Want to Understand Net Neutrality? Burger King Will Explain

Tech News and Opinions

Burger King explains net neutrality

Burger King just put out this short video about net neutrality, and it’s actually pretty awesome. Don't miss it.

States and Cities Keep the Battle for Net Neutrality Alive

States are starting to make good on their promises to fight for net neutrality in the wake of the Federal Communications Commission's recent decision.

Amazon Alexa Loses Voice in Super Bowl Ad

Amazon’s Alexa loses its voice in the company’s new Super Bowl ad, starring CEO Jeff Bezos. — but a replacement seems to be on the way.

Microsoft issues emergency Windows update to disable Intel’s buggy Spectre fixes

Microsoft has been forced to issue a second out-of-band security update this month, to deal with the issues around Intel’s Spectre firmware updates.

What’s Coming in Windows 10’s Redstone 4 Update, Available March 2018

This article contains features that have arrived through Insider Preview version 17083, which was released on January 24, 2018.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 Free Driver Updater Tools (Updated January 2018)

These free driver updater programs make it easy to keep your drivers updated. Use one, and you won't need to deal with Device Manager so much, nor will you need to go find the right driver from your hardware maker yourself. JRC: I really like “ Driver Booster.” It works!

7 ways to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10

If you have used Windows 10 for a while, you might have noticed that the "old ways" of booting into Safe Mode no longer work. Here is how it works today.

Windows 10 privacy guide: How to take control

Where do you draw the line on personal privacy? The right options are different for everyone. In this guide, I show you which privacy settings help you create the right balance of privacy and convenience in Windows 10.

Opinion: Cheap Windows Laptops Will Only Waste Your Time and Money

You get what you pay for. And, while you will save money in the short term, you’ll pay for it in time, frustration, and ultimately money when you have to pay to replace or fix the laptop after it breaks.

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know about the cloud, explained

Updated: An introduction to cloud computing right from the basics up to IaaS and PaaS, hybrid, public, and private cloud.

Mobile Computing

The Best Portable Chargers For Every Need

If your phone is getting a little too old to last the day—a portable charger can keep you online. Here, we’ve rounded up the best chargers for your needs.

Best Android apps for following the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics

On February 9, 2018, the world is going to turn its eyes to PyeongChang, South Korea where the Winter Olympics are going to be held.

3 Ways to take a screenshot on Android

Whether or not your Android phone has a home button, here’s how to take a screenshot

Notes 101: How to Pin Important Notes to the Top of Folders

You need a way to quickly identify the notes that are most important, and that's where pinning comes in.

Apple Is Reportedly Redesigning iBooks, And It Could Change The Way You Read In A Major Way

Books itself is allegedly being revamped, with an improved interface that moves more immediately to the books you're currently reading and a redesigned digital bookstore space.

How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad

There are, on some occasions, reasons why you might want to sign out of one Apple ID and into another. Whatever your reason, here is how to do it.

Today’s Tips are Far More Interesting Than the News

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook killing news is the best thing that ever happened to news

The message is clear: in the messy news landscape of a post-Trump world, Facebook would like to distance itself from the ugly stuff. The stuff it doesn’t understand. The stuff it obviously can’t control.

5 ways your Amazon Prime subscription can make you healthy

I was surprised to discover just how much health and wellness content comes free with Prime.

Rebirth of the PC market? Holiday shipments grow for first time in 6 years

Worldwide shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations hit nearly 260 million units in 2017, the market's most stable year since 2011, according to IDC.

Warrantless phone, laptop searches at the US border hit record levels

One leading Democratic senator says the newly-enacted directives explicitly allow border officials to try to bypass the password or encryption on a device without reasonable suspicion.

Saying goodbye to Windows 8: Where did it all go wrong?

Microsoft's ill-fated operating system was a 'bet-the-company' moment that didn't pay off.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Office 365 Apps Now Available to Everyone in the Windows 10 Store

The entire Office suite isn’t available from the Microsoft Store, but the core apps are here — which means you can get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and OneNote. Note: Download each app individually.

Google Chrome now lets you permanently mute annoying websites

The best new feature of the new Chrome is the ability to mute entire sites that autoplay videos. There are a number of sites on the web that have decided to annoy users by playing videos that follow you while you scroll a page with the sound on.

Firefox 58 arrives with tracker blocking to make browsing faster, and fixes for dozens of security flaws

Firefox 57 had a critical flaw that could be triggered when the browser makes a WebRTC connection using "touch tone" signals common in old landline handsets

How to create a full system backup in Windows 10

It's an oldie but goodie: Creating a system image of your Windows 10 PC in case your hard drive goes belly up and you need to recover your files, settings and apps.

This Incredibly Detailed Time Tracker Is Free

Who knows where the time goes when you're at your computer? If that's a problem for you, then here's a possible solution.

Mobile Computing

iOS 11.2.5 is now available for iPhone and iPad

The update primarily adds support for HomePod ahead of its release next month, but includes a few other goodies as well.

Apple will soon let you turn off its iPhone-slowing software

The tweak is arriving in an upcoming iOS update set to arrive this spring.

What Is 5G, and How Fast Will It Be?

5G is supposed to be faster than a typical home cable internet connection today…and it’s wireless, too.

Launcher 10 brings a dash of Windows Phone to Android

Say hello to Launcher 10, one of the Android home screen options I've been using regularly. It's the closest thing you can get to a real Windows Phone experience on Android today.

How to save and sync your passwords for free

One of the top-rated password managers includes cross-platform syncing in its free offering. Here's how to get started.

Google's Files Go app uses AI to declutter your phone

Files Go is a storage manager that automatically looks through your device's apps and internal storage to serve up recommendations on files you can delete.

Is The iPhone X Headed for Oblivion So Soon?

Tech News and Opinions

Apple may discontinue iPhone X when next model arrives

An noted analyst predicts Apple will kill off the original iPhone X once the second-generation model hits stores.

iPhone 8 sold better than the iPhone X in 2017

The iPhone X’s new design notwithstanding, a new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) relays that Apple’s flagship iPhone was not the most popular iPhone model during the recent holiday quarter.

Amazon Go: No checkers, no lines. We take a look

The new Amazon Go store in Seattle features something different: no cashiers. All you need is the Go app on your phone and an Amazon account.

Whole Foods employees reveal why stores are facing a crisis of food shortages

Whole Foods employees say the problems began before the Amazon acquisition. They blame the shortages on a buying system called order-to-shelf that Whole Foods implemented across its stores early last year.

6 ways to keep packages from getting stolen off your porch

Defend yourself against "porch pirates" and other would-be package thieves.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

This site makes browsing Netflix simple again

Tired of spending more time trying to find something to watch on Netflix than actually watching stuff? Flixable aims to fix that.

Protect your PC with Windows 10's anti-ransomware tool

Enable the new anti-ransomware protection in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update to lower the odds of becoming a victim of the next ransomware attack.

How to get started with Story Remix in Photos on Windows 10

Microsoft introduces Story Remix, which is a new experience that makes it super easy to take your pictures and videos to create videos that bring your content to life with transitions, 3D effects, soundtracks, and styles.

The ultimate Windows 10 Fall Creators Update resource guide

In this new release, Windows 10 brings a new set of small and big features and improvements, including visual changes, support for emoji, and even a better handwriting experience. OneDrive Files On-Demand brings placeholders back.

PC-phone convergence is happening, but not how you think

Instead of phones becoming more multifunctional and replacing laptops, new computers at CES 2018 are embracing the best phone features.

Mobile Computing

How to back up and restore text messages on Android

Backing up text messages on Android isn't part of Google's cloud service, mainly because Google isn't in the text messaging business. But it can be done!

5 Best Android Apps of the Week

Here are 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!

How to Use the Amazon Alexa App on Your Smartphone

Amazon’s artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant, Alexa, is spreading like wildfire and we’re seeing more and more useful Alexa skills roll out every day. I

20 handy things you didn't know Google Photos can do

If you’re not using Google Photos, there is one good reason to at least try it. How’d you like to have an unlimited backup of all your photos and videos

How to tell if your iPhone battery needs replacing

Apple is now offering to swap the battery in older iPhone's for $29, but will having this done speed up your device?

How to use Alexa’s voice support on your iPhone, right now

Here's how to access Alexa's voice commands on iOS. Plus, a tip for using Alexa on your phone to control your home from anywhere.

Net Neutrality: Let the Lawsuits Begin!

Tech News and Opinions

Wave of lawsuits filed to block net-neutrality repeal

A group of attorneys general for 21 states and the District of Columbia sued Tuesday to block the rules. So did Mozilla, the maker of the Firefox browser, public-interest group Free Press and New America's Open Technology Institute. Others may file suit as well

Congress demanded NSA spying reform. Instead, they let you down

Both the House and Senate reauthorized the controversial surveillance powers, without any meaningful debate, amendments, or privacy reforms.

Apple expands US capital spending, plans to add 20,000 jobs, invest in data centers

Apple joins the chorus of companies outlining revised capital spending plans, as it repatriates offshore cash to the US.

CES 2018: Alexa, Google Assistant want to be everywhere this year

These voice assistants want to be on the go with you, plugging into smart glasses, smart earbuds and even smart toilets.

What is the Internet of Things? Everything you need to know about the IoT right now

The Internet of Things explained: what the IoT is, and where it's going next.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Is my PC vulnerable to Meltdown and Spectre? InSpectre tells you

Steve Gibson's free InSpectre tool tells you if your PC is patched against the Meltdown and Spectre CPU exploits.

5 ways to clean up your Facebook news feed

Has your Facebook news feed become a jumble of uninteresting or annoying posts that you skip over to get to the stuff you do care about? It doesn't have to be that way.

Excel percentage formulas: Percentage of total, percent increase or decrease, sales tax and more

These formulas can get you through everyday tasks from determining sales tax (and tips) to calculating increases and decreases.

9 ways to protect and fix cords around the home

Instead of buying new cords, there are many ways to keep your cords like new with inexpensive items.

Think Firefox Quantum is fast? Try Firefox 58, out next week, says Mozilla

The incoming Firefox 58 brings faster page loads thanks to a new compiler and streaming compilation.

Mobile Computing

Turn your iPhone/Android into a satellite phone

Being out of cellphone reception is no problem if you own a satellite phone. Here's how to never miss a call again no matter where you are in the world, and yet still keep your iPhone or Android device.

CES 2018: Alexa, Google Assistant want to be everywhere this year

These voice assistants want to be on the go with you, plugging into smart glasses, smart earbuds and even smart toilets.

Popular app CCleaner for Android could be turning into crapware

The app is being completely reskinned and rebranded to “Avast CleanUp.” They have removed some of the core features, but yet the app is now 5 times larger.

How to See Your Most Used Apps on Android

Have you ever wondered which apps consume most of your time? The best part is that finding this info is as simple as installing an app from the Play Store.

How to set up a new iPhone by restoring it from an older device

How to to transfer the contents of an older iOS device with a newer replacement, but the newer iOS hardware is already set up and running, just not with your stuff.

How to use the World Clock on iPhone and iPad

About to call the grandparents in the Old Country but aren't sure if it's the middle of the morning or the middle of the night? About to travel and want to keep track of the time where you're going even if you haven't gotten there yet? Don't worry — the World Clock for iPhone and iPad has you covered!

Who is the Best Cheap Cell Phone Service? Answer Here

Check out the best cell phone services that don’t cost and arm and a leg. Leave the big boys behind. Read our first story in the Mobile Computing Section.

Also read the the first story in the Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks section on how to avoid going over your home Internet data cap. Nothing but good tips and timely information in this edition of Rants and Raves.

PS: As for the CES Show in Las Vegas, I will have a complete wrap-up in our next edition. Frankly, I was not very impressed with this year’s show.Lots of robots and new voice-activated services, mostly by Google and Amazon.

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft: No more Windows patches at all if your AV clashes with our Meltdown fix

Your antivirus must be compatible with Microsoft's Meltdown-Spectre fixes for you to get patches this month or in future.

House votes to renew surveillance powers revealed by Snowden

The vote gives the NSA the power to continue collecting information sent over the internet by foreigners outside the US

Hundreds of Smartphone Apps Are Spying on Your TV Watching. Here’s How to Disable Them

That’s kind of a non-optional part of modern living: amassing huge amounts of consumer data is how companies like Google operate.

Opinion: Everything is too complicated

Most people have no idea how any new gadgets work, and are already hopelessly confused by the tech they have.

Everything you need to know about Prime Reading

It is a private library that lets Prime members read free. Prime Reading includes a selection of more than 1,000 books and magazines.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Avoid Going Over Your Home Internet’s Data Cap

If you find yourself within these artificial constraints set by your ISP, you have to carefully watch what you do online. Here are some tips to keep you under your cap and free from overage charges.

How to Use Rulers in Microsoft Word

Word’s rulers let you control the margins of your page and the indentation of paragraphs. They’re great for precisely lining up images, text, and other elements

How to connect your phone to your Windows 10 PC

With Fall Creators Update, you can link an iPhone or Android phone to your PC so you can start browsing on your phone and continue on your computer.

3 browser annoyances and how to fix them

In their unyielding efforts to catch eyeballs, websites often resort to aggressive tactics to engage you, the fickle, easily-distracted web reader.

What Is Microsoft Azure, Anyway?

If you’ve followed Microsoft news, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure. This cloud computing service is a big part of Microsoft’s business, and it competes with similar services from Amazon and Google.

Mobile Computing

The cheapest cell phone plans available

These alternative carriers offer the cheapest cell phone plans you can get today. JRC: I dropped Verizon some months ago and now use Cricket. Very happy with them as the company is owned by AT&T and uses them as a carrier.

Outlook 101: How to Connect Third-Party Apps to Your Calendar

Outlook (for iOS) will let you connect four third-party applications with its in-app calendar: Evernote, Facebook, Wunderlist, and Meetup

How to fix slow multitasking on iPhone and iPad

If you find that multitasking is slow on your iPhone or iPad, you might need to turn off the Accessibility Shortcut.

The Best Apps to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Set goals, get fit, eat smarter, keep calm, sleep better, and learn new skills in 2018. For iOS and Android.

What To Do If Your Smartphone Is Hot

Most phones also have safety measures built in. That said, it’s still possible for your smartphone to get hot; maybe even too hot. Here’s what to do.

CES 2018: 8 awesome Android announcements you might have missed

While the Intel-AMD love affair and Google Assistant-powered speakers might have snagged most of the headlines, Android fans still found enough cool things on the show floor to entertain them.

Spend $13 to add wireless charging to your Android phone

It's amazingly easy and affordable to add this capability to your existing phone. Here's how.

Updates on Processor Security Flaws & Net Neutrality

Some good news on both fronts. First, Microsoft has patched the security flaws on Intel Chips running Windows 10. In the last edition, I noted I had not received the update yet. The following day, all my Windows-based computers were updated. Firefox, Safari, and Edge have also issued patches for your protection. Chrome says it has one coming in its next update on the 25th.

Apple Mac computers were partially fixed in the last MAC OS update with another fix coming in the next update now in testing. A patch for their iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) were issued in the last 24 hours with the release of iOS version 11.2.2 (see below). If you use the iPhone or iPad, make sure you update.

All the fixes issued will probably slow down your devices. The good news is that the slowdown will not be noticeable on either Windows 10, MAC, or iOS devices. The bad news is Microsoft is warning that Windows 7 and 8 computer users will notice a decrease in system performance. Also in the bad news category, some AMD-based computers are crashing after the update. And some Anti-Virus software is still blocking the updates.

The slowdown will also be quite noticeable on computers running Linux…up to 30% slowdown. As noted in an article we ran last week, Linux is used to run cloud storage services like iCloud, Amazon Cloud Services, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others. These companies are working full time to fix this issue.

The reason for the slowdown is the vulnerability lies in the section of chips that work to speed up computer processing. But, as I said, most of us will not notice any slowdown in our computing. I sure haven’t.

As for Net Neutrality, 30 Senators have banded together to force a vote in the US Senate to overturn the FCC ruling. If it passes there, it will go to the House for a vote. If that passes, it goes to the President for his signature. The bad news is the President will almost certainly veto it. 

However, after the official FCC ruling is published in the Federal Register, look for a ton of lawsuits to be filed. This is going to be a fight to the death.

Tech News and Opinions

Senate will force vote on overturning net neutrality repeal

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) has mustered the 30 votes necessary to force a vote on the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality.

Net neutrality suit gains support from tech’s biggest companies

Just one day after Ajit Pai's FCC released the text of its order to gut net neutrality, a lobbying group that represents the largest tech companies in the world has decided to take legal action.

Microsoft says older Windows versions will face greatest performance hits after Meltdown, Spectre patches

Windows 7 and Windows 8 users running older processors, like 2015-era Haswell or older chips, will be most affected by performance issues.

Intel announces 'major breakthrough' in quantum computing chip

Intel has announced a 49-qubit quantum chip at CES 2018, with CEO Brian Krzanich calling it a major breakthrough in quantum computing and the next step to "quantum supremacy".

AMD Is Making a Really Great Case For Ditching Intel-based Computers

AMD's new processors are not the slow and cheap alternative. It’s, potentially, the faster and cheaper alternative.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Check if Your PC Is Protected Against Meltdown and Spectre

Warning: Even if you’ve installed patches from Windows Update, your PC may not completely protected from the Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws. Here’s how to check if you’re fully protected, and what to do if you aren’t.

Why You Should Switch From Google Chrome to Firefox

It’s just as fast, if not faster, than Chrome, and integrates tools to boost your privacy online while making it easier to share and save everything you find on the web.

Don't Buy A Hard Drive Until You've Read This.

Which manufacturers' drives are the most reliable, and which models are worth paying slightly more for?

Amazon Bringing Alexa to Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft is partnering with some of the biggest Windows device makers, including the likes of Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Acer, to bring Alexa to new Windows 10 devices this year.

Tech tricks to help you organize your digital photo library

Get more out of Google Photos and Apple Photos.

Mobile Computing

Apple releases iOS 11.2.2 for iPhone and iPad

The patch is to fix the Spectre vulnerability that came to light earlier this month. Definitely install this one ASAP.

The iPad Gestures You Should Master

From the always-on Dock to the new multitasking options, you’ll need to figure out how to move your fingers around that screen if you ever want to ditch that laptop for good and go tablet-only.

How to tell if your iPhone battery needs replacing

Apple is now offering to swap the battery in older iPhone's for $29, but will having this done speed up your device?

Google Pay combines Android Pay and Google Wallet under one brand name

The times they are a-changin’ for Google’s payment systems. The company has announced the merger of Android Pay and Google Wallet into a single brand, Google Pay.

Android Phones with the Best Battery Life

As a companion to the Best Android Phones, we’ve rounded up the Android Phones with the Best Battery Life. If you need a big battery to get through the day, these are the phones for you.

Android security: Flashlight apps on Google Play infested with adware were downloaded by 1.5m people

Android users looking for simple tools found their devices infected with aggressive LightsOut adware.

Special Edition: The Huge Security Flaw in All Processors

Do you own a Desktop computer? How about a laptop? What about a smart phone or tablet? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have a big security problem. The whole tech world is abuzz about this newly discovered security flaw infecting most computing devices. And unlike security exploits of the past, this one is not software or OS centered…this one is built into your computer’s main processor chip. That includes all manufacturers…Intel, AMD, and ARM.

And while it has just been uncovered this week, the flaw has been built into processors since 1995!!! That is amazing.

There are two exploits, currently in the wild, that can hack these flaws. Known as Meltdown (only affects Intel chips) and Spectre, they can take over your computing device and get all your information.

The problem can only be fixed via software updates. There is nothing Intel or the other chip manufacturers can do about it. So, major companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google and others are working on fixes. Microsoft has created a fix and started sending it out on an emergency basis yesterday. As of late this afternoon, none of my PC’s or laptops have received it.

Apple has also created a fix for its MAC operating system, but there is no evidence my MAC has received it yet. Apple is not commenting about fixes for iPads or iPhones.

This vulnerability has only been uncovered in the last couple of days, so there is a lot of misinformation out there. I’ve put together a special section for this edition about this vulnerability and what is being done. I have eliminated all the misleading info and just published the important information about the flaws, what is being done and what you can do to protect yourself.

The regular sections about computing normally included in this newsletter are still here, so you better start reading. I hope all this info helps. –JRC

 

Computer Chips Security Flaw News

What you need to know about the Intel flaw everyone's freaking out about

Silicon Valley is abuzz about 'Meltdown' and 'Spectre' – new ways for hackers to attack Intel, AMD, and ARM processors that were first discovered by Google last year, and publicly disclosed Wednesday.

How to protect yourself from Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws

Practically every modern processor is vulnerable. We're updating this list of fixes as they become available.

Microsoft pushing out emergency fix for newly disclosed processor exploit

Outside of its normal Patch Tuesday cadence, Microsoft is issuing an emergency update to address a recently discovered processor exploit.

Windows Meltdown-Spectre patches: If you haven't got them, blame your antivirus

Microsoft has warned users that its patches for the dangerous Meltdown CPU bug won't reach them if their third-party antivirus hasn't been updated to support this week's Windows security update.

Intel Misled Industry on Security Vulnerabilities

Caught in the center of a security vulnerability storm, Intel has done the unthinkable and understated the severity of the problems. Yes, there is a lot of blame to go around here.

Other Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft patent points to folding dual-screen notebook

The patent contains a number of images depicting a unique hinge and a few that show a foldable, two screen device that appears to work in a number of configurations.

Reddit posts show increase in misinformation in 2016 Election

Researchers find a surge in links to controversial sites and redditors from "fringe" forums. The company's CEO says Reddit is "digging deeply" on potential abuse

2017 was a dumpster fire of privacy and security screw-ups

2016 may have killed every famous person we ever cared about, but it was tame compared to the dumpster fire of security screw-ups and privacy violations that 2017 had in store. Here's our look back.

Opinion: Apple seems to have forgotten about the whole 'it just works' thing

I didn't spend the big dollars of Apple hardware only to have to put up with continual software headaches.

White House puts the kibosh on personal phones

Next week personal phones will not be allowed in the West Wing.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

The best PC games of 2017

These games stand out even in a banner year for gaming.

The Best Non-Mechanical Keyboards

There are still plenty of keyboards on the market using conventional rubber dome and scissor-switch construction, if you like that sort of thing.

How to Fix a Stuck or Repeating Key on Your Mechanical Keyboard

If a single key on your keyboard is either efusing to egister or rrrrepeating when you strrrrrrike it, you have a few options for fixing the problem before replacing the entire keyboard.

How to Get Detailed Information About Your PC

Sometimes, you need to find information about your PC—things like what hardware you’re using, your BIOS or UEFI version, or even details about your software environment.

How to fix your Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi trouble? The tips and tricks in our troubleshooting guide will help solve your problems.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Best e-reader apps for iPad in 2018

Your iPad is a great device for reading books, magazines, and other content, you just need the right app! Here are our favorite e-reader apps for iPad.

How to Remove Apple Music from the iPhone’s Music App

Apple Music is heavily integrated into your iPhone’s Music app. This is great if you’re a subscriber, but the constant prompts and reminders to join get pretty tiresome if you’re not.

100+ Apps iOS Users Need on Their iPhones in 2018

There are a lot of apps out there that can help streamline and enhance your experience beyond Apple's own default options — and we've hand-picked over 100 essentials.

100+ Apps Android Users Need on Their Phones in 2018

From custom launchers and icon packs to weather apps and file explorers, there's something for everyone in this list.

Best tip ever: Set up Find My Device as soon as you get your phone

There are several options available for remotely tracking your Android phone, but Google's own Find My Device service is one of the most convenient around.

17 Social Apps That Will Actually Make You Social

For iOS and Android

Amazon’s Biggest Holiday Hit…The Echo Dot

Happy New Year from Tucson! I hope 2018 will be a good one for all of us.

Amazon had a banner Christmas gift season, as you might imagine. Their biggest seller by far was the Echo Dot. Millions were sold, according to Amazon…And I was one of those millions. Could not resist it at the sale price they offered for much of the shopping season…$29.99 (regularly $49.99).

It is sitting on my desk, near my computer. And if find myself using it several times a day. I will often ask it the current temperature…or to play my current Audible book. As it is tied directly to my Amazon account, it knows I live in Tucson…and it knows where I left off in my book. On New Years Eve, it actually sang Auld Lang Syne to me! That was a surprise.

But the biggest surprise occurred when I told it to turn on My Amazon Fire Stick and play music on Pandora. I wasn’t sure if it could do that, but it did. It has thousands of uses and commands it can obey, and I’ve barely scratched  the surface. Some may consider it a toy, but it is much more than that. I like it and will keep using it. I was not sure I would like it when I purchased it, but I do.

The other big story that has emerged this last week regards the iPhone battery on older iPhones. After several articles appeared showing that Apple was slowing down older iPhones, Apple admitted it was true and apologized. They said it was done to preserve battery life on older phones where the battery was diminished in its capacity to hold a charge. Of course they never told anyone they were doing it, which caused ever more outrage.

So, Apple last week announced they will replace older iPhone batteries on iPhone models 6, 6+, 6S and 6S+ for only $29 (reg. $79) for all of 2018...even if they are working fine. As I have a 6+, I will be taking advantage of their offer.

These stories and more are all below so why not get started. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon reveals its biggest hit this holiday season, and it involves Alexa

The diminutive Dot sold in the “millions,” the ecommerce giant revealed.

Everything Amazon’s Alexa can do, plus the best skills to enable

Make the most out of Alexa by using these features and skills each day.

Apple will replace old iPhone batteries, regardless of diagnostic test results

Whether or not the battery retains less than 80 percent of its original capacity, Apple will replace your battery for $29. Offer good for all of 2018. (more info below)

Comcast accused of enrolling customers in programs without consent

Washington's Attorney General has filed an amended complaint alleging that Comcast subscribed more than half of its Service Protection Plan customers without consent since the option was first available in 2011.

This cartographer's deep dive into Google Maps is fascinating

Google Maps is far more powerful than you know

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Free Lightroom alternative Darktable is now available on Windows

Darktable is an open source "virtual light table and darkroom for photographers," and one that frequently pops up on "free Adobe alternative" lists online.

What’s the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?

You can tell whether a strip provides surge protection with just a few seconds of examination.

Free for all: How to find free (and legal) books and movies

Don’t be a pirate! There's an endless amount of public domain content on the internet, if you know where to look.

20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want

This list of 20 tips for Windows 10 will help you get a handle on your installation so that you can make it work the way you want it to work—as it should be.

These 7 features show why you should use Google Photos to store and manage all your photos and videos

Google Photos is Google's photo management service that works both as a gallery app on smartphones, tablets, and the web, as well as a good piece of software that uses the company's artificial intelligence to make cool stuff with your photos and videos.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

7 signs Apple may be slowing your old iPhone

When should you seek out Apple's new $29 battery replacement? Here are some pretty good indicators.

How to get Apple's $29 iPhone battery replacement

What you need to know, and what you need to do.

8 ways to speed up your old, tired iPhone

Apple is slowing down older iPhones to conserve battery life. Use these tips to boost your phone's performance.

Get these essential apps for your new iPhone or iPad

If you're lucky enough to be given a new iPhone this holiday season, or used gift money towards buying the devices, the first thing on your mind is deciding what apps to download. Here is a list of essential apps that you really should consider using on your brand new hardware.

The 11 best apps for your new Android phone

If you're setting up a phone for the first time, here are 11 apps worth downloading that you might have missed.

9 Waze tips to get where you're going faster

Unlock the full power of the Waze navigation app.

A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

Tis the season! This time of year is when tech news gets a little slow. Not much going on as many of the tech companies are pretty much shut down. So putting a tech blog together gets a little difficult. But not to worry…the Computer Electronic Show kicks in right after the new year so we will start off January with a big bang.

With that in mind, I will take Christmas week off, then come back in January with more tech news and tips. I still was able to put together one last 2017 blog here with some interesting news and more tips and tricks for your computing pleasure.

I just want to thank you all for taking the time to read all my rants and raves and hope you found some good information here that make it all worth it. So until January, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon is planning to end it's Music Storage Service

You can no longer upload tracks as of this week. If you have a subscription plan and music in the cloud locker, you won’t be able to stream or download your MP3s after January 2019.

Massive Windows Insider build finally adds Timeline and Sets, revamps My People and more

This looks like the first massive feature update of Redstone 4, the next update for Microsoft's Windows 10, coming in the Spring.

Why Net Neutrality Will Be a Campaign Issue in 2018

If you're sick of hearing about net neutrality, we've got bad news: The issue's only going to get bigger.

Report: Apple plans to unify iOS, Mac apps next year

This is still a strong rumor at this time, but the source is usually impeccable. The announcement could come over the summer, with a release later in 2018.

Massive leak exposes data on 123 million US households

An unsecured database contained a wide range of personal details about virtually every American household, researchers say.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

This $35 Program For Aspiring Novelists Is Now Free

Many professional writers use a dedicated program to help them manage their chapters as well as their research notes.

Make 2018 Happen with Evernote’s 2018 Planner Templates

The 2018 Evernote planner templates are here! This year, thanks to the new tables feature, the planners are more versatile, easier to work with, and more fun than ever before.

How to set up your new computer

If you get a new computer for Christmas, here is how to set up antivirus, clear out bloatware, and perform other tasks to keep your PC humming well into the future.

How to Fix Windows Explorer Showing Drives Twice in the Sidebar

When you plug in an external drive to a Windows 10 machine, it appears as a separate entry in the navigation pane in Windows Explorer. But it also appears as an entry in the nested item under “This PC.

Net Neutrality is Over. It's time to get a VPN.

After the rollback, ISPs can now sell user information directly to companies that mine personal data without the consent of consumers. Where internet privacy is concerned VPNs are a place for individuals to start.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

10 best Android phones 2017: which should you buy?

The big names are all here; Samsung, Sony, LG and Huawei are at the fore. The many variations in screen size, processor power, software features and design makes finding the best Android phone for you extremely tough.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Here are new apps for this week with fewer than 100,000 installs that show promise.

50 Free Apps To Make You An Incredibly Productive Person

Communicate with ease, tame your schedule, and get things done with these great tools. For iOS and Android.

Apple admits it slows older iPhones

The company says the practice targets problems -- like unexpected shutdowns -- caused by aging batteries or cold conditions.

How to Use the iOS 11 Files App

Here's your quick guide to the iOS 11 Files app, which lets you connect services, add, manage, and share files, and much more

Social Planning Apps for iPhone

With these apps, you can not only look through the places you want to go and find out how to get there, but read reviews and book tables and tickets.

Ajit Pai Destroys Net Neutrality…Then Insults Our Intelligence with Condescending Video

You will not believe this video! The chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai goes all out to bring down Net Neutality and hand over control of the Internet to giant corporations to do with what they will. Then, he has the audacity to make a stupid video that mocks our intelligence to tell us all is well! I still wonder who paid for this video. But, if you would like to see it, just click on this link. You won’t believe your eyes!

In spite of this, we are not done fighting for Net Neutrality…not by a long shot. Our first two stories outline what is being done to stop this corporate giveaway. So, keep the faith and hope that common sense will eventually prevail. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

The real battle for net neutrality begins: The people v. FCC

The FCC will not be getting the last word on the fate of net neutrality.

California, Washington, NY take steps after net neutrality vote

After the FCC voted down the Obama-era rules, lawmakers and attorneys general in three states say they're ready to fight.

The Biggest Whoppers From the FCC's Net Neutrality Meeting

Over the objections of the commission's two Democrats, the three Republican members, including Chair Ajit Pai, voted to overturn protections put in place in 2015—but not before fudging a few facts.

Apple TV, Google Chromecast return to Amazon

The e-commerce powerhouse adds five Apple TV and Chromecast devices to its online store, offering an olive branch to both Google and Apple.

Chrome will start blocking ads on February 15

Google this year joined the Coalition for Better Ads, a group that offers specific standards for how the industry should improve ads for consumers.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 tip: How to disable unwanted startup programs

It seems like every third-party software developer insists on automatically running its own programs every time you start your PC. Windows 10 offers a powerful tool to help you determine how much of an impact those programs have on performance and shut down those you don't want.

Best laptop deals: 7 excellent discounts for last-minute shoppers

There's still time to get some online shopping done.

How to automatically mute a website within Google Chrome, forever

Annoying autoplaying videos might still appear, but Chrome 64 ensures that you won't have to listen to them

Microsoft adds more AI smarts to Office 365

In addition to new AI-focused upgrades to Cortana and Bing, the company also announced several new tools for Word, Excel and Outlook to help you make the most of your data, organizational content and more.

10 killer PC upgrades that are shockingly cheap

Looking to put more pep in your PC's step? These surprisingly cheap PC upgrades and accessories do the trick without breaking the bank.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Incredible Wireless Plan from Mint. Save Big!

If you buy three months of coverage up-front, right now, you get three more months for free. That means that you will pay about $7.50 (before taxes) per month for the next six months of service. Or a total of $45 (before taxes).

The Best Things Google Assistant Can Do on Your Android Phone

the more you use it, the more you’ll learn about it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

You Can Play This HQ Trivia Knockoff On Your Android Phone Right Now

HQ Trivia has gone from a cool new app to a full-fledged phenomenon, pulling in hundreds of thousands of players multiple times per day for the chance to win some cash by answering live trivia questions.

11 iPhone email tips you'll wish you'd known all along

I can't quit the stock iOS Mail app. I've had brief dalliances with other email apps, but I keep coming back to the Mail app. As a result, this long-time Mail app Gmailer has picked up a few tricks along the way.

Elevate Your Photography With the 20 Best Camera Apps for the iPhone

Whether you’re looking for a new way to shoot, edit, or organize your photos, these are the best camera apps for the iPhone that’ll turn any boring shot into a masterpiece.

The 25 Best New Apps Of 2017

From all-new upstarts to dramatically improved old favorites, these apps for phones, tablets, PCs, and the web offer something for everyone.

It’s Over…For Now. The Bad Guys Won

Tech News and Opinions

The FCC just killed net neutrality

“​This is not good,” Commissioner Rosenworcel says. “Not good for consumers. Not good for businesses. Not good for anyone who connects and creates online.” It puts the FCC “on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of the American public.”

Hypocrisy at the FCC and the illusion of transparency

It has been clear for months, however, that Pai does not intend to do the right thing where the internet — our internet — is concerned.

Chromebooks and Office 365 together will challenge Windows laptops

With Microsoft porting Office 365 to Chromebooks, a big reason to stick with Windows has gone out the door.

Tech's leaps, limps and likes: The 7 trends that defined 2017

ZDNet's top editors from across the globe postulate on a year that the technology industry lost some luster, but kept rolling out new disruptions anyway.

Why 2017 Was a Year to Remember for Microsoft Corporation

Earnings beats and cloud computing growth were just two top highlights.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Top Windows 10 questions: How to install, secure, upgrade, get it for free

n 2017, Ed Bott answered hundreds of questions about Windows 10. Here are the topics that readers found most interesting.

Firefox Quantum: 170 million installs so far, as more Chrome users jump ship

Firefox sees a bump in installs from Chrome users after the big Quantum overhaul.

How to use Word to create holiday cards and other projects

Use fonts, text boxes, and custom paper settings to design your creations.

How to fix your Wi-Fi network

Here is a look at a number of common scenarios that cause Wi-Fi problems and how to solve them, whether you’re running your own network or trying to connect to someone else’s using any platform.

What Is a “Blockchain”?

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you might have heard about something called a blockchain. It’s a concept that makes data ultra-secure for specific uses.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

T-Mobile gets into paid TV market

It's acquiring a TV tech startup that will help it get into the TV market, with service starting in 2018.

How to Save Photos from the iPhone Notes app to Your Photo Library

If you’re a heavy user of Apple’s Notes app on your iPhone, you’ve probably noticed a slightly weird behavior: unlike almost every other app, if you take a photo in Notes, it isn’t saved to the Photos app.

Tips for shooting portraits on your Apple iPhone X (or any phone)

We've put together our best tips for shooting incredible portraits on your phone.

10 texting tips to gain control of iMessage

These are the not-so-obvious tips iPhone pros use.

Google releases three photography ‘appsperiments’

These are small apps that perform a basic function using experimental technology, much like Motion Stills. The latest three releases are all photography apps.

Grammarly releases Android keyboard to make your grammar more better

The new Grammarly Keyboard will pedantically pick apart everything you write in search of grammatical errors.

Vote to Let Corporations Control the Internet is on Thursday

The end of Net Neutrality is upon us. The FCC, led by its corporate puppet Ajit Pai, will vote on Thursday to end Net Neutrality and allow all the giant telecommunications companies take over control of the Net with no restrictions. This is just criminal! I think it is a violation of the First Amendment. It will now be up to Congress and the Courts to stop this nonsense.

Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit and Airbnb were among 200 firms that signed a letter warning FCC Chairman Ajit Pai not to roll back net neutrality, saying it would be a disaster. Millions of ordinary citizens have written the FCC begging them not to do this. Congress has asked that PAI postpone the vote and turn over a million possible fake letters supporting the end of Net Neutrality. All have been ignored. It is the job of the FCC to protect us. Pai and his cronies are protecting the giant telecommunications firms and will let them write the rules.

Because of the importance of this issue and its closeness to the final vote, I have broken my own rule of including a variety of stories in the Tech News section. For this edition, our first section is all about the end of Net Neutrality and what it means to you. I hope you find it informative. -JRC  

Tech News and Opinions

Net neutrality protesters take to the streets

Protesters want Congress to step in and stop the FCC's vote this week to end net neutrality regulation.

Net neutrality FCC vote blasted by internet and tech pioneers

"You don’t understand how the internet works," tech trailblazers write in an open letter opposing an FCC proposal up for vote this week.

Fight the FCC

This is something that, whether you like it or not, affects you personally. But how important is this? VERY!!

Here's How the End of Net Neutrality Will Change the Internet

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS like Comcast and Verizon may soon be free to block content, slow video-streaming services from rivals, and offer “fast lanes” to preferred partners.

Trump's FCC gets ready to take a chainsaw to net neutrality

In short, the FCC is giving your local ISP permission to do whatever it wants to you. And, since 50 million Americans have access to only a single broadband ISP, many of you will have no choice but to take it.

Senators want fake net neutrality comments to be investigated

Twenty-eight lawmakers ask FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to put off voting on net neutrality until it investigates claims that many public comments on the issue were made by bots. He has refused.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to reduce the size of Windows 10's footprint on your PC

You can compress the Windows 10 installation size to use less space, and in this guide, we show you how.

Easy fixes for six common laptop problems

Many problems can be inexpensively and easily fixed with common tools, spare parts, and a little effort.

How to remove the keylogger from your HP laptop

Some 460 models have been found to contain a potential security threat. Find out if yours is one of them -- and if it is, fix the problem.

Excel databases: Creating relational tables

Excel possesses formidable database powers. Creating a relational database starts with a Master table that links it to subordinates, called (awkwardly) Slave, Child, or Detail tables.

You can grocery shop from Amazon when you use Allrecipes.com

You'll be able to buy the ingredients you see on Allrecipes.com directly from AmazonFresh, the online retailer's grocery delivery service.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Best cheap smartphones: $300 (or much less) buys a great holiday gift

In the past, low cost smartphones offered terrible performance, were never updated, and it was tough to recommend them to readers. As flagship prices skyrocket, the low end is being lifted up and there are some excellent options. All but one of these is available for under $300.

Microsoft Edge on Android: Windows 10 browser spinoff clocks up million users

The Microsoft Edge apps for iOS and Android aim to make Edge more appealing to use on Windows 10 by making it more convenient to sync the browsing experience across devices

Top 5 most popular Android apps from last week

These apps are ones that are most likely new and haven't appeared in the top five list more than three times.

How to Scan Documents into Notes with iOS 11 on iPhone

iOS 11 makes scanning documents in the Notes app pretty darn easy. The new feature is very helpful for storing paper items electronically, allowing you to access printed information from anywhere.

All carriers will support NFL streaming in 2018

Verizon's stranglehold on the NFL ends with the 2018 playoffs in January...you'll be able to stream NFL games on your smartphone no matter which carrier you rely on.

How You Can Save a Few Hundred Dollars With a Screen Protector

The thin piece of plastic or glass could save your fancy-pants iPhone X (or any phone, for that matter) from a fall that would leave it shattered into countless pieces. Even better, it could boost your device’s resale value a few hundred bucks.

The First Windows on ARM Laptops Have Arrived

Watch out Intel! The new PC revolution has begun and you are not included. Well, that is perhaps an overstatement, but this new class of laptop is here with more coming.

A year ago, Microsoft announced it would partner with ARM chip manufacturer Qualcomm to begin making computers equipped with ARM processors. If you are not familiar with ARM chips, you already own at least one as they pretty much are in all smartphones. Apple’s iPhones use their own brand of ARM chips whereas most Android phones use ARM chips manufactured by Qualcomm.

The latest flagship Android smartphones all use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip…a variation of it is powering these new Windows-based laptops. The advantage of these chips over Intel is they are smaller, run cooler and don’t need a cooling fan, and have incredibly long battery life. These first laptops offer an incredible 22 hours of battery life!

Reporters at the unveiling of the new computers say they are just average in speed and performance. As a “Version 1” products, this is not a surprise. But, at their unveiling, Qualcomm also announced a new Snapdragon 845 chip, due out in the next few months, will offer a 30% improvement in performance with no change in battery life.  If these laptops are of interest to you, I would definitely wait for the arrival of the 845 processor.

Intel should definitely be worried. They have tried and failed to make a similar chip for both mobile and PC’s…which is why Microsoft began moving towards ARM-based processors. Intel is still king for all PC’s and laptops, but that could change as more and more of these ARM-based computers become available. Apple might also make the move to ARM computers in their laptops. Intel could easily find their market share falling in the future.

We shall do our best to keep you informed of this latest trend in mobile computing, so stay tuned. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft launches ARM-powered Windows 10 PCs with ‘all-day’ battery life

As expected, HP, Lenovo, and Asus are the manufacturers creating these new laptops that include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. A challenge to Intel's dominance.

These are the first Windows 10 ARM laptops

It promises to provide better power efficiencies, reliable performance, and always-on connectivity compared to the x86 Intel-based computers that have existed so far.

Microsoft, HP, Asus launch the great Windows on ARM, Qualcomm experiment: Here are the key questions

The pricing of Windows 10 S devices running on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor sets up a few interesting questions. Here's a quick tour of the unknowns:

Google is killing Chrome Apps for desktops, for good

Google is officially done with Chrome Apps for desktops: it’s now removed the Apps section from the Chrome Web Store, leaving only Extensions and Themes available for you to customize your browser with from here on out

People are ditching cable at record speed, so of course AT&T is hiking prices

2017 has been a standout year for cord-cutting. In July, August, and September, cord-cutters set a new record for ditching traditional pay-TV, with an estimated 1.2 million people ditching their cable or satellite subscription in those three months alone.

Verizon is launching 5G in five cities by the end of next year

The next buzz word you’re going to be hearing a lot from carriers is “5G.”  Verizon is planning to roll out their own 5G network. We don’t know all the details yet, but Verizon has named the first city to get it.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

10 Obscure Windows 10 Features Everyone Needs To Start Using

Here are 10 really useful tricks that Windows 10 is capable of that you might not know about, but should definitely know

Ghostery AI Online Privacy, Adblock Tool Stops Web Tracking

This sort of tracking, which is primarily done for advertising purposes, can feel invasive but many consumers feel this is the price of using the web, and that there is little they can do about it.

ExtremeTech Explains: What is USB-C?

This port will become the standard for data connections in the next few years, but it could also be the way you listen to audio and charge your devices.

Windows 10 tip: How to capture a screenshot

Windows 10 offers a wide range of built-in screen capture options. You can save the full screen, the active window, or a rectangular selection to a file or to the Clipboard for reuse in another app. Here are the keyboard shortcuts to memorize.

10 tips for better laptop battery life with Windows 10

Fall Creators Update makes it easier to switch between battery modes. Learn where to find the new battery slider and review traditional favorites to extend battery life.

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

How to set up and use Apple Pay Cash

While Apple Pay Cash started rolling out yesterday, the new feature has just gone live for many users today. Follow along for a look at how to set up Apple Pay Cash and the various ways to use it.

Best iOS Games - New iPhone Games 2017

Delete Words With Friends. Forget Flappy Bird. And for goodness' sake, get rid of Candy Crush. These are the mobile games you want on your phone

The best iPhone accessories

The iPhone accessory market is huge, and there is a gadget or gizmo for almost anything. Here are some of our favorite iPhone accessories, for the new iPhone X as well as for older iPhones.

10 texting tips to gain control of iMessage

These are the not-so-obvious tips iPhone pros use.

Best USB car chargers for your phone 2017

One attribute they all share, however, is two USB ports—ie, the days of the single-port car charger are long over.

The Best “Lite” Versions of Your Favorite Android Apps

These are generally less feature-rich than their full-powered counterparts, but they’re often a great middle ground between features and function.

Some Problems at Apple

Apple is a very profitable company…perhaps the most profitable of them all! They continue to make incredible profits and set the mark for future products. But they are far from perfect. The last couple of weeks have demonstrated that.

First came the incredible, but stupid, security flaw in their MAC OS. They recently released an updated version of the OS, but users found that anyone could log into a MAC computer simply by entering ROOT as the name with no password needed. That meant that anyone could log into any MAC computer without the consent or knowledge of the owner. Whoops! To their credit, Apple released a fix the day after it was discovered. But the fix blocked file sharing!

A few days later, Apple issued another upgrade to the operating system. The problem was this upgrade wiped out the fix for the ROOT issue. Oh dear! As far as I know, this problem has not been fixed yet.

It has also been found that Apple recently made changes to the overall security of iOS devices. They didn’t announce any changes, but the bottom line is your iPhone and iPad are a lot less secure.  Its sad as Apple has always been known as the paragon of security.

I have my own issues with Apple. You might call it “Love/Hate” relationship these days. I love my 27” Mac, my iPhone, iPad, and the now discontinued iPod Classic. I also love iTunes on the MAC, Notepad, and Safari.

What I don’t like, even despise, are all MAC laptops, the iPhone 10, Apple Music, the Apple Watch, and The Apple TV. I had a MacBook Pro laptop and got rid of it mainly because of its crappy keyboard. While the iPhone 10 may be the darling of the mobile world right now, it’s Face ID is far from perfect and I would rather stick to the fingerprint readers in other iPhones.

Apple Music is not for anyone over 35. The Apple Watch has made a lot of progress lately in usability, but I would never buy a watch whose cheapest watchband is $50. The Apple TV has the worst remote ever invented and is very overpriced compared to others like Roku and Amazon Fire. In fact, all the products on my “hate” list are all so overpriced as to be ridiculous. But people buy them and Apple makes a ton of money. My gripes are my own.

But, I am not alone in some of my complaints. The MacBook Pro can be deemed a failure because of the so-called touch bar that few people like. Many laptop users are giving up on Apple and moving over to Windows.

The bottom line of all this is the shine has come off Apple just a bit. But, they are still making a ton of money. On the positive side, if my MAC stopped working, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Same with my iPad and iPhone. No way am I interested in moving to Android.

For more on Apple’s problems, be sure and read our first two stories. There are also some tips below, so read on! –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

OS 11 Horror Story: the Rise and Fall of iOS Security

Overall it was still the most secure mobile ecosystem on the market. Not anymore!

Something is rotten at Apple

Last week was a long, bad week for Apple engineers. And for users of its products.

Windows 7 users are officially dropping like flies

For the first time in a long time, Windows 7 is now being run by less than half of PC users. Only 43.12% still use the eight-year-old operating system.

NSA breach spills over 100GB of top secret data

The US spy agency is supposed to be all about secrecy, but once again its secrets have leaked out into public view.

FCC chairman calls Twitter the real threat to an open internet

Ajit Pai calls out Twitter for censorship, but also pokes fun at criticism from celebs about his plan to repeal net neutrality rules. He is definitely on the attack!

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Better online security starts now, ahead of 2018's hacks

No really, get ready. Do these security basics now, because online criminals are going to get even more aggressive next year

What’s the Difference Between Microsoft Office’s Desktop, Web, and Mobile Apps?

As you might imagine, the online and mobile app versions aren’t as robust as the desktop version, but you might still find them useful. And for some of you, they might be all you need.

Stop Complaining That Your Browser Uses Lots of RAM: It’s a Good Thing

It’s been a complaint about Chrome for years: “it hogs so much RAM!” And now that Firefox Quantum is here, the fire rages on—some users see less RAM usage than Chrome, while others see similar amounts.

Groupy is like Windows 10's Sets but with more features; coming December 12

Just a few days ago, Microsoft announced Sets, a new feature coming to Windows 10 that will allow users to group apps into sets of tabs. This news, however, came two weeks after Stardock announced an app that offers even more than Sets will.

Best Photo Calendar Services

There are so many photo services that create personalized calendars for you, but how do you choose the right one?

Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks

Best mobile games of 2017

Looking for a new game to play on your mobile device? Here are our picks of the best mobile games released in 2017 (so far).

How to securely wipe your phone before you sell

Here is how to wipe your personal data from a mobile device the right way before trading up to a new model.

Best Travel Gifts 2017 - Gift Ideas for Travelers and Jet-Setters

Here’s a checklist to the best gear you’ll want to bring on your next trip.

Apple's iOS 11.2 update adds Apple Pay Cash, faster wireless charging

Apple's new iOS 11.2 software update went live Saturday, adding Apple Pay Cash and faster wireless charging to supported

Best Android Apps - December 2017

Below you will find the best apps from the last month. Check it out and see what apps you missed!

Android security alert: Google's latest bulletin warns of 47 bugs, 10 critical

Google's Android security bulletin for December includes a number of flaws that vendors will need to patch.