Amazon First to Get Music Storage on the Web

Amazon launches digital music locker

Amazon got the jump on Apple and Google this evening with the launch of a much-anticipated digital music locker service that allows users to store their music on the Web and then listen to their collections on computers with a Web browser or on Android devices. Amazon Cloud Drive allows users to upload their digital music files--either AAC or MP3 formats--at their original bit rate to Amazon servers for storage and playback on any Web-connected PC, Mac, or Android device, wherever they are.

OMG! LOL: Internet Slang Added to Oxford English Dictionary

Time-saving online abbreviations like LOL, OMG, and IMHO are now part of the official English language. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) announced the addition of several acronyms to its dictionary, adding some interesting trivia behind the origins of these Internet-associated expressions.

Facebook Lets Users Put Questions in a Bottle

Facebook has opened up its new Questions feature, allowing curious questioners to query their friends and friends' friends on anything, any topic, any time. Facebook filters the answers to bring up those from members' direct circles of friends first. The addition has already caught the eyes of marketers, who see new potential in direct interactions with customers via social media.

10 gadgets you should actually get rid of (or not)

A recent New York Times article outlines several consumer electronics that you may or may not need, from digital cameras to books. But in reading it, I found myself disagreeing with several of his suggestions, which are meant for a broad (but fairly educated) audience — after all, the Times is among the most popular news outlets in the world.

WinHotKey - Free

Freeware application WinHotKey is a great first step toward the world of one-button automation, because it builds a ton of customizations into a program that's pretty simple to use--at least, in comparison to the relatively script-heavy hotkey applications

No News Today…Only Good Info and Tips

Some days are filled with exciting tech news, other days are so quiet you can hear a pin drop. That is what is happening today. But I always can find good information and some useful tips to make your computing more productive and useful.  I hope you find today’s stories to be helpful. - JRC

New Western Digital Drives Store Up To 6TB of Content

Content creators and Mac fans have been targeted with Western Digital's new My Book Studio Edition II hard drives. With storage up to 6TB, the Western Digital drives are compatible with Apple's Time Machine and can be reformatted for Windows PCs. The My Book Studio Edition II line offers dual drives and a five-year limited warranty.

How E-Books Are Coming Full Circle Thanks to Tablets

As tablet sales, led primarily by Apple’s iPad, gain momentum, it seems everyone wants in on the market. Not only are traditional computing and smartphone companies launching or announcing new slates, but e-reader makers look ready to do the same. The Barnes & Noble Nook Color, built to run on Google’s Android platform, will reportedly gain an app store next month, while Amazon just launched its own app store for Android devices earlier this week; possibly in advance of launching its own tablet. Standalone e-book readers have their benefits, but the shift to reading on multipurpose tablets is on.

Top 10 Clever Uses for Spare Thumb Drives

Chances are you've accumulated a few spare thumb drives over the years, choosing new ones thanks to better form factors and increased capacities. But what do you do with the old ones that are just lying around? Here are our top 10 clever, fun, and practical uses for your spare thumb drives.

Wikipedia Beautifier makes the encyclopedia more readable, removes clutter

Wikipedia Beautifier is an extension for Google Chrome that removes all the clutter from Wikipedia and lets you focus on the most important aspect of the online encyclopedia: its content. Wikipedia Beautifier has been inspired by Readability, and aims to provide the same amount of article-centered beauty, while also keeping the familiar navigation menus within reach.

Free Cleanup Utility SlimComputer Removes Unneeded Apps

This program from Slimware Utilities (maker of SlimDrivers) looks through your system for toolbars, trialware, and other unneeded programs and files, shows you what it finds, and will delete them for you if you want them gone.

How to Protect Your Privacy On-Line

I have always hated the idea that companies can stick tracking cookies on my computer without my knowledge…then use them to try and sell me products I don’t want.  It’s my computer, dammit, so keep your grubby little cookies all to yourself. In that vain, story #3 here is an excellent article that everyone who has a browser should read. Learn how to protect your privacy.

Along the same line, story #4 explains how to turn on the “Do Not Track” mode that will help you understand how to further protect yourself. All my browsers now have that protection turned on.

I found the article on the dangers now facing our public libraries fascinating, especially the what sanctions and limitations book publishers are forcing on them. And finally, if you use CCleaner like me, you may be interested in a free new add-on to this great program. So let’s get started. - JRC

AT&T deal won't mean iPhones for T-Mobile users yet

Giddy T-Mobile users hoping to get their hands on an iPhone shouldn't hold their breath. Even though AT&T announced its intention to acquire T-Mobile this week in a $39 billion blockbuster merger, T-Mobile says that it has no plans to support the Apple iPhone on its network in the near future. The reason, the company says, is that the AT&T deal isn't expected to be finished for at least another year and T-Mobile thus "remains an independent company."

Can libraries survive in a digital world?

Publishers stand accused of "nonsensical" policies on e-book lending to libraries. So, with nearly $1bn spent on e-books last year in the US alone, what does this mean for the institutions already at risk of closure?

Protect Your Privacy: Browse the Web Safely

When you browse the Web, it's like you've allowed a bunch of companies to implant a tracking device in your arm and a small camera in your head, recording where you go and what you look at. Thanks to ad networks, search engines, ISPs, and social networks, your online activities are tracked, analyzed, and sold. But there are a few things you can do to maintain some degree of privacy.

Understanding Do Not Track - Universal Web Tracking Opt-Out

Do Not Track is a technology that enables users to opt out of third-party web tracking, including behavioral advertising.

CCleaner Gets Even Better With CCEnhancer

If you're a fan of CCleaner, the best free clean-up tool you can find anywhere, you'll be a fan of free CCEnhancer as well. As the name says, it enhances CCleaner's already considerable capabilities

Get Your Red Hot Firefox4 Now

Firefox 4 hit the market yesterday and is a major success already. 4.7 million folks downloaded the new browser in less than 24 hours after it’s release….me included. Just to compare, when IE9 hit the market one week ago, it had only 2.35 million downloads in the first 24 hours. But comparing those numbers comes with a caveat…IE9 only works with Windows 7 and Vista, whereas Firefox works with all operating systems.

And what do I think of the the new Firefox 4? I like it. It seems faster and its interface is sleeker. There were a few things I didn’t like…a couple of my favorite add-on’s don’t work yet, but I am sure they will shortly…and some other changes to the toolbar irritated me. But, I was able to fix those, thanks to story #3 below.

And while this blog mainly covers Firefox, the last two stories here are about both IE9 and Chrome 10. Don’t want to leave anyone out (sorry Opera fans). So, it has been a big week for all the major browsers. So, which one will you use? - JRC

Firefox 4 launches into a tougher, faster world

Three years ago, Firefox 3 set the record for most downloads in a 24-hour period, cracking 8 million and positioning itself as a viable alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox 4, released today to the public at large after 12 public betas, two release candidates, and nearly a year of development, faces a hugely different landscape. Microsoft's Internet Explorer remains the dominant browser. And in less than three years, a significant chunk of the browser market has taken a shine to relative newcomer Google Chrome.

What's New and Awesome in Firefox 4

Windows/Mac/Linux: Firefox 4 is officially out, and it's got a lot going for it, including a more minimalistic interface, synchronization, and a serious speed increase. Here are the major changes in Firefox 4:

How to Fix Annoyances with Firefox 4's New Look

Firefox 4 has a lot going for it, but many of you (and us) mentioned that its UI has a few quirks that are a little annoying. Here's how to fix some of the worst offenders.

Internet Explorer 9: A Getting Started Guide

The new Web browser features a lot of interesting new tools such as taskbar shortcuts and dynamic jumplists, extensive HTML 5 support, hardware acceleration for improved graphics performance, and has a streamlined interface that puts more focus on the Web page and less on the browser window. Before you get started, here are a few quick tips to get you up and running with the best features IE9 has to offer.

Google Chrome 10 Review and Features

The major new feature in Chrome 10 is the ability to run web applications in the background. There is a useful improvement in the preferences user interface, but the touted JavaScript performance improvements – a 66 per cent boost – achieved through Google’s own benchmarks, are not reflected in our benchmarks, which showed a four to nine per cent increase recorded on our Windows systems. A good update, adding significantly to one of the top two browsers.

Special Edition–The AT&T/T-Mobil Acquisition

Is the AT&T acquisition of T-Mobile a good thing a bad thing.  This special edition gives you the story plus the pro and cons on both sides. What do you think? - JRC

AT&T to acquire T-Mobile USA for $39 billion

In a blockbuster mobile deal, AT&T announced today it had agreed to acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion. The acquisition will bolster AT&T's dominance in the U.S. with the addition of more than 33 million subscribers to its 95.5 million customer user base, giving it a new total of more than 129 million subscribers. Glad I left T-Mobil recently for Verizon.

5 Pros and Cons for AT&T's T-Mobile Buyout

some see a better future for American wireless consumers as a result of the deal. Independent analyst Jeffrey Kagan told Computerworld the deal will not drive up pricing since three major carriers will still compete against each other. Is Kagan looking at the world through rose-colored glasses or is Free Press far too worried about monopoly control over the U.S. wireless market? Here's a look at five pros and cons for the AT&T and T-Mobile deal.

AT&T and T-Mobile: Good for whom?

A rumored acquisition of T-Mobile has long been percolating for a few months--up until today Sprint was listed as the likely buyer--but the news of AT&T swooping nonetheless is shocking. And as I see it, it's not very good for T-Mobile customers.

AT&T-Mobile Is a Win for T-Mobile’s Customers

Consensus: Sunday's announcement of the AT&T and T-Mobile merger is a bad situation for everyone involved except for maybe T-Mobile customers.

Google Blames China for Blocking e-Mail

Of course the big story over the weekend was the acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T. Later today, we will have a special edition of this newsletter that covers this subject, both pro and con. Look for it.

But there are more good stories that mean might more for the majority of my readers. I like the idea of the White House pushing for an Internet users so-called “Bill of Rights”…and the on-going saga of Google vs. China.  I have also included a story on how to make old software work in the newer versions of Windows…and a link to a nice piece of software for photographers, pro, amateur, and casual shooters. Enjoy. - JRC 

AT&T Wireless to Buy T-Mobile for $39 Billion

AT&T announced Sunday that it will purchase T-Mobile for $39 billion in a blockbuster deal that will create the largest wireless carrier in the United States. The combined company will have more than 129 million subscribers—AT&T Wireless currently has 95.5 million, and T-Mobile has 33.7 million—compared with more than 101 million subscribers for current market leader Verizon Wireless.

Google says China blocking its email services

Google said Monday the Chinese government is interfering with its email services in China, making it difficult for users to gain access to its Gmail program, amid an intensified Internet crackdown following widespread unrest in the Middle East.
Google Inc. said its engineers have determined there are no technical problems with the email service or its main website.

White House pushes for online privacy bill of rights

The White House is urging Congress to enact a new "privacy bill of rights" that would provide clearer guidelines to online users and businesses about the collecting of personal information over the Internet.

How to Make Old Programs Work in Windows Vista and 7

Many good programs and games that were written for Windows XP have problems in Windows Vista or Windows 7. There are two approaches to getting older applications to work in the more recent operating systems and they are the subject of this tip.

An Excellent Free Tool to Shrink Your Digital Images

Sometimes you might need to create a version of a picture file that's not quite as large as the original. Most often this will be because you want to upload it to a picture sharing web site that imposes a file size limit, or you need to email a batch of pictures to someone and the email system you're using has a limit on attachment sizes. No problem.

Battle of the Browsers

So which Web browser do you use? Or do you, like me, use more than one. Which is the best? Maybe this first article will help you pick the right one or two. Which do I use? Well, you may ask. Look for an upcoming article very shortly on my browsers of choice, and just as important, which plug-ins I use.

Here is more browser news. The final version of Firefox 4 will be released in 4 days, on the 22nd. And now it seems that Mozilla is adopting Chrome’s fast version release.  Also due out this year will be versions 5, 6, and 7. Wow, stay tuned for the important news on browsers so you don’t get left in the dust. - JRC

Help - Chrome 10, Firefox 4.0, or IE9? The Browser Choice

The three browsers all sport a minimal interface, are nearly equally fast, and offer good support for HTML5. How do you choose? I'll outline how the three new big-time browsers stack up in the major categories you should care about: Interface, Speed, Security and Privacy, Standards Support, and Extra features. Note that this piece considers only the three new browsers, as Chrome 10 has already beaten out Opera 11 and Safari 5 in our lab testing.

Quake May Affect Tech Industry for Six Months

World technology hardware supplies will take as long as six months to resume normal flows following disruptions from last week's massive earthquake in Japan, a lead Bank of America Merrill Lynch researcher said on Wednesday. The magnitude 9.0 quake and deadly tsunami on Friday will prompt manufacturers to reexamine supplies in Japan, then look for outside suppliers if needed and finally sort out component mismatches resulting from deals with new vendors.

How to Avoid Japan Donation Scams

The devastation and suffering in Japan after a powerful earthquake and tsunami is unimaginable. Everyone wants to (and
should) help. Unfortunately, there are some dastardly people out there who prey on people's sympathies and try to trick you into helping the wrong people. This article helps you avoid scams.

How to Prevent Time Zone Mess-Ups While Traveling

For the most part, cell phones and laptops pick up automatically when changing time zones. But it seems like something always goes wrong, either in planning or on the spot, and you can miss something important. What can a person do to prevent future time zone mix-ups?

Eight free Windows 7 tools you gotta try

The smartphone marketing phrase "there's an app for that" got me thinking -- isn't there an application for pretty much anything and everything I need on my PC? And aren't those apps typically free? Yes, pretty much. Here are eight of my recent Windows tools discoveries.

Privacy is Dead: How Corporations Learn All About You

This is a great information-packed edition of Rants and Raves…trust me. With so much happening in Japan after a 9.0 earthquake, the Internet is still running there. And there is a fabulous, but scary article from Time Magazine on how companies know all about you and me from info gleaned from the Internet. And be sure and check out the high resolution photos from Mars.  Absolutely amazing. - JRC

Surviving Disaster: Japan’s Internet

In the grand scheme of things, the fact that the Internet has, by and large, kept working in Japan despite earthquakes, tsunami, and potential nuclear reactor meltdowns, is very small. But perhaps it isn’t really that minor when you consider that for hundreds of millions of people wanting to know if friends and family are well, a simple e-mail, instant-message, or even a Facebook update can spell the difference between hours or days of worry and the relief of at least knowing their loved ones’ fate.

Data Mining: How Companies Know Your Personal Information

Three hours after I gave my name and e-mail address to Michael Fertik, the CEO of Reputation.com, he called me back and read my Social Security number to me. "We had it a couple of hours ago," he said. "I was just too busy to call." In the past few months, I have been told many more-interesting facts about myself than my Social Security number. I've gathered a bit of the vast amount of data that's being collected both online and off by companies in stealth — taken from the websites I look at, the stuff I buy, my Facebook photos, my warranty cards, my customer-reward cards, the songs I listen to online, surveys I was guilted into filling out and magazines I subscribe to.

Obama "IP czar" wants felony charges for illegal Web streaming

The Obama administration wants to make sure that the illegal streaming of music and movies over the Internet is a felony, and it also wants to give the federal government wiretap authority in copyright cases. Another case of the government doing the bidding of the entertainment industry.

Apple iPad 2: Who should buy and who should pass

Nobody in the technology business does a better job than Apple of convincing people that they need to buy the next shiny new thing. However, despite the product magnetism of Steve Jobs and company, not everyone who thinks they need or want the new iPad 2 should actually buy it.

Best Mars Images From Orbiter’s First 5 Years

Since settling into orbit around the Red Planet on March 10, 2006, MRO has transmitted more data to Earth - 131 trillion bits and more than 70,000 images so far -- than all other interplanetary missions combined. Here are some of the best ones. For more, check out the HiRise mission site from the University of Arizona.

IE9 is Here, Except for XP Users

The new Internet Explorer 9 arrives today and it may be there fastest browser ever. Much of its speed is derived from the creative use of your hardware, something that the other browsers have yet to do (but will). I have used it and like it, but probably won’t make me change over from Chrome and Firefox, which I still dearly love.

But the most interesting part of this new browser is that it is not made to run on XP…in fact there are some parts of it that don’t work well for Vista. The clear message is from Microsoft…update to Windows 7, or be left in the dust. This is not the first application that is not made to run on XP. The latest versions Windows Live programs will also not run on XP. And quite frankly, it is worth getting Windows 7…it is so superior.

And here is another little tidbit for you based on test results I have seen.  If you are running 64 bit Windows 7 or Vista, you want to get the 32 bit version of IE9. Surprisingly, the 64 bit IE9 does not run as fast as the 32 bit.  It’s a little tricky to do, but this article will tell you how. - JRC

Internet Explorer 9 arrives, but not for XP

The training wheels have come off of the latest version of Internet Explorer, as Microsoft unleashes version 9 of the world's most heavily used browser this evening at an event at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Internet Explorer 9 (download after 9 p.m. PT) debuts to the public not only as the fastest, most standards-compliant version of IE yet, but also as one that can stand up and compete on features and looks with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and the Opera browser.

Gmail tries again with smart labels

In Gmail, I love labels. I set up filters to apply labels to incoming e-mail so it's automatically deleted, archived, sorted as travel-related, flagged as important in various ways, or organized by senders I care about.

Google wakes up to new photo reality

Now, photos are becoming an in-the-moment part of people's online social lives, notably with Net-connected smartphones and Facebook sharing with friends. Picasa Web Albums--never a product that advanced at blazing speed--is beginning to adapt to this era. Perhaps Google's success with its Android operating system has made the company more aware of just how far the world has moved from the shoebox-of-prints-in-the-closet days.

The best social networking add-ons for all your browsers

Wouldn't it be great if there were some add-ons and extensions that could make light work of your surprisingly busy social networking lifestyle? Even if you only use Facebook or Twitter, there are still plenty of annoyances that could be offloaded to add-ons. Guess what...there are!

Fresh Diagnose 8.51 (Windows)

Fresh Diagnose analyzes and benchmarks your computer system. It can handle many types of hardware, including CPUs, hard disks, video systems, and mainboards. Use this free software to learn more about your computer and its components. Free, of course.

Two Browsers Fall to Hackers in Seconds

Very shortly after I release this blog to the world, Apple will release the iPad2 for general sale. Already there is a long line at the Apple Store in Manhattan. Is this new pad from Apple as good as Steve Jobs says it is? Read the PC Mag review and find out for yourself.

I always look forward to the annual hack-a-thon for browsers to see which ones are the most secure and which are the least. It didn’t take long to find out. Apple’s Safari was cracked in five seconds…IE8 shortly thereafter. Makes me glad I use Chrome and Firefox. Enjoy your weekend. - JRC

Internet Explorer and Safari first to fall at annual hack-a-thon, Chrome and Firefox still standing

Pwn2Own, the annual three-day browser hack-a-thon, has already claimed its first two victims: IE8 on Windows 7 64-bit, and Safari 5 on Mac OS X. Google Chrome looks set to survive for its third year in a row. Internet Explorer 8 was thoroughly destroyed by independent researcher Stephen Fewer. Safari 5, running on a MacBook Air, was compromised in just five seconds by French security company Vupen. Both attackers netted $15,000 for successfully compromising a browser.

Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G) Review & Ratings

Considering all the coverage we've given this super-slim device, the review and PCMag's conclusion about Apple's second tablet should come as no surprise: With the iPad 2, Apple maintains its tablet lead. This product is fast enough, thin enough, smart enough and, now, feature-rich enough to satisfy almost any tablet shopper. If however you still need Flash or demand at least a 5 MP camera on all your tablets, look elsewhere.

Will Windows XP Really Die On Cue?

Microsoft says Windows XP support ends in 2014, but can they stick to their guns?

Make the most of Windows 7's Libraries

Libraries — special-purpose virtual folders — can be confusing at first. But they are extremely handy, once you get the hang of them. How to use Libraries is hard to describe but easier to understand when you see them in action — and that's what this article will show you.

SETI app taps your smartphone to hunt for E.T.

Move over, Twitter. Drop dead, Angry Birds. There's a new mobile app that does more than let people play around on their smartphones--it allows them to join the quest for signs of intelligent life in the universe. The SETI Institute is launching a private beta test beginning today of SetiQuest Explorer in the hopes that hobby astronomers will help with tasks that can't be done well by computers. The app runs on Android 2.2 but will be available on the iPhone this summer. There is also a desktop version for any computer running Flash Player 10.2.

A Big Day for Browsers

What an amazing series of coincidences…all three of the most popular Web browsers in the world made headline news. First, Chrome released its latest, Version 10 today to rave reviews. Next, Microsoft will be releasing its newest browser, Internet Explore, Ver. 9 on Monday. And finally, Mozilla released its Firefox 4 Release Candidate, the last step before the final version hits the streets.

I went to download Chrome 10 today and found it has already been installed. Chrome does that, which is fine by me. I should say that if you have not tried Chrome before, now is a great time to do so. I have been using Chrome and Firefox on a 50/50 basis for some time now, and Chrome just keeps getting better. This new one is fast…trust me on that. I will probably wait on Firefox till the final version is out, but I will be updating Internet Explorer next week for sure. I have been using a Release Candidate of IE9 for some time now and while it is the best version ever of IE, I will probably stick with the other two for regular use. - JRC

Chrome 10: Close to a perfect Web Browser 10

I’ve liked the Google Chrome Web browser since it first showed up in 2008. Today, with the slipstream release of Chrome 10, I may finally be ready to retire all my other Web browsers. The reason I’m considering doing this is quite simple. Chrome 10 is screamingly fast.

Microsoft to launch Internet Explorer 9 Monday at SXSWi

Microsoft will be formally launching the next version of its Internet Explorer browser, IE9, at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival (SXSWi) on Monday--an interesting place to launch, given that the Austin, Texas, geek fest is packed full of the hordes who have long since ditched Internet Explorer for the decidedly hipper pastures of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.

Amazon considering free Kindles for Prime members?

There are more rumors fluttering around Seattle that at some point, likely the holiday season of 2011, Amazon will start giving away its Kindle e-book reader for free, likely to select (as in Prime) members. And as the e-book market expands, the possibility is looking more and more likely.

Will Apple outgrow its reputation as an elitist brand?

During the past year, Apple’s ascent to becoming the world’s largest technology company has raised a number of important questions about the current state of the tech world and its future trajectory. But, the most prescient question for 2011 is whether Apple has committed to moving beyond its stronghold as a premium technology brand to become a computing vendor for the masses.

Personal Activity Monitor tracks time you spend using desktop apps

Want to know how much time you spend in front of your computer and what programs you use for how long? This may be just the simple program you need. And of course, its free.

Microsoft: Patch Tuesday Tomorrow and Bye Bye Vista?

It’s time for another patch Tuesday…boy does the time fly by. But even more in the news is the scheduled shutdown of support for Vista users with SP1. Yes, they will still support those folks with SP2 installed…but the underlying story here is that there will be no more Service Packs for Vista and that its days are numbered. Hope your week is a good one - JRC

Microsoft Dropping Support For Vista SP1.

If you still have computers running Windows Vista, now is the time to make sure they're updated to SP2 - or better, just go ahead and upgrade them to Windows 7. Microsoft will be ending support for Vista SP1 in July, and that means no more security patches for the OS.

MS Patch Tuesday heads-up: Critical flaws in Windows, Office

Microsoft has announced plans to ship three security bulletins this month to cover at least four serious vulnerabilities in all supported versions of the Windows operating system. According to an advance notice from Redmond, one of the bulletins will be rated “critical” while the rest will carry an “important” rating. All three bulletins cover issues that could lead to remote code execution attacks, Microsoft said.

Android Devices Pull Ahead in U.S. Smartphone Race

Apple's iOS and Research In Motion's BlackBerry lagged behind Google's Android mobile operating system through January, Nielsen says. Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 was behind despite buy-one-get-one offers at both AT&T and T-Mobile. Nielsen found Android most popular among ages 18-34, with Apple ahead in the 65 and above demographic.

10 Tips for Data Privacy

You undoubtedly know that cybercriminals gather personal data to steal identities and money. Users can suffer damage to their personal credit and even jeopardy to their physical safety. But you might not know that most cybercriminals sell your data to other criminals.

Angry Birds landing on Facebook in under a month

The phenomenally successful Angry Birds is heading to the world's largest social network. Yep that's right, productivity is going to take a massive hit, because Rovio is bringing Angry Birds to Facebook. I play Angry Birds on my new Droid X Phone and it is addictive...trust me on that one.

More Info on the iPad 2

I normally don’t cover a new product with so much in-depth coverage, much less Apple products, but the iPad product line is such an overwhelming success and so many people are desirous of owning this new type of computing device that I thought I should make a little more info available to my readers. Even I am thinking about one for myself, but will probably wait for the next version.

The new Xoom tablet by Motorola, featuring Android 3.0, is also out and has received decent reviews so far, but it is only available through either Verizon or AT&T…no Wi-Fi like the iPad. Since I don’t feel like being ripped off by expensive cell phone rates, I have excluded the Xoom from my want-list. But as soon as a credible testing lab can test both products, I will publish the results here. The tablet market is growing in leaps and bounds, but is still in its infancy. So stay tuned. - JRC

iPad vs. iPad 2 - What's changed?

A lot of people are asking me for a rundown of the differences between the original iPad and the new iPad 2 unveiled yesterday. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s changed, and what hasn’t changed.

Five things the iPad 2 didn't get

There are five specific things Apple could have added but didn't. We're going to break down what they are and what impact they'd have on the product: They are good ones too, and makes me believe that iPad1 owners will not upgrade until the next iPad release.

Should you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

Everything I’ve seen since then suggests that there are no widespread issues with Service Pack 1. Microsoft representatives who have looked into the release have also confirmed for me that they are not seeing any indication of significant issues with the update on Windows 7.

The rise of the 99-cent Kindle e-book

I know what you're saying: that's great news. These publishers have been gouging us with ridiculous pricing for digital files that cost next to nothing to produce (in terms of material costs) and finally we're starting to see lots of deals out there. But it's a bit more complicated than that.

Wallpaper Downloader - Free

Wallpaper Downloader is an easy way to adorn your desktop with a multitude of changing images. Unlike some wallpaper applications, this one manages to supply a steady stream of high-quality, attractive photos. This isn't the type of program that we typically like to use ourselves, but we found ourselves enjoying Wallpaper Downloader quite a bit.

It’s Official: Apple Releases the iPad 2

After all the rumors, Apple today introduced the new iPad 2, a very improved version of the tablet, but perhaps not a real blockbuster. Still does not have the super hi-res screen of an iPhone 4…and it is still more of a consumption device than production device. But it is a definite improvement over the original iPad. It will go on sale on March 11. Look for some great prices on remaining inventory of iPads. It was good to see Steve Jobs in action and not in a hospital. - JRC

The iPad 2 makes its debut

The wait is over for eager Apple fans wanting the next generation iPad. In San Francisco Wednesday, the company took the wraps off the iPad 2. Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who is taking a leave absence from the company, returned to unveil the new product, which is expected to be a hot seller. As expected, the new tablet has two front-facing cameras and is faster with dual-core processors, which just about double CPU performance and make the graphics speed 9 times faster, while using the same power as the processor from the first iPad. It's thinner than the older model. It went from 13.4mm for the old iPad to 8.8mm in thickness on the new one. And it works not only on AT&T's 3G network, but also Verizon Wireless's 3G network.

Google still working to restore Gmail service

Two days after tens of thousands of Google Gmail users discovered their email, chat histories, and contacts had disappeared from their accounts, the problem still is not fixed. Google announced Monday night that the Gmail issue, which struck some users on Sunday, was caused by a bug in a storage software update. While Google had said Monday afternoon that the issue would be resolved for all users within 12 hours, the company now says that the problem has not been fixed but hopes it will be "soon."

Data from CIA shows massive Internet Explorer gain, and largest Firefox loss ever

The CIA has released new figures for the number of Internet-connected users around the world. Developing countries like India, China and Brazil have gained hundreds of millions of new netizens, helping Internet Explorer post its first market share gain since July 2010. It now sits at 56.77% of the market, up 0.77%. Firefox, which has always relied on its stronghold of Europe, has seen its largest loss ever, losing over 1% of its market share in a single month.

Best Buy's Buy Back Program Is Unsurprisingly Not a Good Deal

Best Buy's Buy Back Program Is Unsurprisingly Not a Good DealIf for some reason you thought Best Buy Buy Back—a trade-in program in which you pay Best Buy up front for the guarantee that they'll buy back your gear for a pittance down the line—was a profitable way to get rid of your old gadgets, let Digital Trends disabuse you. They ran the numbers and found that you're potentially losing hundreds by selling your gadgets to the retailer instead of flipping them online.

Avast wants you playing in its sandbox

New security features designed to keep its more than 110 million users safe debut in Avast 6, released today exclusively from CNET Download.com. They also have the added benefit of raising the competitive bar in computer security by pushing more and better free options to users. Avast Free Antivirus 6, Avast Pro Antivirus 6, and Avast Internet Security 6 all feature the new AutoSandbox and the WebRep browser add-on.

Google to Lower Garbage Count in Searches

All eyes are posed on San Francisco this week…Apple is holding a large press conference to announce something new.  The rumor mill is in high gear with all kinds of speculation…is it the new iPhone 5, a new iPad, or yet something else? Frankly I think Apple starts most of these rumors to build up interest.  Whatever it is, we will have for you on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Google is on a mission to give you higher quality search results and less garbage. I applaud that, for sure. And were you aware the Internet will have to change from IPV4 to IPV6? What’s that you say? What is it? Actually its extremely important, so if you are curious, read the article below. - JRC

Google search to reward high-quality sites

With the latest changes to its search algorithm, Google is aiming to reward Web sites that offer original, in-depth content at the same time that it penalizes those that simply borrow content from others. Rolled out this week, the changes will help ensure that sites considered to be of "high quality" will rank higher in Google's search results, while those deemed of "low quality" will get dumped lower in the ranks. Google is clearly looking to crack down on "content farms," sites that purposely tailor their pages with content that often makes little to no sense but is loaded with keywords and other information designed solely to generate a huge number of hits.

Shoddy Web experiences driving users from the mobile Internet

According to the results of a recent survey by Antenna Software, poor experiences are deterring users from surfing the mobile Web via their Internet-enabled smartphones. Device makers, Web designers, and mobile service providers alike have their work cut out for them to make the mobile Internet experience more affordable and appealing.

The New Internet Protocols: What Users Should Know

IPv6 has been introduced, allowing a previously impossible variety of Internet addresses to be used now that the supply of useable addresses governed by the IPv4 standard has been exhausted. But what does this change mean for everyday surfers? Most computers will be able to process the new standard, but an IPv6-capable OS is needed.

So Many Online Coupon Sites, So Little Time

Groupon thrives on a simple concept: It posts one deal a day for local restaurants, bars and other businesses, and visitors have 24 hours to sign up for the deal. Now a flurry of copycat services have popped up, including LivingSocial, Scoutmob, DailyCandy Deals and Gilt City. How do the contenders stack up against the original daily-coupon king?

TweakNow PowerPack 2011 3.0.1 (Windows) - Free

TweakNow PowerPack is a fully-integrated suite of utilities that lets you fine-tune every aspect of your computer's operating system and Web browser. The Registry Cleaner module provides you with a safe and simple way to clean Windows Registry. To keep your computer always at top performance, we recommend to clean your registry at least once a month. For Windows tweaking lovers, the suite provides more than 100 hidden Windows settings in the Windows Secret section.

Apple Updates Pro Line with Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt

I know most of my readers are Windows users. So why am I telling you about Apple products here? Well, a few of you might be thinking of moving over to Apple. But the most important part of this story is the inclusion of Intel’s new super high speed Thunderbolt data transfer technology. I hope we get these soon in the PC World.

The other important story here is Windows 7 SP1 release. You won’t see any new bells and whistles but you need to upgrade to it if you use Windows 7. Lots of fixes. I have installed it on all three of my active computers and be aware that it requires about an hour of time to complete its work. Just thought you should know. - JRC

Apple updates MacBook Pro line for 2011

After weeks of a growing chorus of rumors, leaks, and anecdotal evidence, Apple announced a series of updates to its popular MacBook Pro line of laptops. The biggest changes are all under the hood. The entire updated line now offers Intel's latest Sandy Bridge CPUs. Just as significantly, the new MacBook Pros are also the first products to feature Intel's new Thunderbolt technology (formerly known as Light Peak). The Thunderbolt tech is envisioned as a sort of unified successor to USB, FireWire, and DisplayPort, allowing peripherals to hypothetically carry data and video at 10Gbps.

What you need to know about Windows 7 SP1

With Windows 7 Service Pack 1 generally available, Win7 users need to know what SP1 brings — and doesn't bring — to the game. In short, this service pack adds surprisingly little to Windows 7. You'll want to install it — eventually.

Taxes 2010: Four tax prep solutions compared

We've all heard the famous quote before: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. And while you could try to avoid your taxes, Uncle Sam is probably going to make your life even more miserable if you do. Rather than suffer the consequences of illegal action, we suggest you get a jump on your taxes with one of the four tax prep solutions we have thoroughly tested out for you.

Searching for Torrents (Torrent Search Sites)

There is a great deal of content available in bittorrent.  There is over 10 PetaBytes of content available in over  10 million plus active torrents.  Finding the content you want within all that is what these torrent search sites are about. This article is also a great introduction for folks who have never used a torrent. 

Taxes 2010: Four tax prep solutions compared

We've all heard the famous quote before: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. And while you could try to avoid your taxes, Uncle Sam is probably going to make your life even more miserable if you do. Rather than suffer the consequences of illegal action, we suggest you get a jump on your taxes with one of the four tax prep solutions we have thoroughly tested out for you.

Big Events for Both Microsoft and Apple

For Microsoft, it’s the release of Service Pack One…for Apple, it looks like the new iPad 2 will be announced in early March. That will be interesting…and I wonder how it got leaked. Apple is very secretive and if the leak source is ever found, he or she will be fired.  Of course, the other big question is…will Steve Jobs be there to present it. He is currently on a medical leave of absence.

But two other heavy hitters in the tech world, Amazon and Google, both have interesting stories to tell, both listed below. You never know what is going to show up in this newsletter, so stay tuned… - JRC

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Now Available

Service Pack 1 combines a number of updates and improvements into a single download, so if you haven't been keeping your computer up to date thus far, this one download is a good way to catch up.

Apple to Unveil IPad 2 on March 2 in San Francisco

Apple will hold its much-anticipated event on March 2, where the tech giant seems poised to unveil a new version of its hugely successful iPad, according to multiple sources. Analysts expect the iPad 2 to be thinner than its predecessor and feature an improved display, as well as front-facing camera and Facetime video chat support. And some reports suggest it will be powered by one of Qualcomm’s multimode chips and will run on both GSM and CDMA-based networks around the world.

Amazon Launches Streaming Onslaught Against Netflix

Netflix faces some serious competition as Amazon.com added instant streaming of more than 5,000 movies and TV shows for Amazon Prime members. Amazon's Prime service already offers unlimited two-day shipping for $79 a year. That compares to about $100 a year for Netflix streaming.

Hidden Secrets of the Google Search Box

From math problems and package tracking to flight information and playing music, the humble Google search box is a gateway to knowledge. With a few tips and tricks, you can use Google as a full-fledged calculator, mine local information, get answers to specific questions, find a package or flight, translate foreign words, and much more.

10+ Chrome extensions and Web apps for new users

I've become a big fan of the Chrome Browser. In fact,I use Chrome 50% of the time (the other 50% on Firefox). It is a clean interface and it is fast. It is constantly being updated, but that happens in the background so you don't have to worry about it. Like Firefox, it can use extensions and it now has thousands available to make your browsing experience even better. If you want to give Chrome a spin, here is a list of important extensions you should consider adding to it.

More Apple Antics and Kindle E-book Piracy

Apple Smacks Readability In The Face With Subscription Rules

Readability, a service which takes text on the web and strips out ads and other distractions to make posts more readable, had been planning to bring an app to the iOS platform. In fact, they worked with Instapaper creator Marco Arment to build it. It seems like it would be been a pretty popular app. Except it was rejected on the grounds that it circumvents Apples in-app subscriptions today.

Kindle e-book piracy accelerates

A lot of people think moving away from paper is a good thing. Maybe it is. But what should also be alarming to publishers is that the number of people pirating books is growing along with the number of titles that are available for download. As I've written in the past, the rise of the iPad has spurred some of the pirating, but now the huge success of the Kindle is also leading to increased pirating.

What You Need To Know Upgrading To Windows 7 SP1

Windows 7 SP1 will be available tomorrow. Is there anything that the average PC user will have to do to get the service pack? Not really, it’s a fairly straightforward process for most. Microsoft will be making it available from the Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft recommend that single PC and home PC Users should be using Windows Update instead of the standalone installer from the Microsoft Download Center.

Unlock the power of the Quick Access Toolbar

In just minutes, you can transform Word 2010 and other Office apps from general-purpose tools to custom software with exactly the features and functions you need. Microsoft Word 2010, and all the Office 2010 and Office 2007 mainline applications, share a common interface that's amazingly configurable, once you know the tricks.

Best Free Microsoft Downloads

When people talk about freeware, a lot of times they think about free alternatives to Microsoft products – free office suites, free operating systems, even free alternatives to products that are already included with Windows like Paint, Notepad and Internet Explorer.  However, Microsoft does provide a collection of free software that is definitely worth checking out.  This article is designed to provide an overview of the best free Microsoft programs,

Special Report–Apple’s Puts a Noose on Content Providers

Last week, Apple published new rules about software running on iPads, iPods, and iPhones. While Apple has always controlled what programs will run on these devices, the new rules say that if you have a program that is already approved, such as an e-book reader or music player, you must pay Apple a 30% tax, even if the customer buys source materials directly from the manufacturer.

For example, Amazon has a Kindle Reader program that runs inside of both the iPad and iPod. If I buy an e-book through my Windows-based computer directly from Amazon, it will be available on all my Kindle equipped devices (such as other computers or my Android phone).  Under its new policy, Apple wants a 30% cut from Amazon if I try to read my new book on an iPad. This is just an example as Apple has not officially notified Amazon of this new policy. However, they did turn down an application from Sony for their e-reader software because the purchase of books did not go through Apple.

These new rules apply to music, magazines, newspapers, and books. Apple has always been accused of having a “walled garden” for applications, but now they have made that wall even higher. And they have put a noose around the neck of several music services in competition with Apple’s iTunes store.

As you will see from the last story here, this new policy has already peaked the interest of government anti-trust investigators. Personally, I hope Apple fails in this new policy and that companies boycott Apple for what they are trying to do. Your thoughts are always welcome. - JRC   

How Apple will crush its competition with iTunes Online

Rhapsody. Napster. MOG. Rdio. What do these four music subscription services have in common? Each company survives on monthly subscription revenues. Each one has an iPhone/iPad app that is prominently featured on its home page. Each one offers a free trial that they hope you’ll love and that you’ll convert to a paid subscription when the trial runs out. And under Apple’s new subscription rules, each one will soon be forced to start paying 30% of its revenue for each of those easy, one-click subscriptions it gets through an app on an Apple device. In short, each of those four services has just been torpedoed by Apple. Each one is taking on water.

Apple's subscription plan: Time for an app work stoppage

In a nutshell, Apple wants a 30 percent cut of in-app purchases. If you are a publisher of movies or music this could be a big issue. First, companies like Rhapsody and Netflix pay content owners and then pay Apple another cut for the privilege of being in the App Store.

Apple's luxury tax should spark a showdown with publishers

Just as all of the big content providers were starting to get chummy with Apple and its media savior - the mighty iPad - ol’ Steve Jobs went and pulled a fast one on his new publisher buddies. He changed the rules of the game and hit them with a new revenue-sharing structure that essentially forces publishers who charge subscriptions outside of the app to either cough up a 30 percent tax on subscriptions purchased from inside the app or do business elsewhere.

Report: Apple's subscription plan draws antitrust scrutiny

U.S. antitrust investigators are examining the terms Apple placed this week on publishers wishing to sell digital subscriptions through the App Store, according to a Wall Street Journal report that cited people familiar with the matter. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission are interested in whether Apple is violating antitrust laws by routing customers through Apple's App Store and taking a 30 percent cut of each subscription, sources told the newspaper.

Watch Out For Those Solar Flairs

Note: Look for a special edition of Rants and Raves this weekend…devoted entirely to how Apple is trying to throttle it’s competition by demanding money from competitors and even forcing retailers like Amazon to give Apple a 30% commission on books sold for use on the Apple iPad, even though the customer bought the books direct from Amazon. Looks like the government anti-trust folks are getting involved in this one.

Solar Flares Could Affect GPS, Satellites, Power

If your GPS Relevant Products/Services system's performance is a little spotty on Friday, don't call tech Relevant Products/Services support. Blame the sun. Three waves of charged particles that erupted from its corona Sunday, Monday and Tuesday will hit the Earth in the next few days in what scientists are calling the biggest solar event since December 2006.

How IBM's Watson hammered its 'Jeopardy' foes

In the big Jeopardy showdown, the IBM computer Watson, hammered two human Jeopardy champions. Here's how IBM's brainiac works its artificially intelligent magic

Piracy: Everybody Does It; Everything Should Be Free

Pirates are in it for the free stuff, and there are plenty of them: That’s the gist of a new PricewaterhouseCoopers study of consumer attitudes toward piracy. The study asked some 202 self-described pirates about their behavior and the reasons for it. At the top of the list was the fact that pirated content doesn’t actually cost anything. Duh!

250+ Places for Free Books Online

This is a listing of 260 sites that legally offer free books (eBooks) for download or for online viewing. Some time ago I went looking for some free eBooks and was surprised to find that there are many resources for this. I decided to put together this list of sites that offer free eBooks as a reference.

A complete guide to Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts

One of the best ways to increase your computing productivity doesn't cost a cent: learn the keyboard shortcuts for your most-used commands. To help you stop mousing around and become a keyboard maestro, I rounded up the best resources for finding, using, and creating shortcuts.