Facebook to Debut a News Reader Next Week (Yawn)

Apple and Microsoft both announced their earnings reports this week. And, to no one’s surprise, both made money…Microsoft made most of their money in the commercial division. Apple made their money in the iPhone arena. Interestingly Apple made more than double the bottom line profits of Microsoft. Microsoft touted their 1.9 million sales of the Surface tablet. Apple sold 26 million iPads. Go figure.

Google will shortly announce their earnings, but they just took a huge hit by selling its money-losing Motorola Mobility Division for $10 billion less than they paid for it.

Facebook did well in its earnings and today announced a News Reader premiering next weak on iOS (see story #1). I will take a look at it next week and let you know what I think.

So, why not just read on and see what else this edition holds. Enjoy your weekend and the Super Bowl.  - JRC

 

News and Opinions

Facebook Announces Paper, A Curated Visual News Reader Launching Feb. 3

You miss great content because you aren’t subscribed to the right sources. So Facebook wants to bring you that content. It launches to everyone in the U.S. on February 3rd, the day before Facebook’s 10th birthday

How the 'Netflix of books' won over the publishing industry

Oyster has grown its library of books available to its all-you-can-eat subscribers to more than 100,000 titles. CEO Eric Stromberg tells us how it happened, and how the company is changing the world of reading.

Apple's iPod: is the end nigh?

Few pieces of technology can genuinely claim to be iconic. But Apple's iPod, first launched in 2001, arguably fits the bill. But 12 years, and 26 devices later, the generation-defining iPod range looks like it's about to fade into history without so much as a whimper.

Google+ Is Getting Harder And Harder To Avoid

As Google continues its effort to tie all its services together in a neatly wrapped package, users are slowly feeling the pressure to conform to Google’s standards. Many don’t like it.

Target hackers may have exploited backdoor in widely used server software

The malware used the privileged insider access to temporarily stash payment card data siphoned out of the terminals used in checkout lines so it could then periodically be downloaded to a different service for permanent storage.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Going small(er): Trading spinning disks for SSDs

Solid-state drives can give a significant boost to system performance, but at the cost of storage space. Here’s how to sort out the data on a big spinning-platter drive and fit what you can onto a smaller SSD.

Top Free Software Picks: System Maintenance Utilities

It always comes as a bit of a surprise when—after months or years of use—the device that previously zipped along like a puppy on speed seems to have slowed, now a geriatric hound no longer interested in chasing the ball. Here is some software that might help bring the zip back.

How to get started with subscription music services

Need help getting starting on all-you-can-stream services like Spotify and Beats Music? This primer fills you in on the good and the bad of subscription music services, and how to choose between all the options out there.

The Best Password Managers

Passwords are most people's security Achilles heel; but that doesn't have to be the case if you use a service to manage your passwords.

Use OneNote anywhere with the OneNote Web App

With no download required, you can use it anywhere: at your friend’s house, at the airport, or even on a device that doesn’t have OneNote already installed.

 

Portable Computing

Android in 79 percent of smartphones sold

The report by the research firm Strategy Analytics confirms the ascendancy of Android, which has extended its lead over Apple's iOS, which is used on the iPhone.

Tablets with the best battery life

Battery life is the one metric that truly affects all other aspects of a tablet's functionality. Let's be real: if you run out of battery life, there's not much you can do with a dead slate.

Top 10 iOS Shortcuts and Gestures

Sometimes, the simplest way to do something isn't the most obvious way. A lot of gestures and shortcuts aren't exactly intuitive, but they can make certain tasks a lot faster. Here are 10 of our favorite shortcuts and gestures on iOS

Evernote 7.3 makes taking notes simpler, more colorful

Evernote for iOS has been updated to version 7.3, making some changes to the user interface, as well as other improvements, all in an effort to make Evernote simpler and more responsive.

Seed Mail (for iPhone) Review & Rating

After tinkering with an app called Seed Mail (free, App Store) for a few days, I'm ready to keep this one on my iPhone for good.

Another Giant Retailer Possibly Hacked!

Gosh I am getting tired of this recurring story. But you need to be up-to-date on the rolling credit card hijack that is enveloping our land. Today, its Michael’s art and craft stores that may join the ever-growing list of retailers whose customers may have had their credit card numbers stolen. An investigation is underway to verify that this has indeed happened. Target was the first retailer to find the breach, followed by Niemen-Marcus.

The FBI has warned retailers to expect more attacks and said the agency has reviewed 20 incidents over the past year that were similar to the recent breaches. This is getting very scary.

Today I read of a growing phone scam where criminals are phoning victims to trick them to give their PIN numbers on the back. They don’t need the credit card info on the front as they already have it. I read the script they use and they sound completely legitimate on the phone. So be careful.

In other news, Microsoft is changing the name of SkyDrive to OneDrive. If you remember back in August, British TV giant Sky threatened legal action because they own the name “Sky.”  Microsoft agreed to change the name.

Well, I am tired of typing so why don’t you just get started and see if there are any stories here that might be of interest. -JRC

 

Computer News and Opinions

Michaels Warns Customers of Possible Credit/Debit Card Leak

Here's hoping that the two top stores on your weekly shopping trip aren't Target and Michaels. If so, you might as well take out your credit cards and throw them into the nearest shredder.

A few security lessons from the Target breach

The Target breach points out some facts of life on the Web: We’re all targets (pun intended) of cyber thieves. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves. Here’s how to protect yourself from the next big breach.

SkyDrive Becomes OneDrive

The sky isn't falling, but the SkyDrive name is. Nothing else changes about the cloud-based storage service, Microsoft says, just the branding.

Windows 9: Can Microsoft pull off another miracle?

It may be a long time before Windows 9 becomes available, but computer makers have already started looking past Windows 8, as witnessed at CES 2014. Microsoft has a lot to do to put Windows 9 back in the win column.

Netflix To Carriers: Hands Off Our Service

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has a blunt message for Internet providers: Don't mess with net neutrality.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Six clicks: Can your browser do these tricks?

All web browsers are not created equal. Each of the top six browsers has a unique killer feature.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Preview: More Good News for PC Users

The big news: Mouse-style context menus everywhere in Metro. But wait, there is more!

Get Organized: Tips for Going Paperless

Kiss that filing cabinet goodbye. If you're ready to become truly paperless, these tips will help you do it right and in a way that will last.

tinySpell Adds Spell-Check to Notepad, Wordpad, and Other Windows Apps

Most office suites and word processors have spell-check built in, but if you're working in a tool like Notepad, Wordpad, a web browser, or another tool that won't automatically check your spelling, tinySpell is a Windows utility that'll cover your bases.

Here’s A New Way Facebook Is Pushing You To Share Your Contact Information

Facebook would always rather you share more, not less, on the social network. Its latest tweak now puts your friends to work to cajole you to part with personal information you may not have wanted to put out there.

 

Portable Computing

5 Useful Ways to Organize Photo Albums on Android

Digital photography has made us picture hoarders. We will snap a picture of anything just because we can. But then we end up with an unorganized mess of images. Sometimes you really need external help to properly organize photo

How to Organize Photos on Your iDevice

If you like to take photos with your iDevice, your Camera Roll is full of pictures. If you want to find one picture The best thing you can do is organize all the photos in your Camera Roll by creating Albums.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps

New year, new apps. This list of the 100 best iPhone apps will help you discover cutting-edge releases as well as tried-and-true favorites.

iPhone 5s gobbles up 'unprecedented' amounts of data, research finds

JDSU Research revealed this week the iPhone 5s, the high-end flagship device in Apple's tag-team smartphone line-up, gobbles up to seven times as much as the benchmark iPhone 3G.

How to personalize your listening experience with iTunes Radio

iTunes Radio is a great way to discover and enjoy music on the go with iPhone and iPad, or when you're in the office using iTunes. Even though you can always choose from featured stations that are constantly changing, it's always more fun to create your own stations.

Windows 7…Alive and Well

In the last edition, we reported the story of how HP is bringing back Windows 7 “by popular demand.” Well, that isn’t exactly the whole story. Windows 7 has never left us…and according to our third story, it is doing better than ever. What HP did was start marketing Windows 7 in a big way. No one has done that since Windows 8 appeared on the scene. But HP is doing it now! I am sure Microsoft is not happy about it.

In another surprising story, Microsoft, in its latest earnings report, said the Surface tablets did extremely well during the holiday season, racking up nearly $900 million in sales. But, don’t forget, Microsoft wrote off nearly $950 million dollars in Surface tablets earlier this year. So technically they did make money, but one can do almost anything with magical accounting tricks. When viewed as a single item over the last 6 months, Microsoft lost their behinds on the Surface.

At first when I read about the sales success of the Surface, I was surprised as I would not spend a dime on one. But, upon further review, I realize that Windows 8 and Windows RT were designed for tablets, so they could do better in that market. Where Microsoft ran into difficulty was trying to jam it down our throats in Windows 8 for the desktop and laptop. Metro is designed for touch, like the iPad. Since 99% of us don’t use touchable computers, it is a waste.

The moral of this story is if you are looking for a new desktop or laptop computer, you can still find lots of computers running Windows 7…and that is great news.

There are lots of good tips and tricks in this edition for computers, tablets and phones, so be sure and pay close attention. Onward and upward! - JRC 

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft reportedly planning Windows 9 release in April 2015

Windows "Threshold" plans will involve a release of Windows 9 around April 2015. Microsoft will allegedly unveil its vision for Windows 9 at the company’s Build 2014 developer conference in April, with a release planned for a year later.

Google poised to shake up airline ticket biz

RyanAir CEO says Google's project "blows the competition out of the water." This new project could go live in March.

Where can you still find a PC running Windows 7?

If you want a PC running Windows 7, where do you look? Skip your local office superstore or big-box retailer and go where the business buyers go. In those channels, you'll find that Windows 7 never went away. In fact, it's not just alive, it's thriving.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Preview: Now with More Integration

A newly leaked set of shots from a prerelease version of Windows 8.1 Update 1 suggests that Microsoft is going to further integrate the Metro and desktop worlds in this important coming update.

Believe It: Microsoft Surface Is Turning Out to Be a Moneymaker

Those reports of Microsoft's Surface 2 being in short supply during the holiday season weren't apocryphal. The Surface sold well in the calendar fourth-quarter, racking up $893 million in revenues, according to Microsoft.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Make Your Laptop Easier to Use with Windows Mobility Center

Did you know that Windows 7 and 8.x have a special feature just for laptops and other portable platforms? It provides quick access to settings for brightness, volume, power, and other useful features. Here is how to use it

Five free Chrome tools for faster, easier searches

These free tools from the Chrome Web Store work with the Chrome browser to make searching easier, or help you tweak your search queries to minimize unwanted results.

Five Steps to Take Immediately If You're the Victim of Identity Theft

If you know or suspect that you are the victim of identity theft, there are steps you should take immediately to stop the theft and minimize the damage.

Keep a healthy PC: A routine-maintenance guide

As with all devices, regular maintenance will keep your Windows PC operating smoothly through the years. Here are the essential tasks that can help PC users — of all levels — maintain strong, secure, and stable systems

Download Over 250 Free Art Books From the Getty Museum

Getty Publications just announced the launch of its Virtual Library, where readers can freely browse and download over 250 art books from the publisher’s backlist catalogue.

 

Portable Computing

Thinnest (and lightest) large tablets

Thin tablets are usually sleeker, sexier, and easier to handle. Also, their relative girth does not necessarily preclude them from including plenty of useful connections. Being so thin, all the tablets listed here are also the lightest on the market.

T-Mobile Gets Into Mobile Banking With The New Mobile Money Service

T-Mobile is doing a lot of unconventional things for the mobile industry, and now it's branching out to banking as well

Watch the Super Bowl from Your iPad Thanks to Fox Sports Go

This year will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be available through an app. Fox Sports Go will include an English-language stream and a Spanish-language stream. According to Broadcasting Cable, Spanish simulating of the Super Bowl is another first.

The Best iPad Tips and Tricks

A virtual plethora of tips and tricks to help you use your iPad better. Whether you are new user or an iPad veteran, there is much to make your day.

How to Print from Your Android Tablet or Smartphone

Smartphones and tablets are very handy but what if you want to print something? What to do then? Printing from a mobile device is not as straightforward as from a standard PC but here is one method for Android platforms

Thanks CNet and Sweetpacks for trying to ruin my computer

A few months ago, I warned you about using CNet’s “Download.com” Web site. The reason, if you remember, is many of their downloadable files contain malware that can infect your machine so that ads are popping up all over the place. I know because I was infected by some of them, the worst of them being “Sweetpacks.” It took me four separate attempts to get rid of it. The last of it was cleaned by AVAST antivirus…or so I thought.

Just a few days ago, strange things started happening. Whenever I opened up Firefox and clicked on a link, I would get and AT&T ad. And I found words on my own Web site were being automatically linked with ad sites. This only happened in Firefox, not Internet Explorer of Chrome browsers.

After some deep investigations on my own part to see what was causing the problem, I ran SuperAntiSpyware software that I have used for a few years. It found nothing. Then after doing more research, one article I read suggested using Malwarebytes. So I downloaded it and ran a scan.

Not only did it find several pieces of malware that SuperAntiSpyware missed, but it found Sweetpacks had again invaded my system. It was buried deep in my browser, my hard drive, and my registry. It then removed every trace of it. My Firefox browser returned to normal and all trace of the links put on my site were gone.

You will find a link to Malwarebytes in one of the stories below. I can’t recommend it enough for what it did. It is free, but I am going to spend a one-time fee of $25 and have it for life. I wish I could charge it to CNet.

In other news, be sure and read the lead story about how HP is bringing back Windows 7 for its desktop and laptop computers. After using Windows 8, it makes perfect sense to do this. Wake up Microsoft and smell the coffee! Windows 8 stinks while Windows 7 is the best operating system you ever made.

Enough rambling. I leave the rest of the stories up to you. - JRC

News and Opinions

HP brings back Windows 7 'by popular demand'

HP woke up and figured out people are not buying their desktops because of Windows 8. So now, Windows 7 is their default choice for many computers. Smart move.

What to expect from Microsoft in 2014

2014 looks to be even bigger than 2013, with the company expected to ship a number of major updates to existing products as well as expanding into new product lines thanks to the Nokia acquisition.

Microsoft CEO search proves again it's still Gates' company

Microsoft's lack of progress suggests a board still deeply divided in terms of what it wants in a CEO.

New Pew Poll Finds That E-Books Are Booming but Print Holds Its Own

While the number of people reading e-books continues to climb (17 percent in 2011, 23 percent in 2012, and 28 percent in 2014), the figure for people who read printed books remained fairly constant for the same period.

We should be worrying about Google’s assimilation and consolidation, and here’s why

For Google, all this integration means better user profiling and more accurate ad targeting – never forget that Google is above all an advertising firm.

 

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

An Online Office Suite That's A Real Alternative To Microsoft Or Google

There's nothing to install, you're always running the latest version, and you can access your files from anywhere that has web access. Which is especially handy if you travel a lot, or like to work at both the office and at home, or if you collaborate on documents with other people.

Click this: All about mechanical keyboards and why you need one

Keyboards are of two kinds: (1) the cheapo, no-name slabs that are bundled by the millions with PCs, and (2) the ones that are actually worth using—and in most cases, that’s a mechanical keyboard.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

You and your antivirus need a wingman. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.

The Most (and Least) Reliable Hard Drive Brands

Backblaze uses 25,000 hard drives for its online backup service. This has provided some interesting information, such as how long hard drives are likely to last and the difference in reliability between enterprise and consumer drives.

Amazing! Create A Windows Font From Your Own Handwriting

Here is a new web-based service that will do the job instantly, and for free.

 

Portable Computing

Ripoff nation: How Verizon and AT&T stacked the deck against cellphone users

If you live in America, there’s a good chance you’ve not been overjoyed by your wireless plan. Simply by using a device essential to your daily life, you have been screwed. Let us count the ways.

Apple users hit with "Update using new SSL servers" phishing email

"Your online access has been blocked," says the fake email equipped with the Apple logo and color scheme.

6 apps you need to delete from your iPhone right this second

I bet there are some great apps on your iPhone. I mean, why else would you have downloaded them, right? But some apps just don't live up to their billing, and others lose their luster over time.

10 ways to pay without ever whipping out your wallet

The mobile wallet dream may still be a way off for the average consumer, but a cashless and cardless utopia is closer than ever before for the adventurous technophile.

Box rebuilt its iOS app and is offering 50GB of free storage for downloading it

Box's normal free storage limit is 10GB, so this special offer comes with a considerable boost in storage.

Microsoft Dumping Windows 8 As Fast As They Can

Windows 8 (and 8.1) just sucks! You have heard me repeat that phrase many times over the last 20 months. I said it for the first several months of its existence before I owned a copy. I said it even louder after I bought a new laptop with it installed on it.

Apparently enough other people said it too…so much so that it has been a sales disaster for Microsoft. Now, Microsoft finally awoke to the truth of it all and is now trumpeting Windows 9…even though it is at least 15 months away from release. Very little is known about it, although the first article here will give you a little insight. Microsoft will tell us all of its “Vision” for Windows 9 in April. Stay tuned for that.

Good news for all you XP users: Microsoft has reversed itself and will continue to provide security updates for it. However, that is all they will do for it. I still recommend you update your computers to Windows 7.

I am sure many of you are aware of Google’s Chrome Operating System (as opposed to the Chrome Web browser). It is available on many cheap laptops and has had some success in the market place. Its major problem is that it only works with an Internet connection…no local storage is available. Without a Net connection, it is a brick.

Well, Google has snuck the operating system into its latest version of the Chrome Web browser. If you use Windows 8 and make Chrome your default Web browser, you can see how it works. Who knows…you may like it better than the Metro interface. I will be trying it out on my laptop soon and will let you know.

OK, time for me to get on with other things, so I will let you read the rest of the stories on your own. Happy Computing to all!! -JRC

 

News and Opinions

"Threshold" to be Called Windows 9, Ship in April 2015

Microsoft tries to put Windows 8 in the rear-view mirror. Here is what we know so far. We will learn more about it at the "Build Conference" in April.

Microsoft extends security updates for XP

Microsoft has pledged to continue updating Windows XP's antivirus protection after the OS hits end of life in April. The ageing OS will no longer be officially supported by Microsoft from 8 April, despite hundreds of millions of people still running XP.

Google's latest Chrome release tries to replace the Windows 8 desktop

This week's Google Chrome update added some significant new features to its Windows 8 mode, effectively turning the browser into a stripped-down version of Chrome OS, with its own taskbar and window-management tools. But who's it for, really?

Light Patch Tuesday for Microsoft

There's only one interesting patch from Microsoft on the first Patch Tuesday of 2014: MS14-002. This patch from Microsoft should be at the top of everyone's priority list.

Why you should care about Net neutrality (FAQ)

Last time, we told you that a federal appeals court has thrown out the FCC's Net neutrality rules. CNET explains what the ruling means to the average consumer -- and why it really, really matters.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Five Places to Learn How to Use Windows 8.1 Better

Upgrading from an even older version of Windows? Then you have a truck-load of new features to learn. Either way, here are some places to go that will help make the transition to Windows 8.1 easier.

The Best Tuneup Utilities

Has your PC gotten slow, sluggish, buggy? Chances are, it's gotten gunked up through use; clean it up with these effective, ease-to-use tuneup utilities. PS: The winner of the Editor's Choice Award is free!

Get Organized: Scan Your Old Photos

If you have boxes of old photos you'd like to digitize, here are some tips for managing the project and preserving your memories the right way.

Outlook.com Gets Improved Sweep, Search and More

Microsoft announced some interesting changes coming to its Outlook.com email service, including a simpler version of the popular Sweep tool and improved Search. These features will begin rolling out to user inboxes over the next few weeks.

Everything You Didn't Know You Could Do with Google's Voice Commands

Voice search is one of those features that seems silly, but is awesome once you start using it. Not convinced? Here are a few ways to turn voice search from a silly gimmick into a useful productivity tool.

 

Portable Computing

The 10 Best Android Games

The advent of smartphones has changed the game, and now phones compete against consoles and PCs for your dollars and attention. The mobile game scene has exploded.

7 Tips for Better iPhone Photography

With all the benefits and fun that come with these new smartphones, people everywhere are starting to play with iPhone photography. Here are just a few tips to help make the most of your iPhone photos.

So who has the superior wireless network, anyway?

Verizon Wireless and AT&T both claim victory after the release of a recent study. This article breaks down who actually won. Or did they all?

BBB Warning: Smart Phone Apps May Share Your Information

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to make sure the apps they download don’t take more information than they need to do the job.

Apple settles with FTC over in-app purchases, offering $32 million in refunds

As a result of insufficient parental controls, the company is required to refund customers who have been billed for faulty charges, paying out a total of $32.5 million to 37,000 different customers.

Federal Court Kills Net Neutrality

Lots of news this day, so I will forgo my usual opening comments and let you get right to the good stuff. Besides, I am pretty tired. -JRC

News and Opinions

Federal Court Strikes Down Net Neutrality Rules, Sides with Big Telecom

A U.S. Appeals Court just invalidated the FCC's net neutrality rules that would've made it illegal for telecom companies to favor certain types of traffic over others. The court ruled that the commission lacked the authority to implement and enforce such rules which were embedded in a complicated legal framework. This is not good for us normal Internet users.

What to expect from Microsoft in 2014

2014 looks to be even bigger than 2013, with the company expected to ship a number of major updates to existing products as well as expanding into new product lines thanks to the Nokia acquisition.

2013 PC Sales: Down But Not Out

It should come as no surprise to anyone that PC sales are down year over year, and that simpler, more mobile and personal devices like smart phones and tablets are a big part of the reason why. But it's not as bad as has been reported, for starters.

Credit card hackers hit Neiman Marcus

Its seems Target Stores were not the only target of credit card hackers. Neiman Marcus says that it's the latest victim of data thieves, who made off with the credit card information of an unknown number of customers

The Best of CES 2014

There were plenty of highlights at the show this year, along with some lowlights. Here is PC Magazines roundup of the Best of Show.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Cool and Interesting Websites to Visit When You're Bored

I have added these non-tech related websites in my “weekly” bookmarks folder. I don’t visit them every single day but on weekends or when I am feeling bored and they never disappoint.

Kill your data dead with these tips and tools

You can easily erase an entire hard drive or SSD by using any of the free utilities listed here. All invoke the secure-erase (sometimes called quick-erase) functions integrated into nearly every ATA/SATA drive produced since 2001

A Better Way to Share Web Pages by Email

Instead of putting raw URLs in your email messages that don’t convey anything, you can use Clip Better to effortlessly create a visual snippet of the page and send it through Gmail or any other mail client that supports HTML Mail.

It's Okay to Open More Than Nine Browser Tabs; Here's How to Easily Manage Them

It's okay to have a ton of tabs open, you just need a few tricks to keep them all organized.

Play Hundreds Of Retro Console Games For Free

At the following Website, you can find hundreds of retro console games, all playable for free in your browser. No downloads or installation are required.

 

Portable Computing

Free phone apps can help you lose weight, achieve your goals

Here are three free smartphone apps that can guide you in your quest for self improvement:

How To Speed Up iOS 7! Make Your Older iPhone Run Faster on iOS 7

Although badly written, this article will give you some good tips to make your iPhone run a little faster...especially old iPhones.

How to Activate and Customize iPad's ‘Do Not Disturb’

About a year ago, Apple decided to make it easier for us to continue to receive notifications, but not let them keep us awake all night. The feature is called “Do Not Disturb” and it allows you to silence your whenever you want it so that alerts and FaceTime calls will be silenced.

16 Best New Android Apps From The Last 2 Weeks (12/31/13 - 1/13/14)

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications, games, and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous 2 weeks or so.

Biggest Android news of 2013

Android has enjoyed a very big year. The platform has been growing faster than the competition. A flurry of new smartphones and tablets has been launched. New form factors and innovations, from voice controls to curved displays, point the way to a brighter future.

Going Shopping at Target? Not Me

Normally, I would lead with all the new devices now showing at CES in Las Vegas. But, the latest stories about the Target Stores data breaches are just too important to ignore. Unless you have never shopped at Target or used your credit card there, I can almost guarantee your credit card information has been stolen. I am sure mine has as I used to shop there on a regular basis.

Notice I said, “used to.” Unless I am prepared to pay with cash only, you will not find me in one of their stores. Don’t get me wrong…I really like Target. But this kind of massive data breach in inexcusable. In fact, I may never go back into a Target for the sins they have committed. I have a feeling that many other people have come to the same conclusion.

Now, I have not forgotten CES. Our CES Roundup story contains many additional articles about what has happened in Las Vegas this week. I have also included a story on this year’s top trends.

And there is much more to this edition of Rants and Raves, so why don’t you get started. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Target's data breach: It gets worse

Target said names, email addresses and other data was stolen and could affect up to 70 million customers. This disclosure comes on top of a payment card breach outlined in December.

CES Roundup

Here is a plethora of all the major stories that have emerged from the 2014 CES show in Las Vegas. Some interesting articles included here.

The Top Trends at CES 2014

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is turning out to be a blockbuster-and with good reason. Find out what is hot and what is dead.

Microsoft forges ahead toward Windows 8.1 Update 1

An expected update to Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system is looking like it's going to make its projected 'spring' deadline.

Senate report explains how companies sell your data for marketing purposes

According to the document, companies like Equifax — generally known for its credit reports — are collecting details as intimate as whether an individual uses a laxative or has visited an OB/GYN doctor within the last twelve months.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

New Gmail Feature Allows Anyone On Google+ To Email You & Vice Versa, But Opt Out Is Provided

You’ will now be able to directly email your Google+ contacts from Gmail, even if you don’t know their email address. And by default, anyone on Google+ will be able to email you as well, thanks to this new option, if you don’t adjust your settings.

The Best Free Antivirus for 2013

Not using antivirus protection isn't just a personal choice, as your unprotected computer could be used as part of a botnet or DDoS attack. There are plenty of free antivirus tools, some quite good, so protect all of your computers now.

Something Microsoft has never fixed: why Windows is slow to start up

Windows today is generally stable, but it is applications that run at startup that cause your PC to start slowly, as well as having some impact on performance later.

Migrating to SSD: Get yourself a new computer without getting one

Here's how you can replace your computer's hard drive with a solid-state drive and be significantly happier with your life."

Chrome Brings Apps to Your Desktop: Are They Worth Using?

Do you use Windows, Mac, or Linux applications? Google wants you to replace them with Chrome apps in the future. Google Chrome is now an app platform, complete with a Chrome app launcher for Windows and Mac.

 

Portable Computing

Best camera apps for iPhone

Today's camera phones are modern wonders, and with more photos being taken on an iPhone every day than any other camera, there must be something that Apple is doing right

The Best Photography Apps for Android: 2014 Edition

The camera in your Android device can vary from exceptional to terrible, depending on the model of phone you have, and even the version of Android you're running. Luckily, there are tons of apps to help you make the most of the camera you have

Best eBook reader Android Apps

There are a couple of big names like Kindle and Nook, but a lot more smaller names that people don’t generally see unless they’re specifically in the eReader niche.

50 Apps That Can Make You More Productive

Get the most out of yourself and your time with these productivity and efficiency apps for mobile devices, desktop computers, and the Web.

Jailbreaking Explained: What You Need to Know About Jailbreaking iPhones and iPads

iPhones and iPads are locked-down devices. You can only install apps Apple has approved, and you can’t tweak the underlying system like you could on a Windows, Mac, or Linux system. Jailbreaking is the act of escaping this figurative “jail.”

CES Now Showing in Las Vegas. Hint: Don’t Go!

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine. As always, Santa was good to me. But now its time to get back on track with tech news, tips and tricks. And we start off with a bang!

Today, the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) gets underway in Las Vegas. It’s the biggest trade show of the year where electronic manufacturers of all kinds show their latest wares for the coming year. The show is huge, big enough to wear out your body in just one day…and it’s big enough that you can’t see it all in just one day.

I used to go to these shows every year back in my younger days. First it was Comdex, followed later by CES. The crowds were enormous, the hotel rooms were extremely overpriced and if you were smart, you wore tennis shoes, even if the rest of your wardrobe was made by Armani. But, it was mostly worth it as you saw new and exciting products unveiled and for sale for the very first time.

The Internet changed all that. Now, there are few products that have not already been announced on the Net… and there seem to be more and more products shown that never even make it to market. Some of the bigger companies don’t even show up anymore…like Apple and Microsoft. And many tech journalists don’t even come anymore. Still, it is a very big show.

The only interesting product I’ve seen so far are huge curved screen TV’s by Samsung. No word on when they will be on the market or how much they will cost. But, that is the norm for CES. So, as my headline says, if you get a ticket to go…don’t. Your legs and feet will thank you.

Besides you can read all about it here and many other places if you really want to know all the dirt. And, speaking of this blog, there is a whole lot more to this edition than just CES, so read on.

PS: The next edition of this blog may be delayed a day or two as all new flooring is being installed in my home over the next 2 days. -JRC

News and Opinions

8 Trends to Look for at CES 2014

Yes, it is time for the biggest technology show of the year. In fact, it starts today. This year, technology will continue its creep into your car, your home, and you.

What to expect in 2014? Eric Schmidt fills us in

Google's executive chairman says that mobile has officially won the battle with traditional computing and will only strengthen its dominance in 2014.

Target Stores: Encrypted PINs stolen but not encryption key

Encrypted PINs were taken in the recent hack but Target says the data should be "safe and secure" since the actual encryption key was not obtained. PS: I just know I won’t be taking my credit cards to shop at Target. Cash only!

At year's end, XP usage plunges as Windows 7 and 8 take over

"It looks like PC owners are finally beginning to relax their grip on Windows XP. According to new worldwide usage share data, XP is down sharply, with Microsoft's two fully supported operating systems, Windows 7 and 8, picking up the slack."

Facing the Biggest Problem with Windows in 2014

After a disastrous Windows 8 launch in late 2012, Microsoft reorganized its entire corporate structure, sent its CEO packing, adopted a rapid release cycle, and quickly shipped a mulligan in the form of Windows 8.1 in 2013. Problem solved, right? Nope.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Automatic Warning If You're About To Install Unwanted Software

The "Unchecky "program sits silently in the background on your PC, waiting until you install new software. At which point it springs into action to check that you're not inadvertently about to install an additional unwanted module. If it thinks that you are, it pops up a warning.

Google's Picasa software backs up photos from PCs to Google+

In a new move to fold Google+ into people's lives, Google releases a tool that lets people automatically back up their photos to the social service.

Get Organized: 10 Digital Cleanup Projects for the New Year

New Year's Day is an ideal time to tackle organizational projects. Here are some great suggestions to get you started.

Five Things that Every Windows PC Owner Must Do

Making resolutions for the New Year? How about including some essential computer tasks that we all know we ought to do but often don’t.

The Top 100 Websites of 2013

This list casts a wide net, as it is meant to appeal to, and be useful to, just about every age group and demographic, no matter what your tech skill level or outside interests are.

 

Portable Computing

Best iPad Apps of 2013

From heavy-duty productivity and business apps to wonderful educational apps, to beautiful apps for working with photos and for creating art, music, videos, and more. And of course we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great iPad games and entertainment apps.

The first 10 things to do with your new iPad

Here are the first things what I do when I take a new iPad out of its crisp white box before I put it through its paces for a review. I think you should do the same. At the least, these tips should help you get on your feet.

New Android device, new apps - 20 apps for your new Android device

This is in no way a definitive list of the best or most essential apps to download, but simply a collection of great titles to get you started with your new device.

The App-Driven Life: How To Stick To Your 2014 New Year's Resolutions

For any given resolution, there are a slew of desktop and mobile apps that can support you in reaching your goals. Here are a few to get you started.

How To Run Free Android Apps On the Kindle Fire

Even though you don't get Google Play, the Amazon Kindle Fire can run a wide range of Android apps. Here's how to load apps not sold by Amazon onto the tablet.

Shop at Target? Then You Better Read This

There’s been a huge data breach at Target Stores…not the on-line store, but the regular brick and mortar stores all over the country. Millions of credit card and debit card information has been stolen. The breach is so large that the Secret Service is now involved.

The breach runs for all credit cards used in the stores from November 29 (Black Friday) up to possibly December 15. If you used your credit card in a Target Store during that timeframe, I suggest you talk to your bank and keep following this story. Sorry for the bad news.

Although tech news is always a bit sparse this time of year, I think I’ve rounded up to some good stories as well as some good tips. With that said, I will be taking next week off to be with my son for Christmas. I am not sure when I will be returning, but I will start publishing again right after New Years…if not soon. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to being back with you soon. - JRC

 

News and Opinions

Target investigating massive Black Friday data breach

It's not just online transaction databases that are susceptible to attacks. The retailer Target is reportedly looking into the theft of millions of in-store credit card and debit card records from its databases. Millions of people may be affected.

The fall (and rise?) of Yahoo: How the web giant crumbled and built some great tech in the process

In the end, the bigger and badder Google brought Yahoo’s business to its knees. The company isn’t dead, but its body has been prematurely autopsied countless times by technology journalists.

Lights out: 40W and 60W bulb phase-out begins January 1, 2014

This phase-out means that the consumer lighting segments will be restricted to efficient halogens (sort of the clean coal of the lighting world), CFLs, and LEDs

Why Apple Needs A Next Big Thing Sometime Soon

Apple released the 'next' big things 3-6 years apart. We're about to hit year four since the last one, and with Steve Jobs no longer around to lead the charge, the whispers are out there that the innovation may not be to the level it had been in the past to lead to these creations.

 Pre-encryption makes cloud-based storage safer

I must confess: Until recently, I deeply distrusted the security of cloud-storage services such as SkyDrive, Google Drive,and Dropbox. But now, thanks to pre-encryption software, I’m comfortably using several cloud services — with no worries about the security and privacy of my files.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Chrome Brings Apps to Your Desktop: Are They Worth Using?

Do you use Windows, Mac, or Linux applications? Google wants you to replace them with Chrome apps in the future. Google Chrome is now an app platform, complete with a Chrome app launcher for Windows and Mac

Browser Wars: Chrome vs. IE10 vs. Firefox

More application-like websites are on the horizon, and the major browsers are getting ready. Which is best for you?

New year, new calendar strategy: 10 hacks for staying organized in 2014

By using a mobile smart calendar creatively, you can bring order out of chaos in areas ranging from bill payment to time management - and, in some cases, even break your habit of being (un)fashionably late.

New Google Tips is surprisingly helpful

Google has launched Google Tips, a site which uses clickable cards to explain the features and capabilities of Google's biggest products.

Four Creative Uses for Your Old SD Cards

If you've been through a couple of smartphones by now, or have owned more than one digital camera in your lifetime, you probably have a few SD cards lying around that you don't know what to do with.

 

Tablets and Smartphones

Everything You Didn't Know You Could Do with Google's Voice Commands

Voice search is one of those features that seems silly, but is awesome once you start using it. Not convinced? Here are a few ways to turn voice search from a silly gimmick into a useful productivity tool.

The 10 Best Tablets

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? These ten top-rated tablets fit the bill.

Biggest Android news of 2013

Android has enjoyed a very big year. The platform has been growing faster than the competition. A flurry of new smartphones and tablets has been launched. New form factors and innovations, from voice controls to curved displays, point the way to a brighter future.

Shopping for an iPad? Here are the Best Last Minute Deals

Although the Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally the biggest shopping day of the season, this year retailers are making one last big push to get out of the red. Below is a list of last minute deals on Apple’s iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini at various locations.

BBB Warning: Smart Phone Apps May Share Your Information

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to make sure the apps they download don’t take more information than they need to do the job.

A Killer Windows Feature You May Not Know About

One of the benefits of writing this blog is I get to learn some new things along the way…and passing them along to you. Such is the case today.

As you probably know, I have a fairly new Windows 8 laptop that has given me fits. There are programs that I use on my desktop that I loaded on to my laptop…mostly Windows utility programs. One such program is Revo Uninstaller…and excellent utility that not only deletes unwanted software, but thoroughly removes all remnants of it from your system. It was one of the first programs I put on the laptop to help me get rid of the crapware that always comes with new computers.

On my Windows 7 desktop, Revo can do its job in 2-4 minutes. But on the Windows 8 laptop, it would often take 15-20 minutes to do the same thing. One could leave the room, go have a cup of coffee, and still be waiting for it to finish. Very frustrating.

Then I came across story #6 below about how to run older programs under Windows 8. It turns out one can specify a compatibility setting for each installed Windows programs. So, I changed the compatibility setting on Revo from Windows 8 to Windows 7, then ran it. Boom! It completely wiped out an app in 2-3 minutes. It worked! And it turns out you can change the compatibility settings in Windows 7, Vista, and maybe even XP. To learn more, be sure and read article #6.

There are lots of other interesting computer news, features, and tips in this edition, so I hope you learn something new like I did. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Why Apple's 2014 won't be like 2013

It's not just about the next hit product. Apple is preparing for a future beyond phones, tablets, watches and TVs, in which it's the premium brand for life in a fully digital age.

More Than 48 Million Tons Of Gadgets Thrown Away Every Year

What with all of these new and wonderful gadgets out this year, it's no surprise that some of your older tech might end up on the scrap heap.
But not 48.9 million tons of it.

Yahoo forced to acknowledge Yahoo Mail problems in worst failure yet

After a public UI and technical failure with its October redesign, Yahoo Mail miraculously gets worse as it goes. And then, Yahoo acknowledges delivery failures stretching back to November 25.

Microsoft's Windows 8 Is The Perfect OS That Nobody Wants

Windows 8 looks perfect. But new updates may revert its design to appease consumers. What is going on?

ZDNet’s top products and tech trends for 2013

The 13 entries on this list are comprised of two types: tech trends that came into clear focus this year, and products that did something new and have the potential to be disruptive.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

 

How to Run Older Programs under Windows 8 - For Dummies

When a new Windows version, like Windows 8, appears a few years later, some older programs feel threatened by their new environment and refuse to work. If an older program refuses to run under Windows 8, you still have hope because of Windows' secret Compatibility mode.

Accessing God Mode in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista

Here's a great "trick" that will allows you to have ALL the options to control your PC with Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 8 RT, Windows 7, Windows Vista and others in one folder.

Best Free eBooks Online

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. Originally, the list was for 50 sites. Today, the list has reached 913 sites.

How to Migrate to a Solid-State Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

Migrating your Windows installation to a small drive can be tricky, because your data won't necessarily all fit on the drive. Here's how to install an SSD without reinstalling Windows from scratch.

Five uninstallers that really work

It never ceases to amaze me how many applications include built-in uninstallers, yet leave fragments behind when you remove them. Fortunately, the are a number of commercial uninstallers that do a good job cleaning up your computer

 

Tablets and Smartphones

A Quicker Way To Close All Tabs in iOS Safari

Ever find yourself with too many tabs open in Safari on your iPad or another iOS device? They do seem to accumulate pretty quickly for me over the course of a couple days of browsing. Well, here’s a very way for closing all open tabs more quickly.

Can You Really Get Great Shots on an iPhone?

We all understand that, in the right hands, any camera is a good camera (or a good enough camera). So since the iPhone is, at the very least, a very capable camera, perhaps we should be talking about what iPhoneographers can do to maximize their camera’s potential.

Must-Have iPad Apps, 2013 Edition

Another "best of" article, but it is a good one. Worth a look if you own an iPad.

List of 53 New Android Apps you didn’t know about

The only purpose of this article is to share with you new apps which are largely unheard and not so popular...but are worth a look.

List of 35 Best Android HD Games 2013

There are lots of HD Games for Android which you can download straight from Google Play and feel the real experience of High definition gaming.

Keep Your Phone and Move to a New Carrier

With a bit of a push from consumer groups, the FCC, and even the White House, the 5 major cell phone carriers agreed to let users unlock their cell phones when their contracts are up so they can take their phones with them to a different carrier. It’s a bit complicated for now (what isn’t when it comes to cell phone carriers!) so read our first story to get the details.

In the last issue, there was a story titled, “Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps.” The first app mentioned is called “WizMouse.” I installed it yesterday and I love it. It allows you to scroll in windows when you mouse over them, not just after you click on them. Heartily recommended.

There are lots of interesting stories, tips and tricks in this edition, so I will stop babbling and let you read them. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

U.S. carriers agree to new cellphone 'unlocking' policy

Major U.S. wireless carriers on Thursday pledged to make it easier for consumers to "unlock" their mobile phones for use on competitors' networks

Microsoft patches 4 zero-day vulnerabilities in major Patch Tuesday event

24 vulnerabilities in total are patched in the December round of updates, but four of them are already being exploited in the wild.

Microsoft adds lots of new features to Bing's Snapshot box

Microsoft has added new features to Snapshot, and today the company unveiled even more bits of information that can show up when users search for a topic in Bing.

Is Apple Dying Without Steve Jobs?

Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs and, since the iPad, there has been no spectacular product launch, only the usual stream of updates and improvements. His more conventional management practices are said to be counter innovative.

2013 in Review: Tech Turkeys of the year

And now, for your reading pleasure, the very worst from the tech world in 2013

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Antivirus for 2013

Which of the current antivirus tools is the one for you? PCMag sorts the best from the rest. Includes both free and paid versions

Microsoft Makes It Easier to Switch from Gmail to Outlook.com

What they're doing is providing a wizard-based interface for importing your Gmail contacts into Outlook.com and then configuring Outlook.com to be able to send email as if from Google.

How to Do a Clean Install of Windows Without Losing Your Files, Settings, and Tweaks

There's nothing like a fresh install of Windows to clear your mind, but it comes at a cost: you have to set everything up again, just the way you like it. Here's how to reinstall Windows, migrate your important settings, and leave the clutter behind.

Lifehacker Pack for Windows 2013: Our List of the Best Windows Apps

Windows has more great programs than we can count, but some are essential to just about every PC setup. In our fifth annual Lifehacker Pack for Windows, we're highlighting the must-have downloads for better productivity, communication, media management, and more.

Get a Refund If Amazon Drops the Price on an Item You Just Bought

Well, the good news is Amazon will refund you the difference—if you ask within the right timeframe.

 

Tablets and Smartphones

The first 6 things you need to do with your new Android tablet

After you've gone through the initial setup but before you begin actual normal use of your shiny new portable device, there are a few things -- six things, in fact -- you'll want to take care of.

Spotify now free on tablets and smartphones

Previously, free streaming was offered only on the desktop; users wanting to listen on a mobile device were required to take out a £10 monthly subscription.

18 Photography Apps Each Smartphone Photographer Should Consider

Thanks to ambitious app creators, we can trick out our smart phone cameras with a seemingly endless supply of options. From filtering and sharing, to editing and correcting, if there's something you want your smart phone camera to do, chances are there's an app for that.

Gas Buddy - Find the cheapest gas when you are traveling

Find the cheapest gas when you are on the road. An app is available for all smartphone brands. Everyone with a car and smartphone should have this app.

Rovio Releases ‘Angry Birds Go!’ Kart Racing Game for iPad and iPhone

Angry Birds Go! is a 3-D racing game that puts you behind the wheel in a soapbox derby as either the birds or pigs. Race as Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig, and more.

Has Your Password Been Stolen? Mine Was

We continually hear about various company’s security being breached and passwords being stolen. In article #6 below, there is a Website listed that can check multiple databases to see if your passwords might be on the stolen list. All you have to do is enter your e-mail address.

I checked and sure enough, mine popped up on the list of stolen passwords from Adobe. That was not a surprise as over 150 million credentials were stolen from them. Thank God it was the only one, and I changed that password a long time ago. But, because of this breach, I am in the process of changing most of my passwords. You see, most of us use the same password over and over again…I am guilty of that. It just makes it easier.

But hackers are aware of our habits, so if they get your e-mail address and password, they can hijack your mail accounts and hack other sites, like your bank. Fortunately, that has not happened to me. But, I will make sure that it never happens. I suggest you visit: http://haveibeenpwned.com/ and enter your e-mail address. And be sure and read story #6.

And while you’re at it read story #7 and run the LastPass Security Challenge. I did and my score was not very good. So I am making changes to improve my security and raise my score. This challenge will also check for hijacked passwords and e-mail you the results. I highly recommend you run this check ASAP.

Although we are in the slow news cycle that always happens this time of year, I managed to cobble together several interesting stories, along with some really good tips for both your desktop computers and your portable ones. I hope you find something good. -JRC  

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook call for NSA muzzle

The Reform Government Surveillance group, an alliance between eight major technology firms, aims to persuade the U.S. government to stop undermining the privacy rights of the general public.

Tablet OSes killed Windows 8 and Microsoft with it

Analysis: Incompetent management destroyed the company...but so did table operating systems.

MS adds more options to Office 365 Home Premium

No matter how you measure it, Office 365 Home Premium has defied the odds and become a surprising success. This quick overview of Microsoft’s for-rent Office suite for home users tells why — and reveals new features available to you any day now.

The next USB plug will finally be reversible

Work has begun on a new generation of USB that will break compatibility with existing connectors in order to improve ease of use and allow for thinner devices.

Cyber Monday was the biggest online spending day in history

Americans spent $1.75 billion on Monday, an 18 percent jump over Cyber Monday 2012. Did the jump come at the expense of Black Friday sales?

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to find out if your password has been stolen

There are many public databases of breached accounts, the largest breach being that of Adobe.com, but no way to search across all of them. Until now.

How to Run a Last Pass Security Audit (and Why It Can’t Wait)

Stop being thankful you dodged the past security breach bullets and armor yourself against the future ones. Read on as we show you how to audit your passwords and protect yourself.

How to Migrate to a Solid-State Drive Without Reinstalling Windows

Installing a solid-state drive is one of the best upgrades you can make to your computer, but migrating your Windows installation to a small drive can be tricky, because your data won't necessarily all fit on the drive.

Top 10 Underhyped Windows Apps

Some apps are essential, and everyone who's anyone knows to have them on their computer. Some apps, however, are fantastic, yet fly under the radar.

How to Talk to a Live Person: Every Customer Support Number You'll Ever Need

Customer Support is theoretically there to help, but it too can be a disappointingly unpleasant experience. Here is how to get to a live person right away.

 

Portable Computing

Google Play (Finally) Promotes Tablet-Optimized Android Apps

Google finally understands -- and has changed the way Android tablet apps are highlighted in the Google Play store. When an Android tablet accesses the store, by default the screen displays the top apps labeled as "designed for tablets.

How get the most out of Google’s apps and services when using an iPad

Going “all in” with Google’s online services does not mean that Android is the only option for your tablet. The following will show just how much attention Google has given to to Apple’s own iPad.

Heyday for iOS automatically journals your photos and locations so you don’t have to

Journaling apps are great for recording your memories, but the truth is that many of us give up manually inputting entries after just a few days. Heyday wants to take care of that for you by automatically creating your journal for you.

10 must-have Android apps for keeping on top of the news

There are a tremendous number of news outlets, blogs and RSS feeds to explore on the internet, but keeping up with them all can be tiresome. There are numerous apps for filtering all of this content in a timely, efficient manner.

Favorite iPad Apps of 2013

What truly makes the iPad great is its use of apps. It offers plenty of customization, allowing the user to customize his or her own iPad experience. Here are one writer’s favorite iPad apps of 2013

5 apps worth downloading this week

Featuring a new way to shop, a slick app that helps keep your life organized and one of the best photo editing apps out there.

Here’s the Scoop on Why Obamacare Website Failed

I am back from a great Thanksgiving visit with my son over in Yuma. He is one terrific cook and Thanksgiving dinner was marvelous. I am still feeling full from all the turkey and fixings…not to mention the desserts. Wow!

As for today’s blog, be sure and watch the video in our first story. Find out why the Obamacare Website came out broken. It is very revealing. Well worth the 12 minutes it takes to watch it.

There are lots of other stories here that you find interesting (I hope) including one about my old hometown and how they have the fastest Internet anywhere…and trust me, the speeds were incredible. I may not miss the town, but I miss those speeds. And I am proud to say, I played a part in making it happen.

So, anyway, I am tired of writing, so why don’t you start reading. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Why Healthcare.gov came out broken

A great 12 minute video from The Verge showing how and why it failed. Hint: its all about government procurement rules. Personal opinion: Our government is totally broken.

Which US city has the fastest Internet access? Wrong!

It's not one of the towns served by Google Fiber, and it's not in the backyard of any tech giants, though it is starting to attract their data centers. Hint: It's my former hometown...and I was part of making it happen.

Surprise! You are Watching More TV Than Ever

No one watches TV anymore. You don’t, and no one you know does, and it’s just a matter of time before the TV Industrial Complex folds in on itself and disappears. Except … it turns out that people are still watching TV

European regulators give Microsoft's Nokia acquisition final approval

The European Union's blessing follows US antitrust regulators' approval on Monday and approval from Nokia shareholders in November. The antitrust regulators passed the acquisition with no conditions, as expected.

Microsoft's Windows future: One core, many SKUs

Is Windows RT dead? Is the desktop going away ? What's 'Threshold' got to do with it? Here's my latest attempt to try to make sense of where Microsoft's Windows roadmap will lead in the next couple years and beyond.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Wireless Printing Explained: AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, iPrint, ePrint, and More

The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from. This definitely applies to wireless printers. When buying a printer, you’ll find that most printers support a variety of different printing standards.

10 Incredibly Simple Things You Can Do To Protect Your Privacy

Want to make your computing and on-line experience much safer. Check out these 10 tips (slide show)

The Top 12 PC Settings in Windows 8.1 You Should Know

Since Windows 8.1 has launched, a lot that has changed. Not so much with the Control Panel, but the Metro-themed “PC settings” that have definitely taken on more and more responsibilities; many control panels have finally been rolled into the PC settings.

Confused about online sales taxes? You're not alone

Are you doing some shopping online this holiday season and wondering why you're getting charged sales tax and your sister in another state isn't?

This 4-In-1 File Explorer Makes Moving And Copying Files Simple

The standard way to move or copy files and folders in Windows is to use Windows Explorer. But there's a fundamental flaw in its design which Microsoft consistently seems to ignore.

 

Portable Computing

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2013

Navigate the galaxy of apps in Google Play with this handy, carefully selected list of the 100 best Android apps.

The very best tablets of 2013

Tablets have been a huge hit over the year, and a number of great products have come to market, and with retailers trying desperately to attract attention with holiday deals, there's never been a better time to buy.

Five Best iPad Cases

Whether it's a rugged case you need, a soft case with pockets, or a keyboard case, you have options. Here are five of the best.

Best Free Image Editor for Android

Using one of the great freely available image editor apps you should be achieve pretty much any effect you desire, whether it be the usual photoshop-esque image editing like improving an existing photo by lightning it or removing red eyes or something a little more fun like creating a pop art collage out of a selfie, there is an image editor app on Android to meet your needs.

Best iPad action games

Are you ready to test your reflexes? These great action games for iPad will see just how well you can dodge, fire, pivot, and twitch. We’ve got a good mix of physics games here, endless runners, and everything in between.

Microsoft to Dump Windows RT? That’s a Good Bet

Here we go! It’s the holidays. Time for turkey, stuffing, family time, and mad dashes to all the stores to get their best deals of the year (maybe). You will find some good articles on Black Friday shopping here including apps to help you find all the deals without going to the mall…and even a story on what not to buy this coming weekend.

There is an interesting story out of Redmond that Microsoft will be cutting out one of its operating systems…and it looks like it will be Windows RT. I think that is a good one to kill off. So that leaves Windows and Windows Phone 8. Look for Windows Phone 8 operating system to eventually show up on tablets. All sources tell me it is a good one.

I will be taking the next several days off to be with family in Yuma. So no blog until next week. But the stories here and some great tips and tricks here should keep you occupied until then. Here’s a tip for all readers east of the Mississippi: Stay Home!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

News and Opinions

Microsoft: We aren't going to have three different versions of Windows

A Microsoft official confirms the company is planning to trim the number of different versions of Windows in its portfolio...and odds-on its Windows RT that goes bye-bye.

Twitter upping security to thwart government hacking

The microblogging site adds a new security measure designed to make it harder for organizations like the National Security Agency to uncover its data.

The cable industry is imploding: What providers must do to stay alive

Cable is dying of a slow, drawn out death. It’s not at the hands of Netflix, nor at the hands of fiber optic technology. It’s not even at the hands of the Internet. Cable is strangling itself with its own wires.

The Slow Roll Toward Talking Cars

A combination of embedded and cloud-based voice-recognition software will help drivers better communicate with their cars.

Here's how Walmart will fight off Amazon on Black Friday

The retailing giant is pulling out all stops, from free shipping to price match guarantees. And for Walmart, Cyber Monday starts on Saturday.

Price, set, match: Target's new weapon to beat 'key online retailers'

It looks like Target is going to try to beat Amazon at its own game.

 

Tips and Tricks

13 Things Not to Buy on Black Friday

Even though many product categories will see new all-time low prices, not everything is at its lowest price on Black Friday. In fact, there are 13 items you definitely shouldn't buy on November 29

The absurdly simple guide to backing up your PC

The first rule of PC Club is: Always, always back up. Thankfully, backing up your most important data is a cinch. It’s the getting off your rear to actually do it that stymies most people.

Everything You Can Do with Adblock Plus (That Isn’t Just Blocking Ads)

Adblock Plus is one of the most robust browser extensions out there, and while its namesake is its most-used feature, it's not just about blocking ads. You can do all sorts of things with it, including cleaning up Facebook's interface and making sure web sites aren't tracking you.

Streak Tracks Your Email, Lets You Know Who Read It, When, and Where

Streak, is an email organization suite for Gmail, unveiled message tracking today. It pops up a message to let you know when a message has been read, and offers a timeline view so you can see who's read it, when, and on what devices. Best of all, it's free.

Make Your Windows 8/8.1 Computer Act Like New with the Refresh Feature

Windows 8 introduced a new feature called “Refresh your PC” that provides a quick and easy way to clean things up and restore the operating system to factory-fresh condition. It can also be a lifesaver if your computer develops severe problems.

 

Portable Computing

14 Free Apps to Help You Snag All the Black Friday Bargains

Fortunately, your smartphone is all you need to make sure you get the very best prices on everything on your holiday shopping list. Download these essential apps while the turkey is in the oven and prepare to save. Best of all, none of them will cost you a cent.

myMail- A Beautiful Email App for Android and iOS

myMail brings all your email accounts into one simple, bright, and friendly interface and supports almost all popular email services including Gmail, Yahoo!, AOL, iCloud, Hotmail and Outlook. So you can have all your emails in one place.

Infinity Blade goes free for Black Friday week

Even though it's now three years old, if you're looking for a great game to play on your iPhone or iPad then the original Infinity Blade title is still well worth a look. Fantastic graphics

Favorite iPad Apps of 2013

What truly makes the iPad great is its use of apps. It offers plenty of customization, allowing the user to customize his or her own iPad experience. Here are my favorite iPad apps of 2013.

Gas Buddy - Find the cheapest gas when you are traveling

Find the cheapest gas when you are on the road. An app is available for all smartphone brands. Everyone with a car and smartphone should have this app.