i5 or i7? Here is How to Choose

I am not going to say much in this issue as I am really under the weather and my brain and body are depleted of energy. Somehow I was able to coble together a decent newsletter with some good info, including how to chose between and i5 and an i7. My new iMac is running an i5, and I can tell you it screams. Of course having 24GB of RAM also helps.

So while you read on, I am going back to bed. Take care. - JRC

Tech News and Opinions

3 reasons Microsoft will become the most impressive tech company

Once a plodding behemoth, the new Microsoft is increasingly nimble, responsive to feedback and focused on mobile. James Kendrick is very impressed with Redmond's ongoing transformation of its products and services.

5 Things You Need to Know About the FCC's Net Neutrality Plan

Here's what you need to know about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's plan for net neutrality and the open Web.

Lenovo promises to stop bundling crapware on PCs

Following on from the Superfish debacle the company found itself embroiled in earlier this month, PC maker Lenovo is promising to bring to an end to the practice of pre-loading crapware onto systems.

SanDisk's groundbreaking microSD card will stuff an extra 200GB in your MacBook, smartphone

It can move data at up to 90MB/s, which SanDisk says is fast enough to transfer up to 1,200 photos per minute.

Stardock to deliver a Windows 10 Start menu replacement

Stardock, the company that created a popular Start menu for Windows 8, is back with a beta of a Start menu replacement for Windows 10. JRC: Stardock made my Windows 8 computer usable. I just may get it for Windows 10.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Which CPU? Comparing Intel Core i5 vs. i7

There's a wealth of difference between Intel's Core i5 and Core i7 processors. We outline each CPU and explain what it all means for your next desktop or laptop purchase.

So long, Google+. Hello, Streams, Photos and Hangouts

Google+ is getting split into three different products: Streams, Photos and Hangouts. JRC: It makes sense.

 How to Delete Your Facebook Account

If you're ready for a Facebook break, you have two options: deactivate or delete.

The Best Password Managers for 2015

If you follow best practices and use a strong, unique password for every website, you absolutely need a password manager. These are the top performers in our tests.

Reading and Writing With Evernote

Reading strongly influences your writing whether you’re a knowledge worker, professional, or dreaming of becoming an author. Evernote provides many resources and tools for you to enforce your relationship to reading and writing.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Stop Checking Your Phone Like an Addict

Usage and adoption of new technology nearly always outpaces our understanding of how that technology will ultimately affect us.

How to save storage space on an iPhone without deleting photos, with iCloud Photo Library

Turning on iCloud Photo Library is fairly easy, but doing so initiates a synchronization process that ensures any photo taken on an iDevice is uploaded, in its original, full quality prestige.

Revealed: The apps that are draining your smartphone battery

Which apps are hogging space, consuming mobile data, and sucking the life out of your Android smartphone?

Six ways to make your iOS or Android phone easier on the eyes

Give your aching eyes a break. Read on for six settings that’ll make your iPhone or Android screen a bit easier to read, from boosting the size of text to zooming your display with your fingertips.

8 essential Microsoft business apps for Android phones

Who's the busiest developer on Android these days? Some of the most impressive business apps are coming from an unlikely source, with Microsoft's business apps appearing on the Google Play Store and getting rave reviews.

We Win!!! Net Neutrality Passed by FCC

The FCC today put Internet providers under Title 2…meaning they are now under the same regulatory jurisdiction as phone carriers and public utilities. Sorry Comcast, Verizon, AT&T and other huge telecom providers, you are now a utility. You no longer have the ability to rape consumers with your grand schemes to slow down speeds and charge more for faster services. The Internet belongs to us, not you!

Before we pop the champagne corks, be aware there is still a long way to go and that the legal fights over this are about to begin. Those megalithic providers will be launching lawsuits in droves to stop this regulation of their services. They are backed by huge dollars, huge legal departments, and of course, many Congressmen and women under their control. They will spend millions of dollars to stop the FCC any way they can. Our first story will fill in the details.

Oh, I almost forgot, this quote appeared on the main Google.com page: “Victory! The FCC has voted for strong net neutrality protections! Thank you to everyone who clicked, shared and signed in support of net neutrality protections and an Internet where public good comes first.”

But this wasn’t the only vote that came down from the FCC. They also invalidated state laws that block municipal broadband from being installed. Again, those fine folks at Comcast and others talked the state legislators to ban such actions so that they were the only providers. Now, cities will be able to provide broadband and wireless services to more people at fair prices. Is there any more hated company in the world than Comcast? Just ask their customers.

On another topic, the Superfish scandal continues to grow. Tech experts are finding the same malicious code in other apps offered by Download.com and other app providers. There may be over a hundred different apps, including two anti-virus programs that are using the same intrusive code. Its hard to know who to trust. Stay tuned for more. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality a reality: FCC votes to bring Internet under utility-style rules

In a 3-2 vote, the agency decides to apply the same rules that govern telephone service to broadband, with the hope that it ensures the fair and equal treatment of all traffic on the Internet.

FCC Just Overruled State Laws That Were Blocking Municipal Broadband

Good news: Local internet service providers can get a fair shot at competing with big telecom.

The White House officially launches its new cyber warfare agency

One of the reasons that the US has been slow to respond to attacks is because its security agencies don't talk to each other. That is going to change.

Apple sends invite out for March 9: Apple Watch countdown starts

Apple is expected to detail the Apple Watch rollout at a March 9 event, but other products may also be highlighted and refreshed.

HTTP/2 finished, coming to browsers within weeks

HTTP/2 should be a faster, more efficient Web protocol.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Play Music Now Lets You Store 50,000 Songs in the Cloud for Free

It is now allowing users to store up to 50,000 of their own song files in Google Play Music for free. And from there, you can access those songs from any compatible phone, tablet, or PC.

Download.com and Others Bundle Superfish-Style HTTPS Breaking Adware

If you want your encrypted web sessions to be hijacked just head to CNET Downloads or any freeware site, because they are all bundling HTTPS-breaking adware now.

Beat it, bloatware: How to clean Superfish and other crap off your PC

Bloatware—also known as crapware—is more than annoying, because it actively consumes your computer’s resources. It’s worth your time to clean it off a new PC so you can use it to its full potential. Here’s how to do that with minimal headaches.

How to Find Your PC’s Windows Product Key So You Can Reinstall Windows

You’ll need a unique product key to reinstall Windows on your PC. This is more confusing than it sounds — you may not be able to re-use the key your computer’s manufacturer used.

The Ultimate Easy Trip Guide for the Disorganized Traveler (These Tips Will Change Your Life!)

For those who weren’t born with the organizational gene, hitting the road can be stressful. Well, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be.

 

Mobil Computing

5 ways the smartphone is conquering the tablet

After nearly five years of growth, the tablet market has officially stalled. The tablet’s biggest problem? The smartphone.

Toggle Android 5.0 device settings with your voice

Forget third-party widgets, Google's Search app will now let you use your voice to toggle several settings on Android Lollipop devices.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

This weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs.

Why some iMessage texts are blue and some are green

And why you may prefer to stick with one color or the other. What is going on here?

Seven privacy settings you should change immediately in iOS 8

Before you sync your iCloud or reinstall your apps, you need to lock down your iPhone or iPad. Here are seven important tweaks (and more) you can set to bolster your privacy.

Superfish and Other Security Concerns

The blowback from Lenovo’s installation of Superfish on their laptops continues to make big waves. More research by security experts have unveiled some huge privacy issues. Based on some of the comments from Lenovo officials, they did not due their homework when they installed the intrusive software portion of Superfish, made by another company. The did great disservice to their customers and they will probably pay dearly for it. Read more in Article #1.

Our second story demands that PCC vendors be held responsible for their installation of additional crapware that can lead to a more security concerns and invasion of privacy…while our third story tells you how and why crapware is installed on most Windows-based computers. And our 4th story puts a bow on this whole issue by uncovering security problems on Netgear Routers. If you own one of those, you best read it.

On the good side, we have some great tips here for desktop, laptop and mobile users. I heartily recommend you read the story, “300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know.” Well worth it.

And for you owners of Kindle Fire tablets, we’ve got a story about the best 40 apps you should add to your tablet. I don’t cover the Kindle Fire very often, but I know some of you do own one of those.

So get started with the bad news, then work your way to the good things that will make your computing better. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Lenovo's Superfish spectacle: 'Catastrophic' security failures discovered

Superfish isn't just adware -- it can also be a nightmare for those who value their privacy.

In a post Superfish world, it's time to hold PC vendors more accountable for adware

If the egregiously invasive Superfish software teaches Lenovo and other PC vendors anything, it’s that they’re accountable for the software they preinstall on computers.

Crapware: Why manufacturers install it, what you can do about it, and why it's not going to go away

If you've ever bought a Windows PC or Android smartphone or tablet from one of the big name vendors then chances are that you are familiar - perhaps even intimately familiar if you've ever tried removing it - with crapware.

Got a Netgear wireless router? You've got a security problem

A warning has been issued about what appears to be a serious security issue affecting several Netgear Wi-Fi routers, and could result in hackers stealing sensitive information, including admin passwords and wireless keys.

Republicans attempt to push back FCC's Net neutrality vote

This is the latest political maneuver from Republicans who are unhappy with the proposal that will likely become regulation later this week.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

18 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

Google Maps (and its cousin Google Earth) remain powerful and versatile tools—and most of us are only scratching at the surface of what they have to off

How HTTP/2 will speed up your web browsing

Thanks to changes in the web's fundamental protocol, it is going to get faster and safer.

19 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

As more services migrate to the cloud, browsers reinforce their new role as multi-function boxes of digital magic.

Dropbox Users Can Score 100GB of OneDrive Storage for Free

In an obvious attempt to lure users to switch to its OneDrive cloud storage service, Microsoft is giving Dropbox customers 100GB of space for free for a year. Pretty good considering Dropbox only gives you 2GB for free.

300+ Awesome Free Internet Resources You Should Know

Here is a list of 300 free resources on the Net that are great and free to use. Keep this list handy.

 

Mobil Computing

The 40 Best Kindle Fire Apps

Amazon's tablet is only as useful as the apps you put on it. This list of the 40 best Kindle Fire apps aims to help you see all the possible uses for your tablet, from entertainment to productivity.

Google Now starts showing gas stations along your route

Google already has ways to find gas stations before you hit the open road, but it hasn't usually offered relevant stations. Wouldn't you want to see pumps that don't require a big detour?

Your iPhone has been hacked by the NSA

That iPhone in your hands? It's been compromised by the National Security Agency through its SIM card, and government spies can access your phone through a backdoor installed on it without even needing a court order.

6 time-saving Safari gestures for iPhone and iPad

Safari is likely one of the most-used apps on your iPhone or iPad. But even if you are an experienced Safari surfer, it's possible you aren't aware of some of these time-saving gestures that can help you do things a little more easily or with fewer tabs.

Android malware spies on you even after phone is shut down

A particularly devious new Android malware can make calls or take photos even if you shut the device down. To achieve this, the malware hijacks the shutting down process — making it appear as though your Android device is shutting down. But the phone is actually still on.

Stay The Hell Away from Lenovo Devices

The big story this day is Lenovo Computers and their purposeful installation of something called  Superfish. If you bought a Lenovo computer in the last 6 months, you should definitely check to see if you are infected. If you are, stop using it for any secure transactions.

Now, this is not something these computers caught on the Net. No, this software was deliberately put on the computers by Lenovo. Lenovo shipped some 16 million computers in the 4th quarter. If you bought your Lenovo at Amazon or Best Buy, you almost assuredly infected with Superfish. To their credit, Lenovo has now stopped installing Superfish.

Our first article details the infection as well as how to check for it and how to remove it. But some tech experts are  saying you may need to reinstall Windows with a clean version of the OS from Microsoft as Superfish is a rootkit and only a clean install can get rid of it for sure.

Sadly for Lenovo, their trust is shot and this could be a killing blow to the sale of their machines in the future. We shall see.

Our second story talks about spyware being installed by all the major hard drive manufacturers…possibly at the behest of the NSA.

Now with all this good news in mind, take a look at the rest of today’s blog. Surely you will find some good things here to help you out.  -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Until Superfish fix, Lenovo devices can't be trusted for secure work

ZDNet is reporting Lenovo installs a self-signing root certificate authority that has the capability to intercept and hijack internet traffic flowing over SSL and TLS connections -- often used by online stores, banks, and other apps and services to secure send data.

Spyware Revealed on Popular Hard Drives, NSA Suspected

The software has been found to work with hardware made by Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, IBM, Micron Technology and Samsung, and could provide a means to conduct surveillance “on the majority of the world’s computers.”

The Windows 8 scrap heap: 10 features that didn't make it to Windows 10

Windows 8 was filled with bold ideas, designed to move Windows forward in one giant leap. Three years later, as Windows 10 nears its release date, many of those innovative ideas are gone. Here's what's been tossed away, and why.

Meet the 'Real-Life Q' Who Builds Secret Spy Gadgets for a Living

I grew up watching James Bond films. My favorite part was always the same: the part where "Q" would outfit our hero with the latest in spy technology. Ralph Osterhout also grew up loving Bond movies — but he took it to the next level.

Uniting with rivals? Welcome to the new Microsoft

There may be no more surprising development in technology over the past year than Microsoft's radical transformation into an industry collaborator.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft OneNote tutorial: Everything you need to know to start taking notes

OneNote is the best Microsoft program from you’re probably not using. If you’ve ignored the digital note-taking app because, well, it’s Microsoft, or because you thought “the last thing I need is more software,” then it’s time to reconsider.

Apple releases iTunes 12.1.1 update for Windows

In a rare move, Apple has released an iTunes 12.1.1 update specifically for Windows users only, with fixes related to direct synchronization with Outlook and iOS devices. The update also addresses an audio playback glitch, and the release notes also indicate that the update “improves compatibility with screen readers.”

A Superb PC Troubleshooting Tool

If you need to track down the program which is causing a specific symptom on your computer, such as advertising panels being displayed, this is the best way to help find out. It does this and much more. Free from Microsoft.

The Best Tax Software for 2015

Online and mobile versions of tax-prep software make the annual ritual of ponying up to Uncle Sam less painful than ever. We test the most popular apps to help you pick the right one.

How to Find The Best Wi-Fi Channel For Your Router on Any Operating System

Choosing the best Wi-Fi channel on your router helps to reduce interference and improve your WI-Fi signal. These tools will help you identify the least congested Wi-Fi channel in your area.

 

Mobile Computing

How to organize photos and videos into albums on your iPhone or iPad

The Photos app on iPhone and iPad gives you quick and easy access to all your pictures and videos. Apple even automagically sorts them into moments, collections, and years to make finding specific photos and videos by time and location even easier.

How to manage a Microsoft Office document in iCloud on your iPad

As long as you are running iOS 8 you can now open, edit and save your work to iCloud Drive, as well as share your documents between multiple apps.

12 Tricks for Typing Faster on Your iPhone or iPad’s Keyboard

Some of these tricks are well hidden. You may never discover them until someone tells you — or you read about them in an article like this one.

The 10 Best Windows Tablets

But just because they're the hot new thing doesn't mean that every tablet PC is great, which is why we're here in the first place-to weed out the clunkers and help you know what's best, and why.

3G vs. 4G: What's the Difference?

If you're buying a new smartphone, you'll need to choose a type of data network. We explain 3G and 4G in simple terms.

FIDO is not a Dog…At Least Microsoft Hopes Not

There will be a new feature in the final version of Windows 10. Its called FIDO, which stands for Fast Identity Online…a password-free sign-on for several applications. Read all about it in story #1.

I continue to play around with Windows 10, although not as much as I like. Early spring in Tucson is a very busy time here…lots of fun and interesting events going on nearly every day. Anyway, I can tell you this about Windows 10…if you liked Windows 7 and hated Windows 8, you will love Win 10. Its back to the interface we all know and love…with some very nice improvements. More on that later.

I will let you read the rest of this blog for yourself as I must leave in a few minutes for the baseball stadium. Yes, baseball is underway here now, at least at the collegiate level. But the major league Spring Training gets underway in two weeks. Told you it was a busy time of year. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 will let you say goodbye to passwords forever

Microsoft is adding support for the Fast Identity Online (Fido) standard to Windows 10 to enable password-free sign-on for a number of applications.

Facebook to allow 'legacy contacts' for when you die

Your posthumous profile page can now be managed by someone you designate to handle that part of your online legacy.

Obama signs information-sharing order as privacy question looms

At a cybersecurity summit held on the Stanford University campus, President Obama outlines a plan for companies and the US government to share information and fend off cyberattacks.

Facebook to allow 'legacy contacts' for when you die

Your posthumous profile page can now be managed by someone you designate to handle that part of your online legacy.

Windows RT: The odd birth, brief life, and quiet death of Microsoft's ugly ducking operating system

Microsoft hoped Windows RT could narrow the gap on the iPad and Android. What went wrong and why?

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Perfectly legal ways you can still get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)

If you prefer the familiar Windows 7 interface (or need it for testing and evaluation) you can still find great deals. Here are all the details you need.

5 essential tips for creating Excel macros

Excel macros save you time and headaches by automating common, repetitive tasks. And you don’t have to be a programmer or know Visual Basic Applications (VBA) to write one. With Excel 2013, it’s as simple as recording your keystrokes.

How to protect your wireless router from malware

Last year, researchers discovered a worm, which they called TheMoon, that infected several Linksys routers. Linksys soon issued a fix to stop it. This wasn't the first such attack, and it will almost certainly not be the last.

17 obscure Windows tools and tricks too powerful to overlook

"The beauty of Windows lies in its flexibility and depth. In fact, Windows is so deep and flexible that many of us never touch its more powerful tools, whether from unawareness or sheer forgetfulness. "

I'm Going Back to Firefox

Remember when we all switched from Firefox to Chrome? Chrome was stripped down, simple but fast as hell. It was like browsing the web on a whole new computer. These days Chrome is bloated, slow, and constantly crashing on me. I've finally reached the breaking point. (Warning: Strong Language)

 

Mobile Computing

US carriers, you'll have to unlock those phones

Starting now, it will be much easier for people to jump from one carrier to another and take their smartphone with them.

7 gotta-know iOS and Android text-messaging tricks

The standard Android and iOS messaging apps—you know, the app you use for trading all those text messages, photos and videos—can do much more than you might think.

How to Automatically Upload Photos From Your Digital Camera

Whether you use a DSLR or just a point-and-shoot camera, there are ways to automatically upload and sync photos like you would with a smartphone.

The 10 best iPhone widgets

Thanks to iOS 8, apps can now display helpful information right on your lock screen through widgets. We've collected the 10 best apps that use widgets creatively to keep you up to date and entertained — all from your iPhone's lock screen.

Stay Sane By Minimizing All the Distracting Notifications on Your Smartphone and Computer

Smartphones and computers are notification-generaitng machines. Every app wants to constantly ping you, interrupting your life and pulling you out of that “flow state” while working.

Microsoft Offers 100GB of Free Cloud Storage

Here is a deal to good to pass up. You can now have 100GB of OneDrive Cloud storage for two years for free. What do you have to do? Click on a link on a their Web page and it is yours.

Go to the Bing Rewards page, click on the OneDrive “100 GB Free link”, and it is yours. If you are not already using OneDrive, I think you will find it very good and very useful.

Your data files are automatically backed up as soon as they are added or changed. Having used it now for a few years, I am a big fan. I have it on all my computers and devices. For example, it backs up my photos from my iPhone almost as soon as I take them. So give it a try.

Well, I have had a long day up in Phoenix so I am going to let you take over from here. Have a great weekend. PS: Don’t miss the first story on Samsung TV’s latest outrage. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung Smart TV Owners Fume Over Sneaky Pop-Up Ads

Samsung Smart TV owners, already shaken by news that their TVs can transmit voice commands and other private data to third parties, have been hit by another revelation -- that the devices sneak ads into movies they're watching, without the owner's knowledge or consent.

Target's internet video service you didn't use is shutting down

Like Redbox Instant and Samsung's Video Hub, Target Ticket didn't quite catch on.

Scammers Are Using a Fake Version of AdwCleaner to Trick People

The latest trend in the awful Windows ecosystem is pretty ridiculous — scammers have a fake version of the reputable AdwCleaner tool, which is a real tool for Windows experts. And this one pretends your computer is infected and tries to make you pay them to remove it.

February's Patch Tuesday is All About IE

Microsoft released a sweeping set of 56 security fixes described across nine bulletins as part of its regularly scheduled “Patch Tuesday” updates yesterday. But fully 41 of those fixes are all contained in a single bulletin for all supported versions of Internet Explorer.

Microsoft delivers first public preview of Windows 10 for phones

Microsoft is making available to testers the first public preview of Windows 10 mobile, a version of Windows 10 ultimately designed to run on ARM-based Windows Phones and ARM- and Intel- small tablets and phablets.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How To Tweak Google Chrome Browser To Use Less Memory

If you tend to have lots of tabs open during the day, you’ll probably find your computer starts to suffer in the performance stakes, and that’s all down to the way Chrome handles itself.

Google Chrome Includes 5 Browser Plug-ins, and Here’s What They Do

Google wants to get rid of browser plug-ins, but they’re bundling quite a few with Chrome itself. On a clean install, you’ll see at least five different browser plug-ins, from the Widevine Content Decryption Module to Native Client.

How to Set Up and Use Multiple Profiles (User Accounts) in Firefox

Mozilla Firefox hides its Profile Manager, not making it a highly visible part of the interface like Chrome does. But, if you’d like to use different browser profiles with their own settings and data, Firefox also makes it possible.

Free Browser Extension that Efficiently Blocks Ads Using Less Memory

The extension is available for Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. Even with a fast system I find browsing with it to be noticeably quicker than with Adblock Plus, which I was previously using. If you have a slower CPU or a minimal amount of RAM, the effect should be substantial.

Sorting text in Word: 3 tips and some secret tricks

Basic sorting in Word 2013 is a breeze. However, it gets a bit more complex when sorting multiple columns or tables. There are a few tricks and relatively unknown techniques that can save you time and make this task easier.

 

Mobile Computing

Amazon offering $140 worth of apps for free in latest giveaway

Amazon's latest app giveaway is here, and includes over $140 worth of premium content that is available for free from now until February 14. The giveaway features a total of 37 apps, including Listure, Sleep as Android, Runtastic Pro and more.

Find your pals in a crowd with this flashing phone app (iOS & Android)

The app relies on fullscreen blinking colors to help you stand out from a gaggle of bystanders. Just hold your device in the air and try not to feel too self-conscious while you do it, and getting together with buddies should be a bit easier.

How to Only Get Notifications for Emails You Care About on Your iPhone

Notifications are obnoxious. Few of us actually need a “ding!” from our pocket every time we get a new email. But some emails are more important, and you might want to hear about them immediately with a notification.

9 ways to lock down your iPhone or Android device before it goes missing

Lock down your iPhone's or Android phone's security settings before it up and disappears. That way, if the worst happens, at least you'll have the grim satisfaction of knowing that whoever swiped your device will have little more than a paperweight on their hands.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps of 2015

If you own an iPhone, you need apps. Here are 100 of the best apps you can download to make your life better. Organized by type. JRC: I found some good ones in here that I did not know about previously.

Samsung: Big Brother is Listening

Do you remember the Orwell classic novel, “1984”? The part where Big Brother is watching and listening you? Well Samsung is selling such a device. Its called a Samsung Smart TV. It sits in people’s living room, records their conversations, then sells them to third parties.

That is totally evil and obviously a violation of privacy. How dare them to such a thing! At  least they had the hutzpah to admit it when one reporter uncovered the story. For such an offense against decency and privacy, those TV’s should be recalled and a law should be passed to forbid such a thing. Of course, because there is money to be made, I look for other manufacturers to do the same thing.

And speaking of Samsung, I got mad last week at my Samsung laptop for running so poorly and completely wiped it clean.  After a long and tiresome three-day procedure, I reinstalled Windows 8 and upgraded it to 8.1. It actually runs much better now after I made sure all the crapware that Samsung includes was wiped out.

I did try at first to install a clean 8.1 system downloaded from Microsoft, but it was so slow that I had to wipe it out and installed the original  Samsung Windows 8 disk. This proved to me that Samsung deliberately makes their computers so they only run properly on Samsung’s version of Windows.

This is the last Samsung product of any type that I will ever buy. They join the list of corporations that can burn forever in Hades, like Comcast, Time-Warner, and Sony to name a couple.

PS: They are losing market share like crazy in the smartphone business and I hope people stop buying their TV’s.

Now that I gave you the vinegar, its time for some sweet honey. There are plenty of good stories and tips in this edition…so I hope you find something useful. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung's TVs record your living room chatter

Samsung's small print says that its Smart TV's voice recognition system will not only capture your private conversations, but also pass them onto third parties.

Leaked Data From 30,000 Swiss Bank Accounts Reveals Mass Tax Avoidance

The leaked files, which you can explore online, reveal the use of Swiss bank accounts by actors, footballers,politicians, business owners and more to avoid paying tax to the relevant authorities.

Pandora vs Slacker – Comparison of Top 6 Radio Stations like Pandora

When it comes to streaming Audio, many people think Pandora is the best choice out there, but with so many other options appearing these days, is that still the case? Here we will have a look at all the options and see whether Pandora still comes out on top.

Microsoft's New App Strategy: Turning Google Into A Dumb Pipe

Microsoft doesn't just want its hands on every operating system. It also wants eyes in every cloud.

Get 2 GB of free Google Drive storage forever with a quick security check

As part of Safer Internet Day (Tuesday, February 10), Google is giving away 2 GB of free Drive storage for completing a security checkup by February 17. And unlike most cloud storage freebies, this one is permanent.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Online Tools for Digital Tax Prep

With online tools and apps, you can digitize your tax prep and regulate your spending for the year ahead.

How to Create an Anonymous Email Account

What do you do if you want to set up an email address that is completely secret and nameless, with no obvious connection to you whatsoever, but you don't necessarily want the hassle of (or have the chops for) setting up your own servers?

How to Restore Previous Versions of a File on Any Operating System

Every operating system backs up previous versions of files and offers an easy way to go back in time. If you use a cloud storage service, it also keeps previous versions of your files. Here is how to get back a previous version.

Don't count on antivirus software alone to keep your data safe

One hacker pilfered data from under their corporate noses and cost them hundreds of millions of dollars. Even though many of these firms had antivirus software installed, they didn’t detect what he was doing. Why?

Tools to Protect Yourself from Data Brokers

Data brokerage is one of those things that affects everyone and yet 99% of us have no idea how deep this rabbit hole goes. You need to trust me on this one.. it goes deeper than you think!  JRC: I’ve installed all these suggested apps on all my devices.

 

Mobile Computing

An Apple Watch app is coming for people with diabetes

Medical device maker Dexcom has been showing off iPhone and Apple Watch integration for its implantable diabetes glucose monitors. The app will display glucose readings on iOS devices and should be ready when Apple Watch is launched in April.

Apple’s iOS 9 Pegged As A Stability Update

The major update for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch for 2015 is expected to take a step back from the rapid release of new features in favor of building on the existing framework to make sure everything already offered works more consistently.

Warning: Your Android Phone’s Web Browser Probably Isn’t Getting Security Updates

The web browser in Android 4.3 and earlier has many big security problems, and Google won’t be patching it anymore. If you use a device with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or earlier, you need to take action.

This is My Android: February 2015

See how one Android tech writer sets up his phone for the best results. You might find some good tips here.

Dropbox and Microsoft Office integration comes to Android tablets

While access on your phone is certainly convenient, if you are trying to do real work, a tablet is a much more capable device, and the Nexus 9 with the Keyboard Folio or any of the larger Samsung tablets can become a pretty credible workstation.

True Net Neutrality About to Become a Reality

Net Neutrality is back in the news again…no more talk, this time it is about to become reality. The chairman of the FCC will propose that Internet companies be put under Title II, subject to regulation of the government. Title II currently governs public utilities, phone companies and others. This is what President Obama called for in his speech…and what the vast majority of users like you and me wanted.

It will be voted on later this month, but expect the big Internet and cable companies to immediately file lawsuits. Also expect the Republican-controlled Congress to try and limit the FCC’s ability to do this. After all, the giant cable companies have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to their lackeys in Congress AKA: the Parliament of Whores) to do their bidding.

The Internet, specifically the World Wide Web, was designed to be used openly and without prejudice by everyone. It was not designed to be a product that giant Internet and cable companies control in order to extract additional profits at our expense.

If you would like to have a better understanding of Net Neutrality and this fight, check out this short, but cute video starring 3 sports cars and Godzilla.

Be sure and check out how to get the $400 version of Google Earth for free (see below). Finally, an update from our last edition: Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy today. 

And now for the rest of the news and tips: -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality wins: the FCC will propose strong Title II regulation

It's the first time the FCC has shown enough backbone to draw a line in the sand against companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon, who are sure to fight viciously in courts to reverse this action.

What Microsoft needs to include in Outlook 2016

As already rumored and expected, Office 2016 is confirmed by Microsoft to be on the (relatively) near horizon. In my opinion, there’s one feature that absolutely must be included: a unified inbox for Outlook.

Bill Gates working on new Microsoft 'Personal Agent' technology

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is working on a new 'Personal Agent' project with Microsoft, he disclosed during his latest Reddit AMA.

Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Roku Stick: Media Streamers Compared

On the surface, they appear to be very similar concepts. In practice, though, they're remarkably different from each other.

Apple is reportedly in talks to build its own web TV service

According to the site's industry sources, Apple's proposed service would comprise of bundles of programming, secured through deals with content providers and sold direct to consumers, rather than a full TV lineup.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Earth Pro Now Free (Was $399)

Google Earth Pro has all the easy-to-use features and detailed imagery of Google Earth, along with advanced tools that help you measure 3D buildings, print high-resolution images for presentations or reports, and record HD movies of your virtual flights around the world.

Skype fails: 5 of the worst problems and how to fix them

Skype is an essential communications tool, but it can also be a pesky one. Here’s how to get its more annoying features under control.

How to track changes in Microsoft Word without going insane

Read through our guide to safely—and sanely—navigating a multi-authored document using track changes. We’re confident that by the time you’re done you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

17 Tips to Help You Master Microsoft OneDrive

You'll get the scoop on exactly what you need to take full advantage of a service that could be named Windows Live SkyFolderShareMeshDrive... but thankfully, is not.

10 Evernote Power Tips to Keep Productivity on Track

From super fast search techniques to noteworthy organization tricks, here's a rundown of the most popular tips you can plug into your daily Evernote use.

 

Mobile Computing

Millions of Android Devices Infected by Malicious Apps

Google has just pulled three adware-distributing apps from its Play Store, but only after several millions devices were infected. The search giant finally removed the apps after security firm Avast alerted it to the dangers, but there is evidence that Google knew about the suspicious apps for weeks.

Take Control of Your Smartphone’s Automatic Photo Uploads

Modern smartphones and cloud photo services want to automatically upload every single photo you take to the cloud. But you don’t always want to save every photo forever on those remote servers.

9 typing tips every Android and iOS user should know

Read on for 9 ways to make typing on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device a little easier, from how to turn on "caps lock" to a simple shortcut to the exclamation mark. Some good tips here!

The 10 Best iPad Astronomy and Space Apps

As astronomy is such a visual pursuit, it's no surprise that a large number of apps related to astronomy and space science have appeared, many of them taking advantage of the iPad's large screen.

What's new in Android 5.1 Lollipop?

The upgrade to Lollipop was introduced alongside the launch of Android One phones in Indonesia, and those phones seem to be shipping with it out of the box.

Bye Bye Radio Shack? Sad but not Unexpected

For much of my life, Radio Shack was an icon. When I first got into electronics in high school, it was Radio Shack and Allied Electronics catalogues that captivated me and my urges to buy everything they had for sale. It was Radio Shack that introduced us to the first mass-produced personal computer, the TRS-80, in 1977. They had the first audio showroom in 1947.

Currently, they have over 4,000 company-operated stores in the United States and Mexico, and approximately 1,200 dealer and other outlets worldwide. In short, they are a giant retailer.

So what happened? It’s a story of one failure after another. RadioShack entered the 1980s poised to be the center of the computer revolution.  But RadioShack went nowhere. Their computer business lost traction and eventually became obsolete as companies like IBM and Dell went elsewhere to deliver more powerful computers.

Instead of concentrating on RadioShack and building its name and products, the company  tried new concepts with new stores: Computer City to sell computers, Energy Express Plus to sell batteries, Famous Brand Electronics for refurbished electronics, McDuff and Video Concepts for audio and video, and  the Incredible Universe, which became the company’s Best Buy knockoff. All were failures.

They also tried the cell phone market, but to make a long story short, they were not very successful. They did well with CB Radios, but that fad dried up. They were out promoted and out sold by stores like Best Buy and on-line retailers like Amazon.

For me personally, I stopped going to Radio Shack years ago. Their prices were outrageously high. There were too many other places that offered the same merchandise for much less. Too long they tried to live on their name that stretches back almost 100 years, but that does not work anymore.

For more info on their current plan, be sure and read our first story. In fact, have a look at all our stories. There is some good info here, if I do say so myself. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

RadioShack may sell half its stores to Sprint, shut down the rest

The end could be near for the iconic electronics retailer amid a report that it's in talks with the wireless carrier to take over some locations.

Net neutrality battle pitches activists and FCC against Big Cable and GOP

President Obama supports new rules that if passed will regulate the internet like water and electricity - executives and Republican politicians do not

Sorry, your broadband Internet technically isn't broadband anymore

The FCC has raised the benchmark for broadband speed to 25 megabits per second, above the speed that many Americans receive with their home connection.

Facebook, Twitter report records for Super Bowl posts

Both social networks say Sunday's football spectacle was the most discussed/tweeted Super Bowl in their histories.

Raspberry Pi 2 is six times faster than Pi 1, supports Windows 10

At $35, the new computer retains the low-cost appeal of the original Raspberry Pi, which has sold more than 4 million units. Raspberry Pi 2 is also six times faster than the original computer. Windows 10 will be free.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Some first impressions of Windows 10

It's too early for a review of the Windows 10 preview, but there's enough substance in the latest builds to share some thoughts about the project's direction.

The Best Tax Software for 2015

Online and mobile versions of tax-prep software make the annual ritual of ponying up to Uncle Sam less painful than ever. We test the most popular apps to help you pick the right one. You might be surprised at who wins the Editor's Choice.

A quick fix for your slow Chrome browser

After some research and experimentation, I tweaked one setting that made Chrome run considerably faster. Your mileage may vary, of course, but this is worth a try. PS It worked for me also.

How to Change the Default Fonts in Your Web Browser

While changing your browser’s font may not be the most pressing issue, sometimes it is fun to make a change. That’s why we are going to teach you how to change the default font in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

Wi-Fi triage: 5 common solutions to your wireless woes

Wi-Fi is the most wonderful home convenience-except for when it isn't. Everybody has their own favorite way of handling Wi-Fi problems, but here's mine.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon to let you opt out of 'supercookies'

After complaints from privacy advocates, Verizon will allow users to turn off so-called supercookies that can track online behavior.

5 reasons why you should ditch Apple Mail and go with Outlook for iPhone instead

Outlook for iPhone combines many of the features we use on a daily basis in the one application, so immediately on launch we realized that we could use it as a one-stop email shop for nigh-on everything we needed to do.

10 Must-Have iPhone Apps

If you have (or are waiting for) a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, you have some killer hardware. But even with the latest and greatest phone, it's still all about the apps. Here are our top 10 picks that can help you make the most of your shiny new toy.

New Chrome for iOS looks nicer, supports Handoff

Google updated its Chrome browser to version 40, bringing its Material Design style to iOS.Material Design is the Google’s new standard for how apps should look, using a material metaphor as “the unifying theory of a rationalized space and a system of motion.

Google Now gains integration with 40 third-party apps

Google has announced that third-party apps can now display Google Now cards. There are currently 40 different apps that can display cards, including major apps like Pandora, Shazam, Lyft, Waze, and eBay.

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.