Outlook for iOS and Android Released…and it’s free!

This latest surprise from Microsoft took me off-guard. I don’t think I ever heard any hint of it in the tech tabloids. But, I could be wrong. No matter! I downloaded it to both my iPhone and iPad. And, I must tell you, I think it is fantastic! If you are familiar with Outlook on the PC, you will find that it works the same on your iOS device. I can’t speak for Android as it is still in beta, but the iOS version is a final version. You can read all about it in our first story in the Mobile Computing Section below.

As for Windows 10, I am still playing with it and still having little or no luck with Cortana. It does recognize me when I say, “Hey Cortana,” followed by a command, but it mostly cannot complete the command. Once it even printed on the screen that I should wait for future system updates. OK…I will.

As for the rest of my experiments with the OS, you can read about them in our first story below…the author’s experience with it are the same as mine. I think it will be a success and most of you Windows users will be switching to it when the time comes. What the heck! It will be free.

Well that is my story today and am sticking to it. I hope you enjoy the stories and tips I have gathered here. Have a great weekend and enjoy the Super Bowl. - JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

What’s new — and expected — in Win10, current build

Here’s an overview of what you can see in the current Win10 Tech Preview — plus what’s likely to dribble out over the summer.

Microsoft confirms Windows 10's 'Spartan' browser to get extensions

Microsoft's new 'Spartan' browser will include support for extensions at some point, Microsoft officials have confirmed. Currently, Internet Explorer (IE) does not allow them.

Maker of Drone That Crashed at White House Will Block Flights Over DC

Following revelations that a civilian-operated drone crashed on the White House lawn, the manufacturer of the drone, DJI, will take steps to prevent its drones from flying over Washington DC. That's the first time that the Chinese company has blocked such a huge area.

The 6 things you need to know about Apple's best quarter ever

Apple made all the money last quarter—its $18 billion in profit is not only the best quarter Apple’s ever had, it’s the best quarter any company has ever had, and a jaw-dropping 74.5 million iPhones sold is a big reason why.

Microsoft takes on scummy tech-support companies

In late December 2014, Microsoft filed a lawsuit against a U.S.-based company that’s been accused of massive tech-support fraud. If you’ve been the victim of a phony “tech support” call — or you know someone who has — it might be payback time.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Get free TV shows and music with Apple's new Free on iTunes section

Apple has added a new Free on iTunes section. Learn where to find it.

YouTube now defaults to HTML5 on the web

The change has been a long time coming, with YouTube working steadily to default to HTML5 across the major browsers, including Chrome, beta versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer 11, and Safari 8.

View And Manage Your Web Cookies With Updated Program

I wrote about Cookie Spy a couple of years ago, and since the program has now been through a couple of updates and revisions it's worth mentioning this excellent program again.

Twitter launches group messages, 30-second video sharing

The social network follows through on its plan to refine and expand its capabilities, as the pressure to boost user growth continues.

Free up space on your hard drive using your cloud storage's selective sync option

Running out of hard drive space on your PC used to be a problem. It usually meant you had to get a new PC, or offload some files onto an external hard disk, or upgrade your internal drive. Cloud storage services haven't solved these hassles completely, but they are making it easier to clear up some space on your hard drive.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft’s cross-platform Office push includes revamped Outlook

If you’re a fan of Microsoft services and you have an iOS or Android device, today’s your lucky day. The company has taken the wraps off a bunch of updates and, in some cases, new releases.

Which Airlines Have the Best Wi-Fi?

Getting on an airplane no longer means losing touch with the outside world. These days, the friendly skies are more connected than ever before.

Best Free iPhone Apps 2015 Part 2

Part two of our a comprehensive list of the best free iPhone apps. We’ve scoured the App Store, bringing you the best from all categories.

7 awesome paid iPhone apps that are all free downloads right now

Here is a fresh list with seven new paid iOS apps that are all on sale for free. Today’s list has some particularly good apps, and the first one listed could quite possibly blow your mind.

Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

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

Windows 10…I’ve Got It!

This is the Microsoft HoloLens See story #1

After publishing the last blog, I downloaded Window 10…the current build at that time. Most of the functions announced by Microsoft last week were not included. Then, two days ago, they released the latest build (#9926) with a few more goodies. The main improvements were the introduction of Cortana, the voice activated search (similar to Apple’s SIRI)…the gaming connections for Xbox 1...and an improved Start Menu. 

Since I don’t own an Xbox, I can’t test that out. But I can and did test out Cortana. I have run a few tests, but the early results are not favorable. It would be unfair to judge this feature since it is brand new and I have not had enough time to really test it out. A couple of times it responded just fine. But other times it did not respond and told me it wasn’t working at the present time.

Then, one time, after asking a few question, it started responding the previous question. It was kind of funny. But, I will go back and really give it a good workout. It is so new I think we have to cut it some slack and give Microsoft time to work out all the bugs. I have no doubt it will work just fine in the near future.

As for the Start Menu, the big improvement was make the Metro App section fully expandable and also add a few new apps. Most worked fine but were not anything really spectacular. The Outlook App was downright dreadful! I hated it and I let Microsoft know that I did. They left out all the tabs! I sure hope this will not be the version included with the next version of Office 2016.

A writer for one of the magazines passed along a great trip on how to make the new Spartan browser engine run Internet Explorer. I made the change and it made one heck of a difference. IE on Windows 10 is now flying! I hope the new Spartan browser (or whatever they call it) will be just as fast.

I think Microsoft has a good OS here and I will keep testing it until the final release later this year. They will continue to add new features with each build and I will tell you about them as they happen.

We have some good stories here and some great tips. A new version of iOS came out today, so was busy updating my iPhone and iPad. But then I found out they also upgrade OS X Yosemite today so I got that one going on my MAC. So I have kept busy.  Time for you to take over and start reading all these stories that I have accumulated here. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft's HoloLens explained: How it works and why it's different

Has Microsoft suddenly pushed us into the age of "Star Trek" and "Minority Report"? For those confused about what's actually going on with the company's new head-mounted gadget, here's the rundown.

What is Microsoft Really Doing with Windows 10?

So what will Windows 10 do to right the Microsoft ship and ensure that this year’s launch is nothing like the Windows 8 debacle?

No Windows 10 update for Surface RT

Microsoft Surface devices running Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1 will not receive the company's Windows 10 update, but will instead be treated to an update with only some of its functionality. I think this means RT will soon be dead.

Microsoft Office 'universal' to be free on Windows 10 phones, small tablets

Microsoft's touch-first Office suite, as well as its desktop Office 2016 suite, are inching closer to public preview.

Microsoft Office 2016 will be released later this year

The UI and functionality is very similar to existing versions of Office for iPad, but Microsoft is combining inking and touch modes to take advantage of some of the unique parts of Windows 10. It will be released for both PC’s and MAC’s.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Opera founder unveils feature-rich Vivaldi power browser

Jon von Tetzchner, the man who founded Opera and who would probably never have allowed those drastic feature changes, is back to serve this hard core with a new browser called Vivaldi.

How to use WhatsApp from your computer

Tired of only being able to access your WhatsApp conversations on your phone? Start using WhatsApp Web.

How to Quit Social Media (and Why You Should)

If social media has you down, here's a guide to slowly but surely walk away, temporarily or for good.

How to Remove the Awful ShopperPro Adware / Malware

We were testing out our theory that all freeware download sites are awful when we got infected with the ShopperPro adware, which just completely takes over your entire browser window with obnoxious ads, redirects Amazon links to some shady site, and is awful. Here’s how to remove it.

Save Images Directly to Amazon Cloud Drive with This Extension

Chrome: Amazon Prime customers can save an unlimited amount of photos to Amazon Cloud Drive, which makes it a good spot for images. With the Save to Cloud Drive Chrome Extension, you can save any image to Amazon with a right-click.

 

Mobile Computing

Google leaves most Android users exposed to hackers

An executive confirms Google has no plans to fix a security hole in the default browser for older versions of Android, which are relied on by around 60 percent of all Android users.

Go Wireless and Never Connect a Cable to Your Android Phone Again

We were supposed to be living in a wireless future, but we’re not quite there yet. Still, many things we do with cables don’t actually require cables anymore — you can go wire-free with just a few tweaks.

Best Free iPhone Apps Part 1

There are a wealth of great free applications for the iPhone, but with the App Store offering hundreds of thousands of apps, selecting the cream of the crop can be a daunting task. Every application you'll find here was carefully selected and tested.

Where to store all your iPhone photos when you run out of space

Running out of space can mean that you wont be able to take any more photos. The following options will help you manage your photos and ensure that you don’t have to choose between the past and the future.

Apple releases iOS 8.1.3

Apple has released iOS 8.1.3 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, which brings with it relief for those who feel that updates have become too cumbersome to install. PS Apple also issued an update for iMac's today.

Surprise! Windows 10 Will be Free!!!

Wednesday was an amazing day in Redmond. Microsoft shocked us all with their Windows 10 preview announcements, showing off new features that will be a part of their new operating system.

The first shock and happy surprise: Windows 10 will be a FREE upgrade to both Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. I figured they would probably do it for Windows 8 users as a way to apologize for the bad operating system that was V.8. But I didn’t think they would do it for V.7 users. Just to clarify, the Win 10 upgrade will be available for one year after release and all Win 10 upgrades and updates will be free for the life of the product.

The next surprise was the inclusion of the Cortana voice assistant to all Windows 10 devices. I’ve been impressed with Cortana ever since its release on Windows Phones. From what I have seen and heard, it is better in many ways than Apple’s Siri. We shall see. If you upgrade to Windows 10, you will have a chance to find out.

But the biggest shock of the day was the announcement of HoloLens…a new wraparound headset with see-through glasses that allows the user to see and create holographic images. Windows 10 will include all the API’s that can activate the headset.

In the demonstration, we saw a woman build a quad copter in mid-air while wearing the glasses. The audience only saw her fingers moving in the air. But through the glasses, we could see the copter being built piece by piece and even painted.  The device was developed in conjunction with NASA and they had a demo where the user could walk on Mars. Those who got to try out the prototype glasses were blown away. We will have more on this amazing device soon…but story #4 gives you a hands-on description of using it.

A quick look at some of the new features: Universal apps that work across all Windows devices (including Windows Phones); the new Project Spartan browser; and being able to play Xbox games streaming to your computer, using your Xbox device. There is more, but those are the highlights. PS: Be sure and watch the video in story #2 to see the new features.

By the way, the photo above shows the new Start Menu. As you can see, on the left is the Start Menu we are all familiar with. On the right are a few of the Metro-looking icons found in Window 8. You can change those, even expand them if you are a fan of the Metro interface.

Two years ago, I remember being moderately excited about Windows 8. Two days after installing the consumer preview, I knew it was a piece of #%^&%. I am going to install the consumer preview of Windows 10 inside the Parallels app on my MAC. I will let you know what I think.

Today’s blog is dominated by Windows 10, but, as always, there are other good stories and features to read. So enjoy! –JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

The Best New Windows 10 Features

Here are the highlights of the announcements made by Microsoft on the new Windows 10 Operating System.

Joe Belfiore Walks Us Through What's New in the Latest Windows 10 Technical Preview

A new video from Joe Belfiore does a great job of providing demos without too much commentary and gives you a great look at all the major Windows 10 feature announcements.

Cortana Comes to PCs and Tablets in Windows 10

Cortana is not perfect, by any means. But, is heads-above Siri and is constantly improving thanks to the Microsoft Cloud connection.

Hands-On with Microsoft HoloLens

I believe HoloLens to be an innovation far more impressive than the voice and gesture capabilities of, say, Kinect. It really is pretty incredible.

Microsoft Project Spartan Preview

Microsoft's unveiled a new concept Web browser it calls Project Spartan. Joe Belfiore, VP of the operating systems group, gave a brief tour of some of the new features and how it would work on all Windows devices.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How reliable are 4TB drives?

3TB drive reliability has been worse than expected, but the 4TB drives are shaping up nicely. Here's what you need to know.

Yes, Every Freeware Download Site is Serving Crapware (Here’s the Proof)

If you absolutely must download some stupid freeware from somewhere, you may as well punch yourself in the face. And then either find the real site (ignoring the ads) or use Ninite or test it out in a virtual machine first. Or maybe switch to OS X or Linux.

The Best Firefox Addons

Firefox is famous for its addons, and for good reason: they can make your browser do just about anything. But which addons are the most useful? Here are the addons we think are best, what they do, and where you can find them.

Is your backup drive full? Here's how to make space

Over time, a backup can require a huge amount of drive space. Part of the problem is deleted files. You can open up space on your internal drive by deleting files, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will get deleted from the backup.

5 tips for finding anything, about anyone, online

How to hunt down people -- even if they don't want to be found.

 

Mobile Computing

Comparing T-Mobile and AT&T's rollover data plans

Both carriers have similar program that allow customers to carry unused data from one month to the next, but it's not as simple as it sounds. This is how these rollover data plans really work.

How to watch Super Bowl XLIX on any device

The New England Patriots are set to take on the Seattle Seahawks on February 1. Here's how you can watch it live from home or on the go.

Android Malware Looks Safe, Steals Your Photos and Messages

The folks at Malwarebytes tipped us off to a nasty app called PhoneSpy that takes advantage of our trusting relationship with our phones to harvest the most personal of information.

8 ways mobile will get your attention in 2015

From a carrier price war to wearable technology, it was a busy 2014 for mobile -- and there's more to come this year.

6 Best Music Streaming Apps for Android

Online music streaming and radio services are now becoming very popular with good internet connectivity on phone with 3G and 4G LTE. These services also have mobile apps which allows you to stream music directly from your phone.

For Windows, the Day of Reckoning is at Hand

Tomorrow (Wednesday), Microsoft will unveil the first look at the consumer version of the new Windows 10. Realize this is not the final release…we will not see that until late Summer of Early Autumn. But this unveiling will show us what the new Windows will look like and what exciting new features we can expect.

With the failure of Windows 8, Microsoft needs a win. They are no longer the only game in town. Apple has been gaining strength both in desktop and laptops…so has Android and Chrome. It was Windows 8 that contributed mightily to the slump in PC sales.

I know my own frustrations with Windows 8 led directly to my eventual purchase of a new iMac. Although some of my favorite programs only run in Windows, I solved that by using Windows running inside “Parallels” running on the MAC. My Windows 8 laptop sits unused in a bag, waiting for the next Windows to show up. If it is similar to Windows 8, I will buy a MAC laptop.

That being said, I have high hopes that Windows 10 will be a winner. Early reports of the first versions of it are good. Tomorrow we will see the really good stuff that has not shown up yet. I am excited and will watch the announcement with great expectations. More than likely I will download the first consumer build and load it up inside Parallels on my MAC (how ironic is that).

But, if they blow this one, Windows will be on the road to irrelevancy. That will take a while, but you can’t keep putting out crap and expect to live on your past glories. So good luck to all of us Windows users tomorrow.

Besides the Windows news, we have several good pieces of information here that you might find useful. So let’s get on with it! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Tomorrow  Is Microsoft's Last Chance To Convince The World That Windows Still Matters

A decade ago more than 90% of devices on the internet ran Windows. With the rise of smartphones, and tablets running smartphone operating systems like iOS and Android, that number is down to 15 per cent.

What to expect (and what you won't see) at this week's Windows 10 launch

What's next for Windows 10? This week's unveiling in Redmond should focus on consumer features. It will also reveal how well Microsoft is coping with the unprecedented shift from traditional PCs to mobile computing.

This List Of 2014’s Worst Passwords, Including ‘123456,’ Is Embarrassing

according to SplashData’s yearly list of the worst passwords on the internet (as compiled by more than 3 million leaked passwords from 2014), we are kind of lazy about the whole “digital security” thing.

IRS opens Free File portal for e-filing of tax returns, but only for those of modest means

The Internal Revenue Service said Friday that its e-filing system is open for the 2014 tax year. U.S. taxpayers can e-file their taxes either by using online forms the IRS itself provides, or choosing from Free File's fourteen tax preparation services, including name brands like H&R Block.

Net fix: Who's to blame for the Net neutrality mess? Look to Verizon

Verizon fought hard to overturn 2010 rules governing Internet access. But it now faces the possibility that the FCC will impose even stricter regulations than the ones it had thrown out.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Free Google Chrome Extensions

These are 90 of the greatest extensions you can and should add to your Google browser.

4 easy ways to cut your software costs in 2015

One easy way to cut costs is to reassess the software you're paying for and why you're paying for it. If there's anything that can be cut and replaced with free or near-free alternatives, try it! Virtually every premium program out there has a no-cost alternative or three.

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows

The more software you install on your computer, the longer it may seem to take to start up Windows. Many programs add themselves to the list of programs started when you boot your computer, and that list can get long.

Top 4 tech habits you need to break right now

Get some peace of mind by breaking some bad habits and developing some good ones along the way.

How to keep your PC, smartphone, or tablet safe while traveling

When you travel, a whole fleet of electronics come with you. Smartphone and laptop are a given, but there’s a good chance you’re also toting a tablet, and maybe a cellular hotspot or dedicated GPS. All of them are juicy targets for bad guys.

 

Mobile Computing

How to use the new features of updated Google Maps for iOS

Learn how to use the new features of the updated Google Maps app for iOS, including dropping pins for both your starting point and destination, new restaurant filters and weather information for major cities around the globe.

How to teach contact names and relationships to Siri and Google Now

With a little work on your part, you can teach Siri and Google Now the nicknames and relationships of the most important people in your life, from your loving spouse or parents to your closest (or most demanding) colleagues.

13 iOS Apps Worth Buying

Oddly, paying for an app in the App Store is a big decision for some. It's easy to put down a dollar for a pack of gum, but paying 99 cents for an app? That requires some thought. Maybe that's because about 90 percent of the over 1 million iOS apps are free.

5 Ways to Lose Weight With Apps and Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers may be the latest health-tech fad, but if you're looking to lose weight, there are other tools and services you should add to them and to your overall plan.

The Best Free Android Games

We've got the absolute best free Android games here that play great on the big and small screen alike. Whether you just picked up a new Android device or just looking for a cheap way to kill time, you're in luck!

After CES, All Quiet on the Tech Front

After CES ended this weekend, the tech news world came to a screeching halt…meaning very few interesting stories to report. Next week, Microsoft will hold its big tech briefing about the new consumer version of Windows 10. But that is not until next Wednesday, so I won’t be able to give you the lowdown until next Thursday. But I am more than interested to see what they have planned for us.

With that said, why don’t you take over from here and see what you can find of interest. PS: While the news may not be exciting, there are some great handy-dandy tips on computing here. Enjoy. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft sets Windows 10's consumer reveal for Jan. 21

Official launch now 'early fall,' according to COO's latest schedule. Still, it will be interesting to see what Microsoft has in store for us for its next operating system.

Windows 7 exits mainstream support: What you need to know

The venerable OS is finally exiting “mainstream support” on January 13, 2015. And for months now, the Web has been flooded with a wave of confused or downright fear mongering headlines and articles implying that Windows 7 is following Windows XP into the graveyard. It's not.

Microsoft, Google Aim To Break The Language Barrier

Last month, Microsoft’s Skype calling service launched simultaneous translation between English and Spanish speakers. Now in response, Google says its translation app will soon be updated to include a similar feature.

Microsoft focuses solely on Windows on Patch Tuesday

The January 2015 edition of Microsoft Patch Tuesday might be more notable for what the monthly release of security bulletins does not contain—there are no fixes for the Microsoft Explorer browser this month.

Verizon Won't Stop Using the Tracking Cookie That You Can’t Kill

An online advertising clearinghouse relied on by Google, Yahoo and Facebook is using controversial cookies that come back from the dead to track the web surfing of Verizon customers.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The top 15 function keys for Word, Excel and Outlook

Despite Microsoft Office’s evolution toward menu-driven shortcuts, it’s worth remembering those funky Fn keys still serve a purpose. As part of key combos in Word, Excel, and Outlook, they make it easier and faster to perform commonly used commands.

Outlook.com now lets you save email attachments directly to OneDrive

Microsoft today updated Outlook.com, formerly known as Hotmail, with a new Save to OneDrive feature. As the name implies, you can now save your email attachments directly to the cloud.

Mastering Windows 8’s backup/restore system

Windows 8 has easily the most comprehensive backup-and-recovery system ever seen on a personal computer. With little user effort, and when applied correctly, Win8’s built-in backup tools provide automatic, frequent, triple-data redundancy.

Mozilla releases Firefox version 35.0

Mozilla has ramped up its geolocation service in the latest version of its Firefox browser, released on January 13, with version 35.0 able to share mobile device Wi-Fi and cellular signals for improved geolocation functionality.

6 Types of Browser Errors While Loading Web Pages and What They Mean

You’re guaranteed to stumble into an occasional error page while browsing the web. This guide will help you understand exactly what each erro page means and what to do when you see them.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Maps was just updated – here are 5 new features you have to check out

Google released new updates for its Google Maps apps on Android and on the iPhone. And thankfully, this is a case where all of the updates bring nifty new features and there are no big design changes that might cause people headaches.

Three money apps for tracking, organizing and reporting your finances

Between budgets and taxes, it's time to get organized. These apps will help you track, categorize, and report your finances, saving some annoying steps along the way.

Lightroom mobile app now available for Android

Edit, share and synch pictures taken on your Android smartphone with Adobe's photographic companion app.

Five ways to lower your smartphone data consumption

Which apps and services are the worst offenders when it comes to chewing through your data plan?

How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Google has released an iOS app that makes it possible to access your Mac or PC from any iOS device with an Internet connection.

CES is Over! But Some Interesting Products Were Announced

Some of the happiest people in the world right now are those folks who had to attend CES and are now home. Shows like this are a real grind! Trust me…I know. Back in the 80’ and 90’s I used to attend a giant show called “Comdex” in Las Vegas. It was so huge that it was spread all over town…but if you were part of the computer world, you had to attend.

At the end of the 5 day show I was worn out…my feet were sore and my legs were aching. One had to fight to get a taxi to the hotel then back the next day. One time, I was lucky enough to get a fabulous room at the Hilton, right next to the Convention Center. That was gift of the gods! Still I loved going as I always came back with an armload of hardware and software.

Then came the rise of the Internet. One didn’t have to go anymore as it was almost all announced on-line. Eventually Comdex folded itself into CES. Good memories of good times, but I feel no need to go anymore. Besides, I am sick to death of Las Vegas and don’t care if ever see it again.

Now you don’t have to go either. There is plenty of coverage of it here and many other places on the Net. In this edition, we’ve wrapped up the highlights of the show. There is lots to take in so take your time. According to those who know, this year’s show was better than most with lots of exciting new products and services that are available now or in the new future.

So let’s get to it and all the other features of this edition. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

The Best of CES 2015

As another CES fades into the Las Vegas sunset, we take a look at the stand-out products from the show that will shape the 2015 tech landscape.

8 Top Trends at CES 2015

CES, the biggest tech exhibition on the planet, sets the stage for the year in tech. These trends from the show will shape technology in 2015.

How Windows was exploited in 2014

Just how vulnerable was Microsoft Windows last year, and which services were most at risk?

Sony hackers were 'sloppy,' FBI chief says

The head of the FBI says the hackers responsible for Sony's data breach "got sloppy," which enabled forensics teams to unmask the culpable country.

Obama To Propose National Data Security Policy

If your credit card or personal data is compromised, it should be the law for companies to let you know. President Obama will call for legislation to make it happen.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Top 100 Websites of 2014

As we review 2014, we assess new websites that might change everything, and pick the classics we can't live without.

Easy Way to List the Details of All the Drivers on Your PC

Over the years some of the most frustrating computer problems that I have encountered have involved drivers. I’ve found that it is a good idea to have a list of all the drivers that are on a PC. Fortunately, there is a free utility called InstalledDriversList that makes this easy.

Here’s What Happens When You Install the Top 10 Download.com Apps

We installed the top 10 apps from Download.com, and you’ll never believe what happened! Well… I guess maybe you might have a good guess. Awful things. Awful things are what happens. Its hard to believe that a reputable company like CNet would allow this to happen, but they do.

Google's Chrome Remote Desktop app now lets you access a home PC from your iPhone

There are plenty of remote desktop apps that let you log into and control a home computer from your iPhone or iPad. But some of the better options cost money and probably aren't as simple as logging into your Google account.

Best Free Income Tax Filing Software and Service

The IRS Free File site lists many options for filing Federal Income tax returns. All of the recommended programs here prepared accurate 2014 returns with all appropriate schedules. Also as they are feature limited versions of commercial programs they all nag.

 

Mobil Computing

Lollipop coming soon to Motorola 2013 and 2014 devices

Owners of Motorola devices made in 2013 and 2014 have reason to be excited, a software engineer for the company has confirmed that Android Lollipop will be rolling out to your hardware ‘soon.’

Get Android productivity apps for nearly 70 percent off

The Productivity Pack saves you 68 percent off the price that you would pay for these separate apps and services. Those savings are a great way to boost your productivity and get your year off to a perfect start.

CBS News' iOS app now lets you watch its online-only network

You no longer have to sit at your computer to watch CBS' online news network. The broadcaster has overhauled the CBS News iOS app with both a fresh interface and more video options, including CBSN's live and on-demand feeds.

How to Use Apple's Health App

One of the marquee features of Apple iOS is the new Health app, a single place where you can keep all your health information, including data from activity trackers like the Fitbit. It's a great idea, but getting started can be tricky.

The Best Productivity Apps of the Year

When time's tight (and when is it not?), get the most out of it with these best-of-the-year apps.

CES Rolls on and I get a 6+ for Christmas

CES continues its run in Las Vegas. Lots of new products, almost overwhelming. But, just click on the link to CES I included in the last edition and you can catch up with all the latest news. Of course, we will have a wrap-up of the biggest news in our next edition.

While I kept you up-to-date on my iMac adventures, I neglected to mention that I now have the new iPhone 6+. My more-than-generous son bought it for my Christmas gift. I, of course, new I was getting one for Christmas. Every two years I get the newest model for a Christmas gift.

I like it very much, although it is quite a bit larger in my hand and I am not quite used to it yet. My iPhone 5 had a 4” screen, and the 6+ has a 5.5” screen. It doesn’t sound like much, but it is. It is growing on me as I use it daily.

The retina screen is absolutely gorgeous! I have watched football and movies on it quite easily. I even enjoyed reading a book on it. The camera takes unbelievable photos and the Apple Pay is easy and fun to use.

You just put your camera near the terminal at the checkout stand. The two instantly communicate and all I do is touch small touch ID pad with my thumb and I am done. It takes all of about 10 seconds. When you first get an iPhone 6, you let the device scan your fingerprint several times, and then only you can use the smartphone. A super idea from Apple that will eventually be common in all smart phones.

So now you are caught up with me, let’s see if I can help out your computing needs. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Android Lollipop is out, but almost no one is using it

The latest Google Play Store operating systems results are in and after six weeks out Lollipop hasn't even reached 0.1 percent of users yet. Yet another example of Android fragmentation.

Only 25Mbps and up will qualify as broadband under new FCC definition

Broadband not being deployed “in a reasonable and timely fashion," Wheeler says

Win7 reaches milestone; prepare for its demise

It might be difficult to believe, but on Jan. 13 we begin the final countdown for Windows 7. On that date, one of Microsoft’s best and most successful versions of Windows hits its official “end of mainstream support.” Here’s what that means for all Win7 users.

LED Light Bulbs: the Benefits and Drawbacks

I came across this article from my local power company's newsletter and thought it might be of interest.

Jeff Bezos was the driving force behind Amazon’s Fire Phone flop

It’s no secret that Amazon’s first smartphone has been a commercial and critical flop. But a new article details just how involved CEO Jeff Bezos was in the planning and execution of the Fire Phone debacle. The phone was his baby.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

20 Tips Every Evernote User Must Know

It's the ultimate digital repository. But what are the tips and tricks that will make you an Evernote master? We've got them here for you.

Best Free Genealogy or Family Tree Software

Genealogy software provides a method for recording the subjects of our research, e.g. their names, relationships, and events of their lives. Evidence (citations and sources) should be recorded to support the conclusions reached. They also print the reports and charts to show off the results of our labor.

How to Quickly and Easily Delete Blank Rows and Columns in Excel 2013

If you have a lot of blank rows in your Excel spreadsheet, you can delete them by right-clicking each once separately and selecting “Delete,” a very time-consuming task. However, there’s a quicker and easier way of deleting both blank rows and blank columns.

How to stop autoplay videos

Most of these videos run on Shockwave Flash, so I'm going to concentrate on that technology. The trick isn't to block Flash entirely, but to make it work only with your permission.

How to Select a Battery Backup for Your Computer

A cheap power strip might protect equipment from power surges, but it does nothing to help when the power goes out and your system comes to a halting crash. Read on as we show you how to buy the right battery backup device for your needs.

 

Mobile Computing

This Flash Storage Accessory Adds Up To 256GB Of Space To Your iPhone, iPad

We have seen flash drives before that plug into all the new iPhones and iPads to expand the available storage, but at 256GB, the Leef iBRIDGE offers the highest capacity in the market right now.

Microsoft Expands Availability of Office Preview for Android Tablets

Two months ago, Microsoft made preview versions of its Office apps for Android—Word, Excel and PowerPoint—available, but the firm was only supporting a limited range of devices at the time. Today, that availability has expanded quite a bit.

AT&T will let 50 million customers carry over unused data to the next month

Since most users tends to fluctuate widely in data use from month to month, that will give users significantly more flexibility in data usage and a much better chance at avoiding overage fees.

36 Free Killer Apps You Shouldn't Live Without

Here’s a cream of the crop list of apps the author scavenged and compiled (by category) to help you seize the day using your device.

Take precautions when using public Wi-Fi networks

Simple tips for using public Wi-Fi. When Windows logs onto a Wi-Fi network that it doesn't recognize, it will ask you how it should handle security. And if for some reason it doesn't ask, you can manually make it bring up the question itself.

Just as the Holidays End, CES Begins

A very Happy New Year to you all! I hope your holiday season was a good as mine.

The biggest electronics show in the world, CES, opened today in Las Vegas. And, of course, we will cover it here for you…actually others will cover it and I will just provide the links. But if you are into tech, this show will tell you what is coming your way soon.

I was reminded the other day that while CES used to stand for “Consumer Electronic Show,” it now longer does. Now, CES stands for…well, nothing actually, according to show officials. Still, a rose by any other name…

When we last spoke, the hard drive on my new iMac had just died and I had taken it in to the good folks at the Apple Store in Tucson. They fixed it and I got it back the day after Christmas. As I mentioned the last time, I used Apple’s Time Machine to back up my data, but was not sure how much it would restore. I just clicked on the “Restore” button to see if it would work…and low and behold, six hours later, my iMac was up and running exactly as it was before the hard drive died. Time Machine worked as advertised!

So my suggestion to you is if you ever get a MAC, the first thing you should do is set up Time Machine to back up to an external drive. It is simple to do: just set it up and forget about it. It saved me hours and hours of restorations.

My MAC is working great and I’ve loaded additional software on it. And guess what? For the first time, this entire blog was written on my iMac, using Windows Writer running in Parallels…with help from my browser running on the MAC side. I love it!!

OK, enough about me, let’s see how I can help you with your computer needs. –JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

CES 2015

Here is arguably the best site to see all the new goodies being unveiled at CES. It is constantly being updated and you can search by the types of products that interest you the most.

Microsoft reportedly working on brand new web browser for Windows 10

A new 'lightweight' browser that isn't Internet Explorer

Top Tech Predictions for 2015 from PC Magazine

Our expert analysts whip out their crystal balls to tell you what's in store in the next 12 months.

Ireland sides with Microsoft in email privacy case

The country files a friend-of-the-court brief asking the US to respect its sovereignty and not go over its head by seizing emails stored on Microsoft servers in Ireland.

Dish's new Sling TV Internet TV service starts at $20, features ESPN, CNN, TNT, and other channels

Targeting millennials and people who don't want a full pay-TV package, Dish offers up a cheap live TV service that's viewable on a variety of streaming video devices.

 

Computer Tips and Trick

10 tips for organizing your Gmail

There are myriad ways to tweak Gmail for a more efficient, organized and less painful email experience. Here are 10 tips to help you get closer to the elusive dream of Inbox Zero.

How to Find Your Lost Windows or Office Product Keys

If you’re planning on doing a reinstall of Windows but can’t find your product key, you’re in luck because it’s stored in the Windows Registry… it’s just not easy to find, and it’s impossible to read without some help. Luckily, we’re here to help.

10 Best privacy tools for staying secure online

A number of free and open-source projects exist solely to protect your identity and online activity. Here are just a few to make you more secure in the new year.

Take Control of Your Finances in the New Year

As the year comes to a close, now's the time to get a grip on your finances with these tips, apps, and services.

Start the new year with a clean Windows PC

A little time spent now on preventive maintenance can save hours of PC troubleshooting later — and provide better computing allyear long. Use the following steps to give your PC an annual checkup — and ensure it starts 2015 as healthy as possible.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Get Photos Off Your iPhone (or Any Smartphone)

Are your photos trapped on your phone? Here's how to get them onto your PC for storing and sharing.

The 100 Best iPad Apps of 2015

The battle for tablet dominance is waged on two fronts: pricing and app variety. Though iPads aren't the cheapest tablets on the market, Apple absolutely slays the competition when it comes to apps.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2015

Whether you're rocking a new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus or still have faith in your trusty 4S, your phone can't be its best unless it's stocked with the best apps. Here are 100 of our favorites.

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015

Rekindle your love for your Android with this monumental list of our favorite Android apps.

17 Hacks Apple Doesn’t Want You To Know About Your iPhone

We've compiled a list of what we think are the most handy tips and tricks to get even more out of your iPhone -- and some of them may actually astonish you.

A Christmas Disaster in Tucson

My new iMac dropped dead! Or, to put it more accurately, the hard drive in my new iMac dropped dead. After working flawlessly for nearly a month, a fatal flaw reared its ugly head and sent my drive crashing to oblivion.

Of course, I did not know that had happened. I first contacted Apple Support on the phone, and when they could not resolve the problem, they sent me to the Genius Bar of my local Apple Store. Using a series of diagnostic tools, the iMac Genius discovered the hard drive was beyond redemption. The bottom line is my Mac will probably spend Christmas at the Apple Store, waiting for a new hard drive to be installed. It seems they did not have any extras on-hand.

Am I discouraged? Not really…although this will require me to redo all my work from scratch…loading programs and apps and data. I do have a backup that I did using Apple’s Time Machine, so will see if I can restore the computer without too much work.  But if I do have to begin all over, it will go much faster as I now have a better understanding how a MAC differs from a PC.

And speaking of that, I have included a story(#5) from another person like me who made the switch from Windows to MAC. You might find it interesting if you ever consider making the switch yourself. I look forward to getting my machine back so I can continue my education.

PS: This will be the last tech blog the first of the year, as I, and the rest of the tech world take the holidays off. I hope your Christmas and New Years celebrations will be memorable.

 

Tech News and Opinions

FBI blames North Korea for Sony hack

The FBI releases the findings of its four-week investigation into one of the most destructive cyberattacks of a company on US soil.

10 Tech Stories We Couldn't Stop Talking About in 2014

Which tech stories had the biggest impact in 2014, or laid the groundwork for innovation in the years to come?

Did the browser wars finally end in 2014?

After a decade, have the browser wars finally ended? My review of what's new for Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera says yes.

Defying Feds, MS tries to keep user data private

Microsoft is currently fighting a federal search warrant demanding that the company release emails stored in Ireland. Here’s why you should be extremely concerned by a U.S. court’s actions — and what you can do about it.

Observations from a new Mac user

So, a few weeks ago, I bought my first Mac. It’s a 13″ retina MacBook Pro, and it is without a doubt the finest computer I’ve ever owned. But, given that I’m coming from the Windows world a lot of things required just a bit of adjustment.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to keep your PC, smartphone, or tablet safe while traveling

When you travel, a whole fleet of electronics come with you. Smartphone and laptop are a given, but there’s a good chance you’re also toting a tablet, and maybe a cellular hotspot or dedicated GPS. All of them are juicy targets for bad guys.

The Best Firefox Add-ons

Firefox is famous for its add-ons, and for good reason: they can make your browser do just about anything. But which add-ons are the most useful? Here are the add-ons we think are best, what they do, and where you can find them.

How to attach real files to Gmail messages, not just links

A new Google Drive tweak lets you attach actual files to outbound email.

How to Make Windows Show File Extensions

If you’re a Windows power user you probably already know how to do this, but for everybody else, it can be useful to see file extensions so that you know for sure what type of file you are dealing with.

LastPass Can Now Automatically Change Your Passwords

LastPass just announced a new feature for the password manager that automatically changes your password for sites when a hack is reported.

 

Mobile Computing

Amazon’s Kindle for iOS app updated w/ Goodreads integration, Audible progressive play, more

The update also adds new ways for users to access information and details about Kindle books.

6 Best Music Streaming Apps for Android

Online music streaming and radio services are now becoming very popular with good internet connectivity on phone with 3G and 4G LTE. These services also have mobile apps which allows you to stream music directly from your phone.

Organize and listen to your own music on the cloud

Want to access your music collection wherever you go? Here's a guide on sorting your tunes and choosing a cloud streaming service to suit your needs.

Best iOS 8 Widgets (And How To Enable)

While widgets in iOS 8 share a lot in common with the ones on Android, the implementation and interactions are totally different.

Top 10 Awesome Features of Google Now

Google Now, the mind-reading personal assistant for iOS and Android, has gotten a ton of updates lately, making it the perfect smartphone companion for...well, anything. Here's a list of the coolest stuff it can do.

Never, but Never Give Your Personal Data to Sony

The most recent attack and data theft on Sony sites has had serious repercussions. But this is not the first time. Would you believe that attacks on Sony Websites goes back to 1999? Their almost complete lack of security is unbelievable! Don’t believe me? Check out this Website that gives a concise history of Sony Hacks. It will surprise and maybe even shock you. This company has no business storing sensitive data. Their Web security is a sick joke.

In an appearance before Congress, Tim Schaaff, President of Sony Network Entertainment International, told the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade that "Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Online Entertainment have always made concerted and substantial efforts to maintain and improve their data security systems." Looking at the history of Sony's hacks, this statement seems completely absurd.

Now, there are new ramifications from the most recent hack. In the last edition, I told you how Sony warned members of the press that if they possessed any stolen documents, they were in violation of the law. What a joke! Then, just yesterday, the major chains of movie houses refused to show the movie, “The Interview” because of terrorist threats. North Korea had declared that showing the movie was an act of war. Sony has now pulled the film from distribution. So, I guess terrorists now dictate what movies we can see.

The reaction to all this has been swift. Just read our first two stories. And Sony is not out of the woods. There are going to be a ton of lawsuits soon as people’s personal data was stolen and is now out there for everyone to see…the hackers posted much of it on the Web. Sony has been told on several occasions by experts that their servers were insecure.  Guess they didn’t believe them.

Sony sure knows how to kill the Spirit of Christmas. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Reaction to the Sony Hack Is 'Beyond the Realm of Stupid'

First, major movie chains announced that they would not be screening The Interview after ​​a nonspecific threat of violence from the hacking collective that attacked Sony. Then, ​the company ​announced it was canceling the release of the movie altogether. Now, the government ​is suggesting that it ​really is ​North Korea behind the attack.

Celebrities rage on Twitter after Sony cancels 'The Interview'

Actor Rob Lowe tweeted on Wednesday: "Saw @Sethrogen at JFK. Both of us have never seen or heard of anything like this. Hollywood has done Neville Chamberlain proud today.”

Apple not guilty in iPod antitrust trial

After less than four hours of deliberation, the jury in the class action antitrust case finds Apple not guilty of anticompetitive conduct almost a decade ago.

These Were The Top 10 Most Popular Searches On Google In 2014

Each year, Google releases a list of the topics we’ve collectively searched for the most over the past 12 months. Each year, I try and see how many I can guess beforehand. This year, I got about half. How many can you get?

Opinion: I'm still sick of Android

With no solid business productivity apps, as well as continually perpetuating the 'toxic hellstew', Google's mobile OS is still missing from my personal tech stable two years after I abandoned it. But there's some hope for it yet.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Five tips for managing your money with Mint.com

Ready to get into financial shape? Get to know some of Mint.com's most helpful features.

The Best Free Antivirus for 2015

No antivirus software? You aren't just risking your own data: Unprotected computers can be springboards for botnet and DDoS attacks. These free AV tools can help.

The Best Free Google Chrome Extensions

Picking the best from so many great browser add-ons was hard, but we did it. These are some of the greatest extensions you can and should add to your Google browser.

How to find images for Office documents now that Microsoft's killing Clip Art

Microsoft is sending its Office clip art to the digital beyond, where it shall rest in glory with Clippy, Zune, and the rest of the Redmond saints. But, don't give up hope. There are many solutions to getting graphics into your documents.

A few good reasons to partition your SSD or hard drive

So why would you want to make additional partitions? It’s not like making folders. Creating and resizing partitions is a hassle.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Use Apple's Health App in iOS 8

One of the marquee features of Apple iOS is the new Health app, a single place where you can keep all your health information, including data from activity trackers like the Fitbit. It's a great idea, but getting started can be tricky.

How to Fix Bad iOS 8.1.2 Battery Life

Some iPhone and iPad users are noticing bad iOS 8.1.2 battery life and today, we’re going to tell you how to go about fixing that.

Lifehacker Pack for Android Tablets: Our List of the Essential Apps

Android tablets are finally starting to develop a mature ecosystem. While there are still some key holdouts (looking at you Facebook), there are plenty of great apps you can install right now designed to work on the larger screen.

Lifehacker Pack for Android: Our List of the Essential Android Apps

In just a few short years, Android has grown from a small project within Google to the most prolific mobile operating system on the planet. The app ecosystem has grown right along with it.

How to Take Better Pictures with Your Smartphone's Camera

Camera phones have come a long way in the past few years, but they don't always take point-and-shoot quality pictures on the first try (let alone DSLR quality). Here's how to squeeze the best quality photos out of your smartphone's camera.

Holiday Shopping Deals: 99% of Them Are Not

Be sure and read our first story from the New York Times about the Black Friday scams. The story applies to both online and brick and mortar store shopping. Makes one think twice about rushing out on Thanksgiving evening or the following morning to get some of those deals.

By the way, if you want to know what is a good bargain both in tech and non-tech shopping check out The Wirecutter and The Sweethome Web sites.

Once again, I’ve packed this blog with good tech news and information…so read on and learn! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Online Deals for Holiday Shopping: Buyer Beware

So far this year, The Wirecutter and The Sweethome have researched 54,000 holiday deals. They’ve found that only a bit more than 300 of them — less than 1 percent — are worth your time.

Sony wants news organizations to delete data leaked after hack

The movie studio calls the leaked documents "stolen information" and threatened legal action if the files are not ignored and destroyed. Good luck with that.

Why Hackers Love Passwords

Unless you’ve got a cryptography background, your passwords probably offer no more resistance to a hacker than a $5 cable does to a bike thief.

Microsoft update blunders going out of control

We have had an absolute deluge of problem updates from Redmond recently and some have been serious. What's up at Microsoft?

Computers get faster processors, lower prices at CES 2015

What we expect, from new Intel CPUs to hints of Windows 10, in laptops, tablets, hybrids, and desktops at CES in January.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows 7 users urged to uninstall broken update that wreaks havoc on software

Windows 7 users may have automatically updated themselves into a pickle with a recent patch from Microsoft. Microsoft has confirmed that the KB3004394 update it issued on December 10 can cause various problems.

How to Use Tags to Organize Evernote

Here is one method that provides a clear example of how one user has successfully structured his Evernote account to help make the most impact in his work with an emphasis on tags.

Wi-Fi Security: Should You Use WPA2-AES, WPA2-TKIP, or Both?

Choose the wrong option and you’ll have a slower, less-secure network.

The hidden power of Windows Jump Lists

Windows is full of so many handy little features it's easy to forget some of them if you aren't using it every day. One such feature is Jump Lists, which is the app-specific menu that appears when you right-click a desktop app icon on the taskbar

How to access Microsoft Windows hidden function : God Mode

In Microsoft Windows, there is a hidden function which allows all system management tools to be Conveniently accessed from a single place. It is called as GodMode.

 

Mobile Computing

Diehard Microsoft fans abandon Windows Phone for iPhone

Veteran Microsoft journalists Ed Bott and Tom Warren both published essays this week in which they criticized Windows Phone for its shortcomings and announced that they’ve stopped using Windows Phones personally.

T-Mobile just launched a family plan with truly unlimited data

The “Un-carrier” has just launched a new family plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and full-speed LTE data. The plan is a great deal, starting at just $100 for two people.

How To Use Android

Android may require a little effort to learn and set up, but you get a tangible return on that investment: A properly configured Android phone can get you the stuff you want faster and with less work than any other mobile operating system.

Android: Does turning off Wifi save battery? Not really

It seems fairly straightforward. You're not using your Wifi, you should just turn it off to save battery. However, this question isn't as straightforward as it might've been in years past.

3 Ways to Close iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch Apps

Have you noticed your iPhone or iPad battery dying faster than normal? Follow this guide to close those unused programs.

50 Best Free iPhone Apps for 2014

Plenty of iPhone apps are worth paying for, but there are plenty of great free ones, too. Here are 50 of the best.

Windows 10 Consumer Event Planned for January

Since September, we have been given some interesting tidbits about the next version of Windows…and we will learn much more come January 21st. This is when Microsoft will unveil its plans for the consumer version. And we will probably get a downloadable preview edition. So far, their preview editions have been quite buggy and not really aimed at consumers.

I will probably download the January preview and install it on my MAC using Parallels. That fine program lets me load multiple operating systems, all running in their own environment. Then I can erase it at will. So far I have only run Windows 7 in Parallels and that is working out quite well.

The January event will also show off Windows 10 for tablets and phones. Microsoft’s plan is to unify all versions of Windows on all devices. Of course the desktop version will be different from the phone version, but they will have the same look and operating consistency…at least that is the plan. We shall see. Look for the final version of Windows 10 late next summer.

Not much else going on in the tech world, but I have dug up some good tips and tricks for both computers and mobile devices. So read on and see what you can find. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

FBI official calls Sony attackers 'organized,' 'persistent'

The FBI spills more details to US Senate on the hack that destroyed Sony's computers and leaked sensitive documents as well as unreleased movies

Microsoft announces Windows 10 event for January 21st

The company will mainly discuss consumer-focused features of the new operating system. Microsoft is expected to further detail its touch interface dubbed Continuum, alongside its plans for tablets and phones running Windows 10.

Instagram Hits 300 Million Monthly Users To Surpass Twitter

Instagram’s been going strong for four years now, and despite fears that the acquisition by Facebook would screw it up, there’s now 70 million photos shared each day, and over 30 billion total.

The Best Ebook Readers

Whether you're considering joining the digital book revolution, or just want a new device to replace an older one, here are the best ebook readers on the market today.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Gallery: Early look at Cortana in Windows 10

Last week, Cortana, which we have been talking about since July, was finally revealed in Windows 10. While this is a very early look at the feature and we know for a fact that the UI is updated in later builds of the OS, this is the best look we have for now.

Microsoft patches Windows, IE, Office and Exchange

Microsoft has released their December security updates addressing 24 vulnerabilities in Windows, Internet Explorer, Exchange and Office. Make sure you download and install them.

The Complete Guide to Avoiding (and Removing) Windows Crapware

Windows has a lot going for it, but it's also saddled with one of computing's biggest annoyances: crapware. Here's everything you need to know about identifying, avoiding, and removing unwanted software from your system.

The best (and worst) PC upgrades

What are the best 'bang for the buck' PC upgrades you can buy? What are the upgrades that are just a waste of money?

The SSD Endurance Experiment: Only two remain after 1.5PB

The ongoing SSD Endurance Experiment has demonstrated that some consumer-grade drives can withstand over a petabyte of writes before burning out. This means for a heavy user, an SSD will last for a few hundred years.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple Released iOS 8.1.2 Update With Bug Fixes

Almost a month after releasing the iOS 8.1.1 update, Apple is now seeding the latest iOS 8.1.2 which comes in with a few bug fixes on board. Its a free update for iPads and iPhones.

10 Tricks to Make Yourself an Apple Maps Master

After a less-than-stellar start, Apple Maps is starting to establish itself on the desktop and on iOS as well. Despite its sleek and minimal interface, there are a number of useful features hidden away behind the surface.

iPad keyboards: How to choose the right one for the way you work

Buyers face an overwhelming variety of keyboards available for Apple's tablet. Here's how to choose one that best fits your needs.

The best tablet you can buy

A good tablet should be lightweight and fast. It should have lots of apps available, and be easy to use. It should also easily last through a day of heavy use, or multiple days of lighter usage.

Shhh! 3 ways to keep your pre-Lollipop Android phone quiet

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage your sounds, notifications and alerts in a pre-Lollipop Android phone—at least three ways, by my count.

Microsoft launches MSN apps for Android

Microsoft may be a company that has plenty of its own projects out in the world, but that hasn’t stopped them from broadening the scope of their approach to a more multi-platform strategy.

I am Still in Shorts and a T-Shirt and Out by the Pool

Today is December 9 and I am still dressed like its summer. That is one of the benefits of living down here in Tucson. My normal daily routine includes sitting out by the pool with my iPad and finding stories for this blog. I did that again today. Of course I also do it in the summer, but a whole lot earlier in the day.

Enough about me. As I mentioned last time, we are in a slow time of the year, at least for tech journalism. But I have put together some interesting stories as well as some valuable tips and tricks. So read on and take advantage of my time at the pool. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

2014: The year everyone's security took a hit

The past year has shown that each and every person is less secure than they thought on January 1, 2014, and for popping that bubble, we should be thankful.

Pirate Bay knocked offline worldwide following police raid

Police in Sweden have raided The Pirate Bay, seizing servers, computers and other office equipment, citing violations of copyright law

Net neutrality: Five myths, and the real facts

Regardless of where you stand on the net neutrality debate, one thing doesn’t help: misleading or confusing statements. Unfortunately there are plenty of them.

How to Buy an HDTV

LCD, LED, HDMI, 3D, 1080p, 4K? Looking for a new television, but drowning in acronyms? Here's what you need to know when you shop for your next HDTV.

iPhone 6 Plus Won 41% of Phablet Market After One Month of Sales

The last couple of months have proven that the critics were right after all: Apple simply needed to make an iPhone with a bigger screen to storm the smartphone market.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iTunes 12

While the design changes met with some negative reviews, particularly from long-time iTunes users, the changes were arguably put in place at least partially to make the application at least somewhat more approachable for new users.

Windows 7&8 Safe Modes: How to enter and when to use them

Safe Mode gives you a low-resolution, visually ugly, feature-limited Windows environment useful for diagnostic and repair purposes.

How to See Who’s Connected to Your Wi-Fi Network

Do you know who’s connected to your router’s Wi-Fi network? Take a look at the list devices connected to your Wi-Fi network from your router or computer to find out.

Why Does Every Camera Put Photos in a DCIM Folder?

The DCIM folder and its layout come from DCF, a standard created back in 2003. DCF is so valuable because it provides a standard layout.

How to Make Your Entire Internet Life More Secure in One Day

Here are a few of the most popular security and privacy measures, from chat encryption to secure backups, and find the easiest ways to make your online life secure without causing too much inconvenience.

 

Mobile Computing

Wireless charging for tablets is finally coming next year

The 15-watt system, which should hit the market early next year, offers three times as much electrical power as a rival phone charging solution. So it will charge tablets and other large gadgets.

The Best iPhone Apps Of The Year, According To Apple

Apple is known for being extremely selective, and this year’s list contains a mixture of everything — from helpful productivity apps to cutting-edge games with stunning graphics.

12 essential Microsoft business apps for the iPhone

As part of Microsoft's "mobile first, cloud first" mission, it has built up a large portfolio of consumer and business apps on every platform. In this roundup, I look at a dozen iOS apps that help IT pros and power users stay productive with an iPhone and Microsoft services.

How to clear a default app setting on Android

Made a mistake when selecting a default app for an action? No problem, follow these steps to clear the default setting and get your app choices back.

How to Make Text Larger and More Readable on Android

Let’s face it, no matter how good the screens are on our phones and tablets, the text is just too darn tiny if you have weak eyesight

Apple and the iPod…Trouble in Cupertino

I am a little late with this edition so will try to keep it short. The big (and only) major story coming out this week is about Apple vs. iPod owners in a court of law. The plaintiffs allege Apple kept iPod prices high by implementing needless software updates. The suite is for $350,000.

To make their case even stronger, a story has now surfaced that Steve Jobs and Apple actually deleted music from user’s iPods that was not purchased from the iTunes store. This supposedly happened between 2007 and 2009. You can read all about these two items in our first two stories.

As for me and Apple, I am still working to get my new iMac running the way I want. I am getting closer by the day. Most of the issues I have had are not Apple’s fault, but rather Microsoft issues. For instance the current release of Outlook for iMac will not sync up my calendar from Outlook.com. I subsequently found out that Microsoft just didn’t include this feature. Then, why would they even release it to the public if it can’t sink up to their own website?  I solved it all by discarding Outlook for iMac and returning to Google Calendar. PS: OneNote for the Mac also stinks as Microsoft left out some key features I use on a daily basis.

But the good news is I have Windows 7 up and running well on my Mac using Parallels. It actually runs much faster inside Parallels than it does on my PC. Go figure. So I can install all the Microsoft programs that work better on the PC. Just as a side note, I also am not very happy with either the Apple Keyboard and the Apple Mouse. More on my adventures in the Apple world in the future.

Anyway, take a look at some of the interesting stories and tips I have included below and see if you can find something interesting or of value to your computing skills. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple misled iPod owners, plaintiffs allege at class action trial

The trial kicks off to determine whether Apple illegally used iTunes software updates to keep consumers locked in its digital music ecosystem.

Apple scrubbed non-iTunes tracks from iPods

Tim Cook and U2 just got roasted for forcing music onto customers' iPhones, but from 2007 to 2009, Steve Jobs' Apple was allegedly playing a different tune, and deleted music off of iPods that was purchased on rival music services

From Aereo to 'Tor routers': The tech that died in 2014

Not all tech is created equally. Even when products or services meet their demise, they're not even killed off equally. Here's what we saw the end of this year.

Be Wary of ‘Order Confirmation’ Emails

Malware purveyors and spammers are blasting these missives by the millions each day in a bid to trick people into giving up control over their computers and identities.

AT&T still throttles “unlimited data”—even when network not congested

Half-megabit speeds force customers to abandon unlimited data.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Chromebooks take on cheap Windows laptops

With the tide of Yule rapidly approaching, I’ve been repeatedly asked about the relative merits of cheap Windows laptops, tablets — and Chromebooks. Choosing among the three platforms isn’t easy; depending on your needs, any one of them might be right.

How to remove Yahoo as Firefox's default search engine

Firefox has kicked Google to the curb and run into the arms of Yahoo as its default search engine. Learn how to switch your default back to Google, and about a new search feature.

Online Mind Mapper Makes Planning Easy

If you've never tried mind mapping software before, point your web browser at www.mindmeister.com to try it out. There's no software to install or download, and a basic account on the service is free.

11 Yahoo Mail Tips for Easier Emailing

Reportedly over 100 million people use Yahoo Mail every single day—that's second only to Google's Gmail. That means it's time to take a closer look at Yahoo Mail and see what tweaks and tricks are under the surface, waiting to be used.

The Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2013

Many of us crave organization and productivity. If you already use Microsoft Office, then you already have the ultimate tool to sate that craving: Outlook 2013.

 

Mobile Computing

Control Your Android Device with AirDroid's New Desktop App

The latest update brings a native desktop app for Mac and PC, with better notification handling and remote device control right on your screen.

10 of the Best New Travel Apps of 2014

If you've got a trip coming up, rather than wasting a week of your life downloading useless junk travel apps, start with these ten great travel apps instead. They were all released this year so there's no outdated information or old versions that haven't been updated in forever.

21 new Android 5.0 features you need to know about

Google recently released Android 5.0 Lollipop, the largest Android update to date. The updated version of the popular mobile operating system is slowly making its way to older devices. Here are the new features in Android 5.0 Lollipop that you need to know about

Tips and Tricks every iOS 8 user should know

While most of the changes are subtle, there are some interesting hidden features that can come in handy. Here's a look at some tips, tricks, and features that will help you out.

How to Fix the Most Common iMessage Problems

Apple's iMessage is a great way to get around text messaging fees and send messages to other Apple users for free, but it's not without its problems.