhone, but you don't need a 7 Plus to capture stunning pictures.

 

Ghost apps live on to torment Android users

Even after they've been removed from the app store, rogue apps can still be causing hassles for the people that downloaded them.

 

17 new and notable Android apps from the last 2 weeks

Here is a 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 2 weeks or so.

 

Android Messages will be the new default texting app Google wants you to use

It offers multimedia messages, read receipts, and other features you’d expect from a normal chat app like WhatsApp or iMessage.

Apple’s Spaceship Just About Ready to Fly

Tech News and Opinions

Apple's 'spaceship' campus to open in April

The first employees will soon start moving into the new campus. Parts of "Apple Park" will be open to the public.

 

Windows 10 Device Usage: February

A new report from AdDuplex examines the relative popularity of PC makers, Surface devices, OS versions, and more.

 

Microsoft Confirms Second Windows 10 Update Coming This Year

In a month or two, Microsoft will release the Creators update for Windows 10 that will bring several new features to the platform. Microsoft is planning a second update for 2017 for Windows 10 and now the company has confirmed these plans.

 

We talked to Windows tech support scammers. Here's why you shouldn't

They're after one thing -- money. And when they can't get it, they'll resort to any means necessary.

AMD’s new Ryzen processors will take on Intel starting next week

AMD is launching three new Ryzen 7 processors on March 2 the will attempt to take the crown for fastest PC processors in the world from rival Intel.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft announces new updates for Windows 10 Mail and Calendar

Microsoft has detailed its next wave of updates for the Mail and Calendar apps, with these new features rolling out over the next few weeks.

 

Microsoft OneDrive to get differential sync in Q2 2017

Microsoft's latest OneDrive roadmap shows Q2 2017 as the ship target for a long-awaited feature: Differential sync...the ability to sync only the parts of files that had changed, not entire files

 

OneNote for Windows 10 Updated with Section Passwords

OneNote for Windows 10 received a fairly major update today with several new features, including section password support, notebook reordering, and more.

 

How To Replace Notepad with Another Text Editor in Windows

Here is how to actually replace Notepad so that your preferred text editor becomes the default tool when you—or any app—opens text files or calls on Notepad from anywhere in the Windows interface.

 

7 Free Apps to Install on a New Windows PC

Gotta love the smell of a fresh new machine, but now you have to get back to productivity zen by recovering your files and installing programs.

 

Mobile Computing

What is an alternative mobile carrier?

If you're savvy enough to buy a phone that you know will connect to the network of a particular carrier, you can save big money over the same two-year period a phone is usually paid off when on a big carrier.

 

Instagram now lets everyone share up to 10 photos and videos at once

Instagram has officially announced that the Carousel feature is rolling out to all users beginning today.

 

Best iPhone apps from iMore.com

Which are the ones that will best help you with your work, your hobbies, your responsibilities, and your fun? Out of all the apps, which deserve your attention? Here are the answers.

 

The Cloud? Apple's iOS can't handle the Cloud

iOS's integration with 3rd-party cloud services stinks. What does Apple need to do to make iOS a best-in-class cloud citizen? Or is Android too far ahead?

 

10 best dictionary apps for Android

They’re valuable learning tools. It’s even better when you conveniently have them on your mobile phone. Here are the best dictionary apps for Android:

 

Universal Kernel Manager Tweaks Your Android System With Relative Ease

Most users will never want to touch this, but if you’re a tweaker with a desire to overclock your phone, Universal Kernel Manager can be a huge help.

Should Robots Pay Income and Social Security Taxes?

Bill Gates has brought forth an interesting idea that deserves consideration. He says robots that replace human workers should be pay taxes equal to the amount their human counterparts would have paid (see story #2). As robots will eventually replace a large majority of human workers, that is not a bad idea. I like it!. But to avoid these taxes, corporations would then just move their factories out of the country, much like they do now. Of course, our Congress Critters will never let this happen as they are under the thumb of giant corporations.

And, along those same lines, the FCC is rapidly becoming the enemy of ordinary citizens and the dear friend of the Giant media corporations.They have already declared their intent to end net neutrality. Now they have cut off subsidies to provide cheap Internet to low-income persons (see story #1) . 

In still another anti-consumer move, they have kill off the proposal that would eliminate the need for consumers to spend hundreds of dollars each year to rent a cable box. This was being pushed by the FCC council before the Trump Presidency. With his man now in control, most consumer protections are headed out the window. So sad.

Well there is some good news below so read on and let us all hope for the best. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

FCC is stopping 9 companies from providing subsidized Internet to the poor

FCC regulators are telling nine companies they won't be allowed to participate in a federal program meant to help them provide affordable Internet access to low-income consumers — weeks after those companies were given the green light.

 

Bill Gates says robots should be taxed like workers

In a new interview, Microsoft founder Bill Gates makes a rather stunning argument—that robots who replace human workers should incur taxes equivalent to that worker’s income taxes.

 

Deleting your Yahoo email account? Yeah, good luck with that

Some Yahoo users say inconsistent security practices makes the account deletion process near impossible.

 

Update: Microsoft to delay its February patches to March 14

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday patches are not going to arrive until Tuesday March 14, officials confirm, while providing no reasons for the delay.

 

Opinion: Windows 10’s Settings Are a Mess, and Microsoft Doesn’t Seem to Care

There still isn’t a single interface, as there is on other operating systems, and Microsoft is seriously dragging their feet on consolidating them.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Free Software of 2017

Your phone is full of apps, but don't neglect the desktop. These programs can make your life better.

 

The Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2017

Is typing a pain? Are you ready to switch things up? A mechanical keyboard can make everything click again. Here are our shopping tips and product recommendations.

 

Microsoft's Cortana can now create reminders from your emails

In the battle of the virtual assistants, Microsoft's Cortana just scored. The company is rolling out new functionality that will allow the assistant to remind you about things you haven't explicitly told her to track.

 

Windows 10 tip: Back up your third-party hardware drivers

Tracking down drivers and control software for internal and external hardware devices after a clean reinstall doesn't have to be a tedious job. The secret is to back up the driver file repository that Windows 10 maintains. Here's where you'll find it.

 

Top 10 Ways to Extend Your Laptop's Battery Life

Here are some easy tips to extend the life of your laptop’s battery, both in a pinch and before you leave the house.

 

Mobile Computing

AT&T vs. Verizon vs. T-Mobile vs. Sprint: How to save and get the cheapest phone plan

Which plan is the most affordable? How much are extra lines? Should I get a prepaid plan or a postpaid plan?

8 ways to improve iPhone battery life

If your iPhone doesn't hold a charge like it used to, these tips should help you get a boost from your battery.

 

6 gotta-know Spotify tips for Android and iOS

Save Spotify radio stations for offline listening, snip out the gaps between songs, keep the music playing when your playlist runs out, and more.

 

Jaybird X3 may be the perfect sport buds

The Modern Dad discovers the Jaybird X3 are a great companion for the gym, a quick jog, or really for whatever.

 

10 best Android apps to sell stuff

The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to selling your stuff. You’ll have a few extra bucks and some empty space before you know it.

Can You Believe It? Yahoo Screws Up Again! #3

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo warns users against hackings as it suffers yet another breach

The hackers purportedly relied on a sophisticated cookie forging exploit that could be executed without the need to acquire user passwords, ZDNet reports.

 

Microsoft delays its usual Patch Tuesday updates

It's Microsoft Patch Tuesday, but the company is delaying issuing any patches for some unspecified period of time due to "a last minute issue."

 

Twitter Is Now Temporarily Throttling Reach Of Abusive Accounts

Twitter is temporarily decreasing the reach of tweets from users it believes are engaging in abusive behavior via a new protocol that began rolling out last week.

 

In 2016, Android and iPhone Killed Off All Smartphone Competition

Gartner paints an incredible picture of why Microsoft abandoned the smartphone market: Android and iOS now account basically 100 percent of all new smartphone sales.

 

Hacker knows best: Privacy tips from Kevin Mitnick

This security expert knows all the tricks for stealing your personal information. His new book tells you how to keep your data safe.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Keep All Your Notes, With All My Notes

It makes a great PIM (Personal Information Manager), and is available in a variety of versions.

 

Having touchpad issues in Windows 10? Here's how to fix them

Get tips to revive a dead touchpad or settle down one that's acting skittish on a Windows 10 laptop.

 

How to Automatically Hide the Windows Taskbar

Every bit of monitor space is precious, particularly vertical space. But in Windows 10, the fairly large taskbar takes up real estate even when you don’t need it.

 

How to Customize Your Icons in Windows

Windows has a number of built in icons you can choose from, but there is also an untold number of icons you can download

 

How to Organize Your Desktop With Windows 10 Snap Assist

Here's how to use Snap Assist to cleanly display multiple windows in a single bunch.

 

Mobile Computing

Sprint tweaks its unlimited plan following Verizon and T-Mobile changes

The changes go into effect tomorrow, February 17, and they include unlimited streaming of HD video (up to 1080p).

 

Facebook now has a built-in weather app

Facebook started offering weather "greetings" to some users in April last year, but now it's rolling out a fully fledged weather app on both desktop and mobile.

 

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Dash Cam

In countries like Russia, dash cams are pretty much mandatory for insurance reasons

 

How to Find the Best Android Calendar App

Design, email integration, widgets, and task management: Here are our picks for the top Android Calendars in each of those categories.

 

Top 10 New Android Games This Week

This edition is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now.

 

Location Services on your iPad; what you need to know

They can also become intrusive if given too much access–it just depends on what your expectations are and how informed you are from the beginning.  

US Senate Demands Answers from Yahoo

She may be smiling in this photo, but, trust me, Marissa Mayer is not a happy person right now. The CEO of Yahoo is under tremendous pressure by two Senate Committee Chairmen to answer why over one billion Yahoo accounts were hacked and customer’s private data was exposed and stolen. Not only that, they want to know why the public and Yahoo stockholders were never informed of the breach.

They also kept the news away from potential buyers of the company, like Verizon. This is a betrayal of public trust, and I believe, a violation of corporate laws by a publicly held corporation. The breaches occurred in 2013 and 2014. Yahoo “abruptly” canceled a meeting late last month with Senate staff, and did not reschedule. You can read all about it in our first story.

Lots more good information here and some great tips so keep on reading! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Senators demand answers about Yahoo's unprecedented data breaches

Two Republican senators are losing patience with Marissa Mayer. They set a February 23 deadline to address unanswered questions about two unprecedented data breaches.

 

Microsoft to Sign Off Windows 10 Creators Update in Early March - Report

Windows 10 Creators Update RTM (Released to Manufacturing) could be signed off by Microsoft between March 7 and March 14 this year.

 

Google is planning to remove millions of apps from the Play Store

With notices being sent out to app developers around the globe, it looks like Google is about to cull a whole heap of apps that don’t meet the terms of its User Data Policy.

 

Apple is Dead to Me...I'm Switching to Windows!

A world-famous photographer has made the switch. “It’s too bad that Apple has chosen not to care so much about the creative professional; we were the ones that got them through the lean years.”

 

Libre Office Version 5.3 Released

This version is being dubbed the most feature-rich edition so far. However, it's rare for software developers to remove features, so it's hardly surprising that this latest release has more of them than the previous one did!

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How Windows Explorer can help you find duplicate files

Why, after all these years, it doesn’t have a 'find duplicates' function, we can’t say. But even without it, it’s perfectly adequate to the task, although it means a bit more work on your part.

 

What's 2017's fastest Windows 10 web browser?

In years past, Google Chrome was easily the best. This time around it's a three-horse race.

 

How to clean your Windows registry and speed up your PC

A cluttered registry can slow Windows to a crawl.

 

How to Fix the Most Annoying Things in Windows 10

Windows 10 is great, but it has its issues. Here's how to fix them.

 

Microsoft starts roll out of Outlook Mail's Focused Inbox feature to more users in Windows 10

Focused Inbox, in case you are unfamiliar, is a major feature in Outlook that helps you focus on the important stuff while keeping the less important emails in an easily accessible section.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon's unlimited data plan is back, finally

Verizon is the last of the major carriers to offer such a plan, while T-Mobile and Sprint aggressively push unlimited.

 

T-Mobile hits back at Verizon with an even better unlimited plan

Adding these changes onto T-Mobile One should push the balance back in T-Mobile’s direction for heavy data users.

 

Best Free Android Apps -Updated 2017

This list of Best Free Android Apps now includes 239 apps in multiple categories. We have selected some gems in each category and added them to the list with clear and brief descriptions of each app.

 

20 Best iPhone Apps of 2017

Have an afternoon to burn and want to download some toys? These are our must-have iPhone apps.

 

Google Maps now lets you create and share lists of places

Your lists can be viewed on both the desktop and mobile apps, and you'll even be able to view them offline if you download the relevant area in advance.

Notes from the Field

Microsoft apparently will introduce a new version of Windows called “Windows Cloud.” They don’t even acknowledge it’s existence yet, but a tech reporter got his hands on a copy of it. The new OS is designed to compete with Google’s Chrome operating system which has become quite successful. As reported here earlier, Chrome-based laptops are cheap and the new ones will also run Android Apps. The rumor is Windows Cloud will be released in early April…same time the updated Windows 10 version (Creator’s Edition) is released. We shall see.

I still use eMClient as my mail/calendar app on my Windows computers and am happy with it (see story #6 below). It is free, but limited to 2 e-mail addresses. For me, that is OK. The eMClient calendar app syncs nicely with Google Calendar which is my base calendaring system. As I use Windows, MAC and iOS devices, I need apps that can sync with Google Calendar cross-platform and there are apps that do…even though I do not use the Google Calendar app on any of my machines.

I still use my 9.7” iPad tablet on a daily basis. If you are thinking about getting a tablet for yourself, don’t even bother with an Android Tablet. In my opinion (and the opinion of tech journalists), Android tablets stink! Just get an iPad…you won’t regret it.

I still love my HP Spectre laptop that I bought on Black Friday. It is the best laptop I have ever used. With an i7 chip, 512 SSD drive, and 16 GB of memory, it is so fast! When I turn it on, Windows boots up in about 4 seconds, ready to go! And the keyboard is just wonderful. My fingers fly on it…which was not the case with my Apple MacBook Pro. I never got used to any Apple keyboard.

In years past, I’ve written about the problems I have with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud backup on my MAC. Well, all problems with OneDrive were solved some time ago! It now works like a dream. Documents and photos are backed up to the cloud almost as soon as I create them. With an Office 365 subscription, OneDrive with 1 TB of cloud space is free. For $10 a month, that is a great deal…at least for me.

Speaking of the cloud, Apple’s iCloud is a joke when compared to OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon Cloud, and Google Drive. Can’t believe Apple can’t get it right.

Those are my thoughts this day.  Will write more in the future about my computing experiences. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Watch the latest drone video of Apple’s new $5 billion Cupertino campus

“It’s a little like a spaceship has landed,” said Steve Jobs...and it is close to opening.

 

HBO NOW’s streaming service surpasses 2 million subscribers

HBO’s streaming service for cord cutters, HBO NOW, has grown to over 2 million subscribers in the U.S., parent company Time Warner announced

 

Evernote is getting faster thanks to Google's Cloud Platform

You might see Evernote's pages load faster than usual going forward, now that the service is almost fully done moving 3 petabytes of data to Google Cloud Platform.

 

The 7 best tech items from AmazonBasics

Amazon sells many good items with their own brand name. Many of them are quite good. Here are the best of the bunch.

 

Walmart kills its Amazon Prime copycat

Walmart waited a decade to introduce a membership shipping service to compete against Amazon's hugely successful Prime program. Less than two years later, it's killing off the new service and changing tactics.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

3 great email app alternatives to Windows Mail: Mailbird, eM Client and Inky

Windows 10's default app isn't the best option for unruly inboxes. Try one of these instead.

 

How to customize your reading list in Edge for Windows 10

There's more to read online than you could ever hope to cover, but thanks to Microsoft Edge's Reading List feature, you can create a reading list of the awesome stuff you can't to get to right now.

 

The Best Tax Preparation Software of 2017

Doing your own taxes isn't as intimidating as it sounds. These top-rated online tax services get the job done without the fuss

 

How to force Firefox to retain your preferred search engine

If you're a Firefox user, you've probably noticed that it reverts to Yahoo as its search provider each time it automatically updates. Here's how to stop that.

 

3 Ways to Speed Up Windows 10

Windows 10's settings offer a few surprising ways to make the OS run faster (video included).

 

Mobile Computing

15 Cool Smartphone Camera Tricks You Should Know

Chances are, you're not even taking advantage of all the cool things your phone's camera can do.

 

How to share your Android phone's connection with Wi-Fi hotspot

You don't have to be a networking wizard to turn your handset into a personal hotspot.

 

The safest ways to lend someone your Android phone

You can let people borrow your device without revealing your open apps, browser tabs, or personal data.

 

5 ways Android has taken Apple’s ideas and made them better

Google took one look at the iPhone Apple unveiled in early 2007 and it instantly knew it was cloning the wrong mobile experience.

 

Choosing the right (and best!) Lightning cable for the job!

While the standard lightning cable that comes with your iPhone is great, there are some really reliable, high-quality alternatives out there that may actually give you a bit more bang for your buck.

New FCC Commission is Selling Us Down the River

Tech News and Opinions

How the New FCC Plans to Dismantle Consumer Protections

Here’s what’s happening and how it affects the principle of net neutrality going forward. PS: It will be designed to protect giant media corporations contrary to any BS about promoting competition.

 

Congress just passed a law that tightens America's email privacy laws

This law, which has bipartisan support, requires the government to obtain a warrant before accessing the email of American citizens.

 

Vizio smart TVs tracked what viewers were watching without consent

As well as paying a hefty fine, Vizio has been ordered to delete all information collected before March 2016.

 

The Super Bowl live-streams crashed for both Comcast and Fox Sports

Folks watching on the Fox Sports app lost their stream during the game’s pivotal fourth quarter.

 

Web of Trust browser extensions yanked after proving untrustworthy

Mozilla decided to pull the Web of Trust add-on from its catalog, and the company behind the extension quickly pulled its software off of other browser platforms as well.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Run Android on Your Computer

Android isn’t largely thought of as a desktop operating system, but if you’re curious about how Google’s mobile OS works, running it on a device you already have isn’t a bad idea.

 

First Steps: Scan Old Photos and Back Them Up to the Cloud

Those seeking to bring their old photo collections into the digital age face numerous challenges, not the least of which is the monotonous task of scanning individual photos or negatives. Here are a few thoughts about this process.

 

Netflix extension for Chrome is your shortcut to a ton of hidden categories

Available for free, Netflix Categories is a neat new Chrome extension that removes the hassle out of browsing the hidden categories of the popular streaming service.

 

Office 365 tip: Using 'Add to AutoCorrect' to make you more productive

Never make the same typos again by using AutoCorrect to make your typing much more efficient.

 

FAQ: How to manage Windows 10 updates

If you've spent years mastering the ins and outs of Windows Update, prepare to do some unlearning. Windows 10, with its emphasis on "Windows as a Service," rewrites almost all the rules of updates and upgrades. Here's what you need to know.

 

Mobile Computing

6 essential settings to make your iPhone and iPad display easier on the eyes

Make text larger, or just bolder. Zoom in on all of the screen or just parts. And finally get buttons to look like buttons again, with these helpful tips for iOS 9 and later.

 

Why your iPhone battery meter sometimes goes haywire

Even though many people complained to me about bizarre battery hiccups, I was unconvinced until I experienced virtually every one of them myself. 

 

How to Transfer Photos from Mac or Windows Computer to iPhone or iPad

Now you can manage all your sweet memories on different devices like Mac/Windows PC and iPhone or iPad. This information tells you how to transfer photos from Mac or Windows PC to iPhone or iPad.

Google Maps for Android now gives one-swipe access to real-time commute data and dining recommendations

Today’s update comes a few weeks after Google introduced a new feature in Maps that predicts how busy the parking is at your destination.

 

Google Now Launcher to be discontinued by Google

Google's first launcher, the launcher that shipped with the Nexus series and that helped define what much of the theming community views as 'stock', will be retiring soon.

 

How to protect your privacy with a VPN on Android

You don't necessarily have to spend money, but free VPN apps come with some drawbacks.

Houston Astros Hacked…By the St. Louis Cardinals!

While baseball looks more gentlemanly than football or basketball or hockey, don’t let looks fool you. These “gentlemen” can play rough. Now, instead of stealing the other teams signs, one of them has been caught stealing data.

The St. Louis Cardinals hacked into the Houston Astros computers to steal scouting data and related e-mails. The man in charge of the hacks was sentenced to almost four years in a federal prison and the team is being forced to pay a hefty fine as well as lose draft picks. In view of other sports scandals, the Cardinals got away with a relatively light slap on the wrist…although the chief hacker might not agree with that statement.

What was it that Vince Lombardi said?  “Winning isn’t every thing…it is the only thing.” You might add to that quote, “…that is until you get caught.” And the Cardinals got caught.

More good info here, as usual, so don’t get caught short by not looking for something that might be of help. Have a great weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

St. Louis Cardinals nailed for big league hack

The National League powerhouse loses two draft picks and must pay $2 million in fines for hacking the Houston Astros in 2013.

Ransomware is about to get a lot worse, by holding your operating system hostage ZDNet

The threat of ransomware has grown at an unprecedented rate, rising from being a menace to becoming by far the most common form of malware delivered to victims by cyberattackers.

 

Security flaws in Pentagon systems "easily" exploited by hackers

Hackers are likely exploiting the easy-to-find vulnerabilities, according to the security researcher who warned the Pentagon of the flaws months ago.

 

Microsoft Provides More Details About Edge Improvements in the Creators Update

Microsoft provides a bit more information about the upcoming new version of their Web browser.

 

Canada declares 'high-speed' internet essential for quality of life

Canada has recognized the obvious and declared high-speed broadband internet access a “basic telecommunications service” that every citizen should be able to access.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

 

How to Assign a Persistent Drive Letter to a USB Drive in Windows

If you use multiple USB drives, you’ve probably noticed that the drive letter can be different each time you plug one in. If you’d like to assign a static letter to a drive that’s the same every time you plug it in, read on.

Online security 101: Tips for protecting your privacy from hackers and spies

This simple advice will help to protect you against hackers and government surveillance.

 

Windows 10 tip: Repair your Windows 10 installation

Performing a clean install or a reset means you have to reinstall apps and desktop programs and start over with settings and preferences. If you suspect Windows has become damaged, there's a less drastic solution: Run Setup to repair Windows. Here's how

 

How to Get the Best Cable Modem: Should You Buy or Rent?

You may be able to save money and get faster speeds by buying a cable modem instead of renting one from your ISP. Here's what you need to know.

 

What Are Mesh Wi-Fi Systems, and How Do They Work?

If your home’s Wi-Fi network has dead spots, or doesn’t reach across your entire house, then you might have recently considered getting a mesh Wi-Fi system. They’ve skyrocketed in popularity.

Mobile Computing

The safest ways to lend someone your Android phone

You can let people borrow your device without revealing your open apps, browser tabs, or personal data.

 

How to Switch From an iPhone to an Android Phone

Are you over Apple? Here's how to easily make the change from iOS to Google's Android ecosystem.

 

9 iPhone Apps No One Should Be Without

From productivity to playtime, here are the best iPhone apps to get you through the day.

 

Snapseed for Android and iOS gets its first 2017 update w/ new curves tool and more

Snapseed is one of our favorite photo editing tools for mobile, and it just keeps getting better with every update.

 

Quick Look: Gmail for iPad

I really like the default Mail app on the iPad. I think it’s a great example of what a good iPad Pro app should be.