I Forgot…I am Still a Windows Insider

Microsoft surprised me yesterday with a complete new build of Windows 10. I had thought when the company sent out the “final” Windows 10, that would be the end of the Insider program. Wrong! I am still an insider so I got a brand new updated version of Windows 10 for testing. Eventually, normal users like yourself will get this one.

So what’s new? Not a whole lot that you will notice. Story #3 outlines the improvements…most of the good ones being under the hood that will give you increased performance. So far, no problems with the new build. I suspect I will be getting more builds with newer features before October. That is when you will get the newest features in an large update. PS: there are no new features added to their Edge browser. It is still very incomplete.

And speaking of Windows 10, Paul Thurrott, my favorite Windows blogger and author has published his first mini-book on how to use Windows 10. It is free and is the first story in the “Computer Tips and Tricks” section. Be sure and save this one to Evernote or OneNote.

Well it is time for me to take a trip up to the San Francisco Bay Area to get out of this heat and to attend the Indy Car Race in Sonoma…plus of course, seeing old friends. So I won’t be publishing anything for a couple of weeks. But I will be back in time to cover the big Apple event on Sept. 9. So until then, take care and happy computing! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Major League Baseball bans the Apple Watch, report says

Technically Incorrect: Not seeming to realize that it's just a watch when not linked to a phone, MLB tells Kansas City Royals' manager Ned Yost he must not wear the Apple Watch it gave him during games.

 

Ashley Madison hack is not only real, it’s worse than we thought

The massive leak attributed to the hackers who rooted to the Ashley Madison dating website for marital cheaters has been confirmed to be genuine. As if that wasn't bad enough, the 10 gigabytes of data—compressed, no less—is far more wide-ranging than almost anyone could have imagined…and its posted on the Web!

 

Microsoft Issues First Post-RTM Windows 10 Build to Insiders

On Wednesday, Microsoft issued Windows 10 build 10525 to Windows Insiders on the Fast Ring, providing much-needed window color options, memory manager improvements, and more.

 

Platte River speaks on Hillary Clinton private server

The Cybersecurity firm hired by Hillary Clinton: 'We would never have taken it on' if we knew of the ensuing chaos. Threats of all kind, including death threats have flooded the firm that supplied Hillary with her controversial private e-mail server.

 

Hackers might have stolen IRS data on more than 300,000 households

More taxpayers than originally thought had personal information stolen in a hack that used a surprisingly simple method.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Complete Guide to Windows 10

The free Windows 10 upgrade is now successfully installed on tens of millions of PCs worldwide, but it’s still hard to find exactly the information you need. This is that guide, an organized collection of the how-to and informational articles I have written—and will continue to write—about Microsoft’s greatest-ever OS release.

 

Getting to Know the Windows 10 Store

The Windows Store has always had its fair share of growing pains, and since its debut in Windows 8, it has been dwarfed by Google and Apple’s offerings. In Windows 10, however, it finally looks like the Windows Store has turned the corner.

 

Activate GodMode in Windows 10

If the Settings menu and Control Panel are too complicated, use GodMode to find all your settings. Godmode is a dedicated folder that puts all you control panels in one place.

 

Five must-have back to school laptop accesories

The laptop isn't the only piece of tech a student needs to succeed.

 

How to Sync Your Google Calendar with Outlook

If you use Google Calendar but also use Outlook for calendar items as well as email and contacts, you might be looking for a way to keep the two calendars in sync. Look no further. We will show you how to do this using a free tool.

 

Mobile Computing

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015

Beat the heat with some cool new apps for your Android. These are our favorites in a wide variety of categories.

 

Soon you'll be able to search the Settings app on your iOS device

iOS 9 users will love the added ability to search for a setting, instead of mindlessly tapping through the app.

 

The Best Travel Apps of 2015

You can find deals, book your flights and hotels, get help packing your bags, and get out of town with these excellent travel apps. Best of all, nearly all of them are free.

 

The Complete Guide to Clearing Space on Your Smartphone

It’s one of the most unwelcome alerts you can expect on your mobile device: storage space is running low. If you find yourself in such a predicament, don’t panic—here’s how to navigate your way out.

 

Google patches another 'high severity' bug in Android

More security fixes on the way for Android users after researchers find another flaw in Android mediaserver.

Windows 10 is Hot, Hot, Hot!

If you build it, (and give it away free) they will come! Sorry for the bad movie quote. But that is what is happening with Windows 10. Millions of folks like you and me are downloading and using it. That is such a change over past versions of Windows upgrades.

In recent years, only a small number of people would upgrade their existing computer to the new version. In fact, the majority of Windows users would only get the latest and greatest Windows when they bought a new computer. Of course, with Windows 8, those who upgraded their current computers to it had to wipe out their existing computer OS to get it (and boy were they sorry).

But with Windows 10, all that has changed. If you are running Windows 7 or 8.1, you are 99% assured that Windows 10 will work. And if it doesn’t or you don’t like it, you can easily revert back to the old system. While not every installation has gone perfectly, it’s a very small number of people who are having problems. Microsoft, to their credit, are fixing issues faster than ever before. In the last 2 weeks, they have issued 3 updates and fixes.

As for my computers, my Windows 7 installation on my MAC still says Windows 10 won’t work because of a video issue…even though I have been running Windows 10 for months on it. Oh well. And today I finally pulled out my Samsung laptop running Windows 8.1 for the first time since Windows 10 was released and it said I was not ready for the update yet. I could have pushed it, but I took my own advice and did not do it. Since I don’t use that computer anymore, it was no big deal.

In the last edition, I told you about Verizon’s abandonment of contracts. In this edition (in the Mobile Computing Section), I have more information about their new way of doing business. So if you are a Verizon user, you might want to read it.

From here on, its up to you to find the stories that best fit your needs, so have fun. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 upgrades continue at a torrid pace

More than two weeks after the worldwide launch of Windows 10, Microsoft is keeping quiet about how many upgrades it's delivered. But third-party data suggests that the upgrade pace isn't slowing. The next major milestone? 100 million installs.

 

AT&T Was Reportedly a Long-Time Willing Partner of the NSA

Citing leaked Snowden documents, The New York Times and ProPublica reported this weekend that AT&T was a decade-long “willing partner” of the National Security Agency (NSA), providing the agency with access to billions of email messages that flowed through its networks.

 

New Report Affirms Apple's Autonomous Electric Car Is Real

A new report by The Guardian claims that Apple has been in contact with a former naval base near San Francisco owned by GoMentum, a company that works with car makers to offer them a secure and secluded place to test their new autonomous cars.

 

Google gives Hangouts a dedicated website

Google just launched a dedicated Hangouts site, but isn't quite ready to separate from Google+ just yet.

 

Microsoft issues emergency patch for all versions of Windows

Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band patch for a "critical"-rated security vulnerability, affecting all supported versions of Windows. The software giant said in an advisory Tuesday that users visiting a specially-crafted website can lead to remote code execution on an affected machine.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 Tip: Understand and Configure Privacy Settings

Here’s how you can configure the Windows 10 privacy features, both during Setup and after you’re already up and running. As you’ll see, Windows 10 is chock full of privacy options, each of which you can configure according to your needs.

 

How to Organize and Add Shortcuts to the All Apps List on Windows 10

Windows 10’s All Apps list functions a bit differently than the All Programs list in Windows 7. You can’t just drag-and-drop shortcuts or right-click All Programs and select Explore anymore. Use this trick to add your own custom shortcuts to the menu or remove existing shortcuts.

 

How to Find and Set Screen Savers on Windows 10

Windows 10 has seemingly removed the ability to set screen savers on your computer. Fret not however, they’re not gone, rather they’ve simply been relegated to a small, hard-to-find control panel.

 

15 Things You Can Do With Cortana on Windows 10

Cortana is one of Windows 10’s most visible new features. Microsoft’s virtual assistant makes the leap from Windows Phone to the desktop, and there’s a lot you can do with it. It isn’t just a voice assistant either — you can also type commands and questions

 

LibreOffice 5.0 Review & Rating

LibreOffice 5.0 provides much of the power of Microsoft Office in an outdated and inconsistent interface, but it's free and open-source, and any organization that can't or won't use proprietary software won't find anything better.

 

Mobile Computing

Android M's name is Marshmallow, and it's version 6.0

The Android 6.0 update, set for release this fall, was first previewed at the company's I/O conference in late May. But as it's done before, Google held off on announcing the full name to build anticipation around the software.

 

Verizon abandons contracts: Everything you need to know (FAQ)

Confused about Verizon's shake-up of the way you pay for wireless service? CNET has you covered with all of the answers.

 

AT&T bolsters mobile data plans to keep pace with rivals

New plans that offer more data for your dollar and free calls and texts to Canada and Mexico help AT&T stay competitive against T-Mobile and Sprint.

 

The free and easy way to back up your iPhone photos

Running out of space on your phone? There's a hassle-free way to preserve precious photos before deleting them

 

9 awesome paid iPhone apps on sale for free for a limited time

These are paid iPhone and iPad apps that have been made available for free for a limited time by their developers. There is no way to tell how long they will be free. These sales could end an hour from now or a week from now...so check them out now!

Google Breaks in Two

As August roles on, about the only exciting things happening are the release of Windows 10 and Google splitting into two separate companies. Since we have covered Windows 10 in depth the last couple of weeks, let’s now take a look at Alphabet, the new company created by Google.

The move by Google is a classic business stratagem…when a company becomes involved in multiple enterprises, it may be smart to reorganize into separate business divisions. Here is how this will work…Google will continue to focus on the business that brings in the majority of the company’s income…like search and advertising. The other experimental efforts that are not so profitable yet will be handled by Alphabet.

Much of this strategy is being done to placate investors and stockholders who are a bit miffed about the way Google spends tons of money on experimental R&D projects. This new split has sent Google stock value upward in the current down market While the details of this move is currently unclear, our first story should help explain some of it you.

While the rest of the news is not all that exciting, our series of tutorials on Windows 10 continues. Be sure and read the article on the new Firefox 40 made specifically for Windows 10. While Microsoft’s new browser Edge is far from finished, Firefox may have preempted Edge by being a full-fledged browser for the New Operating System.

Anyway, enjoy this edition of Rants and Raves and have a great weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Why Did Google Create Alphabet?

Rather than having Google and its various projects under one Google umbrella, Google will create a new company, dubbed Alphabet, which will handle all efforts not tied to Google's core mission.

 

Firefox version 40 set to roll with new Windows 10 features

Firefox has hit a new landmark today with the release of version 40. The biggest change is improved Windows 10 compatibility, though previous versions of Firefox certainly work fine with Microsoft's new OS.

 

Microsoft fixes four critical security flaws in August's Patch Tuesday

Even Windows 10 wasn't left out of this month's bumper round of security updates.

 

Samsung's New 16 Terabyte SSD Is the World's Largest Hard Drive

At the Flash Memory Summit in California, Samsung just revealed a new 2.5-inch SSD drive with an incredible 16 terabytes of storage. It’s not only the world’s largest SSD—it’s actually now the world’s largest hard drive, period.

 

Apple updates Boot Camp to support Windows 10

Now you can run Windows 10 on a Mac, if you really want to. JRC: I have been doing it for months with Parallels.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

 

Windows 10 Tip: Configure Cortana to Work For You

Like any digital assistant, Cortana needs to get to know you a bit before she can be truly useful to you. Here's how to get started.

 

How To: Manage Email Folders in the Windows 10 Mail App

By default the Mail app that comes with Windows 10 shows only the Inbox, Sent Items, and Drafts folder in the mail account view. If you want access to any additional folders you have created for organization purposes, you can tap or click the More option in the app to expose the other folders.

 

How to customize the left side of the Windows 10 Start menu

Hate those "Most used" and "Recently added" sections of the Windows 10 Start menu? Here's how to get rid of them and add items that are actually useful.

 

How to Use Your Google Calendar in the Windows 10 Calendar App

One of the new additions is the revamped Calendar app, which is more functional than its predecessor...it’s actually downright pleasurable to use. But what if you want your classic Google Calendar synced up with Microsoft’s internal app ecosystem?

 

If you installed Windows 10 and like privacy, you checked the defaults, right? Oh dear

Here's a quick FYI: if you installed Windows 10, and in a rush to try out Microsoft's new operating system, you clicked through the default settings without looking, you may want to look again.

 

Mobile Computing

 

How to make lithium-ion batteries last for years

Proper care of a Li-ion battery can result in as much as 15 times longer service life than with an improperly cared-for battery. Here’s how to make sure that your expensive Li-ion batteries last as long as possible in all your portable devices.

 

How to check your data plan usage on your iPhone

Limited data plans suck, but getting dinged because you went over your cap sucks even more. Here's how to keep tabs on your data plan so you can avoid getting penalized.

 

Biggest difference between Android and iPhone

Although there are plenty of differences between Android and the iPhone, there's one main discrepancy that stands out the most - with Android you get choice, while the iPhone is one uniform platform.

 

Android Facing a Huge Security Crisis

Stagefright, a vulnerability in practically all Android devices that can be exploited with a simple text message. The affected user doesn't even need to open the message. Receiving it does the trick.

 

Best VPN Services

All the services reviewed here are subscription based though some offer both free and paid services. If you are only interested in free software we suggest you consult our separate review of the Best Free Anonymous Surfing Services.

Here is Something Much Better than Apple Music

While Apple Music has garnered all the attention lately, I found a better streaming music service…at least for my tastes. Believe it or not, I am talking about Google Music…more properly known as Google Play Music (they should change the name). I actually started using it a few years ago, but new additions and changes have made it my streaming music of choice.

There are two parts two Google Music. The first part involves getting your music into the service. It’s easily done, although, as you might guess, it takes time if you have a large collection. But here is the best part, if you use iTunes (Windows or Apple) to store your music, it will automatically upload your music for you from your computer. Not only that, if you download new music into iTunes, Google Music will automatically upload the new music to its servers…and if the new music is in an iTunes playlist, Google will automatically put the same music in a matching playlist. And all of this is done in the background.

So why use iTunes on your computer at all? iTunes stores your music on your computer while Google Music stores it in the cloud. You can play Google music using your browser, but there are also apps for smartphones and tablets. I play Google Music in my car via Bluetooth connected to my car’s music system.

The second part to Google Music is new. Like Apple Music, Google Music has a dazzling array of radio stations, but here is the difference.  While Apple has humans curating their specialized stations, Google creates its radio stations based on the music you already have stored in the cloud. For instance, I have a large collection of the great jazz artist Dave Brubeck…so there is a corresponding Dave Brubeck Radio Station. But when you click on it, there are many other similar jazz musicians on that station besides Brubeck.

So I have a large array of radio stations tailored for me based upon my taste in music…And it is free. To get the same thing on Apple Music will cost $10 a month when the free trial period ends. Not only that, but the kind of quality music I listen to is in short supply on Apple Music. As I think I wrote here before, Anyone over 30 does not need Apple Music.

Anyway, take a look at Google Music and see what you think. Some good information here in this edition as we continue the list of tutorials for Windows 10. So happy reading everyone. -JRC 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Launches 'Outlook' App for Apple Watch

Microsoft has launched an official Apple Watch app for its email client Outlook, offering users of the service the ability to read emails and even respond to messages on their Apple Watch.

 

Report: Chinese hackers breached top U.S. officials' private emails

The breach, initially known as "Dancing Panda," was first detected in April 2010 and remains ongoing, a senior U.S. intelligence official told NBC News. Several key government officials, including all top national security and trade officials" in the Obama administration are victims

 

NFL highlights return to your Twitter feed this season

If you enjoy seeing NFL highlights in your Twitter feed on Sundays (and Mondays, Thursdays and some Saturdays, too), you can rest easy as those clips are staying put.

 

Apple said to host iPhone, iPad, Apple TV event Sept. 9

Lumping the devices together, as Buzzfeed reports, could indicate Apple doesn't have huge changes in store

 

Update Firefox now: major vulnerability could steal your data

A major vulnerability discovered by Mozilla lurking in an advertisement shown by a Russian news site could steal your files and upload them to a Ukrainian server without you ever knowing.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft's Sway storytelling app now available for the new Windows 10

Heard of PowerPoint, that popular (or not-so-popular) presentation program? Microsoft's own alternative, called Sway, is now available on Windows 10 devices and Apple products.

 

How to customize Windows 10's Action Center

New in Windows 10 is the Action Center, a unified place for all system notifications and quick access to various settings. It’s a nice addition to Windows, and it’s plenty customizable. Here’s a quick overview of your options.

 

Screenshot Tour: The 29 New Universal Apps Included With Windows 10

Windows 10 isn’t just an improved desktop environment. It includes many “universal apps,” which often replace existing desktop apps. Unlike on Windows 8, these apps can run in windows on the desktop so you may actually want to use them.

 

How to Use and Configure Cortana on Windows 10

Cortana is billed as more than a simple search feature. It’s supposed to be a full-fledged personal assistant much like Siri is on Apple iOS devices. Here are the basics of setting up Cortana and using it on your new Windows 10 computer.

 

How to Stop Accidental Trackpad Clicks in Windows 10 (And Other Mouse Enhancements)

It’s been the bane of laptop users for years: you’re typing away, your palm brushes the trackpad, and the accidental click inserts the cursor in the middle of the text completely screwing things up. Banish the frustration of accidental trackpad clicks with the handy built-in Windows 10 settings.

 

Mobile Computing

Verizon kills off service contracts, smartphone subsidies

In a radical shift, the company will only offer new plans that require customers to pay for their own smartphones. Also, device access fees and buckets of data remain.

Angry Birds 2: Tips, tricks, and cheats for crushing piggies

Angry Birds 2 continues the classic premise of using a giant slingshot to fling birds into rickety buildings inhabited by green pigs. New in the second edition is a randomized element which makes no two playthroughs of a level the same.

 

How to Root Your Android Device & Why You Might Want To

Android geeks often root their devices, and you can usually do it yourself in just a few minutes with one of these easy tools. After you root your Android phone or tablet, you’ll have full access to the entire system.

 

The 10 Best Tablets of 2015

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? Here's what to consider, whether you're looking for Android, Apple, or Windows options, along with ten top-rated tablets that fit the bill.

 

Tip of the Day: How to Block Unwanted Calls and Messages

For iOS: Sometimes, whether it's an ex or an obnoxious telemarketer, a person just won't get the message and stop calling you. That's when it's time to block their calls. "

The Only Game in Town...Windows 10

It's August and the interesting tech news is few and far between. Thank God for Windows 10. It is really making a lot of news. And speaking of Windows 10, if you have reserved a copy and and it has not  downloaded to your computer, be patient and wait for it to come. Don't force it. This advice comes from many tech experts. If you don't have it yet, it probably means they have not finished updating all the drivers for your particular computer. Not to worry, you have a year.

As I am late getting this edition posted, I will not have any other comment to offer...other than have a great weekend! -JRC


Tech News and Opinions

Firefox boss attacks Microsoft over the default browser settings in Windows 10

Mozilla's CEO has published a letter of complaint about Windows 10's default browser settings - which actually affect all programs, not just browsers - and been parodied over Mozilla changing users' default search setting in its own Firefox browser.
10 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success


Whether you just got a Roku or you've had one for years, there's more to know beyond the basics of watching Netflix and catching up with "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" on Crackle.

US appeals court says a warrant is required for authorities to obtain cell phone location data

This 2-1 decision by the Richmond, Virginia-based Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is a big victory for those who advocate for cell phone privacy rights.

Attention students and teachers: Check if you can get Office 365 for free now - CNET

Going back to school soon? You may be able to get your hands on a free full version of Microsoft Office with just a few steps

Apple Music actually has 11 million subscribers, Eddy Cue says

If all of those users start paying up when their free trials end, Apple Music is well on its way to edging out Spotify. JRC: Of course, they won’t as Spotify has 75 million users.

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to secure Windows 10: The paranoid's guide

Worried sick over Windows 10's privacy settings? There's a lot you can do to lock them down, but you will lose some functionality along the way.

Is Your Printer Ready for Windows 10?

Microsoft's newest OS is available for free. Before you download, make sure it will play nicely with your printer.

Can't find a Windows 10 feature? Ask Cortana for help

Microsoft has rearranged the furniture in Windows 10. To find what you need, turn to the operating system's digital personal assistant.

Liking Windows 10 so far? Here's how to make it even better

There are so many new features and settings that sorting through them all can become overwhelming, and you could be missing out on making the most of your Windows 10 experience.

How to Customize the Windows 10 Start Menu

The Start menu is back in Windows 10, but it's not exactly your father's start menu. Here's how to get the most out of it. You might be surprised about how customizable it is.

21 best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you should know

"Some of these shortcuts might already be familiar to you, but think of new users who just switched from a Mac or simply have relied more on mice or touchscreens.

Mobile Computing

Apple’s Force Touch – the future of mobile interfaces

Apple is opening new frontiers for its user interfaces on both Mac and mobile devices with Force Touch. Its introduction will enable developers to create near-identical user interfaces across mobile and computer platforms.

The Complete Mobile Imaging Workflow for iPhone Photographers

In this tutorial you will learn how to raise the quality of pictures taken with your iPhone’s built-in camera with a start-to-finish mobile imaging workflow.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here is a look at some brand new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. There are some real gems in here.

Microsoft launches Translator for Android, updates OneDrive and OneNote for Android Wear

Microsoft is very busy on the Android app front. It has launched a version of its Translator app for both Android and Android Wear, while also updating its OneDrive Android Wear app. Finally, it has released a major revamp of its OneNote Android Wear app.

Secure your iOS device with a six-digit passcode on iOS 9

Apple wants you to add two more digits to your PIN code, increasing security of your iOS device.

Windows 10–The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

It’s been almost a week now since the release of Windows 10. Did you get it yet? I actually have it running on two computers and I will give you my humble opinion of it. Remember, I am 90% or more committed to the Apple world, but still use Windows a fair amount.

The Good:

Actually, almost all of it is good. I think Microsoft has hit a home run with this release, even though it is not 100 completed. The rest of the important bits will be coming in October, if all the rumors are true…but that doesn’t mean it is a stripped-down version. Most reviewers are saying it is faster than 7 and 8.1 and I agree with that assessment.  For sure, it is definitely safer! Microsoft put a lot of effort into making it more secure. 

Cortana, the voice activated search engine is working much better than it did in previous versions. To be honest, I don’t use it that much as I am not used to having it. But it answers the simple questions quite easily and the female voice is quite lovely. The majority of the answers are displayed on a Bing Search page, and they are almost always what I am looking for. It definitely shows promise. I hope Apple will put Siri on its OS one of the days.

Also, the Microsoft Solitaire collection is excellent and looks good. It is a free download from the Windows Store. And speaking of the store, it has been improved and is quite quick to load and easy to search. Downloads and installs from the store are a breeze. For the fun of it, you might want to check out Bloom Diary or Journal. They are also free. There are some really good, free apps in the store.

The Bad:

The special Office for Windows 10 is almost pointless. It is really made for touch devices. But to use it on a desktop computer, you must have an Office 365 subscription. Well, if you have one, there is no reason not to put the full version on your computer. The Windows 10 version is basically for portable devices, which makes sense.

The free OneNote app also stinks. It is a stripped down version of the full OneNote with many good features left out. The original free version for Windows was not stripped down.  I often add page color and lines to my OneNote pages. I can add color on my MAC version, but not lines. On the Windows Version, I can lines, but no page color. Silly.

The new Edge browser that Microsoft that is supposed to replace Internet Explorer is not finished. Many features like add-ons are not yet available. Ironically IE is not included with the Windows 10 upgrade. Edge shows a lot of promise and is quite fast, but you can’t use it now as your full-time browser. You will need to download IE, Firefox, or Chrome for you browsing pleasure.

The Ugly:

Now this issue is only for people like me who run Windows 10 inside the Parallels application on a MAC. I run Windows 7 and 10 on my MAC. I have had the Preview Edition of 10 running for months. The Windows 7 copy received the Upgrade Icon months ago. But when I went to install it, it said Windows 10 will not run as it has a problem with the Parallels video. Hello!!! Windows 10 has been running for months inside Parallels. I am not sure who is at fault here, Microsoft or Parallels. Lots of folks have run into this issue and both companies claim they are trying to solve it. Whatever.

Another big ugly is OneDrive. It has problems with all computers right now. I won’t go into it other than to say it is unreliable. Paul Thurrott, journalist, blogger, and writer has been a long-time proponent of OneDrive…but he has switched to Dropbox. I know I have had lots of problems with it on my MAC and have pretty much stopped using it. Too bad.

Well that is my cheesy review for now. I will keep plugging away with the occasional updates and mini-reviews. In the meantime, I have included more tutorials below on the new features of Windows 10. I suggest you save them in either Evernote or OneNote. Happy computing everyone!! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

AT&T announces first DirecTV deals just weeks after takeover approval

The FCC approved AT&T's $48.5 billion takeover of DirecTV just under two weeks ago, and we're already seeing the first results — new bundles that the carrier describes as the "first-ever nationwide package of TV and wireless services."

 

Yelp is in a 'death spiral,' industry expert says

The business reviews site has suffered a string of blows this week, including the departure of its high-profile board chairman. Can it regain its footing?

The Laptops With the Best Battery Life

There are two ways to make sure you don't run out of juice on a long travel day: buy and charge an external battery pack, or just buy a laptop with really long battery life.

Amazon Prime sharing just got more difficult

Amazon.com has placed new limits on its Amazon Prime subscription service,

New Windows 10 scam will encrypt your files for ransom

Just days after Microsoft released its latest operating system, hackers have begun targeting soon-to-be Windows 10 users with an emerging kind of malware.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Windows 10's best tricks, tips, and tweaks

Windows 10, Microsoft’s back-to-basics re-embracing of the PC, is already brimming with handy new features, and with all the new goodies comes with a legion of new tweaks and tricks—some of which unlock powerful functionality hidden to everyday users.

 

Windows 10's Built-In Mail App: Everything You Need to Know

The mail client in Windows 10 is easy to set up and has a simple, touch-friendly interface, but it's capable of handling even complex email scenarios with aplomb.

 

Tips to Get the Most Out of Windows 10's New Photo App

The new Photos app includes image correction and enhancement, as well as organization capabilities. It's much closer to something like Mac OS X's Photos app than to Paint.

 

3 ways to customize Microsoft Edge

Microsoft's new browser may have dropped the 'Spartan' nickname, but if you open it up you'll find that, feature-wise, it's still pretty...spartan.

 

Windows 10 Feature Focus: Backup and Recovery

While Windows 10 doesn’t actually add any new backup or recovery tools, it provides great upgrades to the tools it previously offered in Windows 7 and 8. As important, full system image backup and restore capabilities are no longer squirreled away and hard to find or use.

 

Mobil Computing

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Plan

Does shopping around for mobile phone service have your head spinning? We've got you covered with this handy interactive calculator and tips for choosing the right carrier and plan.

 

Why iPhones Are More Secure Than Android Phones

Here’s a dirty secret: Most Android devices never receive security updates. Ninety-five percent of Android devices can now be compromised via an MMS message, and that’s just the most high-profile bug. Google has no way to apply security patches to these devices, and manufacturers and carriers just don’t care.

 

The Best Android Tablets of 2015

No love for the iPad or Windows slates? Here's what to look for in an Android tablet, along with the top-rated models we've tested.

 

More on Microsoft's expected new 'premium' Windows Phones

Microsoft is expected to field two new 'premium' Windows Phones later this year, codenamed Cityman and Talkman. Here's the latest report on those handsets.

 

Sprint's chairman: US networks are 'very, very bad'

Masayoshi Son, who is also CEO of a Japanese carrier, says the network quality in the US "is not something you should be proud of," and directly calls out his rivals.

Surprise! I Already Had Windows 10…Now Its on 2 Machines

Yesterday morning, after coffee, I opened up my Windows 10 Technical Preview window to see how the new version of Windows 10 looked. And what did I see? Nothing new. No messages, no pop-up Windows, no notifications…nothing. It was Windows 10 as usual. Turns out that the build I received last week was Windows 10 RTM (release to manufacturing). They added a couple of security updates before yesterday, but that was all. I was a little disappointed.

But then came the big surprise. I turned on my PC running Windows 7 and I noticed the little Windows 10 icon in the lower right corner was gone. That was strange. So I clicked on the Windows Update icon in the Control Panel…and there was a message…Windows 10 was ready to load into this machine. WOW! I immediately started the process, without backing up my PC first. Dumb, but it turned out OK.

It took about an hour to do the entire upgrade. I didn’t have to do a thing, except sweat that everything would be alright. After an hour, my home screen popped on. It looked exactly like my Windows 7 screen with a couple of small changes. Everything was exactly where it should be. But, as soon as I clicked on the new start button icon, I knew I had Windows 10.

I played around a bit and found that all my programs worked just fine. No problems at all. I even found that it had included a couple of Windows programs that I had previously downloaded on my test machine. I assumed it recognized me because I used my Microsoft ID. I must admit I was completely impressed with the process and the results. PS: This blog is being written on my Windows 10 PC.

I do suggest you do your backups before you do the upgrade…just to be safe. You can also wait to upgrade to see if there are any problems reported in the media. This Windows 10 is just the beginning. In October, there will some massive updates and additions to it so it will be the Windows 10 that Microsoft first envisioned a couple of years ago.

There is a lot about Windows 10 in this edition, especially in the Computer Tips section. I included some of the basic tips to help you get started. In the next few editions there will be many more. I hope if you do the upgrade, it goes as well for you as it did for me. -JRC  

 

Tech News and Opinions

Scientists have finally discovered massless particles, and they could revolutionize electronics

They can theoretically carry charge 1,000 times faster than ordinary electrons.

 

Critical security flaws patched in latest Chrome release

Google has fixed a number of critical bugs in the new Chrome 44 update across multiple operating systems

 

Wikipedia Encyclopedia as a Printed Book

If someone were to print the entire Wikipedia encyclopedia into a book, the size of the printed book would roughly be equivalent to 2000+ volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Well, its been done.

 

Reported attack on United Airlines shows everyone has valuable data to protect

No longer focused on stealing credit card numbers alone, hackers are flexing seriously dangerous muscle, security experts say.

 

Review: Goodbye, Windows 8; hello, Windows 10

Mary Jo Foley is a reporter covering Microsoft, but no computer nerd. Here is her 'non-reviewer's review' of Windows 10 after using it for a week. Spoiler alert: Her laptop has gone Windows 10 and isn't going back.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Getting to Know the New Start Menu in Windows 10

The Start menu in Windows 10 is a blend of the old menu found in Windows 7 and the oft-reviled Start screen in Windows 8. The result is something more useful to desktop and tablet users alike. Here’s a basic primer on what you need to know.

 

How to Get a Windows 7 Start Menu in Windows 10

If you want to try Windows 10 but wish you could have the old Start Menu, your wish has been granted with the just-released version 4.2.2 of Classic Shell.

 

10 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Windows 10

Windows 10 builds on the best of Windows 7. Here's how to bend Microsoft's next OS to your will.

 

Windows 10 Feature Focus: Calendar

The Calendar app in Windows connects to multiple accounts and helps you manage your work and personal schedules. Indeed, it only works with online accounts.

 

How to Use Windows 10 Action Center

Action Center is a very useful notification and quick settings sidebar; here's how it works

 

10 new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10

Most of Windows 10's keyboard shortcuts are the same, but here are a few new ones you'll need to learn.

 

How to downgrade Windows 10 in a few easy steps

If you’ve already taken the plunge, but feel that you would prefer to return to a previous version of Windows, then there is a fast and easy way built into the OS that can restore your old system. In this feature we’ll show you how.

Mobile Computing

Angry Birds 2 is the 'sequel' you've been waiting for

Well it’s about time. Nearly six years after the original Angry Birds burst onto the mobile gaming scene Rovio is back with its official sequel, Angry Birds 2.

 

6 gotta-know sound settings for Android and iOS

Clicking the volume rocker isn't the only way to control the sound on your Android phone or iPhone.

 

How to set-up iCloud on your iPad

One of the more useful ways to get the most out of your iPad is to set-up iCloud during the initial set-up process. Although if, for whatever reason you don't, you can always come back to the set-up procedure at anytime in the Settings app on your iPad.

 

AT&T wants your smartphone to get FM radio

There's an FM radio hidden inside of most smartphones, even though most phones in the US don't actually allow you to use it. But soon, they may start working if you're on AT&T.

 

Two-Factor Authentication: Who Has It and How to Set It Up

Everyone is concerned about online safety these days. Keep your services secure with two-factor authentication.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

The release of Windows 10 is upon us! Starting tomorrow at midnight, the first release version of Windows 10 will be sent out into the wild. Notice I did not say the final version. That’s because there may never be a final version. Microsoft will be adding more new features all the time…almost like the release of a new version of Windows…but it is the same Windows 10 with all new features.

I know it is difficult to grasp as this is a whole new direction for the boys and girls in Redmond. Don’t be surprised if someday soon they rename Windows 10 to just Windows. I personally am excited about this new Windows as I have been using it now for a few months. I currently do the majority of my computing in the Apple World, but Windows 10 is running on my MAC via Parallels. Kind of ironic isn’t it? Windows on my MAC? However, I also have a PC currently running Windows 7 on the desk right next to my MAC…and it will shortly be running Windows 10 (am I a nerd, or what?). I can’t go all MAC because some of my favorite apps are only made for Windows.

Tomorrow, I will wake up with the latest Windows 10 on my MAC via Parallels as I was an early tester and we are getting it first. Then, Microsoft will be rolling it out to Windows 7 and 8.1 users who have reserved a copy…on a gradual basis (see story #1 for the details). If you haven’t reserved a copy yet, you may do so by clicking the small Windows icon in the lower right corner of your machine. Just because you reserve a copy doesn’t mean you have to install it right away. You have a year to do that. 

One thing you should know is that Windows 10 will install right over your current version of Windows. It is an upgrade rather than a clean install like Windows 8.1 was. If you don’t like it, you have one month to rollback your computer to your current version. The upgrade process saves all your setting and files, according to Microsoft.

Windows 10 is the future of PC computing, so sooner or later you will have to install and use it. I personally think you will like it. It is nothing like Windows 8 much more like Windows 7…but much improved in so many ways. In this edition, I have included a very in-depth review of Windows 10 (Story #2 – 11 pages in length). I strongly suggest you read it and see what this new Windows is all about.

Over the next few editions of this blog, I will be including in-depth stories and tutorials about the various features of the Windows 10 and how to use them effectively. You should collect those stories and put them into a OneNote or EverNote folder for future reference. They will come in very handy.

There is more going on in the tech world besides Windows so this edition is full of useful stories, tips and tricks for all your devices. Next time I will tell you about my experiences with the Windows 10 installations. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 release week: what to expect and how to download

First thing's first: how do you get it? Microsoft is sending out Windows 10 in waves, starting with Windows Insiders and then moving through preorders gradually. The waves are designed to make the release more stable.

 

Windows 10 review: It's familiar, it's powerful, but the Edge browser falls short

Microsoft has listened, and Windows 10 debuts with compelling new features—Cortana, Task View, a familiar Start menu—well worth the upgrade.

 

Google is dropping its Google+ requirement across all products, starting with YouTube

Your Google+ profile will no longer be your identity in all Google products. This change will be trickling out “in the coming months,” and the first product to enjoy the change will be the one that was most negatively affected by Google’s Google+ obsession: YouTube.

 

Where can Microsoft's Windows Phone go from here?

With its biggest hardware gamble a failure and Windows 10 about to arrive, the software maker is pressed to prove what it can achieve in the phone business.

 

Government Hacked Yet Again. It's About Time Federal Cybersecurity Became a National Issue

The group of hacktivists, Anonymous, claimed in a tweet on Wednesday they hacked the Census Bureau and leaked employee details online.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What’s the Difference Between 2.4 and 5-Ghz Wi-Fi? (and Which Should You Use)

Upon unpacking your new wireless router, you’re puzzled about why there are two networks, a 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. Is the 5Ghz network more powerful? Does it make any difference?

 

Make Chrome and Firefox faster with just one click

The solution: OneTab. Available for Chrome and Firefox, this extension performs one simple -- but essential -- task: It shoehorns all your open tabs into a single tab, thereby vastly reducing the amount of memory consumed by the browser.

 

How to prepare your PC for Windows 10

Before you jump right in and install Windows 10, you should take a few moments and prepare your PC to ensure the upgrade process goes off without a hitch. This article will guide you through the steps of checking for updates, backing up your personal information and creating an all important system image.

 

AV testing: Is your antivirus app doing its job?

Using savvy security software is an important part of staying safe online. But just how effective is it? You can’t depend on your experience — or mine. The best source for information on the competency of anti-malware apps comes from a handful of independent, virus-testing organizations.

 

Automatic Warning If You're About To Install Unwanted Software

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

 

Mobile Computing

Most Android phones at risk from simple text hack, researcher says

Last year, more than 1 billion Android devices shipped around the globe. Security firm Zimperium says this vulnerability could affect 95 percent of them.

 

AT&T makes it more expensive to upgrade your smartphone

The carrier that’s built up quite an army of discontent from its customers over the years probably didn’t win over anyone with its latest announcement. AT&T is raising its upgrade fees for postpaid customers and tacking on a weird, unnecessary activation fee for new AT&T Next customers.

 

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015

Beat the heat with some cool new apps for your Android. These are our favorites in a wide variety of categories.

The Best Unlocked Phone for $20

All it does is call and text, but for just $20, the Blu Tank II is the perfect disposable, extra, travel, or safety phone.

 

How to Lock Down Your Android Tablet or Smartphone for Kids

Google has added more and more parental control-style features to Android over the years. You can give a kid his or her own restricted user account, lock access to a specific app, or restrict what websites kids are allowed to use.

Amazon Now Bigger than Wal-Mart…WOW!

With Wal-Marts now on every other street corner, this story is difficult to believe. But when you think about it, it really isn’t.

Amazon offers so much more merchandise to choose from and it can be in your hands in one or two days…much of it with no shipping charges. Although Wal-Mart does have an on-line service, it has nowhere near the amount of stuff found on Amazon…and the stores have even less!

I now do most of my shopping on-line at Amazon (not groceries, of course). To go to a Wal-Mart store requires time, energy and gasoline to get there and back…and there is a good possibility they won’t have what I am looking for. Recently I found a perfect wooden charging station for all my devices at Amazon. I had it in two days with no shipping charges.There is no way Wal-Mart carries anything like that.

Sometimes I search for items that I want, but not necessarily at that moment. On Amazon, I just add it to my wish list and get it when I want.  Shopping at Amazon is so much less stressful than going to a Wal-Mart. So, it is no surprise that Amazon is now king of retailers.

Less you think I am an Amazon fan-boy, I was very disappointed in their Prime Wednesday promotion last week. It just looked like any other day on Amazon with special deals going on and off every hour. They supposedly were offering thousands of items at great prices, but as one columnist pointed out, it looked like they were just clearing their warehouse of overstocked goods. In fairness, there were other bloggers who were impressed with the sale…I was not.

OK, I am done with my comments…its time for you to see if I have found any stories that might be of interest to you. Enjoy your weekend. -JRC  

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon is now bigger than Walmart

Amazon.com’s market value whizzed past that of Walmart in after-hours trading Thursday, as investors increased their bets that the future of the US retail sector will be dominated by Jeff Bezos’ online behemoth.

 

Senators: We Want FCC Investigation Of "Ridiculous" Cable And Internet Prices

The legislators are demanding the FCC investigate cable companies for unfair pricing and poor customer service

 

Microsoft reaffirms commitment to Windows Mobile: new flagships on the way

To reaffirm that the company is committed to Windows Phone, at its Worldwide Partner Conference today, Terry Myerson restated that the company will be releasing "premium Lumias" for Windows 10 Mobile in the near future.

 

Flickr brings back Flickr Pro

Flickr is bringing back Flickr Pro, its premium service for serious photographers, letting new users sign up for the added features for the first time since 2013.

 

Microsoft releases emergency patch for all versions of Windows

The flaw, which also affects Windows 10, allows a hacker to take over a machine.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Maps' new 'Your Timeline' feature helps you track your travel history

Your Timeline shows you where you've been on any given day if you're storing your location history with Google.

 

20 Google Search Tips You Need to Learn

While you probably use it just about every day, there may still be a lot you still don't know about the old dependable Google search.

 

The Best Free Software for 2015

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

 

10 Photoshop alternatives that offer powerful editing and photo management controls

We poked around and found 10 good prospects spanning Mac, Windows and Linux platforms, and suitable for amateurs and enthusiasts seeking a Photoshop alternative.

 

Google Drive Microsoft Office Plugin Now Available

Google has today launched a new Google Drive plugin for Microsoft Office, enabling users to link their Office software to the Drive cloud storage service offered by Google.

 

Mobil Computing

Find open hotspots with WifiMapper

Need hotspot access right now? This app will help you find reliable connections all over your city, or elsewhere.

 

Smartphones aren't selling like they used to (it's an Android thing)

Samsung is just the latest smartphone vendor to offer bad news as demand slows around the world.

 

How to breathe new life and increased performance back into an iPad that has become slow and sluggish

There are some additional methods available to you to bring your iPad back to life and make it feel like it’s a newer device once again. In no particular order.

 

Microsoft Updates Office Apps for iOS

Microsoft issued updates to the Office apps—Word, Excel and PowerPoint—for both iPhone and iPad this morning, adding support for new languages, simpler sharing, and other features.

 

Which wireless carrier has the best airport data coverage?

Stuck in an airport with an extra-long layover? One wireless-testing firm weighs in on which carrier will keep you going on your smartphone.

Good News and Bad News for Windows Users

I am back from the big move to a new place and I am tired as hell! You try moving in 105 degree heat over 3 days, complete with humidity and some monsoon rain. Thanks to my son Eric, we got it done and I am in the process of settling in the new abode. Lots of more organization to do, but I sure like this place much better than the old one.

Anyway, back to business. The good news is that Microsoft continues to make news with the release of Windows 10…now just 9 days away. I look forward to that day, although I understand the test build I have now is the final version less a couple of things. I should never call it the final version as it will be receiving continuous updates and new features from here to the end of time.

I can tell you that the new Edge Browser is not finished. I like it and I think you will too, but if you upgrade to Windows 10 anytime soon, I would continue to use Firefox, Chrome, or even IE. But do give it a try. Microsoft says Edge simplifies the browser experience, but I still had to go on-line to find out how to tell it my home page address. So it ain’t that simple, McGee!

But overall, I think it will be a good update. You might wait a week or so before installing it, which for most of you would be around the first week of August. See if there are any major problems before you make the leap. I will keep you informed.

The bad news is for Windows XP users. Starting now, there will no longer be any security updates from Microsoft. If you use a 3rd party virus catcher, you will probably be fine. But still, you should think seriously about moving to Windows 7 ASAP, or even Windows 10. Remember, Windows XP users do not get the free upgrade to Windows 10.

Things are strangely quiet at Apple and Google right now. Apple is pushing its Apple music program, but for adults over 25, you might want to avoid it. I am not using it at all, even though it is free for the next 2.5 months.

Well, time for you to get busy and start reading so I will slide on out of here and let you get to work. Take care and enjoy. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft no longer providing any form of security for XP

Bad news, yet again, for those Windows users stubbornly refusing to leave XP. Microsoft was still providing the Malicious Software Removal Tool and updates to Microsoft Security Essentials, offering a modicum of security. However, as of this week, XP users will no longer receive those updates, leaving them exposed to more threats.

 

Microsoft commits to 10-year support lifecycle for Windows 10

It's been a bad week for conspiracy theorists. As the Windows 10 launch nears, Microsoft is clearing up loose ends. The announcement of a 10-year support commitment for Windows 10 should remove one persistent bit of FUD from the discussion.

 

Office for Windows 10 will require Office 365 subscription on PCs, larger tablets

Microsoft will soon strip the preview label off its Office for Windows 10 apps -- Excel, PowerPoint and Word -- and require an Office 365 subscription to use them on PCs, 2-in-1s and larger tablets running the new OS. But there is much more to it than that.

 

Microsoft releases new license terms for Windows 10: Biggest surprise? No gotchas

Sorry, conspiracy theorists: The new documents are simple and straightforward, with absolutely no gotchas.

 

Head of federal personnel agency resigns in wake of hacked databases

On the heels of the announcement that 22 million Social Security numbers were compromised, Katherine Archuleta steps down as director of the Office of Personnel Management.

 

Opinion: Just give up on mobile already, Microsoft

With no market share and everyone who was connected with Nokia laid off, it’s hard for anyone to take Windows Phone seriously

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Are system/Registry cleaners worthwhile?

The current versions of Windows have many more built-in tuning and self-repair options. So do third-party cleaners still deliver any real-world benefit? Do they live up to their impressive claims?

 

Firefox now blocks Flash automatically

It may have been the best way to deliver video in the early days of the internet, but the rise of standards compliant technologies make Flash look obsolete. More importantly, however, Flash is riddled with holes, and it's often used as a beachhead for hackers to get comfortable inside your computer.

 

5 ways to get more out of Google Drive storage

Drive can transform the way you share documents, email files, collect web content, and more.

 

These 4 email managers can sort, organize, and delete for you

Weed out junk mail, triage messages, and turn them into tasks with these powerful tools.

 

How to beef up your browser security

When you're looking at the Web, don't let the Web look back at you. These quick tips will help you plug privacy and security holes in your browser.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft updates universal apps for iOS, Android, Windows 10

Microsoft is combining its formerly separate OneNote for iPhone and iPad apps, updating its OneNote for Android app and removing the preview tag from Office Universal for Windows 10.

 

Phone Tricks: How to save a draft with a single swipe

It’s been a long time since the iPhone was first introduced though, and Apple’s mobile software has continued to grow more complex each year. The world has grown accustomed to iOS, of course, so adding new features and flushing out existing functionality is a necessity.

 

Apple upgrades iPod Touch with iPhone 6-level camera, chip

The long overdue refresh is the device's first major refresh since 2012. Priced from $199 to $399.

 

Pocket on iOS Finally Lets You Listen to Articles with Text-to-Speech

With Text-to-Speech, you can listen to any of your saved articles, and even start wherever you like in the article. You can even skip paragraphs and change the reading speed if you want to get through your backlog faster.

 

Enough, already! Why we all share the blame for notification overload

Might as well face it -- you're addicted to your smartphone's constant alerts. It may be time for an intervention.

 

How to get free WI-FI in any airport

There are quick and easy hacks to bypass paywalls and surf the web – no hi-tech programming necessary. We don’t really want to advocate cheating the system, but as the UN declared, internet access is a human right.

All Quiet after the Holiday

To say July and August are quiet months in the tech world would be an understatement. About the only thing happening of note is the release of Windows 10 on July 29th…less than a month away now. But that is a really big deal for a great many of us and I will cover it more in depth as the date approaches.

But for now, you will have to be satisfied with less bombastic stories that are happening now. Still, there are some good articles here that will help improve your daily computing life.

Other than that, I don’t have much to say…except I will not be publishing anything for the next 10 days or so. I am moving in a couple of days to a new place and that will take up most of my time….organizing the move, the actual move, and setting up the new place all takes a great deal of my time. Heck, I don’t even have the Internet set up yet at the new place. So please bear with me.

I will be back before you know it with lots of good info. So until then, wish me well with the move. Not something I am looking forward to in the heat and humidity that is Tucson right now. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft rebrands Xbox Music as 'Groove'

Microsoft is rebranding its Xbox Music service to 'Groove," and its Xbox Video service to 'Movies & TV' as part of its upcoming Windows 10 launch.

 

'It's a graveyard': The software devs leaving Greece for good

The economical turmoil affecting the country is luring its tech staff away, and many don't plan to come back.

 

No, Windows 10 Won’t Require a Subscription: Here’s How Microsoft Plans on Making Money Instead

Yes, Microsoft is losing upgrade revenue — people won’t pay to upgrade Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs to Windows 10. But very few people actually go out and buy a boxed copy of Windows to upgrade those old computers, anyway.

 

Apple Purges Confederate Flags, But Leaves Swastikas And Nazis Alone

Apple's inconsistent App Store rules are hard for developers to follow. History is not an easy thing to alter.

 

Cut the cord and leave cable TV behind

Millions of consumers are now cutting the cord that provides television services while keeping the one that provides broadband internet. The idea: Replace traditional broadcasting with video streaming and so you can access the same television programs you love via the web.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Best Free Firewall Protection

Firewalls help monitor your system's communications between your network and the Internet, to help detect and prevent intrusions and attacks. They are particularly useful for controlling the activities of Internet facing applications.

 

Steer clear of low-tech hacks: How to keep your information safe

It doesn't take a coding genius to steal your Social Security number, but you can be smarter than identity thieves.

 

Amazon says 20th birthday celebration will be bigger than Black Friday

To celebrate its 20th birthday, Amazon is introducing Prime Day, a "global shopping event" that the retail giant says will offer more deals than Black Friday. The deals will become available at midnight ET on July 15th, but will only be available to Amazon Prime customers

 

Mozilla Patches Critical Vulnerabilities With Release of Firefox 39

Firefox 39 was released on Thursday, and the latest version of Mozilla’s web browser addresses two-dozen vulnerabilities, including several issues that have been rated as critical.

 

Opinion: Why I switched from Google to DuckDuckGo

While its main draw is privacy, DuckDuckGo has another killer feature you may not have heard of. In fact, it should cause you to consider ditching your existing search engine for DuckDuckGo — yes, even Google. I’m talking about bangs.

 

Mobile Computing

Best Free Live Wallpapers for Android

The best collection of free live wallpapers to make your homescreens
alive and interesting on your Android device

 

The 10 Best Tablets of 2015

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? Here's what to consider, whether you're looking for Android, Apple, or Windows options, along with ten top-rated tablets that fit the bill.

 

5 apps to help you save water

Learn about water conservation, figure out how much water you're using...and how to stop using so much.

 

The best fitness app for iPhone

The best activity tracking apps use the motion detectors built into your phone and don’t rely on any additional hardware. They make it easy to set and monitor goals that work for you, and motivate you along the way with timely information about your progress.

 

25 Best Android Games from June 2015

June is officially over, which means it’s time to take a look back at what goodies it brought. The summer months are usually a hot time for new games. June was no exception. We saw a bunch of awesome new games launch last month

And the Microsoft Hits Just Keep on Coming!

In the last edition, only two days ago, I said the Windows 10 test build I just installed was probably the last before July 29. Boy was I wrong! Just this week, I received two more test builds…the last of which I am installing as I write these words. That’s three new test builds in one week…and the week isn’t over!

The second update fixed over 300 bugs from the Monday edition. Of course I can’t report on the one that just came in today as it is still installing. But Windows 10 is looking better and better. It seems to work quite smoothly and mostly well.

Here is an update on the July 29 release date for Windows 10: According to Microsoft, about the only people who will get it on that date will be those folks like me who signed up to test it. If you signed up to get the free update on your current Windows 7 or 8.1 computer, they will start rolling out in the days that follow.

I haven’t played much on Windows this week, but I have been able to get Cortana working reasonably well. Cortana is the voice activated search mechanism, similar to Apple’s Siri. In past builds, I almost gave up on it. Another new feature for Windows 10 is the Edge Browser. I think they cannot be done with it as so many features seem to be missing like downloading files, adding add-on’s, and even designating a home page. Adding bookmarks is only partially done and seems a bit clumsy. I would recommend that you still use your current favorite browser like Firefox or Chrome, or even IE. But do play with Edge as I think someday soon it will be great.

I also learned that Windows 10 will ship with its own version of Office. It may not come when you get your upgrade, but you can add it for free from the Windows Store. You can read more about it in story #2.

Another interesting note…a recent survey of businesses shows that 78% of them plan to upgrade to Windows 10 sometime in the next two years. Now that is saying something as 99.9% of them stayed far away from Windows 8. I do recommend that most of you upgrade to Windows 10, but you might want to wait a month before you active it, just to make sure. If you have Windows 8, upgrade right away!

Lots more news and information below so be sure you take a look at all our stories here. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft delivers the third Windows 10 preview build released this week

Today's build, Build No. 10162, is the third preview build for Windows 10 for PCs that Microsoft has rolled out this week alone. Build 10162 follows by a couple of days Build 10159, which provided 300 new bug fixes, plus the new Windows 10 wallpaper. On Monday, Microsoft rolled out Build 10158.

 

Major iTunes 12.2 bug is ruining music libraries

A day after the launch of Apple Music, users are reporting an iTunes bug that is wrecking music libraries by scrambling artists, albums and tracks.

 

Appeals court rules Apple conspired with e-book publishers

An appeals court has ruled that Apple did in fact conspire with book publishers to gain a foothold in the e-book space and ultimately hurt competition.

 

M-Disc optical media reviewed: Your data, good for a thousand years

Want your data to outlive you by a few centuries? M-Disc optical media, with its super-stable data layer, is what you're looking for

 

How to Choose a Digital Camera

You could easily fill five articles of this length with the ins and outs of camera technology. With that in mind, this acts as a handy overview for the average shopper looking for a camera.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft goes public with more details on its Windows 10 rollout plan

Windows 10 Enterprise and Education will be available starting August 1. Starting July 29, those who want Windows 10 under the first-year-free deal will get the OS in waves.

 

5 things you should know about Office for Windows 10

When Windows 10 arrives, it will include its own version of Office, which Microsoft calls Office for Windows, or sometimes Universal Office, to distinguish it from the familiar desktop version of Office. It only works with Windows 10, but it is free!

 

What's new in iTunes 12.2

Apple Music, obviously. But there are several other changes you may have missed

 

Update 2 for Office 2016 Preview Released

The Office 2016 Preview Program, which was launched in early May, allows you to try out the new programs ahead of its release and now the second update to this preview is available for public download and installation.

 

Turn multi-page web articles into a single, scrolling page with this extension

Autopagerize is an add-on for Chrome and Firefox that automatically loads the next page as you scroll.

 

Mobile Computing

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015) review

The new Paperwhite has a 300-ppi screen without raising the price a single dollar. It was already our pick for the best e-reader you can buy, and now it's doubly so.

 

Smartphone 'kill switch' law takes effect in California

Starting July 1, smartphones sold in the state must come with software that lets users lock a stolen phone so it can't be used, making it harder to resell. Crime statistics show the tech is already working.

Google Cardboard: Virtual Reality on the Cheap, but is it Any Good?

Cardboard is an initiative launched by Google in 2014 to encourage development of virtual reality (VR) and VR apps. It’s called Cardboard because anyone can purchase or construct their own headset using simple materials such as velcro, tape adhesive, and most importantly, cardboard.

 

The best fitness app for Android

The best activity tracking apps use the motion detectors built into your phone and don’t rely on any additional hardware. They make it easy to set and monitor goals that work for you, and motivate you along the way with timely information about your progress.

 

Top iPhone apps gone free

The headline says it all. There are also some free apps listed from yesterday. Enjoy!