Yes, You Can Run Windows and macOS on One Computer

Have you ever thought about buying a MAC but held back because you have some Windows-based apps that you can’t live without? Now you can do it…and quite easily, I might add.

You have heard me here before talking about Parallels, the Mac-based software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on your Mac. Most people, including me just run Windows inside their Mac. But I could set up Linux and Windows if I want…or those two plus the Chrome OS…or even Android. But while running Windows on any of the others mention, I am running my macOS at the same time. 

There are indeed some programs that are better on Windows than Mac.The software I use to write this blog isn’t even available for Mac. And most browsers have more features for Windows than Mac. But now, I can run Firefox or Chrome on Windows while running on a Mac. Our first story in the Computer Tips section, written by Walt Mossberg, is all about Parallels and how he uses it.

And while I run Parallels on a big 27” Mac with 32GB of memory, Walt runs Parallels on on the least powerful computer in the Mac line, a 3-year old MacBook Air. And it runs just fine.

There is one thing that is not mentioned in his article…the fact that you can run Windows Programs side-by-side with Mac programs.  In the photo up above, you see a Windows Desktop sitting on top of a Mac Desktop. Well, you don’t have to have the Windows desktop showing at all!

On my computer, you don’t see the Windows desktop. But the Windows applications I use are listed below in the dock at the bottom of the screen. In the photo above, do you see a few icons in the dock that have 2 parallel red lines on them? That means they are Windows-based programs. Mac programs have no vertical red lines. It works like a dream. You would never know by looking at the screen that you are running Windows program. I love that feature.

Well, that is a quick look on how Parallels works, just in case you ever think of switching. Be sure and take a look at the first story in the Computer Tips section for more detailed info. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Moscow Dumps Microsoft Products And Services

Russian president Vladimir Putin wants his country to reduce its dependence on technology from North America and Europe.

 

Verizon technician admits he sold customer data for years

And he’s facing five years in prison on federal hacking charges because of it

 

BlackBerry is officially getting out of the phone hardware business

BlackBerry's transition to a software company is complete. During its Q2 2017 earnings today, CEO John Chen announced that the company "plans to end all internal hardware development and will outsource that function to partners."

 

Opinion: 10 utterly wonderful technologies you shouldn't buy yet

Yes, there’s amazing gear out there that will blow your mind if money is no object. But the cutting edge entails compromise, be it in the form of high sticker prices, bugs galore, and other issues.

 

Windows 10 hits 400 million users

Microsoft has done very well with its new OS, with Windows 10 becoming the fasting ever growing operating system for the company.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Running Windows 10 and macOS Sierra together

The new Parallels 12 does the job well, even on aging hardware

 

How to Use System Restore in Windows 7, 8, and 10

System Restore is a Windows feature that can help fix certain types of crashes and other computer problems. Here’s how it works, how to set it up, and how to use it when things go awry.

 

The Best Security Suites of 2016

Using your computer for games and social media is fun; keeping it safe isn't. A security suite can be your one-stop solution. We've tested almost four dozen of them, and these 10 get our highest recommendation.

 

The Best Expense Tracking Software of 2016

We test and compare 10 cloud software solutions that focus on expense tracking for small  to midsize businesses (SMBs) with mobile-enabled workers.

 

Twitter finally lets everyone create their own “Moments”

The company says that it’s opening up the Moments platform so anyone can create their own stories using tweets and photos uploaded to the service

 

Mobil Computing

Amazon Fire HD 8 Review & Rating

An 8" tablet for $90? You bet. And it is pretty good.

 

The Best Apps To Help You Be Productive And Organized This Fall

Stay on top of all your schedule and tasks all season long with these organizational and productivity apps for iOS and Android.

 

8 great Android features that iOS needs to steal

From native gesture typing to the ability to clear your app windows in one tap, and much more.

 

Apple releases iOS 10.0.2 to fix bug that shut off headphone controls

Well that was fast: Apple just released iOS 10.0.2, with the update's release notes confirming that it fixes an issue that caused Lightning headphone controls to be disabled after a period of inactivity.

 

Taking pictures and saving to photo library in iOS 10 Messages

Apple’s done some cool new things with the Messages app in iOS 10, including adding a live preview for taking photos right within a conversation.

 

How to use the second camera on the iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus comes with an additional camera module around back. Here's what you need to know about how it works and how to use it.

Who Will Buy Twitter…Or Is It Even for Sale?

I have nothing really important to say in this edition so will let you take it from here. Thanks for being a reader. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, Verizon are all eyeing up a Twitter bid

Twitter continues to inch its way to a sale process, and the latest developments come in the form of alleged bids from potential buyers.

 

Google rumored to announce Wifi, Home and Chromecast Ultra hardware on October 4th

The rumor mill spins strong as we approach Google’s October 4th event, where the company is expected to unveil its latest hardware.

 

How to find out if you're at risk in Yahoo hack

If you're wondering what to do after hearing about the massive data breach, follow these steps to make sure you're safe.

 

Roku unveils five new streaming boxes with prices as low as $30

The $30 Roku Express is even cheaper than Google Chromecast, and actually includes a remote, while higher-end Premiere and Ultra boxes sport 4K and HDR video.

Windows 10 hits 400 million machines as growth slows post-free upgrade

That list includes a wide range of devices, including the standard PCs, phones and tablets, along with the Xbox One, Surface Hubs and HoloLens.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What to do when you hate Windows 10

If you're unhappy with Redmond's latest, you have a few options.

The Best Desktop Computers of 2016

Desktops deliver more power and flexibility than you can get from a laptop, and there are more designs than ever to choose from. Here's our buying advice, along with our list of the best models we've tested

 

Creating a New Desktop

Windows 10 includes the ability to create and use multiple virtual desktops. Perhaps you're working on a few projects at the same time and want to have the files and windows related to each project available on its own desktop. Now you can do it.

 

The Best Note-Taking and Syncing Apps of 2016

Jot down thoughts, snap pictures of things you want to remember, and keep them all at your fingertips, on various devices, with a top-rated note-taking app.

 

The Best Free Music Download Sites

There are plenty of places you can go to download songs to your local devices so you'll have access to them at all times.

 

Mobile Computing

5 awesome Android widgets for a more useful home screen

Whether you're looking to speed-dial friends or quickly scan documents, these widgets will help you get stuff done.

 

The Best Android Phones of 2016

Apple's iPhone not up your alley? Here's how to find the right Google-powered alternative, along with our top-rated Android phones.

 

How to Turn an Old Smartphone Into a Dash Cam for Your Car

A dash cam can really come in handy in your car–not just to record meteors and flying cars, but more practical events like collisions and aggressive driving. But instead of buying one, you can just use equipment you already have and a freely available app.

 

Top 10 Ways To Secure Your Mobile Phone

Mobile malware is a frontier ripe for cybercriminal activity. The reality is that as more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will hear the call.

 

How To Fix Common iOS 10 Problems And Bugs

Here’s how you can fix some of the most common iOS 10 problems and bugs that you may be having on your compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch device.

 

How to Take a Screenshot on Any Device

No matter what your platform, here's how to take a picture of what's on your screen.

Better Change Your Yahoo Password ASAP

As soon as I read our first story here, I immediately changed my Yahoo password. Although you may not use Yahoo Mail, the company has several other properties you may use…like Flickr, Tumblr, Rivals, Autos, Finance, Finance, Messenger, Shopping, News, Sports, and Travel, just  to name a few. If you change the main Yahoo password, you should be good to go on all Yahoo-owned properties. So change your password today!

The latest update on the Yahoo data breach is the number of passwords stolen is around 500 million! Wow!! The breach occurred in 2014, so if you changed your password after that, you are probably OK. But, I would still change it anyway.The breach's revelation came about a week after Verizon bought Yahoo.

That is the big story of this day. But, I think if you look at the whole blog, you will find some very good tips and tricks for all your computing devices. So, until next week, keep smiling and have a fun weekend. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo is expected to confirm massive data breach affecting hundreds of millions of users

Following reports that Yahoo will confirm a data breach that affects hundreds of millions of accounts, some users reported Thursday on Twitter and elsewhere that they were prompted to change their email password when trying to log in.

 

Windows 10 Anniversary Update rollout may not be done until November

Microsoft is notifying Windows 10 users that the Anniversary Update may take three months to roll out. Here's why.

 

Microsoft Officially Ends Its Controversial Windows 10 Upgrade Practices

By placing a popup on the desktop, Microsoft was using ‘nagware’ to try and entice users to upgrade to the new OS. The company went as far as to downloading the bits in the background ahead of a user accepting the upgrade.

 

North Korea's internet revealed to have just 28 websites

The full scope of North Korea's private internet has been revealed after the country accidentally gave people outside of the country brief access to it.

 

Samsung will have 500,000 Galaxy Note 7 replacements in stores Wednesday

The company also says 25 percent of US customers have exchanged their potentially explosive devices for new models, up from 13 percent last week.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

All the Ways You Can Still Get Windows 10 for Free

Windows 10’s free upgrade offer is officially over. But, unofficially, free copies of Windows 10 are still available. There are quite a few ways you can still get Windows 10 for free, without using a pirated license.

 

Windows 10's best tricks, tips, and tweaks

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

 

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

Thanks to the integration of desktop notifications and global compatibility with the rest of Windows 10 services, the process of getting your Google Calendar synced is easy.

 

Windows 10 Tip: Use the Dark Theme

The ability to switch between the standard Light theme and a new Dark theme is one of the more eagerly-awaited features in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch: There are a few additional things you need to know.

 

How to get Android notifications on your Windows PC

The Windows 10 action center can alert you to incoming calls, texts and app notifications on your Android phone.

 

Mobile Computing

10 Best Photo Editing Apps for Android [Free Download]

Here is a list of free ten best photo editing apps for android that will take your photography skill to the next level:

 

Google launches Allo smart messaging app for Android and iOS

Google today launched Google Allo, a messaging app for Android and iOS with Smart Reply and Google Assistant.

 

Hands-on: Google Assistant's Allo chatbot outdoes Cortana, Siri as your digital pal

Tucked within Google's unremarkable Allo messaging app is a real treasure: Google Assistant, which injects Google Now with an eager-to-please personality that finally provides the give-and-take other digital assistants lack.

 

Camera tests: Zoom on the iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus

How do the zoom features on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus hold up in the real world? Join us as we take a closer look.

 

T-Mobile's 5G speed is mind-bogglingly faster than Verizon

The nation's third-largest carrier gets into 5G in a big way.

 

How to use your Android, iOS, or Windows 10 smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot

When you really need to access the internet from a PC, your phone can save the day.

The New MAC_OS is Here! The New MAC_OS is Here!

While putting together this edition, I downloaded and installed the brand new MAC_OS operating system, known as Sierra, on my MacBook. This replaces the last version, El Capitan, and the one before that, Yosemite. Do you see the naming pattern here?

I know most of you use Windows and that is fine. I use both and love both. I write this blog on my PC, but still do about 70% of my work on the MAC. Each operating system has features that are better on one than similar features on the other. In truth, I have a love/hate relationship with both.

Sierra introduces SIRI to the MAC desktop. Siri is the voice command app that has been exclusive to iPhones and iPads. Now is is part of the MAC desktop. Of course, Windows has been running Cortana on the desktop for over a year now so Apple is playing catchup here. There are several other new features on Sierra, some of which are unique to Apple. If you would like to read more about Sierra, click on this link.   

Today, I also installed the latest version of Parallels on my MAC. In case you are not familiar with Parallels, the program allows users to run different operating systems on their MAC, including Windows 10. I have a second monitor connected to my MAC…so Sierra runs on one screen and Windows 10 on the other at the same time. Works like a dream. With 32 GB of memory on the MAC, I have no slowdown running two operating systems at the same time. So I guess you could say I have the best of both worlds. 

So that is my day. I hope your days and weeks are going well. Read on for more good information. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Apple iPhone 7 Has Two Nasty Surprises

The iPhone 7 is an early success, but two nasty surprises have been discovered which may cause owners of the iPhone 7 to regret their purchase

 

Comcast confirms plans to launch mobile phone service in 2017

It will run on Verizon airwaves and also lean on Wi-Fi.

 

Facebook, Twitter join effort to snuff out fake news stories

Social media giants join network of media companies and groups to improve the quality of information presented online.

 

Twitter's first NFL livestream scores a touchdown with fans

The social network received rave reviews Thursday for the first of its 10-game package of Thursday Night Football games, a slugfest between bitter AFC East rivals the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.

 

Cybercrime and cyberwar: A spotter's guide to the groups that are out to get you

Security threats can come from a variety of different individuals and groups. Here's a field guide to the major players.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Manage the Start Menu in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update

The changes aren't dramatic, but these tips will make the adjustments easier to swallow.

 

The Best Battery Life Laptops of 2016

Don't be left without power just when you need your laptop most. These models will all get you through a full day, and then some.

 

Mastering Excel Date & Time: Date, Days, Days360, Time, and Weekday

Calculate a day's serial number, move to a 360-day accounting calendar, and more

 

Make It Easier To Configure And Tune Your PC

Every time Microsoft releases a new version of Windows, they seem to make the configuration option screens even harder to find. Here is a free solution.

 

Google Drive Search Just Got a Lot Smarter

Google Drive is making finding your documents a lot easier and faster by unleashing the full power of the Google search engine. You can now search the way you talk, get spelling corrected, and more.

 

Mobile Computing

Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Android Updated with Simpler Sharing and Collaboration

This makes simpler collaboration and sharing simpler across all three apps. And Excel and PowerPoint both received their own app-specific updates too.

 

How to Add a Non-Google Email Account to Gmail on Android

Gmail now works with any kind of third-party email account that supports IMAP, so you can handle all your emails in one place.

 

Google Trips is a killer travel app for the modern tourist

Trips a new app that serves as a trip planner and travel guide for anyone who is exploring a new place. The free app is available on Android and iOS.

 

iPhone for the Windows Guy: Minimize Apple's Grip on Your Device

Microsoft fans who choose the iPhone or other Apple devices don’t have as many options as do those who choose the more malleable Google Android. But you can still minimize Apple’s grip on your i-devices, and on your life. Here’s how I do it.

 

6 ways to speed up iOS 10 on older iPhones

Is your iOS device is feeling sluggish after updating to iOS 10? Learn what you can do to put a little pep back in its step.

 

12 Must-Have iPhone Apps

Which apps are so essential that pretty much everyone will benefit from downloading them? Here are a dozen top-notch titles that deserve a home on your iPhone. Bonus: They're all free!

This Week in Smartphones

Sorry I am late getting this edition of Rants and Raves on to the Net. My plans were changed at the last minute and I wound up spending extra time in Yuma. But I am back in Tucson now and working hard to get my normal life back on track after 6 weeks on the road. But it was worth it.

The biggest news in the world of smartphones is, of course, the recall of all Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s. The reason: some of them have exploded. It’s a relatively small number compared to the 2.5 million phones sold. But the federal government, with the full cooperation of Samsung, has issued the official recall for all those phones.

Airlines are refusing to let passengers with the Galaxy Note use them on flights and banning them from being packed in suitcases. There are stories of exploding phones starting fires in cars and cafes and even in children’s hands. This is not good.

It’s too bad as the phone was widely reviewed as being an excellent product. Sales of all Samsung phones will undoubtedly suffer for the near future. If you take a Note phone into a cell phone carrier, they will not replace it with another Galaxy Note. You can get a new phone from a different manufacturer or your money back. For more info, see our first article.

It is widely expected that the chief beneficiary of all this will be Apple. Their new iPhone 7 is getting excellent reviews and costs about the same amount as the Galaxy Note 7…even without a standard headphone jack.

And speaking of Apple, I installed the new iOS10 system on my iPhone and iPad. There is a lot to it that I have yet to explore, but am slowly getting there. So far, I like it very much. I like the way they have improved the widgets page…a lot more useful widget and options. When you turn the phone on, swipe right and they will show up. I also love the the improvements to the Apple News App. I hope they will put News on the forthcoming MACOS update that will be released next week.

For more info on iOS 10, read the first article in our “Mobile Computing” section. I will keep exploring the new features and let you know. I think by next week, my life will return to normal and I can get these blogs out on a more consistent basis. Until then, enjoy what you find here. -JRC 

Tech News and Opinions

Here's why Samsung Note 7 phones are catching fire

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could explode. Read this to satisfy your burning curiosity.

 

15 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success

Whether you're a cord cutter or not, you're probably going to want a streaming device for your TV, and Roku remains the most popular.

 

Amazon Prime tunes into Audible

A new perk for Prime members. The e-retailer's membership service now includes Audible's monthly service for short-form audio programs and a new rotating list of audiobooks.

 

Google has a Plan to Stop ISIS Recruits

How do you stop a potential ISIS recruit? With information. That's Google's new plan to stop potential recruits before they become radicalized.

 

Why US internet controls became a political battlefield

This article demystifies the controversy over an Obama administration plan to relinquish the last scraps of government control over the internet

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Web Browsers of 2016

With new browser options like Edge and Vivaldi, the Web has become a much more interesting place. Here's how the newbies stack up against your old favorites on features and performance.

 

Microsoft is finally bringing desktop apps to the Windows Store

The Windows Store has always been used as a way to push Microsoft's new universal apps. Now, third-party developers can easily bring their existing desktop apps and games over to the universal app platform.

 

Windows 10 tip: Squeeze hours of extra life from your laptop battery

The new Battery Saver feature is set to turn on automatically when your battery capacity dips below a preset level. But why wait? Turn this feature on manually to get the most out of your system when you're away from a power outlet.

 

Why Your PC Hasn’t Received Windows 10’s Anniversary Update Yet and How to Get It

Windows 10 is supposed to automatically update itself. But it might take weeks or longer for a big update like the Anniversary Update to reach your PC. Here’s why that happens–and how to skip the wait

 

3 tips for taking faster screenshots in Windows 10

The default method of taking screenshots in Windows 10 is clunky. Use these tips to take faster and more precise screenshots without the need for an overpriced app.

 

Mobile Computing

iOS 10: All the New Features, Tips and Guides

Own an iPhone or iPad? Bookmark this guide to everything new in iOS 10.

 

Five security settings in iOS 10 you should immediately change

These tweaks will lock down your iPhone or iPad to protect your privacy.

 

Google’s VR Cardboard Camera app is coming to iOS

The odds of you using Cardboard Camera, Google’s simple app for creating 360-degree VR images, just got significantly higher.

 

Apple Quietly Updates the iPad

Put simply, you will save $50 to $100 on any iPad. Because virtually all iPads—certainly all mainstream iPads—now offer double the storage for the same price. Which again, is effectively a price cut.

Updated: The 100 Best Android Apps of 2016

Whether you have a brand-new Samsung device or an older Android phone or tablet you just want to spruce up, these are the apps that matter.

 

Marshmallow market share grows, Nougat nowhere to be seen

Want to see how Android is so fragmented? Check out this list of market shares for each version of Android.

New iPhones, Airpods, New Watches, But Not Much Else

You are looking at Apple’s new wireless Airpods, made for the new iPhone.They cost $160 and give you wireless connection to your iPhone. I couldn’t resist showing them to you rather than the new iPhone 7 (as it looks pretty much the same as the last two models). I  think they are very ugly, overpriced, and impractical as they could be easily lost.  

But let’s step back and talk about the new iPhone. It has several new exterior finishes, but that is not very important as almost all of you put your phone in a case. The phone is much faster as it has all new high speed chips, as well as a new type of start button. There is much more to the new phone, much of it quite impressive. You can read all the details in the first story.

But I want to focus on the two biggest changes…the camera and the audio. The new camera on the iPhone 7 is vastly improved and will give you some awesome photos. The photo processing hardware and built-in software is amazing and should render some great photos. Now, the iPhone 7 Plus has even more improvements. It comes with two lenses: a regular wide angle (28mm) and a so-called telephoto lens (56mm), so you can get even better close-up photos. It isn’t a true telephoto, but it may be all you need for a camera phone. It is very impressive.

The other, and more controversial item, is the the removal of the standard headphone jack and replacing it with earphones that plug into lightning connector…same as the charger. And while the phone comes with a lightning earphone set and a converter so you can still use a regular earphone, it is still a change that could anger a lot of iPhone fans. After all, the headphone jack has been around for many, many years and lots of folks have several standard headphones, some of them quite expensive. Apple gave no cognitive reason for the change other than it frees up space inside the phone.

Apple also dumped the 16gb memory chip so the base unit comes with 32gb memory now. That is a great change. But they dropped the 64gb option so the next size memory is 128gb. Lots more changes and updates, so be sure and read the first article here.

As for me, I have no desire to upgrade to the iPhone 7. If my iPhone 6 Plus dropped dead right now, I would probably buy an iPhone 6S Plus. I personally find the removal of the standard headphone jack insulting and impractical. I don’t see a good reason to do this other than Apple flexing their muscle and telling me what to buy. More practically, the Apple earphone buds fall out of my ears! I already had to buy earphones that stay in and am not about to buy another set of earplugs because of Apple. Yes, they do come with an adapter, but that is easily lost.

Also, I need more than 32gb, but sure as hell don’t need 128gb of memory. And earlier this year I bought a pocket camera with a Leica lens that has a real 20x Zoom and takes gorgeous photos. So the new iPhone camera is no big deal to me. Again, this is only how I feel about the new iPhone. The majority of iPhone users may feel differently.

But there is more here than just the new Apple products. So read on! -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Everything Apple announced at the iPhone 7 launch event

It was two hours long, but only a few new items were introduced including a new phone and a new watch. But wait...there's more.

 

iPhone 7 First Look: Practical, but Not Jaw-Dropping

Can Apple’s latest smartphones entice you with better cameras, water-resistant bodies and a two-year-old design?

 

All the ways you are probably going to lose an AirPod

Probably what’s going to happen to your AirPod — you’ll lose one, but not both, and then have to pay Apple for the replacement (which will be like $79 or something, I dunno?)

 

Amazon finally brings Alexa to the Fire tablet

The company is targeting the iPad mini with the Amazon Fire HD 8, a new $89.99 8-inch model that also includes the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

 

Delta puts price tag on systems outage: $150 million in pretax income

The company said its August IT outage due to power issues hurt the bottom line for the September quarter and hit revenue.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Addresses Biggest Complaints About Chrome for Windows

Google updated Chrome for Windows this week, enhancing the browser’s user experience with a flat, Metro-like Material Design look and feel, improved support for increasingly-common high-DPI displays, and better battery life.

 

23 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

The mapping product that can do everything can actually do a whole lot more.

 

How To Enable Windows 10's Dark Theme

You see a window and you want to paint it black. Here’s how. (Video)

 

How to Turn a Windows PC Into a Wireless Repeater

A repeater sits within range of your Wi-Fi network and “repeats” it, extending your Wi-Fi coverage farther than your router could alone.

 

How to customize the Windows 10 Start menu

The Windows 10 Start menu got a visual update (I won't say upgrade, because some of us don't like the new look) in the recent Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

 

Mobile Computing

iOS 10 will be available on September 13

Here’s a roundup of all the new functionality that’s worth knowing about.

 

Are iPhone prices giving you heartburn? Consider your options

In this edition,CNET's Marguerite Reardon walks you through the alternatives if you can't stomach dropping hundreds of dollars on a new phone.

 

Google now lets you explore U.S. National Parks via 360-degree virtual tours

The virtual tours are available both online, in the Google Arts & Culture App on iOS and Android, as well as in the Google Expeditions app for use in the classroom.

Callblock’s new iOS app will block calls from over 2 million telemarketers

A new application, Callblock, claims to block phone calls from over 2 million telemarketers by type, including things like robocallers, debt collectors, political campaigners, scammers, and more.

 

11 Sweet Hidden Features Inside Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Nougat is here, but your phone could be stuck on Marshmallow for a while. Make the most of it.

Dropbox Users: Change Your Password NOW!

If you use Dropbox to back up your data, stop reading this right now. Then go to your Dropbox account and change your password. And I mean right now! There is an excellent chance that your password is available to data thieves on the net and all the data you store for safekeeping in Dropbox is vulnerable.

As a matter of fact, it would behoove all of us to start changing passwords right now on every account that uses a password. And keep changing them often. Nothing seems to be safe anymore. Everything is under non-stop attack. And keep your tech equipment up to date with all the latest updates.

Last time, I told all of you who use Apple iPhones and iPads to get the latest update for your devices. They were subject to takeover from a zero-day attack that Apple has now fixed. In fact, this hack may have been the one the FBI used to crack the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone that was in the news a few months ago. The FBI paid  about $1 million dollars to some company who created this software.

The point is that these hacks and attacks are never ending and will continue as long as we use computing devices. Also, re-read the article I published in the last edition about protecting your devices from attack. We must forever be vigilant in the battle against crooks and thieves.

PS: I will be leaving the Bay Area this weekend and traveling to a couple of different locations before I get back to Tucson. Therefore there will only be one edition of this newsletter next week. But it will include all the highlights of the upcoming Apple event. So until, we meet again next week, have a great Labor Day Holiday. You’ve earned it. –JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Dropbox hack leads to leaking of 68m user passwords on the internet

Data stolen in 2012 breach, containing encrypted passwords and details of around two-thirds of cloud firm’s customers, has been leaked. If you use Dropbox, change your password ASAP. 

 

Google's Chromebook End of Life Policy stops support after 5 years

Per the company’s End of Life policy, Chromebooks and other Chrome OS devices are only entitled to five years of feature and security updates. After that, Google doesn’t guarantee that these systems will run safely or properly.

 

Apple adds 2TB iCloud storage option before iPhone 7 launch

Apple has introduced a new storage tier for iCloud that grants 2TB of space for $19.99 a month. This pricing is similar to Google Drive’s terabyte pricing.

 

Apple Says Several Billion Dollars Set Aside for U.S. Taxes

Apple's chief executive says the company has put aside "several billion dollars" to pay tax liabilities in the United States as it repatriates some of its huge overseas earnings.

 

Microsoft Fixes the Windows 10 Freezing Issues

Good news! Microsoft revealed that it has solved the freezing issues that have bedeviled Windows 10 users who installed the Anniversary Update, upgrading them to version 1607. And it has released a Windows Update that fixes the problem.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The complete guide to switching to Microsoft's Edge browser

Edge is the only browser that supports 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution Netflix playback -- is it time to make the switch?

 

What Microsoft won't tell you about your Windows 10 recovery drive size

The time to make a Windows 10 recovery drive is before your PC dies. Grab a USB drive—you might need a big one!—and we'll show you how it's done.

 

Those lights on your router can help you fix your internet connection

Those lights on your router or cable modem aren't just there for show. They convey information about the status of your internet connection. Here's how you can use them to troubleshoot problems.

How to Manage Multiple Time Zones in Google Calendar

Use this method to set up your calendar appointments, and your schedule will always be accurate, no matter where you travel.

How to Use Windows 10’s “Quick Assist” to Remotely Troubleshoot a Friend’s PC

Built into Windows 10, Quick Assist allows you to take remote control of another person’s computer so you can help them troubleshoot it.

 

Mobile Computing

Google adds new muscle to Snapseed photo editor for iPhone, iPad

The app unlocks the power of raw photo editing, an option that offers new flexibility and image quality compared to plain old JPEGs.

 

How to make iPhone photos look good

Apple's photo app is one of the most underrated visual editors of all time. Here are some of my favorite tricks.

 

How to Enable a Grid in iOS’ Camera for Perfectly Straight Photos

If you like to use your iPhone’s camera for than mere selfies and portraits, then you probably want to make sure you frame everything as straight as possible. This is much easier if you enable iOS’ camera grid.

 

Microsoft postpones Sunrise Calendar's sunsetting

Microsoft has given its Sunrise Calendar a reprieve to some unknown date, as Outlook Mobile's calendaring is still not comparable, feature-wise

 

15 best Android apps of 2016

These apps that most people will swear that they cannot live without.

 

Samsung Galaxy Note7 global recall due to exploding batteries could be imminent

The announcement should happen within a week, while Samsung irons out the kinks of making a recall with its dealers like Verizon in the U.S.

EU Slams Apple with $14.5 Billion Back Taxes Bill

Now that is a piece of news that would ruin Tim Cook’s morning. Here is a quick summary of this story: The European Union has ordered Apple to pay $14.5 billion in back taxes and penalties to the government of Ireland. Apple will fight it of course. But, strangely enough, so are the governments of Ireland and the US.

Ireland says the EU has no right to regulate Irish tax laws. American officials says the EU is overstepping its power since that taxes are typically left to national governments to oversee and that European officials should not retroactively issue penalties in past tax rulings.

Apple has about $270 Billion cash in Irish banks. Most of their overseas operations (and some US sales) are run by Apple’s Irish Division. The reason: US corporate tax rates are at 35% while the Irish tax rate is 12%. But with other tax breaks, the EU claims the Irish effective tax rate for Apple is .005%.

This decision is going to be appealed, of course, and the battle may go on for years. It is going to be interesting to watch this battle unfold. For more in-depth info on this story, read our first story. Our second story is also about Apple: The next big Apple event is next week where they will probably announce all new hardware…probably the iPhone 7, new Apple watches, and much more. So stay tuned. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

 

Apple gets slapped with $14.5B tax bill

The European Union on Tuesday hit Apple with a $14.5 billion tax penalty, ruling its deal with Ireland was illegal.

Apple sends invites for September 7: iPhone 7, Apple Watch 2 most likely on tap

Rumored no longer: The company sent out invitations for its event, confirming the date of Apple's next product announcement.

 

Outlook.com Upgrade Completion Delayed Until First Half of 2017

Last year, Microsoft announced they would be upgrading Outlook.com accounts to a new infrastructure and it would be completed by the end of the summer in 2016. But, it looks like that deadline will not be met.

 

Microsoft Tries to Silence Internet Hate Mongers

Microsoft is taking harder stance against hate speech. It says it wants to make it easier for people to report online abuse in its consumer communities, which includes everything from the internet search engine Bing to gaming community Xbox Live.

 

How Facebook censors your posts (FAQ)

High-profile videos involving the police and the black community have gripped the country in recent months. We've put together the FAQ Facebook doesn't have to help you understand how, when and why you're being censored.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Prevent Malware Infection

While no single method is ever 100 percent fool-proof, there are some tried and true cybersecurity techniques for keeping malware infections at bay that, if put into practice, will shield you from most of the garbage of the Internet.

 

Troubleshooting and repairing Windows 10 problems

Here's some specific fixes for known issues with Windows 10 Anniversary Update along with time-tested troubleshooting tools and techniques.

 

How to Turn an Old Hard Drive Into an External Drive

It takes surprisingly little effort to turn an old (or new) hard drive into an external drive perfect for stashing your extra files on.

 

Everything You Need to Know About “Reset This PC” in Windows 8 and 10

Windows 10 includes a “Reset your PC” option that quickly restores Windows to its factory default configuration. It’s faster and more convenient than reinstalling Windows from scratch or using your manufacturer’s recovery partition.

 

Speed up your internet connection by resetting your router

Resetting a home router will restore it to the condition it was in when you bought it and can help clear some networking issues.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Find Accessible Wi-Fi Hotspots

You can fire up a Wi-Fi finder app on your smartphone to find the closest wireless hotspots.

 

Everything You Need to Know About Improving Your iPhone’s Battery Life

Phones have gotten faster and faster, but their battery life hasn’t improved much. Modern iPhones still struggle to make it through a single day if you’re using them heavily, but there are ways to extend that battery life and keep your iPhone going.

 

Turn-by-Turn Navigation Showdown: Google Maps vs. Waze

Even just a glance at Google Maps and Waze shows how different they are. They might both be owned by the same company, but they work completely differently.

 

Best Essential, must-have free Apple iPhone apps

After years of try and fail, we’ve come with a list of essential iPhone apps that we keep on coming back to every time we put our SIM card in an iPhone.

 

Your phone may never get Android 7.0, but does it really matter?

Unless you bought a phone from Google, it's going to take a while to see Nougat — if you ever see it at all. But that doesn't matter as much as you might think.

 

39 Ways to Soup Up Your Current Car With Tech

Adding the right technology to an older car can make it feel brand new. Here's where to start.

Apple and Microsoft Stores…in One Afternoon

This photo is of the new Apple Store in San Francisco…right across the street from famous Union Square. It looked just like this yesterday when I popped in for a visit. The front windows were open on both the ground floor and 2nd floor…even though it was a rather chilly day.

Let me back up a little first. I got to SF by taking the BART train from Walnut Creek to the Powell Street Station. When I got to street level, I could either turn right and walk out on Market Street and see the famous cable cars right across the street…or turn left and enter the Westfield Center, a very large shopping mall, both vertically and horizontally. I went into the center and went up the the second floor to visit the Microsoft Store.

It is a very nice store, laid out very much like an Apple Store. There were computers of all kinds on tables, including the Microsoft Surface Tablets as well as laptops and desktops from different manufacturers. I focused on some desktop computers as I will be in the market for a new PC in a few months. All their computers, no matter what brand, are all Signature certified…meaning there is absolutely no crapware on any of them. Hooray for that.

The Microsoft agent who helped me made no attempt to sell me any computer but answered all my questions about the products they carried. This is the same methodology employed in Apple Stores. We chatted for quite a while about various Microsoft products. And when he found out I was having a problem using OneDrive on my iPhone, he got hold of a tech rep to help me out. He solved the problem in no time. I left the store with a good impression of their store…and with a free bottle of water.

From there, I headed out across Market Street and on up Powell…past the cable cars and three blocks up to Union Square to the Apple Store. I wandered about the first and second floors taking in the sites. Lots of Apple products on lots of tables, just like all their stores…Except this one is huge! Upstairs was another area in front for more products, but also an area for tutorials. I sat in for a few minutes on a tutorial on using the Photos App on the iPhone.

If you look closely at the photo, you can see a huge TV screen on a wall that shows Apple product propaganda videos. Behind that wall is the Genius Bar where customers can come in to get help with their Apple products…except this Genius area accupies to entire length of the floor. There are also several large trees in big pots, exactly like those trees you see in the photo in front of the store. It is quite impressive.

Behind the store is a large area outside filled with many tables and chairs and featuring a large fountain. It has Wi-Fi and is for anyone who wants to sit and work on their computers. It is open to Stockton Street so anyone can come in and use it.

Both stores are very impressive and are designed to help their customers and sell them any products they may wish to purchase without any pressure. Of course, the Apple Store is its own building and not subject to the restraints of being in a shopping center. But this Apple store is the road map for all their future stores. Here in Walnut Creek, Apple is building a new store in a nearly complete upscale shopping area in the downtown area. It is using the SF store as a benchmark. One has to hand it to Apple for taking this bold venture into retail and making a major success of their efforts.

Lots of good info below so I hope you find something of interest. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Google will punish sites that use annoying pop-up ads

Google is about to deal a small blow to some of the most annoying ads on mobile: pop-ups and interstitials. It’s not a stretch to argue that readers don’t like these ads.

 

Steve Wozniak Says Apple Should Not Eliminate Headphone Jack in iPhone 7

“If it’s missing the 3.5mm earphone jack, that’s going to tick off a lot of people.”

 

Appeal to remove password from WFi after Italian earthquake

Multiple organizations and institutions have asked people to temporarily remove passwords from their WiFi after the strong earthquake that struck central Italy early Wednesday, leaving dozens dead.

 

Apple's Siri is using neural networks

The secretive Cupertino, California, company adapted Siri's voice recognition to use a cutting-edge artificial-intelligence technique called neural networks and switched it over on July 30, 2014.

 

NASA to make all its research available free on the Internet

The Obama administration has been pressing its science agencies to make its research more accessible believing it increase the popularity of science and advance public knowledge.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

10 Hidden Tricks Inside Windows 10

With such a complex, nuanced, and vast piece of software, it makes sense that there are little tricks and UI flourishes that most people don't even know about.

 

A Primer on The Best Encryption Software of 2016

Just because you install antivirus software doesn't mean a zero-day Trojan won't steal your personal data. Encryption keeps it safe from malware (and the NSA).

 

Tech Term Confusion: “Memory” Means RAM, Not Storage

Some people say they have “a smartphone with 64 GB of memory”, but they don’t.

 

Google saying buh-bye to Chrome Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux

New apps will be available only on Chromebooks by the end of this year, and will stop loading on non-Chrome OS machines in 2018.

 

How to Shop Online Like a Pro

Here are the best online shopping tricks to keep more cash in your bank account, and less in your shopping cart.

 

Mobile Computing

Apple advises immediate update to iOS 9.3.5 after discovery of targeted iPhone spyware

Independent researchers tracked down malware sent to a Middle Eastern human-rights activist and alerted Apple, which patched three separate zero-day exploits.

 

10 awesome iOS photo editing apps you need to try

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different photo editing apps for iOS in the App Store. But these 10 may be the best.

Microsoft Authenticator for Android - Free download and software review

Introducing the updated Microsoft Authenticator! One app to quickly and securely verify your identity online, for all of your accounts. This app provides an extra layer of protection when you sign in, often referred to as two-step verification or multi-factor authentication

 

Google Android Nougat Release Date, Price and Specs

Version 7.0 of Google's operating system for Android phones has been a long time coming.

 

Turn Your Smartphone Into a Pocket Scanner

Depending on the hardware you are using, you just need a smartphone (or tablet) with a working camera and an app to handle the scanning.

 

5 things to do with your old phone (other than sell it)

That old phone could be doing so much more than just collecting dust.

Is Your Webcam Working after Upgrading Windows 10?

Will spare you any words of wisdom in this issue as I don’t have any burning issues to rant (or rave) about this day. But there is good stuff in this edition so make sure you give it at least one look-over before hitting the delete button. Thanks. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Samsung will reportedly sell refurbished phones

The world's largest phone manufacturer is said to be looking for ways to maintain its market lead.

 

T-Mobile vs. Sprint: The battle for unlimited data

The carriers unveiled new unlimited data plans that are significantly less expensive than previous offers. But which one is really the better deal?

 

Microsoft Has Broken Millions Of Webcams With Windows 10 Anniversary Update

If your webcam has stopped functioning since the release of the Anniversary update, you are not alone but the good news is a fix is coming, hopefully in September.

 

Massive Locky ransomware campaign targets hospitals

FireEye researchers have spotted a surge in cyberattacks on hospitals in the US - and they're using a new infection technique.

 

Apple and Google Are Teaming Up to Kill Robocalls Forever

Robocalls are more than an annoyance. They’re a threat. Scammers, identity thieves, and other unsavory types use them to target victims.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The 100 Best Free Google Chrome Extensions

All of these extensions are free; there's no harm in giving them all a try as you can easily disable or remove them.

 

Microsoft Edge's bookmarks bar is called the Favorites bar, and here's how to enable it

Strangely, it's not enabled by default, but that's easily fixed.

 

20 fixes for a Windows 10 update meltdown

Latest Win10 update got you fuming? Here's how to get your PC back on track

 

When your computer beeps at you, that's a cry for help

Those annoying beeps are actually like a Morse code in computer BIOS language.

 

How to Insert the Current Month and Year in a Word Document That Automatically Updates

You can easily add the current date and time to your Word documents, but what if you only want to add the month or month and year, but no date? It’s easy to manually add a custom date field and we’ll show you how

 

Mobile Computing

How to backup images in device folders to Google Photos

If you want to save screenshots, Instagram pictures, or photos from other social networks, you need to go through a few steps.

 

6 easy ways to customize Safari on iPhone and iPad

Keep oft-visited sites to yourself, hide the Favorites and tabs bars, pick a new font and background for Reader mode, and more.

 

101 Greatest iOS 9 Tips and Tricks for iPhone and iPad

Here is the greatest collection ever of tips and tricks for you iOS devices. Bookmark this one!

 

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week!

Plus a look at the current Android News

 

Google's ​Android Nougat is finally here for your Nexus phone and tablet

The next version of Android is here! Free over-the-air upgrades for most Google Nexus devices start now. The rest of you may have to wait awhile.

Opera brings its free and easy-to-use VPN service to Android

Browser developer Opera has launched a free VPN app for Android, allowing you to run apps and visit sites anonymously on your mobile device with ease.

The New Windows is Pretty Darn Good

For my trip to Northern California, I brought 2 laptops: my Apple MacBook Pro and and my Samsung laptop running Windows 10. Before I left Tucson, I could not get the Anniversary Update to install on my desktop or my Samsung laptop. But as I documented last week, once I got here, I was able to mysteriously install it on the laptop as well as its latest updates. Can’t wait to get back to Tucson to see if I can somehow get my PC to install it.

Anyway, I have had a chance to play with a few of the new features that came with the Anniversary Update and here are some of my observations:

First, the mail app. From what I read prior to installation, the new Windows 10 mail app is much better. And I can so testify that it is. In fact, on this laptop, it has become my default mail app. It is quite good. I was able to flawlessly add my 3 favorite e-mails, including my Apple e-mail. They all work just fine. I was also able to easily link all 3 addresses so that they show up in one inbox. It is definitely a plus.

Second, the Edge browser. It is improved and I was able to easily add most of my favorite extensions like LastPass and Adblock Plus. The browser is very fast and I can easily move from site to site. Some tech journalists do report that some sites are very, very slow in loading, but I have not played with Edge that much to verify their claims. I like using it, but some of my most used extensions are not available so will have to continue to use Firefox for most of my heavy duty work. PS, Edge has crashed on me a couple of times.

Third, the Calendar app. It works well enough and it easily connects to my Google Calendar and shows all my events, but there are so many better calendar apps out there that I will not be using it.

Fourth: The Photos app is OK. I don’t have any photos stored on this laptop, but it automatically went to my OneDrive files in the cloud to show me those photos. I can’t see myself using this app as I use my MAC for most of my photo work. But, it did a good job linking to my OneDrive photos. However, there are no photo tools yet available to do editing and improving. I think this app will probably get better in the future.

Cortana works well enough, about the same as Siri on my iPhone and iPad. But I have not given it many tough tests yet. It is supposed to be much much better in the Anniversary update, but I don’t see it. More testing is needed.

There are many more apps, most of which I will never use. But I am mostly impressed with what Microsoft is trying to do in Windows. So I hope they keep up the good work.

Time for me sign off and sit outside on the patio and enjoy this great weather here in the Bay Area. Quite a change from Tucson. I hope there are some articles below that will be of use to you. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

 

More airline outages predicted as carriers grapple with 1960s technology

Airlines will likely suffer more disruptions like the one that grounded about 2,000 Delta flights this week because major carriers have not invested enough to overhaul reservations systems based on technology dating to the 1960s,

 

All Windows 10 PCs will support HoloLens apps next year

Microsoft has announced a partnership with Intel that will make all future Windows 10 PCs able to support mixed reality applications.

 

Intel's next-gen Kaby Lake processors: Everything we know so far

Kaby Lake isn't your typical chip upgrade. Here's everything we know so far.

 

How to Calibrate Your TV

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a better picture from your TV. Our instructions and a $30 disc are all you need to perform a basic calibration.

 

How to Start Purging Your Digital Life

Bogged down with digital clutter? Start purging junk from your digital life with these tips.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to Create an Anonymous Email Account

The Internet doesn't make it easy to go completely anonymous. Here's how you can stay hidden even when emailing.

 

10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

To get the strongest wireless signal from your wireless router, check out these quick tips for achieving optimal reception.

 

12 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

Before you call your ISP, try these easy router tips to get back online ASAP.

 

We ignore our computer's security alerts up to 90 percent of the time

Humans aren't too good at multitasking -- even if one of those tasks is reading a security alert and the other is watching a video

 

 Learn more about your SSD and make it last longer!

"SSDs still fall short in a few places compared to normal hard drives, in particular regarding their write endurance. This means you can only write a finite amount of data to an SSD before you can't write anymore. Here is how to improve that.

 

Mobile Computing

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2016

Whether you've got a brand-new Galaxy Note 7 or an older Android phone or tablet you just want to spruce up, these are the apps that matter.

 

Android antivirus apps are useless — here’s what to do instead

Android is by its very nature more secure than a desktop computer, so maybe you don’t need these security apps. You’ve probably already got what you need.

 

Google is bringing Google Now smarts to Chrome

Google is currently testing a New Tab page with Google Now smarts. You can try it on you Android Phone.

 

T-Mobile brings back unlimited data for all

The carrier is getting rid of lower-tier data plans and offering new customers only unlimited data, but you'll have to pay $70 for the first line to get in on the action.

Microsoft Visio is Coming to the iPad

Microsoft has announced a limited new Visio on iPad Insider Program that will help bring Microsoft’s diagramming solution to Apple’s tablets. But you need to act fast if you want to join.

 

Best NFL 2016 fantasy football apps for iPhone: Draft, drop, and track your players like a pro!

From cheat sheets and draft kits to professional recommendations, these are the best fantasy football apps for the 2016 season! You'll find these will do well on iPad, too.

Is Cable TV Slowly Slipping Away?

If you read our first story, you just might think so. More and more people seem to be saying goodbye to cable TV to find alternate methods for their video entertainment. I did it some time ago. For my TV watching, I use a Roku box and a small Mohu antenna in my living room window to pick up the local channels.

Now, I admit I am not a television fanatic. I try to use it as little as possible. But with the help of some great apps on the Roku, I have more than enough entertainment to keep me busy for many hours, if I chose. I subscribe to Netflix for movie and TV shows; Amazon Prime channels are loaded with free TV shows and movies; for $5 a month, I get Acorn TV for loads of  British TV shows; for sports I subscribe to MLB to get every baseball game every day and for football I use my local channels. I can watch tons of movies and Game of Thrones on HBO Now. Plus there are a ton of channels on the Roku that are not available anywhere else. I almost forgot to mention that YouTube is also on Roku and can be controlled by my iPhone or iPad.

Sometimes patience is a virtue with the Roku channels. For instance all the Downton Abbey episodes are available on Amazon Prime, but the latest ones took a couple of months to get there. But I could watch them one day after they aired on PBS using the PBS channel on the Roku. Same with most of the PBS program. So it is not necessary for me to be in front of my TV at 9:00 PM on Sunday night.

So, for me, cable TV is completely unnecessary. Being here in the Bay Area, my friends have cable, but I don’t watch it. I am fed up with all those adds on all the channels...not to mention that most cable channels are of pathetic quality and a waste of time. So I watch all my TV here on their Roku.

Bottom line is you might want to think about cutting the cable yourself. Just a thought. Anyway, take a look at all the articles here and see if their is something you might find useful. -JRC   

Tech News and Opinions

Pay TV providers post record subscriber losses

The cable, satellite and telecom pay TV industry lost at least 665,000 subscribers in the second quarter of this year, more net losses than any previous quarter.

 

Google is working on a new operating system named Fuchsia

The fledgling OS has a number of interesting features, but so far Google has yet to comment on its intended function.

 

Microsoft to move to monthly patch rollups for Windows 7, 8.1 as of October 2016

Microsoft will begin delivering patches for Windows 7, 8.1, Windows Server 2008 and Server 2012 as single rollups starting this October.

 

8 things Microsoft gets criticized for (but not Apple or Google)

There is one aspect in which these companies differ: Microsoft is often unfairly criticized for things which the other two companies also do.

 

North Korea’s Olympians never received their Olympic edition Galaxy S7 Edges

Samsung actually tried to deliver the phones to their intended recipients. But, according to sources inside the Olympic Village, the North Korean team’s manager confiscated the devices.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

When will your PC get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?

Version 1607 is rolling out to Windows 10 users slowly, via Windows Update. Here's how you can take charge of the upgrade process and avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

How to Recover a Lost or Corrupt Document in Microsoft Word 2016

Have you ever had a troublesome .doc or .docx file Word that you can’t seem to open? Or even lost a document completely, with all your hard work gone with it? Here are some solutions.

 

Here are all of the free Edge extensions that launched this week

We’ve given all the extensions a look, and have included Microsoft’s download links, and descriptions for you below.

 

10 ways to customize the taskbar in Windows 10

We were all excited to get the Start menu back in Windows 10, and we wasted no time in customizing it to the best of our abilities. But what about the poor, neglected taskbar, who never left us in the first place? Here's how to make the taskbar look pretty and work for you"

 

How to Easily Reinstall Windows 10 Without the Bloatware

The “Reset Your PC” feature in Windows 10 restores your PC to its factory default settings…including all that bloatware your PC manufacturer included. But a new feature in Windows 10’s Anniversary update makes it easier to get a clean Windows system.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft Updates Office for iPhone, Adds Support for Draw

We might not be able to use the Apple Pencil with our smartphones, but Microsoft has nevertheless updated Office for iPhone adding support for its Draw feature.

 

Oh no! My current iPhone might be 'good enough'

With all the rumors of what's going to be on the new iPhone 7, it just might be that I won't upgrade to the latest and greatest.

 

15 Android Apps Actually Worth Paying For

Really, when you think about it, apps—truly worthwhile apps—are some of the best bargains available.

 

Top 10 Android app updates this week

One of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs.

 

How to check transit times in Google Maps

Use your smartphone to find out exactly when the next train or bus is coming with this handy feature that's built in to Google Maps

Hello from the Cool Bay Area

I made it north to the San Francisco Bay Area after a two day stop in La Quinta. It is so much cooler here and the nights are wonderful. Such a change from Tucson. While I love my adopted city, summers there are unbearable. I will be here a month, but, as promised the blog will continue on.

When last we spoke, after several attempts, two of my three computers failed to install the Windows Anniversary Update. I brought the Windows laptop with me as I use it to do this blog (I also brought my MacBook Pro and iPad). Yesterday, I decided to give the laptop one last try to do the installation. If it failed, I was ready to hop on a BART train to the Microsoft Store in San Francisco to let them figure it out. But to my surprise, the laptop completed the installation…and immediately upon completion, it started updating the update with a brand new cumlative update (see story #1). That went well also.

So now I have a fully functional Windows laptop with all the latest additions. I have been playing with it much of this day and I like some of its new features. The Edge browser works very fast and it so much better now that it uses 3rd party extensions like LastPass, Evernote Clipper, and Ad Blocker Plus. They are easy to install. I will play with Edge much more before I make a final judgement.

I have also had fun playing with Cortana, the voice-activated search engine. It works much better than it ever did. Bottom line: Windows is even better now. I am glad I finally was able to update Windows as I like what they have done.

On another topic, I had the pleasure of witnessing a minor miracle this morning. Brendan Miller, the grandson of my dear friend Paula, has been color blind all his life. In a week or so, he will be off to Oregon State as a Freshman. Today, Paula, Brendan, his Mother, and I went to an optometrist office in San Ramon who features the new EnChroma Lenses to try them out. They have only been on the market for a few months and they can correct the vision of a color blind person so he or she sees the real colors that most of us see.

With a pair of glasses in hand, we walked outside and I stood next to Brendan as he put them on for the first time. He stood there in silence for a couple of minutes with his mouth wide open…staring at trees and flowers. He was shaking with excitement to see the colors of our world that we take for granted. He was blown away by the colors of trees. Even the red and green of a stop light amazed him. What a joy it was to watch this happen. They were able to shape the lenses into a frame of his choice and he walked out with them on, seeing the world, literally, with new eyes.

The EnChroma Lenses are an amazing technology. So, if you know someone who is color blind, let them know about this.

OK, time for you to take over, so I hope you find something of interest. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft rolls out several new Windows 10 cumulative updates

Microsoft is making a number of fixes and reliability and performance improvements available across a variety of different flavors of Windows 10 via new Cumulative Updates.

 

Delta system outage: Here's what went wrong

Updated: Airline chiefs have explained what was behind the technology failure that grounded more than 1,800 flights.

 

Facebook will show you an ad, whether you block it or not

Analysis: The world's largest social network is turning to technology to put an end to ad blocking.

 

Walmart is buying Jet.com for $3 billion

The deal for Jet.com comes as big brand companies and retailers are trying to shore up their defenses against an all-out assault on their business from Amazon.com.

 

T-Mobile vows to match Verizon's coverage in next 12 months

The nation's third-largest carrier believes it will be able to match Verizon's industry-leading wireless coverage within the next 12 months, and maybe sooner

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

One of the oldest rules about passwords is totally wrong

Your school or workplace may require you to change your password every couple of months or so to keep your account safe. It’s a widely implemented security recommendation. Except it’s totally wrong.

 

How to Find and Remove Malware With Windows Defender Offline

With Windows 10’s Anniversary Update, this tool is included with Windows, and even easier to launch. Here’s how to use it, no matter which version of Windows you’re on.

 

Excel: 5 timesaving power tips

Help with formulas, and filling and fixing spreadsheet data.

 

19 Incredibly Useful Websites

Whether you’re looking to learn how to code, build leadership skills, or otherwise improve yourself, here are 19 awesome places to learn the critical skills that will change your life.

 

The Best Windows 10 Universal Apps of 2016

Windows 10 lets you easily install apps that run on all manner of devices from tablets and phones to PCs and Xboxes. Here are our favorites. And most of them are free.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor for Your PC or Mac

Multiple monitors are awesome. With two screens side by side, you can more easily see all your windows at once, keeping you productive. Got an iPad? You can use it as a second display for your Mac or PC.

 

Studies show people use only 5 apps on their smartphones

It will come as no surprise that one of those apps is Facebook. The other most common apps — which we all know from stats about user counts — include WhatsApp and Snapchat

 

Find, download, and install Android apps safely

Search for Android apps efficiently, spot fakes, and check compatibility in Google Play, the Amazon app store, and Download.com.

 

6 phones with the best battery life

If a long-life battery tops your list of phone needs, you can't do better than these. Did yours make the list?

 

This app organizes iPhone screenshots and makes them useful

It is not the first screenshot manager, but the app hopes to go beyond simply organizing screenshots.

 

Send documents over WhatsApp or Telegram

Prefer texting to email? You can still share documents, presentations, and PDFs with your contacts. Here are the best apps for messaging files, plus tips for messaging directly from Microsoft Office apps.