More Good Tips and Tricks for Fall Creators Update

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon Key opens your home for indoor deliveries

Amazon is eliminating the need for you to even be at home to receive your packages (or to have a designated safe place), because its couriers can now simply let themselves into your property.

Bad Rabbit: Ten things you need to know about the latest ransomware outbreak

It's the third major outbreak of the year - here's what we know so far.

DeepMind’s Go-playing AI doesn’t need human help to beat us anymore

The company’s latest AlphaGo AI learned superhuman skills by playing itself over and over

Twitter bans ads from Russian-sponsored news sites

Accounts owned by Russia Today and Sputnik won't be able to advertise on Twitter any longer. But their tweeting continues

Report: Equifax Warned of Vulnerability Six Months Before Attack, Took No Action

It didn’t seem possible, but Equifax may have screwed the pooch even harder than previously thought.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Turn on the new anti-ransomware features in the Fall Creators Update

A well-hidden feature in Windows 10 version 1709 prevents "unfriendly" apps (including most known strains of ransomware) from modifying files in protected folders. Here's how it works.

Windows 10 productivity tips: Making everyday tasks easier

Ed Bott's extensive collection of Windows 10 tips, organized by category. This page includes the most popular tips for working smarter.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: Where is my OneDrive Files On-Demand

It has several features that provide additional productivity for the OS and one of them is OneDrive Files On-Demand.

Fix: Windows 10 can't find WiFi network

Problems with WiFi and the internet connection are probably the most common issues Windows 10 users face. And we’ll agree that there’s nothing more annoying for an average user than WiFi issues while browsing the internet.

9 best note taking apps for Windows 10

Here are the best note taking apps you can use to jot down what you don’t want to forget anytime soon.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Verizon will stop throttling your video if you pay an extra $10/month

The company consistently makes changes that are unfair to its customers.

Top 10 New Android Games This Week: PUSH, ICEY

This column is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now

How to take better photos with your Android phone

With the help of a few tweaks, a few apps and without additional knowledge, here's how you can get more out of your smartphone's camera.

Apple iOS 11 camera tips and tricks

iOS 11 has new photo effects you can play with...some of them are hidden away.

Photo editing software Nik Collection isn’t dead after all

Google announced back in May that it would no longer be updating its Nik Collection tools, but it looks like the PC-based photo editing software already has a new owner.

How fast charging works on the iPhone 8 and iPhone X

Did you know the iPhone 8 and iPhone X can be charged using a different kind of cable, and that by using this cable your phone will actually charge from totally dead to 50% full in right around 30 minutes?

Is the iPhone X in Trouble?

Tech News and Opinions

Apple's iPhone X gamble shows signs of backfiring

OLED panel problems and technical issues relating to Face ID components could mean severe shortages well into next year.

Opinion: iPhone X: Sorry Apple, but I just can't face using Face ID

Apple promises that using facial recognition will be more secure than using a fingerprint. However, there are still a few things that make me reluctant to use it.

Here's the reason your old devices feel so slow and make you want to upgrade

Computer hardware does not typically slow down over its useful life. Instead, there are several other reasons why smartphones, tablets and PCs start to seem less snappy.

Don't buy an old Roku now

Last-gen Roku players are on sale, but the latest models are well-worth the extra cash.

FAQ: How Kaspersky Lab got on the US government's bad side

An investigation into the cybersecurity company's ties to the Russian government raises many questions and answers few. Here's what we know so far.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to fix missing apps after installing Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

One possible issue for some people is the apparent disappearance of various apps. Apps have not been removed from Windows, but Windows 10 Fall Creators Update has rendered some apps completely inaccessible. If you've experienced this problem, here's how to fix it.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: Three Things To Check Out

Here are the top three things to make sure you check out /turn on in this latest update to Windows 10 once you get the update on your device.

How to Manage Windows 10’s New “Power Throttling” to Save Battery Life

By limiting the CPU available to background applications, Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update can increase battery life on laptops and tablets.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Leaves Up to 30GB in Installation Files

The conventional way for dealing with this problem is to either hit Start and type “Disk Cleanup” or to open File Explorer, right-click on the hard drive you wish to cleanup, and choose “Properties.

You Can Now Use Google Maps to Explore the Solar System

Google Maps is using its technology to enable the virtual exploration of the Solar System! Thanks to images provided by the Cassini orbiter of the planets and moons it studied during its 20 year mission, Google is now allowing users to explore places like Venus, Mercury, Mars, Europa, Ganymede, Titan, and other far-off destinations.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

22 hidden features in iOS 11

There's a lot more to iOS 11 than meets the eye. Here are 22 exciting features you might miss after updating your iPhone to iOS 11.

How to Create New Folders in Files App for iOS

If you want to better organize your files in the iOS Files app, you can easily create new folders in Files app.

How to tell which iPad model you have

You might think you know which iPad you have. The new one. The big one. The rose gold one. The mini. But when you need to know exactly which model you have, or better yet, which generation, it can get a little trickier.

Android Instant Apps: What they are and how to use them on your phone

what exactly are Instant Apps? And how do you get them on your phone? We’re here to help you get started:

Google Family Link: What it is, what you need, and how to set it up

Family Link is now available for all parents, and it was clearly developed by Google engineers who have children.

As a Photographer, These are 13 Free Apps I Wouldn't Leave the House Without

There are hundreds of photography apps available for iOS and Android devices that will help you take better photos. What some new photographers don't realize is that many of the very best photography apps are totally free.

And The Hits Just Keep on Coming From Redmond

Tech News and Opinions

Surface Book 2 hands-on: The sequel we’ve been waiting for

So long, wobbly fulcrum hinge. Hello, 15-inch beauty. Major editions to the Surface Line of products

Microsoft looks to iOS and Android for its path forward in mobile

Along with the new Windows 10 release, the software giant is releasing versions of its Edge browser for both iOS and Android — a tacit acknowledgement that the company needs to embrace the leading mobile operating systems in order to maintain relevance on the desktop.

How Microsoft is thinking differently about hardware and software

Maybe this 'One Microsoft' thing really is taking hold -- at least if you believe Microsoft's account of how the latest Surface Book, Windows 10 feature update and new Office release all came to be.

Google Calendar Gets a Big Update on the Web

Which is great news: Google Calendar on mobile has long been a visual treat, but the web version is … decidedly less so. But that’s about to change..

How to Get Free Stuff on Amazon

Get Free Gift Cards, Ebooks, Music, Movies, and More

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: New Features in Depth

We have broken our Windows 10 Fall Creators Update release coverage into several smaller sections so you can find specific information about the update.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: The Photos App

Under-the-hood search has been updated with machine learning and artificial intelligence to help identity and tag your photos based on their content.

How to Protect Your Files From Ransomware With Windows Defender’s New “Controlled Folder Access”

With this new feature enabled, only “apps determined by Microsoft as friendly” or applications you specifically allow will be able to make changes to your personal files in these folders.

Windows 10 performance and troubleshooting tips: Run faster, smoother, longer

Ed Bott's extensive collection of Windows 10 tips, organized by category. This page includes the most popular tips for performance and troubleshooting.

Microsoft launches Visio Online into general availability

The web-based version of Microsoft's diagraming tool is now generally available following a lengthy preview that started in late-2016.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to Sync Your Phone With Windows 10

One of Microsoft’s big pushes with the Fall Creators Update is seamless phone and PC integration. Here's how to set up Windows 10's 'Continue on PC' feature.

iOS tip: The handy shortcut menu hidden on your iPhone or iPad

Here's a simple trick that will make it much easier for you to find and use the buried features that you regularly use on your iPhone or iPad

iOS essential skills everyone should know

These handful of skills will help you take control of your iPhone or iPad.

How to improve iPhone and Android pictures with photo edits

Whether you have an iPhone 7 Plus, a Galaxy S8 or a Google Pixel, here are 3 tips to make your photos look better.

Malwarebytes Comes to Android

The folks you trust to safeguard your computer now offer powerful protection you can put in your pocket.

ZTE's Axon M flip smartphone may kick off foldable trend

One phone…two screens. An unlikely company is looking to kick-start a new trend in phones. It just needs to avoid creating a flop in the process.

Windows Fall Creator’s Update Available Now

Its a big day for Microsoft. Fall Creators Update was released today…and, by God, it was! Normally, it takes some time to show up on our computers as Microsoft does a slow rollout. But, surprise, it showed up this morning on two of my four Windows computers, including the version running on my MAC. Wow!! That was fast. Last time, I had to wait a couple of weeks before it arrived up on my HP laptop…and a couple of months later on the other three computers.

Not this time. I got it almost immediately after the release. I was gone most of the afternoon, so didn’t get a chance to check on the other two computers (the two oldest). When I got back, I checked my Samsung laptop. To my surprise and shock, it showed up there also and is in the process of installation as I write these words. It has not shown up yet on my 8-year old HP desktop computer. So,3 out of 4 of my computers got the update on the same day it was released. Amazing!

Be aware that installation does take some time. It was slow going on my HP laptop but the MAC was much faster. You should plan on the update taking about 1.5 hours to finish. And, after it finishes, it needs to install a second update…things that were fixed after the Fall Creator’s Update was certified as being finished. Your computer may install the second update automatically or you might have to jumpstart it by going to the Update section in Settings.

Obviously, I have not had a chance to take it for a spin, but look forward to trying out the new features. Our first article gives you a quick rundown on the new stuff. There are also other articles below on the Fall Creators Update. So, if you get it, have fun. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

How to get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

A major Windows update is now here. Here's a quick look at what you need to know.

What you can do to protect yourself against KRACK

If you thought your protected Wi-Fi was safe, think again. Nearly all devices are affected by the new KRACK exploit.

Microsoft has already fixed the Wi-Fi attack vulnerability

Microsoft says it has already fixed the problem for customers running supported versions of Windows.

2017 will likely be the worst year ever for cable TV as cord cutting continues

Based on estimates and data gathered from telecom giants such as AT&T, Comcast, Dish, Charter and Verizon, between 1.8 and 1.9 million subscribers could cancel their cable package by the end of 2017.

Walmart Moves From Traditional Retailer To High-Tech Innovator

What happens when one big retailer competes head-to-head against another big retailer? That’s a world-champion heavyweight fight. That’s Amazon versus Walmart.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Tip: Get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update as Quickly as Possible

Today’s the day: The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now available. Here’s how you can get it immediately if it does not show up by itself.

Tip: Get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update on Your Own Schedule

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now available. But what if you wish to hold off a bit?

Windows 10 setup and configuration tips: Don't settle for default settings

Ed Bott's extensive collection of Windows 10 tips, organized by category. This page includes the most popular tips for getting Windows 10 configured exactly the way you want it.

Outlook desktop app is finally getting a long overdue facelift

Outlook fans will soon be treated to a whole new desktop app that won’t look out of place beside other updated Microsoft Office software, whether on Windows, Mac, and even the Web.

30 Chrome Extensions for Better Productivity in 2017

Did you know that there are some really amazing Chrome extensions that can take your productivity to the next level, and help you get things done faster while keeping your sanity.

Make Google Chrome faster and better

Google Chrome is the most popular browser, and with good reason. But even Chrome can sometimes do with a spring-clean to keep it running optimally. Here are five tricks to help you speed up your browser.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to add photos, videos, scans, and sketches to Notes on iPhone and iPad

The Notes app on your iPhone and iPad isn't just for typing out text or to-do lists. You can also add photos, videos, sketches, and even scanned documents. Here's how.

One of Android's best file transfer apps comes to iOS

AirDroid makes it incredibly easy to wirelessly transfer all kinds of file formats between your devices. And unlike AirDrop, it’s not exclusively for Apple devices.

41 percent of Android phones are vulnerable to 'devastating' Wi-Fi attack

A new exploit can allow attackers to read Wi-Fi traffic between devices and wireless access points, and even modify it to inject malware into websites.

You can now download the Google Pixel 2 launcher on any phone

Google's been known to tweak its vision for Android's home screen setup with each new release, that's no different with this year's Pixel 2. You can now download the Pixel 2's launcher onto any of your devices.

Microsoft Launcher offers 'Continue on PC' option for Android phones

It's similar to the capability of Apple's Handoff feature.

Amazon Fire HD 10 is an amazing big-screen tablet value

Amazon's big 10-inch tablet delivers serious media chops for less than half the cost of Apple's basic iPad.

Russian Hackers Linked to Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Tech News and Opinions

Israel reportedly found Russian hackers using Kaspersky software

The discovery led US officials to order federal agencies to remove the company's products from their networks, the New York Times reports.

Not to be outdone by Walmart, Amazon drivers will deliver packages straight to your fridge

Amazon is toying with the idea of a doorbell that would allow its delivery drivers one-time access to your home and a smart license plate that would do the same for the trunk of your car.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Roku: Six Things You Should Do

You finally worked out which Roku to buy, and set up the basics: Netflix, Amazon, and whatever other services you’re subscribed to. What next?

Do you need a digital detox?

Stressed? Can't sleep? It might be time for some R&R off the grid.

Here's how Google plans to fight iPhone 8

A new report claims the company is in talks to buy HTC’s struggling smartphone business, which would give it near complete control over future Pixel devices.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Excel Spreadsheets: Navigation, shortcut keys, data sort and filter, formulas and functions

We start with the basics for navigating, entering, and calculating data.

​Microsoft just ended support for Office 2007 and Outlook 2007

It's time to move off Office 2007 and Outlook 2007, says Microsoft, as it ends support for these and a number of older packages.

How to spot fake Amazon reviews

These handy tools can help you determine if all those gushing reviews are the real deal.

How to delete Facebook from your life

When it’s time to leave Facebook for good, do it by following these steps, and we'll also show you how to back out if you change your mind.

Watch Microsoft demo and explain Windows Mixed Reality

The mixed reality platform is designed to include headsets like the HoloLens with its augmented reality implementation, and Microsoft hopes that one day we’ll see headsets that combine virtual and augmented reality.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Best Android phones (October 2017)

With Android thoroughly dominating the mobile industry, picking the best Android smartphones is almost synonymous with choosing the best smartphones, period. But competition among manufacturers is incredibly fierce.

Microsoft Launcher for Android sheds beta tag, launches in full

Aside from its recent name change, Microsoft Launcher picked up an overhaul that brought some notable new features. Definitely worth a look if you are an Android user.

10 best plant apps and flower identification apps for Android

They're helpful for identifying plants, tips and tricks on how to grow stuff better, and general information about plants, flowers, food, and other stuff.

Microsoft's Bringing Edge to iOS and Android

With Edge now on every platform, this is the final missing piece of being able to completely transform a phone, via apps, to a ‘Microsoft’ phone.

How to fix 7 annoyances in iOS 11

As with any iOS update, you may not welcome all of iOS 11's changes.

How to use tables in Notes in iOS 11

You can create and edit tables right in the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how.

AOL Messenger and Windows Phone Officially Dead

Tech News and Opinions

AOL Instant Messenger is shutting down after 20 years

The pioneering chat app that taught us to text is pulling the plug. On December 15th, AOL Instant Messenger will shut down after running since 1997.

The death of Windows Phone has finally come

As if we all didn't know already. It just took a bit longer than expected

Microsoft silently fixes security holes in Windows 10 – dumps Win 7, 8 out in the cold

Older versions in use by millions lag behind latest OS, leaving systems vulnerable to attack.

Google to use balloons to provide Puerto Rico cell service

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said late on Friday it had approved Alphabet Inc’s application to provide emergency cellular service to Puerto Rico through balloons.

Netflix to raise subscription prices for most US viewers

Three weeks ahead of the "Stranger Things" season 2 premiere, Netflix is asking for more.

The Arizona Diamondbacks were fined after a coach wore an Apple Watch during a game

While the device wasn’t used to cheat, the team and Prieto will still have to pay an undisclosed fine. MLB will donate the fine to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Duck! Windows and Office patches are coming

Last month’s buggy patches don’t instill confidence. For your own peace of mind, delay Automatic Update at least a few days, until the bugs have shaken out.

What to Do With Digital Storage That's Collecting Dust

How many of you have old memory cards, USB sticks, or even hard drives lay around doing nothing?

Windows 10: If you're still running this older version, it's now time to upgrade

Windows 10 version 1511 is about to go 'out of support'. This version no longer will receive security updates.

How to Stop Autoplay Video

Videos suddenly playing when you're online? Turn that “feature” off! PS: That feature is already built into the latest version of Safari on Mac's.

Best VPN services of 2017: Reviews and buying advice

By using a VPN you can keep your identity and data secure online.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

iOS 11 lets you shut down your iPhone and iPad without the power button

One of the great things about any new iOS update is that there are a number of interesting features and subtle system enhancements lurking beneath the surface.

Over 5,000 Wells Fargo ATMs now support card-free access via Apple Pay and other mobile wallets

The bank announced today that more than 40 percent – or over 5,000 of its ATMs – will now allow customers to perform transactions without having to pull out their bank card.

Take awesome VR tours with Apple Map's Flyover feature

You now have a very good reason to use Apple Maps in iOS 11

16 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from last week

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

Microsoft just made the perfect Windows-user launcher for Android

There's a new Microsoft Launcher in town for Android devices – one that should feel familiar to home-screen replacement app super fans of old.

Pixel, iPhone, Galaxy, oh my! Why pay a premium when every phone runs the same apps?

When you start talking about a $400 to $600 difference in price, the mystique and perceived advantages of a brand and OS platform look a bit silly when they all run the same applications.

The Big Reveal: Yahoo’s Negligence Screwed Everyone!

Tech News and Opinions

Yahoo now admits all 3 billion accounts were hit by 2013 hack

Originally the hack was thought to have exposed more than one billion accounts. Now that amount has tripled. In other words, if you ever had a Yahoo account, your info has been stolen.

Your Yahoo account was definitely hacked -- here's what to do

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

Equifax blames breach on one person and a bad scanner

Equifax's former CEO is blaming many of the company's mistakes on a single person, and it's not himself.

Everything Google announced at its grand Pixel event

At today’s Google event, all eyes were obviously on the second generation Pixel phone. Pixel certainly lived up to its expectations, but it wasn’t the only notable Google announcement today.

HomePod vs. Sonos One vs. Google Home Max: What's the difference?

Alexa is coming to Sonos and Google Home has gone Max. So what's the difference between these and Apple's HomePod? Let's find out!

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

20 essential Windows keyboard shortcuts to save you a click

Try a keyboard command a few times, and you'll find out just how useful it can be.

How to update your PC's BIOS

Only update your BIOS if you have a clear, concrete reason!

How to fix mouse jumps on Windows 10

If your mouse can’t be properly handled your actions and if there are malfunctions that interfere with your work, you need to find a quick and permanent fix.

The best free software for your PC

Start off right with solid security tools, productivity software, and other programs that every PC needs.

Activate GodMode in Windows 10

GodMode puts all of your settings under one roof.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Apple's iOS 11.0.2 update for iPhone and iPad is out

It's a small batch of bug fixes and improvements.

How to use iMessage apps in iOS 11

iMessage apps aren’t all about stickers. They’re also a neat and handy way to share information from your favorite regular apps. And in iOS 11, they’ve become a lot easier to use.

How Do Not Disturb While Driving works in iOS 11

With the new iOS update, Do Not Disturb has gotten smarter. It now knows when you're driving, and can stop you from being irresponsible.

Ten Safari long-press shortcuts for iPhone and iPad

We’ve rounded up all the Safari long press tips and tricks below, so you can take advantage of all the different shortcuts and features it offers.

Android Guide: How to Use Android Effectively

It’s not that Android is hard to use, in fact, it’s very easy, but earlier versions are often slow and clunky while newer ones have a lot of features you need to learn to make the most of it.

​Google launches Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL: AI first phones for $649, $849

Google's bet is that smartphone hardware is a commodity and artificial intelligence will win the day. Can Google lead its hardware parade with Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL and compete with iPhone X and Samsung Note 8?

Google Family Link: What it is, what you need, and how to set it up

Family Link is now available for all parents, and it was clearly developed by Google engineers who have children.

New Roku Devices Blow Away Overpriced Apple TV

Tech News and Opinions

Roku Announces 5 New Devices That Make Apple TV Look Bad

Roku announced five new media streaming devices on Monday, which all include some performance and video upgrades, while some will directly compete with the new Apple TV 4K for a place next to your TV.

How trolls on Facebook, Twitter capitalized on Vegas shooting

Internet agitators take advantage of the chaos unfolding after the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

Microsoft retires Groove Music service, partners with Spotify

Groove always felt like a vestige of the Zune era at Microsoft and something that consumers were unaware of.

Senate Reconfirms FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for Five More Years, a Big Victory for Your ISP

The vote to reconfirm Pai, whom President Donald Trump elevated to the role of chairman this January, fell primarily along party lines. Good luck to all of us.

HP Enterprise let Russia review the Pentagon's security software

The review was conducted while HPE was trying to sell the software in Russia.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

A year in, Microsoft Edge Extensions now number more than 70

Since introducing extensions to the Edge browser last year, Microsoft has been working diligently to improve their capabilities and the specific extensions for users.

Easy fixes for six common laptop problems

If you think that all notebook damage can be repaired only by the manufacturer or a computer shop, think again. Many problems can be inexpensively and easily fixed with common tools, spare parts, and a little effort.

The Best File Extraction and Compression Tool for Windows

Windows only features built in support for ZIP files, but third-party tools add support for other common types of archives like RAR and 7z. They also offer built-in encryption features.

Best free Microsoft Office alternatives of 2017

We compared six of the most popular free office suites to see how well they replicate the most commonly used features of Microsoft Office.

Watch the baseball playoffs online: A how-to guide for cord cutters

For cord cutters, finding live postseason baseball games online can be tougher than hitting a dancing knuckleball. Our guide will make sure you'll never miss a pitch.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to Fix iOS 11 Wi-Fi Issues

Some of the issues that are being reported include poor Wi-Fi connectivity, random connection drops, slow internet speed, and not being able to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

18 new hidden features for your Apple iPhone and iPad

And excellent roundup of the best new features of iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad.

How to reboot and reset your iPhone or iPad

When all else fails, turning off, restarting, or resetting your iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPad Pro or other iOS device is the fastest way to get it working again.

Google’s updated list showcases the best Android apps right now

Google's Android Excellence picks for Fall 2017 include Robinhood, Bring!, Mint, Asphalt 8, Castle Creeps, and many others.

17 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers

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

Avoid seasonal sniffles with pollen forecasts in Google search

You can now view a five-day pollen forecast right inside your search results when using a mobile device to find pollen or allergy information.

Amazon Announces 5 New Echo Products

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon unleashes 5 new Echo products with crazy price tags

The wave of gadgets, which also included a new TV dongle, is ready to take on Apple’s HomePod speaker and Apple TV 4K with some pretty impressive features.

CNET'S Best Products of 2017

Choosing the right device can be tricky, but this list may help.

When Quantum Computers Come, They May Speak Microsoft

Microsoft on Monday announced that it has been working on a language for a computer that doesn't exist.

Opinion: PCs deliver more innovation than phones now, HP says

"Ron Coughlin, head of HP's personal computer group, believes his industry is sizzling, not stagnant. Also: Touchscreens beat Apple Touch Bars."

iPhone 8 has a new call feature Apple didn't tell us about

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus support the next-generation of HD voice services for even clearer calls. The technology is called Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), but you’ll only be able to use it on certain carriers.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Mozilla's Firefox Quantum next-generation browser is ready for you to try out

Mozilla says Firefox Quantum is twice as fast as Firefox. –JRC: I am using it now and it is much faster and quite good.

An Incredibly Useful Beginner's Photoshop Tutorial

For the average beginner who’s just getting started, the menus can be a little overwhelming. With a little help, you’ll be on your way to mastering the software and producing your own quality images

How to add app shortcuts to the Start menu manually on Windows 10

Did you install an app and isn't appearing in the All apps list? If so, in this guide, we'll show you the steps to manually add a shortcut to the Start menu on Windows 10.

Why Do Some Websites Have Pop-Up Warnings About Cookies?

If you spend any time at all on the web, you’ve probably come across a fairly normal site that seems strangely concerned about cookie education.

How to write 280-character tweets right now

As of yesterday, a select group of users found themselves with twice as much room to share pithy thoughts, rants and jokes. You didn't get chosen for the test? No problem.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Apple releases iOS 11.0.1 software update for iPhone and iPad

Today’s release notes highlight “bug fixes and improvements for your iPhone or iPad.

Your photos just underwent a massive change with iOS 11. Here's what you need to know.

If you've updated your phone, you're already shooting HEIF files instead of JPEGs.

How to use Apple’s terrific document scanner in iOS 11

If you’ve been using a third-party app for this purpose until now — and there are several great ones — you can probably uninstall it in favor of Apple’s own solution.

New to iOS 11? Change these privacy and security settings right now

Before you do anything on your iPhone or iPad, you should lock it down. This is how you do it.

How to Take Screenshots on an Android Phone or Tablet

While this used to be a hassle on Android (many moons ago), all modern handsets include the capability. Here’s how to do it.

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week!

Also includes some Android headline stories for this week.

Many More Android and iOS Tips and Tricks

Tech News and Opinions

Apple iOS 11 Starts Causing Problems

Battery life for iOS 11 upgraders is decaying over twice as fast as those running iOS 10.

DxO Labs Says iPhone 8 Plus Has Best Smartphone Camera They've Ever Tested

Phone 8 Plus set a new record with an overall DxOMark Mobile score of 94, two points higher than its smaller iPhone 8 sibling. iPhone 8 Plus also topped the Google Pixel and HTC U11, which both scored 90 points,

Microsoft announces redesigned Office.com experience

The changes to the website, which provides access to Office apps, documents, and more, should make the experience a little easier and faster to use, Microsoft says.

Apple Drops Bing Web Search for Google in iOS and Mac

The change impacts Siri and Search (formerly Spotlight) search queries on iOS and Spotlight on Mac.

More Windows 10 S PCs, starting at $275, are on the way

Microsoft and partners are working on more Windows 10 S devices, coming later this year, that will be touted as 'Microsoft 365-powered.'

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Office 365's revamped web launchers put you to work sooner

It promises to be more relevant to what you're actually doing.

How to Master Microsoft Office Word

Microsoft Word is easily the biggest, most popular word processing program available, but it does a lot more than just edit text and TPS reports.

Microsoft Excel: Why your spreadsheet is so slow

How to deal with "Out of memory," "Not enough system resources," and more.

How to Use Cortana in the Microsoft Edge Web Browser

A benefit of Cortana is the ability to interact with Microsoft Edge, allowing you to submit search queries, launch Web pages, and even send commands and ask questions without having to leave the current Web page

Windows 10: How to type emoji on your PC using the Fall Creators Update

Why should smartphones have all the fun?

Mobile: iOS Tips and Tricks

How to Automatically Block Spam Calls on an iPhone

Thanks to a free app, here’s how you can detect spam calls before you answer them and just plain block them altogether.

How to really turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in iOS 11

Turns out just tapping the buttons in Control Center doesn't do it!

This is how to use the new iOS 11 Files app

The new Files app, however, appears on the iPhone and the iPad. Here's how it works:

How to clean up your iPhone storage in iOS 11

iOS 11 comes with a handy feature that makes clearing out your device a breeze. Here's how to use it.

iOS 11 Tips: Helpful Settings And Features For Users To Enable

IOS 11’s release brings new features to iPhones and iPads, including a "Do Not Disturb" while driving setting, the Files app and other helpful settings that were not mentioned.

Mobile: Android Tips and Tricks

The Best Android Tablets

After spending hundreds of hours over the past several years researching and testing tablets, we think the best full-featured Android tablet for most people right now is the Asus ZenPad 3S 10

15 best Android apps of 2017

Here it is ladies and gentlemen. The crème de la crème. The Android apps that stand alone at the top of the pantheon.

Android launcher apps: The best that you should try

You’ve probably seen this before happening, the old launcher gets boring and slow. At this point, you’ll want to download one of the Android launcher apps that are on the Google Play Store.

Walmart products are now available through Google Express and Home

Walmart finally makes its debut on Google Express and Home, with free shipping on orders of $35 or more.

It's not just you: Android Messages' notifications seem broken for some

Folks have taken to Google Play and the Android subreddit to report that Android Messages no longer notifies them of incoming messages.

The Equifax Scandal: How to Protect Yourself

This scandal is completely out of hand! 143 Million People here in the US have had all their most personal data stolen: Your most important data…SS Numbers, addresses, age, date-of-birth, driver’s license number and more. Its all out there in the hands of criminals, waiting to be used. Your identity and credit rating is all up for grabs!

For those who don’t know, Equifax is one of three major credit reporting companies that keep track and report your credit rating. When you apply for a loan, or a credit card, or even a new job, they report your credit information to the requesting agency.

Sometime early last summer, the idiots in their IT Department forgot to patch their servers with an important software update, leaving them vulnerable to attack…and they were attacked and massive amounts of data stolen.

The morons that ran that company apparently knew about it but did not make it public. To compound matters, some of the higher echelon officers sold their personal stock for millions, a criminal offense that is currently under investigation by the SEC. In August, all this became public.

Equifax then set up a Web site where members of the public could go to see if they were infected. The site gave erroneous information and could not be relied upon. Then to make matters worse, the idiots in IT entered an incorrect Web site that directed people to a fake site that got more of your personal information. Unbelievable! It just keeps getting worse and worse.

But the most important thing for all us victims is to protect ourselves as best we can from having our identity stolen. Here are a few things you can do.

First watch this very recent YouTube video, The Equifax Hack: How Can You Protect Yourself from Identity Theft?. This will give you the basic information and get you started.

The very first thing you should do today is set up a special Fraud Alert. It is free and good for 90 days. You contact one of the three credit reporting companies and fill out a form. The company will then notify the other two companies that you have an alert set up.

My suggestion is to stay away from Equifax and use Trans Union. Their form is on line and can be done in just a couple of minutes. Their site is at fraud.transunion.com. I also suggest you make a note on your calendar regarding the expiration date so you can renew it when it expires.

You can also do a credit freeze. It will cost you anywhere from $5 to $30 per company as you have to do this with each of the three credit agencies. Most experts I have listened to don’t recommend this method as it prevents all access to your credit records without your permission and could complicate your credit applications.

Instead, you might want to use an Identity Protections Service that continuously monitors your credit data and other sources looking for possible issues. The YouTube Video recommends Identity Force which also monitors Medical ID, Court Records and other locations for $10 a month. This is the one I am investigating.

There are also other companies that do the same such as LifeLock and ID Shield. Each has different plans at different prices. So I suggest you look at them all and make your decision. Too bad we can’t get Equifax to pay for this.

You might also want to start changing passwords. Consider using long, easily remembered phrases from now on. Also get a copy of your current credit report if you have not done so lately. For a free copy, go to www.annualcreditreport.com.

I hope all this helps. Sadly, there is more to come on this terrible story. –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Massachusetts sues Equifax over massive data breach

The suit alleges the credit reporting bureau violated state data protection and privacy laws by not installing appropriate safeguards

Fake website fools Equifax staff

The company set up a new website to share information with customers. But it mistakenly tweeted the wrong web address several times, leading some customers to a fake website.

After breach, SEC says hackers used stolen data to buy stocks

After accessing the Security and Exchange Commission's nonpublic filings, hackers may have used the stolen data to pad their portfolios with tomorrow's hot stocks.

Bill Gates regrets 'Control+Alt+Delete' on Windows

"If I could make one small edit, I'd make that a single key," said Gates.

Apple Watch Series 3 pros and cons, how-to, news and more

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the best overall smartwatch you can buy, but battery limitations and add-on fees keep it from being a must-have upgrade.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Office tip: The new AutoSave may not be as useful as you think

If you use Word the way that many people use Word, be careful with the new AutoSave feature

How to access the traditional Control Panel lost in the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft phased out the traditional Control Panel with the Windows 10 Creators Update, but with a few tweaks you can still access it.

Facing complaints, Microsoft adopts a kinder, gentler Windows 10 upgrade pace

As Windows 10 enters its third year, Microsoft has slowed its pace for delivering feature updates. That's a big change from its first two years, and Windows users are seeing the payoff.

How To Adjust Mouse Settings in Windows

To get anything useful done on many devices like a mouse, you’ll need to dive into the good old-fashioned Control Panel.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

13 hidden features in iOS 11

You don't need to buy an iPhone 8 (or an iPhone X for that matter) to get that shiny, new-iPhone feeling. All you need to do is upgrade to iOS 11.

How To Fix Lag In iOS 11

Did you download iOS 11 yesterday only to notice that your previously zippy (or at least tolerable) device has started to lag whenever you try to do, well, anything? You're not alone.

10 things to try after you install iOS 11

Here are 10 things you should definitely go play around with after you upgrade, along with some opinions about each of them.

T-Mobile boosts data throttling threshold to 50GB per month

Subscribers will get more data to consume starting Wednesday before they face a possible slowdown.

How to tweak your Google Calendar to make it easier to read

These four small changes to your Google Calendar can make it easier for you to focus on the details of your events.

Best Free Live Wallpapers for Android

The best collection of free live wallpapers to make your home screens exciting again.

Hey iPad and iPhone Users: iOS11 is Here!

It’s finally here and available now. iOS 11 is a major upgrade from the previous version and there might be a few changes that confuse you at first. But, I think you will like most of them. You can wait for your phone or iPad to notify you that it is ready, but you don’t have to.

This edition covers iOS 11 in depth (mostly in the Mobile Computing section)…at least the most important issues you need to know right up front (sorry Android users…no Android stories in this edition).

iOS11 is for iPhones 5S and 5SE on up. It is also available for iPad Mini 2 on up…iPad Air and all later models…and the iPod Touch, 6th Generation. If you are not sure if it is available for you device, check out this Web Page.

I have not installed it yet…probably tomorrow. But I hope you find this new upgrade useful.

Tech News and Opinions

iOS 11 Releases Today...best features, tips and download

You'll likely get a notification on your iPhone and iPad letting you know it's time to download a new version of iOS

Apple Quietly Raised Prices on a Few Products Last Week

Unlike the new Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPhones that Apple unveiled, these price hikes did not get their own press releases.

iPhone X's Face ID challenge: Getting you to trust it

Apple has a mountain to climb to get people to use Face ID. Here’s how the company will do it.

Hackers hid malicious code in popular CCleaner software

Avast-owned Piriform, which makes the computer-cleaning program, says no harm was done to any users but encourages people to check which version they have.

Windows 10 in 2018: Microsoft offers new glimpse of life after Fall Creators Update

Microsoft pushes out a new version of Redstone 4 to Windows Insiders.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Opinion: Why free VPNs are not a risk worth taking

Here's a question. If you're not paying for your VPN service, where is the provider getting the money to run it? The answer might cause you to lose some sleep.

Google Chrome Desktop Browser to Introduce Autoplay Blocking Features

One of the most common irritations of web browsing is unexpected media playback, which can eat up data allowance, consume more power, and cause unwanted noise.

How to display the current time in the title bar of any app

Titlebar Date-Time is a freeware program that adds a clock to the top of the active (selected) window.

Speed up Windows 10: Tips for a faster PC

Your Windows PC too slow? Here are nine speed tips to give your PC a performance boost without spending a dime.

How to Get Free eBooks In Exchange for Online Reviews

There’s a not-very-well-kept secret in the online book world: reviews are extremely valuable. The good news is that it’s easy to get started reviewing books, especially if you’re willing to do so for the new crop of independently-published authors.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

iOS 11 release date is today. Here's how to get your iPhone or iPad ready

Here's what you need to do to make sure that your upgrade goes smoothly and you don't lose any data.

iOS 11 review: Smarter, better, faster, bolder

Drag and Drop. Files.app. Enhanced intelligence and learning. Peer-to-peer Apple Pay. A new App Store design. Augmented Reality. Machine Learning. And more.

8 ways to speed up iOS 11 on older iPhones

Has your iPhone's performance taken a hit with the move to iOS 11? Learn how to speed it back up.

Drastic changes are coming to your iPhone with iOS 11

The first time you use your phone after updating to iOS 11, these changes just might catch you off guard.

iOS 11 Files Management App Easily Stores Your Files On All Devices

The Files app comes hand-in-hand with iOS 11, and it essentially keeps all your documents together and organized on your iPhone and iPad.

iOS 11's most underrated security feature? A password manager

The upcoming iOS 11 update means you'll never have to remember your app password again.

More Info and Tips From The iPhone Event

Tech News and Opinions

Five things we learned at the iPhone X event

Missed the Apple event? Never fear! Here are five awesome things we learned at the iPhone X event.

Why your new iPhone is more expensive

And it's not just the iPhone that's going to cost you more. The iPad Pro and Apple TV also went up.

Bluetooth hack could hit most devices, say researchers

More than 5 billion devices are vulnerable to a "highly infectious" malware attack. Go ahead, blame the internet of things.

Homeland Security bans Kaspersky Lab software across US government

Federal agencies have 90 days to remove Kaspersky Lab software from their systems.

Windows 10: Microsoft races to fix a ton of bugs for October's Fall Creators Update

We're not done with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update just yet, says Microsoft.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The Best Websites on the Internet

The websites on this list are those that we consider to be the best: genuinely useful, top-of-the-line sites (not apps) where you’ll find what you need.

25 Best Genealogy Websites for Beginners

We’ve included icons so you can see at a glance whether access to core content is FREE or not ($) or some of each FREE/($), and what services are offered: H ?=how-tos, R =records; S =share your data and T =tools.

How to stop Windows 10 apps from running in the background

You can stop Windows 10 apps from running in the background to save battery, bandwidth, and some system resources. In this guide, we show you how.

Microsoft: Edge: 18 New Extensions Added to Store

Among these 16 additions there is a new ad blocker, Twitch tools, mouse gestures, security tools, IP and domain information, and a place to keep your loyalty card information.

What’s the Difference Between a Font, a Typeface, and a Font Family?

To the chagrin of graphic designers and generally nerdy people everywhere, these terms are often used interchangeably.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Getting Apple's iPhone 8 or iPhone X? Here's your upgrade checklist

You do have an upgrade checklist, right? If not, let us help you prepare for the newest iPhone.

iPhone X: Hands on with Face ID, Portrait Lighting, and Animoji!

Going hands-to-steel-and-glass with Apple's new edge-to-edge iPhone X.

7 reasons you should keep your current iPhone

Shiny new models have arrived, but you shouldn't buy one -- not yet, anyway.

Play audio through your car stereo with this $13 Bluetooth FM Transmitter

Listening to the radio and its countless commercials regarding products you hardly ever care about can be such a waste of time.

Android Oreo: The best features

Goodbye Nougat, hello Oreo. Here's how your life will get better once your Android gets the update.

Best Android apps 2017: download these now

The current list of thebest free and paid-for Android apps. Definitely worth checking out.

iPhone 8 AND iPhone X? Yep!

Apple held its annual iPhone Announcement event today and as expected, announced their two new iPhone 8 models. But then, they added one more thing…the iPhone X (pronounced “10”). According to Apple, it is this phone that sets the trend for the next generation of smart phones.

That may very well be…and you can read about all 3 new iPhones below in our first 2 stories. The new Model 8 phones add some very nice features and will start at $699 and $799 (with some appropriate price drops in older model iPhones). The new iPhone X will start at $1,000. For me, it is hard to justify paying more for a smartphone than a new laptop. But I am sure it will sell well.

My immediate reaction was to prefer the iPhone 8 Plus rather than the X model (assuming price was not an issue). Why? The X has some features that might not be ready for prime time. One new feature is facial recognition to activate the phone rather than a finger print reader (the above photo shows how complicated the facial recognition hardware is). It actually failed during the on-stage demo. It may be too technically advanced and might easily fail. But, that is only my opinion. The model 8’s new features, especially in the camera functions, make it highly desirable, and probably more reliable.

Frankly, if my iPhone 6 Plus failed right now, I would probably buy an iPhone 6S Plus. Not only is it cheaper than the 7 and 8 models, but I hear far too many reports that the 6S Plus camera is better than the 7 Plus. And a good camera is probably the most important feature of today’s smartphones.

Although today’s show was 2 hours long, the only other new items introduced were the new Model 3 Apple Watch and a new Apple TV device. The new Apple Watch has some much improved features including the ability to listen to music and take phone calls without having to carry an iPhone. As for the Apple TV, it now can do 4K video which has been available for some time in other brands at cheaper prices (my advice…stick to Roku).

As for release date for the new iOS 11 OS for iPhones and iPads, it was only given one sentence during the show which was a surprise. FYI, it will be on 9/19. No mention was made about the release date for the new MacOS…also a surprise. iOS 11 is a huge update for Apple mobile devices so its near exclusion from the show is a bit of a mystery.

Anyway, it was an interesting event and was glad to see all the new Apple devices. If you want to watch it yourself, I am sure it will be on You Tube in a couple of days. If not, the stories below will give you an in-depth look at all the new iPhones. Enjoy. –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

iPhone X, iPhone 8, Apple TV 4K and all Apple just announced

Here's everything you missed from today's Apple event at the new Steve Jobs Theater.

Apple launches iPhone 8 and aims for next decade of smartphones with $1,000 iPhone X

Apple delivers two phones that are incremental upgrades and one that aims to set the stage for the next decade. Enter iPhone X.

Apple announces Apple TV 4K, available September 22 for $179

Apple is rolling out its first 4K-enabled set-top box, and it has been working with content creators to get plenty of 4K video on the platform. Pre-orders begin Sept. 15

Google: There's badness on the internet. But we're shielding 3 billion devices from it

Google says its Safe Browsing protects search, browsers, and apps to reach three billion devices.

Equifax Data Breach: Lawsuits Pile Up After Hacking

More than two dozen lawsuits have been filed against Equifax after the credit reporting company said thieves may have stolen personal information for 143 million Americans in one of the largest hackings ever.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Excel: Why your spreadsheet is so slow

How to deal with "Out of memory," "Not enough system resources," and more.

How to make a full backup of your Windows 10 PC

A PC recovery plan should always start with a full backup, and in this guide, we show you the steps to protect your system and data using Windows 10's system image backup tool.

Google Drive is being replaced by Backup and Sync: What to expect

For consumers, the switch should be straightforward. G Suite customers have a confusing decision to make, however.

How to spot a phishing email

Even if you have security software, phishing is a serious threat, one that can expose you to ransomware. Here's how to avoid these dangerous emails.

How to Find Old Versions of Your Favorite Desktop Programs

Here’s how to find them, install them, and keep them handy so you don’t have to use the updated versions.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Apple will release iOS 11 for iPhone, iPad on September 19

Apple will allow the masses to update to the latest iOS in the coming days, adding a new Control Center, new AR features, and more

Get your iPhone ready for iOS 11

Here's what you need to do to make sure that your upgrade goes smoothly and you don't lose any data.

What's the cheapest carrier for your expensive new iPhone?

So you blew your savings on the new model. Here's how to afford actually using it.

Is It Worth Upgrading to the iPhone 8 or iPhone X?

Whether you should upgrade depends on which phone you currently have. Here’s what we think:

Microsoft brings app add-ins to Outlook on Android

We hope your contacts are ready for reaction GIFs in their inbox.

The 43 best Android games of 2017

These are unequivocally the best Android games on the planet and some of the best games on any system right now.

Can Hackers Turn Off Your Power? Yep!

Tech News and Opinions

Hackers gain access to hundreds of global electric systems

Symantec warned that hackers now have login credentials and access to multiple power grids around the world, with the potential to cause blackouts.

The Google Drive app for PC and Mac is being shut down in March

Support will be cut off on December 11th and the app will shut down completely on March 12th, 2018.

Putin says the nation that leads in AI ‘will be the ruler of the world’

The Russian president warned that artificial intelligence offers ‘colossal opportunities’ as well as dangers.

Roku Channel delivers more free movies to cord cutters

The new channel creates a one-stop shop for free, ad-supported content on Roku streaming devices.

How to livestream NFL games when you don't have cable

Welcome to the cord cutter's guide to the 2017-18 NFL season.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Best PDF editors of 2017: Reviewed and rated

When you need to dig deep into a PDF file, these tools are your best friends.

How to delete Google from your life

Get rid of Google by deleting your account information and searching for alternative services

How Long Do Solid State Drives Really Last?

The market for SSDs has matured considerably, and we’ve got a lot more data on…well, data.

Best wireless keyboards: Cut the cord with Bluetooth and USB models offering extras galore

We hand-tested these wireless models to find better options for your daily driver.

Chrome 61 is now headed your way: Fixes 22 flaws, connects USB science kit to web

Chrome 61 for Windows, Mac, and Linux has started rolling out, with Android following in the next few weeks.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

So, Are You Going to Buy or Lease Your Next Phone?

The question is this: should you drop hundreds of bucks to buy your phone outright, or is leasing your device the way to go from here on out?

When will the iPhone's price drop?

With an expected iPhone 8 announcement just a week away, when should you expect iPhone 7 deals? iPhone 6 deals?

25 iPhone tips and tricks for 2017

Want to know how to capitalize on your iPhone’s potential? Read on for a few little known but useful tips that make everyday use of your iPhone easier and more convenient.

8 tips and tricks for iOS 11's Notes app you should know

Though it once felt like an app that was going nowhere, Notes is getting much, much better in iOS 11.

Best Cheap Android Phones of 2017

These rankings are constantly updated when new phones are released. What if you don’t need the absolute best? What if you just want an affordable phone that won’t make you pull your hair out?

How to Block Text Messages from a Certain Number on Android

Maybe it’s spam, maybe it’s from someone you don’t want to talk to, maybe it’s some other third thing. The point is, you don’t want to get them. So let’s block ’em.

Are You Depressed? Notify Google at Once!

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft sets Windows 10 Fall Creators Update release date

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be available worldwide on Oct. 17. Microsoft announced the drop date on Friday at the IFA event in Berlin.

Google Wants To Know If You're Depressed

Google is now expanding its medical remit to help Americans with their mental health. The search engine has partnered with the US National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer a new tool which will allow users located in the US to test if they're clinically depressed.

So what can you actually do with Linux? A guide for beginners

Linux is perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, photo management, financial management, and much more. Here's an overview.

Hurricane Harvey: How the wireless carriers fared

Wireless networks held up better than in previous disasters, but critics say more needs to be done to ensure people can get a signal in hard-hit areas.

711 million email addresses ensnared in "largest" spambot

The spambot has collected millions of email credentials and server login information in order to send spam through "legitimate" servers, defeating many spam filters.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google reveals its most-searched ‘How To’ tips

A fun, interactive site show what we need to know around the world

How to customize sound effects on Windows 10

Are you getting annoyed hearing the same sound effects every day on Windows 10? Here are the steps to customize the experience or disable sounds completely.

How to buy a laptop at the right time (and be much happier with your purchase)

Is there a best time to buy a new laptop? Absolutely.

Speed up Windows 10: Tips for a Faster Computer

Your Windows PC too slow? Here are nine speed tips to give your PC a performance boost without spending a dime.

Which Files Should You Back Up On Your Windows PC?

The most important rule of backups is that any important data should exist in two or more physical locations at once.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Once again, Apple is going to change smartphones forever -- by making them more expensive

The tenth-anniversary iPhone 8 may be the most anticipated iPhone to date, but the price tag is likely to make most gasp.

How to break free from the Apple ecosystem

There are several reasons you might want to explore other options, like Android phones and Windows computers.

Android 8.0 Oreo, thoroughly reviewed

We take a 20,000 word deep-dive on Android's "foundational" upgrades.

5 Best Android Apps of the Week

Every week we will highlight five of the best new or overlooked apps and games. You’re sure to find some hidden gems in these recommendations. Go forth and download!

4 ways to save a web page on an iPhone or Android phone

Instead of bookmarking a URL that might disappear tomorrow, try saving a web page—permanently—to your Android or iOS handset.

No Bars? Here’s Everything That Can Affect Your Cellular Signal Strength

Cell signal is weird. One moment you could have five bars, but walk a few feet and it drops to two.There’s a lot going on with cell reception, so let’s look at some of the main factors that affect it.