Facebook Finds Fraudulent Posts to Hijack 2018 Elections

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook has detected a coordinated effort to influence the 2018 US midterm elections

The bombshell disclosures come after Russia's usage of Facebook to meddle in the 2016 US presidential election, but Facebook is as yet not explicitly linking the new efforts to Russia.

Cord Cutting Isn’t Just About Money: Streaming Services Are Better Than Cable

Cord cutting is picking up steam. Forecasters are predicting a 33 percent increase in people dropping their cable subscription this year over last—faster than analysts predicted.

The Best Laptop Bags Under $40

So you just bought that dream laptop. Super-powerful. Amazingly thin. And so expensive that you have barely any money left for a bag to carry it around in. We’ve got you covered.

An Analysis of Substitutes for Google’s Products

If you are parting with Google’s services altogether, here is a worthwhile compilation of alternatives.

Best music streaming app: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon and Google Play compared

We compare the big six streaming music services to find the best one for you.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Use Windows 10's individual display scaling to perfect your multi-monitor setup

One great thing about Windows 10 is that it has lots of small but essential tweaks for power users.

How to Enable Windows Defender’s Secret Crapware Blocker

A hidden setting intended for organizations will boost Windows Defender’s security, making it block adware, potentially unwanted programs, PUPs, or whatever you want to call this junk.

How to Enable Dark Mode for Gmail

Microsoft just added a dark mode to Outlook.com, but Google is way ahead of Microsoft. Gmail has had a dark theme for years. Here’s how to enable it—and get a better, more complete dark mode for Gmail, too.

Supercharge Google Calendar: 30 Tips, Tricks, Hacks and Add-Ons

Even though it appears to just be a basic calendar app at first glance, Google Calendar has the features you need to manage almost any calendar needs.

The best free office software 2018

Free office software that's easy to use, packed with features, and fully compatible with Microsoft Office documents.

Mobile Computing

Instagram: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a refresher of the app or want to stay on top of the latest news surround it, here's everything you need to know about Instagram.

How to back up your iPhone or Android phone

Make sure you never lose your precious photos and videos.

Google Assistant is better than Siri in every tested category – except one

Google Assistant is far and away the overall winner, head-and-shoulders above the competition.

Best Android Phone With Removable Battery in 2018

There's just something about a removable battery, and Motorola has once again come through with the best options for budget users

Which Android Tablets Should You Buy For Under $100?

There are a number of reasons to buy a cheap tablet, but which ones are worth your money?

Obscura is free to download in the Apple Store for the next 2 months

If you're someone who loves everything photography and wants to try something new, fun, functional, and now, FREE! ... Then you have to check out Obscura.

Google’s Free Office 365 Replacement–11 Apps in One

Office 365 for personal use costs $7 a month and is an excellent collection of apps. I use it almost daily and have no intention of cancelling it (I pay $10 so it can run on up to 5 computers). There is also a free version on the Web.

But, if you don’t want to pay for Office…or don’t like Office, you might consider Google’s free Office Suite of apps. In many ways, it is better than Office. There are 11 apps that integrate with each other. Most likely, you probably use some of them now.

They include G-Mail, Google Contacts, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Google Keep, Google Drive, Google Sites, and Google Hangouts.

These all work together and are accessed via your browser. You should also know that while the apps all work well for single use, you can set up collaboration for more than one user.  If there is any drawback, it would be that they are all web-based rather than being on your computer. It depends on your Internet connection speed if that is a drawback for you.

To learn more, you need to read our first story in the Desktop/Laptop section. It is a highly regarded Office Suite that might be worth a look.

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft's plan to try to win back consumers with 'Modern Life Services'

Microsoft is hoping to repair its tarnished image with consumers by trying to position its cross-platform apps and services as making them more productive.

Verizon offers free iPhone, then bills customer for it

The offers can be hard to resist - buy one get one free - But are you really getting a freebie? Sometimes not.

Microsoft's Outlook.com gets a dark mode

Outlook online users now have an option that's easier on the eyes in dimly lit places.

How the Russian hackers infiltrated the DNC: A timeline

President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and denied the allegations, siding with the Russian leader over evidence detailed by US intelligence agencies. But it did happen. Here's how:

Surface by the numbers: How Microsoft reinvented the PC

After a disastrous launch and a big writedown, analysts were ready to write off Microsoft's Surface division five years ago. But instead of disappearing, the Surface division has been a surprising success.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

An Intro to Google Office Suite

G Suite ties all of Google's apps together into the original online office suite. Odds are, you already use some of Google's apps every day.

How to make YouTube five times faster if you don’t use Chrome

Google’s redesign still relies on an API that’s only implemented in Chrome , making other browsers render YouTube five times slower

How to Control Line and Paragraph Spacing in Microsoft Word

Word offers some handy preset values to use, but you can also take full control by specifying exact spacing. Here’s how

How to use multiple desktops in Windows 10

The multiple desktops feature in Windows 10 has been tweaked for the April 2018 Update.

How I learned to stop worrying and love USB Type-C

While the rest of the world is enthusiastically adopting the all-in-one USB Type-C standard, Microsoft and Apple are stubbornly sticking with their proprietary connectors. That's why I no longer carry a Surface or an iPhone when I travel.

Mobile Computing

Twitter: Everything you need to know

Over the years, Twitter's become the go-to place to learn about current events, new movie trailers, fresh memes, and to scream about politics

Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers in 2018

Want to rock out by the pool? Get yourself a waterproof speaker!

If Your iPhone Keeps Dying, Check for Weirdly Behaving Apps

There will come a time when you can’t make it through the day on a single charge. But consider this: it might be an app’s fault instead.

FaceTime: The ultimate guide

How do you use FaceTime to make audio and video calls to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Easily!

Google Pay: Everything you need to know

Google Pay first started rolling out to handsets in early 2018, and while there's still some work to be done, it's clear that Google is finally ready to take on Apple Pay with everything it's got.

Google Assistant: Everything you need to know

There's a lot going on with the Google Assistant — let's break down the important stuff.

An In-Depth Look at How to Buy Your Next Monitor

Tech News and Opinions

Russian hackers are inside US utility networks

Russian hackers infiltrated the control rooms of US utility companies last year, reaching a point where they "could have thrown switches."

Samsung's Foldable Smartphone Slated for Next Year: Report

Samsung plans to launch a foldable-screen smartphone early next year, according to a Wall Street Journal report, possibly priced at US$1,500.

Microsoft's Not Abandoning the Consumer, But Its Future is Productivity

Microsoft is on a path to make Windows a lesser-known brand and its promotional efforts will continue to put less focus on Windows and more on individual products.

The 2018 MacBook Pro has a problem with overheating

The new 2018 MacBook Pro might be fast, but all that Core i9 processor power is useless if the system can't cope with the heat it generates and has to throttle the performance.

Amazon Prime Day crash: internal docs reveal scramble to fix

Amazon wasn't able to handle the traffic surge and failed to secure enough servers to meet the demand on Prime Day, according to expert review of internal documents obtained by CNBC.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Computer Monitor Buying Guide

Here's everything you need to know about buying your next computer monitor

When your laptop's touchpad stops working

Have you ever tried to use a Windows PC without a mouse, touchpad, or other pointing device? It’s all but impossible.

Here’s How Gmail, Calendar, And Other Google Apps Might Look Soon

Google is overhauling all its apps, and a new video gives you an idea of what that might look like. Spoiler: it’s all very white.

The Best Portable Hard Drives For Every Need

Your laptop only has so much storage on it. Get some extra space that perfectly suits your needs with these portable hard-drives that you can toss in your laptop bag.

Now Firefox users can block noisy autoplaying videos, too

Sound blocking for autoplaying videos is coming to Firefox soon, and you can test it in Firefox Nightly now.

Mobile Computing

How to Find Restaurant Hygiene Scores and Violations on Yelp

It’s getting a lot easier to avoid getting violently ill from food poisoning, and to see just how divey your favorite dive bar is.

How to use your smartphone without leaving a trace

In this guide, we'll explain how you can prevent your device from logging and storing data where other people can easily stumble.

Why you should take Alexa with you on vacation

Alexa isn't just great for the home, it can also help while you're on vacation. Here's how

Create custom ringtones for your iPhone

Turn a song, sound clip, MP3 file or just about anything else into your very own iPhone ringtone.

How to use bubble and screen effects in iMessage

How do you make the bubbles slam or turn invisible, or the screen turn to lasers or fireworks? With iMessage effects!

10 new and notable Android apps from the last two weeks

The most notable release is, of course, Notes by Firefox, but Moment - Pro Camera and the Enpass6 Beta are also pretty useful.

Wal-Mart & Microsoft to Take on Amazon

Tech News and Opinions

Despite glitches, Amazon Prime Day 2018 manages another record

Customers ordered more than 100 million products in 36 hours.

Microsoft and Walmart team up to take on Amazon

Microsoft and Walmart are teaming up for a strategic partnership that will take on rival Amazon in both technology and retail.

EU hits Google with record $5 billion fine over Android antitrust practices

Most of all, the EU is worried that this harms you, the consumer, by restricting your choice and preventing innovation that could lead to better mobile experiences in the future.

GOP congressman introduces bill to reinstate net neutrality rules

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) also signed onto a Democrat-led measure to restore the 2015 Open Internet Order

Searching 'idiot' gets Trump: Protesters game Google Image algorithm

Protesters are publishing articles that associate the word "idiot" with Trump while sharing and upvoting other articles that do the same.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Maps just got a great new feature and you probably didn’t even realize it

Google Maps on the web has been getting new features all the time lately. After all, the bigger screen of a computer does come in handy when planning new trips and researching destinations.

OneNote for Windows 10 picks up flurry of new features

Microsoft is rolling out a slew of new features for everyone to check out in OneNote for Windows 10.

Microsoft To-Do for Windows 10 now lets you mark tasks as 'Important'

Now everyone can separate their most important tasks from everything else.

Windows 10 quick tips: 10 ways to speed up your PC

Want Windows 10 to run faster? Take a few minutes to try out these tips, and your machine will be zippier and less prone to performance and system issues.

Why Does Google Chrome Say Websites Are “Not Secure”?

Starting with Chrome 68, Google Chrome labels all non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure.”

Mobile Computing

iPad Slow? Learn How to Speed up iPad, Even Older Ones

There are lots of different reasons why your iPad may be running more slowly than it did when you first bought it, and luckily there are just as many ways to speed it back up again!

The Google Assistant app will walk you through your day

The new feature, for both Android and iOS, pulls in a bunch of relevant information from across Google services, including calendar, reminders, stocks, package deliveries, flights, restaurant/movie reservations and suggested Actions.

5 Travel Itinerary Apps You Shouldn't Board a Plane Without

After some trial and error, I've found that these are, without a doubt, the best travel itinerary apps for building anticipation before I board and making the most of every minute once I touch down at my destination.

Future of Smartphones: 5 Predictions for the Next 5 Years

Smartphone innovation lately has been mostly incremental rather than innovative. Here's what the future of smartphones may hold

How to connect to an Instant Hotspot with your iPhone or iPad

Looking to get the most out of Instant Hotspot? Here's how to connect with your iPhone or iPad!

10 new Android apps worth checking out

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve.

Prime Day Begins…And Amazon Crashes

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon's website crashed as soon as Prime Day began

Amazon's website experienced issues for hours to heavy online traffic on Prime Day, the e-commerce giant's made-up holiday designed to boost sales.

PC sales are growing for the first time in six years

IDC's data crucially includes Chromebooks and excludes Windows tablets including devices with a detachable keyboard like the Surface Pro. Gartner counts Windows-based tablets as PCs and excludes Chromebooks or any non-Windows-based tablets.

Google's Gmail controversy is everything people hate about Silicon Valley

Developers blaming you for not knowing about data collection is why it’s so hard to trust tech right now.

Isn’t it time we declared our independence from bloatware?

Bloatware is any piece of software within an operating system that receives a disproportionate amount of prominence or system resources relative to its functionality.

Twitter releases tool to improve political ad transparency

Ad Transparency Center provides information about how much advertisers spent and what factors they used for targeting demographics.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Chrome and Firefox gain Windows 10 Timeline support with a new extension

Microsoft’s new Timeline feature in Windows 10 is designed to let you pick up where you left off on multiple devices. While Timeline supports Microsoft Edge for web browsing history, Chrome and Firefox have not yet been updated to officially support the new feature.

How to Create a Photo Book With Google Photos

A Google Photos album can cost anywhere from $10 to $75 based on the number of photos, and whether you opt for a soft or hard album cover. Here's how to get started.

Ed Bott's 10 most popular Windows 10 tips

How well do you know the ins and outs of Microsoft's flagship operating system? Every week, Windows expert Ed Bott delivers a new trick or shortcut. We've collected his most popular tips.

Windows 10 quick tips: 10 ways to speed up your PC

Want Windows 10 to run faster? Take a few minutes to try out these tips, and your machine will be zippier and less prone to performance and system issues.

5 Free and Easy Ways to Format Your 'C' Drive

Format 'C' to delete everything on your primary hard drive

Mobile Computing

What To Do If You Lose Your Two-Factor Phone

Many websites send security codes to your phone number to confirm your identity when signing in. You may use apps that generate security codes on your phone, too. But what happens if you lose your phone?

What to Do If You Find Someone’s Lost iPhone or Smartphone

We’ve already looked at what to do if you lose your smartphone so let’s take a different perspective: what to do if you find someone’s smartphone and want to return it to them.

These phones top failure rate charts

Samsung is number one on the list of manufacturers with high failure rates, according to a new report. Xiaomi and Motorola were number two and three, respectively.

Microsoft details big Office updates coming to mobile this month

Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint will all see changes on Android and iOS. Here’s what you have to look forward to.

What is 5G? Everything you need to know about the new wireless revolution

It is a capital improvement project the size of the entire planet, replacing one wireless architecture created this century with another one that aims to lower energy consumption and maintenance costs.

How to set up Android Auto on your phone so you'll actually use it

Android Auto works just as well using just your phone with a car mount and a Bluetooth FM transmitter — and you won't have to be bothered about thieves trying to steal your expensive car stereo.

Apple Revamping & Updating All It’s Hardware

Tech News and Opinions

Mac Mini Refresh, New Low-Cost Notebook, Apple Watches With Larger Displays and More Coming This Fall

Apple is working on updates across its entire product line for the second half of 2018, according to a new investor's note with refreshes expected for iPhone, iPad, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Apple Watch.

Amazon Prime Day 2018: How and when to find the best deals

Amazon's annual summertime sale is around the corner. Here's what to expect from this year's event.

Google's Gmail privacy policy has Congress asking questions

Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation sent a letter to Alphabet's CEO Larry Page on Tuesday, asking questions about how Google and Gmail protect users' privacy.

Microsoft is working on Movies & TV apps for Android and iOS

New iOS and Android apps for Microsoft's Movies & TV service are in the works, according to our sources.

Court Rules Copying Photos Found on Internet is Fair Use

the court ruled that finding a photo on the Internet and then using it without permission on a commercial website can be considered fair use.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Google Unveils A Major Security Enhancement For The Chrome Browser

The stable build of the Chrome browser (Chrome 67) has been ungraded with a major security enhancement called Site Isolation that protects users from malicious websites that steal sensitive data.

How to use Task View features on Windows 10

Task View is a powerful system that provides an easy way to switch between running apps, work with virtual desktops, and resume Timeline activities, and in this guide, you'll learn how to use them.

July 'Patch Tuesday' fixes now rolling out for April 2018 Update PCs

Another batch of fixes is rolling out to Windows 10 PCs as part of July's Patch Tuesday releases.

What Is A Windows System File?

In practice, system files are those files that Windows depends upon to operate properly.

How to Merge and Split Tables and Cells in Microsoft Word

You can merge and split tables on the individual cell level, as well as on the larger, table-wide level. In this article, I’ll show you how to merge and split table cells and tables in Word.

Mobile Computing

Sprint Launches New 'Unlimited Plus' and 'Unlimited Basic' Phone Plans

Sprint today announced an update to its lineup of unlimited cellular plans, with four tiers that offer unlimited data, talk, and text, HD streaming, global roaming, and more.

Best photo-editing apps 2018: 11 apps to improve your snaps

The title explains it all. For iOS and Android.

The best Android apps you’ve (probably) never heard of

We’re all intimately familiar with the Facebooks, Instagrams, and WhatsApps of the app world, but what about all of those lesser-known Android apps with unique features that get drowned out by the big dogs?

Sync Your To-Do List Across Firefox Browsers and Android Devices with Mozilla's 'Notes'

“Notes by Firefox,” is an easy way to keep track of your thoughts without having to deal with a super-complicated extension—or, depending on your operating system, a separate app devoted to note-taking.

iOS 11 tip: How to fix broken Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity

Are you having difficulties with wireless connectivity on your iPhone or iPad? Are you having problems connecting to Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth devices? Read on.

The 10 most important iPhone apps of all time

In the decade since Apple first launched the App Store for iOS, a lot of stellar apps have come along. Here are the ones that have made the biggest impact.

Check Out the New Microsoft Go Tablet–$399

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft takes aim at schools, consumers and businesses with Surface Go tablets, starting at $399

Microsoft's Surface Go tablets will hit shelves starting in early August 2018, and are meant for not just the education market, but also consumers and business users.

Europe Decides Not to Ruin the Internet

The European Parliament held a vote on the misguided new copyright reforms that posed a threat to memes, online encyclopedias, news organizations, and pretty much everything that’s good online. Incredibly, lawmakers decided not to do the dumb thing and voted down the bill.

A revamped California net neutrality bill is moving forward again

he bill was eviscerated last month, but now it’s back...and might just be the strongest Net Neutrality bill of them all.

The Future of Retail: 2018 and beyond

'Business as usual' is not an option in the retail sector, thanks to new technologies, changing patterns of consumer behaviour, and the influence of pioneering digital-first companies like Amazon.

Netflix is removing online reviews on July 30

You'll no longer be able to post written reviews as of July 30, and then in mid-August existing written reviews will be removed.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Use Windows 10 - Guide for Beginners & Power Users

Here, you'll find over 100 Windows 10 tips and tutorials, split into nine categories and designed to help you learn the basics, disable common annoyances, save storage or be more productive.

How much RAM does your Windows 10 PC really need?

It's never fun to not have the right amount of RAM for the task at hand.

Why You Should Regularly Check Your Internet Speeds

The point of all this testing—and running your tests on the fastest connection you can get between your router and a device—is that you’re trying to find bottlenecks.

Chrome OS Vs Windows Laptops: Which Operating System Is Better For You?

While there may once have been a time when you decided between either a Windows or Mac computer, these days there's another option to consider -- the Chromebook.

Free Download: Add Mac-Style Hot Corners to Windows 10

Windows: Move your mouse to any corner to quickly see all your open windows, your desktop, or even start your screen saver.

Mobile Computing

Unlocked phones vs. contract phones: Which is better?

If you're buying a new phone, consider the advantages of an unlocked phone against those of one on a contract.

Criminals Can Steal Your Phone Number. Here’s How to Stop Them

Criminals can steal your phone number by pretending to be you, and then moving your number to another phone. They’ll then receive security codes sent via SMS on their phone, helping them gain access to your bank account and other secure services.

This new feature will make it tougher for cops and hackers to unlock your iPhone

Restrictions on the USB port will make it tougher for police to get access to your data.

How to improve your battery life with Low Power Mode for iPhone and iPad

Save those precious battery seconds and use Low Power mode!

These are the Android apps I can't live without

Among the millions of apps out there, most people have narrowed down their needs and found the apps that work for their lifestyle. Apps that feel like absolute necessities, without which your phone would feel almost useless.

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 and Where to Buy a Refurbished Phone

Tech News and Opinions

Facebook acknowledges it shared user data with dozens of companies

The social network had agreements with 61 companies, ranging from AOL to UPS to dating app Hinge.

Federal agencies reportedly broaden probe of Facebook

The involvement of additional federal agencies in the Justice Department probe expands the spotlight beyond Cambridge Analytica's use of Facebook data to the social network's reaction to the scandal.

Microsoft details secret ‘pocketable’ Surface device in leaked email

A new and disruptive dual-screen device to blur the lines between mobile and PC

Intel teases dual-screen concept PCs

A prototype device with the EPD display looks more like a Moleskine notebook than a traditional PC, with a hinge in the middle for the two screens to close flat.

Why Microsoft, Samsung and Others Are Interested in Foldable Displays

Devices with foldable displays could eventually provide a boost to flagging smartphone and tablet sales. But it will take a while to get the technology right.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Let Windows 10's Cortana Show Me be your family's tech support

Microsoft’s free app is part of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, and includes walkthroughs for many basic tasks—we have a full list below.

Excel: How to create simple and dependent drop-down lists

Using tables, named ranges, formulas, data validation, and table styles

How to See Who's On Your Wi-Fi

Is your internet sluggish? If you suspect a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi, these two apps can help you identify devices using your connection and help you boot them off.

Microsoft To-Do dark theme rolls out to everyone on Windows 10

After initially testing the mode with Insiders last week, the new dark theme is now rolling out with an update to the app for everyone

All of the Best Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts

Even if you’re familiar with Microsoft Word, you might be surprised the number and variety of keyboard shortcuts you can use to speed up your work, and just generally make things more convenient.

Mobile Computing

Best Places To Buy A Refurbished Phone in 2018

We have all of the information you need right here to make a good choice in buying a refurbished phone.

Best Wireless Charging Pads for iPhone X and iPhone 8

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X all support the Qi standard wireless charging standard, and here are our favorite contact-based chargers!

7 Best Photography Apps for iPhone

The built-in Camera and Photos app are fine, but they just aren’t up to scratch compared to the best photography apps out there. Let’s take a look.

What’s the best password manager for iOS?

Apple has begun supporting various flavors of password managers through APIs while also offering a fairly decent password manager built right into Safari.

New and upcoming phones: Galaxy Note 9 and others we're expecting in 2018

Most major flagship smartphones are now on a fairly regular release schedule and leaks are a part of this cycle. It is rare for a phone to be released today with any surprises so let's take a look at what is coming soon.

Best Android Launchers in 2018

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.

Lots of Tips and Tricks Today for Windows and Phones

Tech News and Opinions

​European Union prepares to wreck internet with new copyright law

If passed, Article 13 will force all websites to check any and all posts for copyright violations. That will include photos, videos, words, tweets, memes, software code, etc, etc. Think about that for a minute, and shudder.

Days after buying Time Warner, AT&T launches new TV service

The WatchTV service, a cable-like package of more than 30 TV channels delivered over the internet, is an example of the “skinny bundles” coming from telecom and broadband providers as more people watch TV online.

AT&T quietly adds extra $1.23 onto wireless customers' bills

AT&T has upped the monthly administration fees it charges customers. The increase could rake in another $800 in annual revenue.

Amazon’s Alexa for Hospitality handles hotel checkout, pool time and more

Get ready to start chatting with Alexa in your hotel room.

Amazon buys PillPack, an online pharmacy, for just under $1B

Amazon today announced an acquisition that underscores how it also hopes to have a more direct role in the world of healthcare in the coming years. The company has purchased PillPack, an online pharmacy the lets users buy medications in pre-made doses.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Seven utilities to make your Windows PC more powerful

Microsoft is building some of these features right into Windows 10

How to beef up your Chrome and Firefox security in 2018

These quick tips will help you plug privacy and security holes in your browser.

5 ways to manage emails and control spam in Outlook

Spam lives on, despite all our efforts to snuff it out—but Outlook has some features to help slow it down

Cumulative update brings fixes for Windows 10 April 2018 Update PCs

We're two weeks past June's monthly Patch Tuesday release, but Microsoft is issuing another range of fixes for PCs on the latest version of Windows 10.

How to install, reinstall, upgrade and activate Windows 10

Here's everything you need to know before you repair, reinstall, or upgrade Windows 10, including details about activation and product keys.

Mobile Computing

You can now use Alexa voice control directly on your iOS device

Amazon has rolled out a notable update for its Alexa app on iOS today. With this update, users can now use the Alexa virtual assistant directly from their iOS device to control smart home accessories, ask questions, and much more.

Apple iOS 12 Public Beta Is Now Available: Here's How to Get It

If you don’t like the idea of waiting too long for the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, the company has a solution. JRC: Don’t install unless you have a spare iOS device.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile for iOS Can Simulate Long Exposure Photos

iPhones and iPads aren’t actually able to capture exposures longer than 1/4th of a second, so Adobe had to go the tech route to make its feature work

7 ways to master the new Google News and use it more like Google Reader

The new Google News isn’t quite a resurrection of Reader. But with a simplified interface and a nice combination of personalization and AI, it comprises a lot of what we loved about Google’s original RSS service.

How to Get Started in Google's New Podcasts App

Google Podcasts covers all the basics in a quick and compelling way. It’s nowhere near as full-featured as a podcast app like Pocket Casts. And it’s free; you can’t go wrong with free.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. Here are 10 that at least deserve a look.

How to Solve All Your Windows Problems & Annoyances

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft unexpectedly drops Windows 7 support for some ancient CPUs

Believe it or not, some hardy souls are still running Windows 7 on PCs equipped with turn-of-the-century Pentium III CPUs. But the latest round of Windows 7 security patches won't install on those devices. Here's the background.

Supreme Court rules for Internet sales tax: States can charge all online shoppers

This court ruling changes everything about internet e-commerce. Billions in sales every year will now be taxed, which had been left untouched for over a generation.

Supreme Court decision requires warrant to obtain cellphone records for tracking

The United States Supreme court issued a decision that requires police to obtain a warrant from a judge in order to track individuals through cellphone records. The 5-4 ruling is being regarded as a win for privacy advocates in the U.S.

Apple Finally Admits to MacBook Keyboard Design Flaw

Apple has quietly launched a new service program for those MacBook and MacBook Pro models that use its deeply-flawed and poorly-designed butterfly keyboard design.

Amazon Prime deals roll out to all Whole Foods across US

Prime members in every state will get 10 percent off sale items.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Windows 10 how-to: Ed Bott's free tech support and troubleshooting guide

A curated list of the best sites for support information about Windows 10.

How to Fix All of Windows 10’s Annoyances

The Start menu is full of games like Candy Crush, advertisements are all over the place, and useless icons like People litter the taskbar. Here’s how to eliminate all those annoyances.

7 best ways to free up hard drive space on Windows 10

If you're running low on drive space, this guide shows you seven ways to get rid of junk file, apps, and games you don't need to free up space on Windows 10.

8 Things You Might Not Know About Chromebooks

Chromebooks have come a long way since the original Cr-48 back in 2010, and are now more powerful (and mainstream) than ever. If you’re curious about Google’s web-centric operating system, here are some things you may not know.

What Your Web Browser's Incognito Mode Really Does

This tool can be useful, as long as you understand its limitations

Mobile Computing

Tubi TV App Lets You Watch Movies and TV Shows for Free

If you’re looking for a way to get thousands of movies and shows straight to your tablet, iPhone, or Android device without coughing up a single cent, then the only (legal) option for you is Tubi TV.

Edge Will Aggressively Block Ads on Android and iPhone

Microsoft is adding an adblocker to the mobile version of Edge, meaning anyone who wants to block ads will simply need to toggle a setting.

Deleting this one app of your phone might just double your battery life

Can you guess what app is sucking the life out of your battery?

Google launches dedicated podcast app for Android

It'll use AI to read along and even show what's ahead in an episode

How to Quickly Identify and Delete iPhone Apps You Don't Use Anymore

If you have an iPhone, finding those unused apps and deleting them is pretty easy to do.

13 iPhone apps that are better than Apple's

The App Store is overflowing with alternative apps, many of which are better than Apple's.

New: Amazon’s Try Clothes Before You Buy

Tech News and Opinions

All Amazon Prime Members Can Now Try On Clothes At Home Before Paying For Them

With Prime Wardrobe, US Prime members can pick three or more items of clothing, shoes, or accessories from a set selection, and they have seven days to decide what to buy.

California lawmakers gut net neutrality bill

"It is, with the amendments, a fake net neutrality bill," said Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco, who introduced the original bill. He said the amendments "mutilated" the rules, and opted to pull the bill. Big corporate donors killed it.

How passwords will work in iOS 12

Passwords are getting a lot of attention in iOS 12. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming changes.

Brace Yourself: Video Ads Are Coming to Facebook Messenger

Messenger is one of the cleaner Facebook products, but that’s about to change: autoplaying video ads are coming to the service.

Opinion: The Traditional Laptop Is Dead

Has any recent laptop announcement excited you? Me neither. With no innovations on the horizon, laptop makers should focus on making them sturdier and cheaper.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to use Windows 10's File History backup feature

Here's how to back up your files with Windows 10's built-in feature, File History.

Microsoft brings SwiftKey to Windows, hinting at dual-screen laptops

When Microsoft bought popular keyboard app SwiftKey, it seemed likely some of the keyboard’s features would make their way to Windows desktops. Now nearly two years later, we’re finally seeing the fruits of the purchase.

How to use Chrome's built-in anti-malware tool

The built-in malware scanner, works in the background to help in your quest to keep your end users virus- and malware-free.

Best web browsers 2018: Chrome vs Firefox vs Edge vs Opera

We take an in-depth look at the performance and features of the big four internet browsers to see which one will serve you best.

Amazon has a $40 wireless keyboard that lasts forever without new batteries or recharging

Light from the sun or even from indoor light bulbs recharges these awesome keyboards, so they last forever without ever needing new batteries or to be plugged in.

Mobile Computing

Google Maps vs Waze: Which Is Better for You?

Wondering which mapping app to guide you through your next journey? Google Maps is far and away the world's favorite, but savvy drivers also talk up Waze for its crowd-sourced traffic and alert features. Decisions, decisions.

Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint unlimited plans compared

We compare the unlimited data plans offered by the four major US carriers.

What is Wi-Fi calling: Everything you need to know

Curious about Wi-Fi calling and what it entails? Here's the rundown on what you need to know.

Microsoft News now official, rolling out to everyone on iOS and Android

Meet the refreshed platform powering all of Microsoft's news services across devices.

How to Identify and Remove Unnecessary Apps on Your iPhone and iPad

there's an easy way that you can keep tabs on which apps you use the most and which ones have basically become redundant to you, and are just adding needless clutter to your home screen and eating up storage.

Gmail for iOS now has smarter notifications

Google wants to help you cut down on the notification noise by using AI to prioritize Gmail push notifications

The AT&T/Time Warner Merger May Not Be a Good Thing

Tech News and Opinions

Opinion: The court’s decision to let AT&T and Time Warner merge is ridiculously bad

The decision surprised almost everyone — not necessarily that AT&T and Time Warner had won, but that Judge Leon allowed the merger to go through with no conditions or prohibitions on their behavior at all.

Why net neutrality supporters are cringing at the AT&T-Time Warner merger

Oh, maybe because they think it could destroy the internet?

Benefits Of Amazon Prime Membership: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Amazon Prime is only getting better. While Amazon recently raised the price of the much-loved service, it has also been slowly adding awesome new features to help make the increased price worth it.

Google's new ad settings will let you switch off adverts that know too much

Google updated its Ad Settings page with new controls that allow users to see how it targets them with ads -- and to turn off adverts from some comp

Facebook launches user review, potential bans for advertisers

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would allow users to review businesses that advertise on the social network and possibly ban those that receive the most negative feedback.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Adobe is integrating PDF services directly into Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft and Adobe are extending their close partnership this week with the integration of Adobe PDF services into Office 365. Adobe’s PDF services will be available from the ribbon inside web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

How to install Amazon Alexa on any Windows 10 PC

As usual, there are some caveats, but for those who want a peek at what Alexa can do you for you on the go, this is what you need to get started.

Don’t have enough power outlets? Here's what you can do

Get more use out of your outlets and stay safe while doing it.

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

Crapware (also known as "bloatware" or "junkware") is the stuff that hardware makers install onto their devices on top of the operating system.

Google's Chrome OS 67 is out: Progressive Webs Apps, plus 2-in-1 Chromebooks boost

Google readies Chrome OS for detachable screen laptops and web apps that run outside the browser.

Mobile Computing

Google Photos Now Using A.I. to Simplify Editing and Sharing Images

While Google Color Pop was the first feature to roll out after Google I/O, all of the new A.I.-enhanced features are now available on the Google Photos app.

Adobe Scan Uses A.I. to Turn Business Cards into Phone Contacts

Adobe Scan, the smartphone scanning app, can now recognize business cards and automatically import them into the contacts on a smartphone.

Google Lens Is Now Available As a Stand-alone App

The stand-alone app allows folks to take advantage of the relatively new feature, even if your existing Android device doesn’t offer built-in functionality.

Google Feed now more useful than ever thanks to topic feeds

Google Feed has undergone a series of changes over the past few months, some good, some incredibly concerning. The latest change definitely falls into the former camp with the addition of unique topic-specific feeds.

11 underrated music apps you should download immediately

There are way more music apps besides Spotify and Pandora you should add to your phone.

12 travel apps to use on your summer travel adventures

Get help with flight delays, skip the customers lines, find restaurants featured on TV shows and find free Wi-Fi with these specialized travel apps.

Android Messages will let you send texts from your computer starting today

Text, images, and stickers all work in the web version of Android Messages

Want a Computer with USB-C? Better Think Twice

Tech News and Opinions

USB-C Was Supposed to Be a Utopia, But It's Become a Nightmare

USB-C is a mess. The way manufacturers implement and communicate its features is confusing — and downright misleading at times. This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

Senators ask the FCC if it was truly targeted by DDoS attacks

Brian Schatz and Ron Wyden have given the FCC a deadline for its explanation.

States are now passing their own net neutrality laws to protect the internet from corporations

Twenty-three state attorneys general filed a lawsuit in February attempting to block the repeal, while state lawmakers are taking action through both legislation and executive orders.

Print versus Plastic: UA Researchers Weigh the Benefits of E-Books

Despite the stereotype that millennials are all about screen time, the age group still prefers print books over e-books, according to a recent University of Arizona study.

AT&T gets to buy Time Warner in legal win over Justice Department, but there are a few conditions

AT&T won the right to complete its $85 billion takeover of Time Warner, which includes various media properties such as DC Entertainment and HBO, after US District Judge Richard Leon on Tuesday declined the Justice Department's request to block the deal.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft gives Office a refreshed look and feel

This new look will be in line with the Fluent Design System the company launched last year and will roll out to both the Office.com online apps and the Office desktop tools over the course of the next few months.

Windows 10 Timeline: How to use Microsoft's new organizational tool

Windows 10's Timeline feature helps answer the question: what was I working on?

A Real-Life Hacker Reveals What You Should Stop Doing Online

One tip: Before you Insta that photo, pay attention to what's in the background.

June 'Patch Tuesday' fixes rolling out to April 2018 Update PCs

June's Patch Tuesday updates are now rolling out, including a batch of fixes for April 2018 Update PCs.

Firefox tests two new features: color customization and split-screen tabs

Firefox has two new experimental features for you to try out today. One lets you theme your browser with colors of your choosing, the other lets you view two websites within one tab.

Mobile Computing

Twitter wants to send you personalized news notifications

Twitter today announced an upcoming addition to its suite of mobile notifications. Namely, it will soon offer users personalized news updates, generated based on their interests.

Apple will update iOS to block police hacking tool

A new feature will protect against the GrayKey phone-cracking tool

Top 10 iPhone Keyboard Tips and Tricks

If your iPhone is your main communication device, you spend a surprising amount of time with the keyboard. Here some tips that might make your typing easier.

How to find and remove 'Other' files from iPhone and iPad

The 'Other' category in iPhone and iPad's storage doesn't have to take up so much space.

Best World Cup apps 2018 for Android: What are your options?

Thankfully, there are plenty of incredibly useful apps out there detailing all the groups, fixtures, scores, and much more so you can keep up with all the goals and drama from the first World Cup game to the last.

10 new Android apps worth checking out

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. These do.

Net Neutrality is Officially Dead!

Sorry, I am too angry and frustrated to write any more about this betrayal of trust by those folks we put in power to protect us. 86% of the American people want Net Neutrality…but we were sold down the river by those money grubbing government whores who delivered us into the hands of giant, faceless corporations. They now own our country.

Tech News and Opinions

The Net Neutrality Repeal Is Official. Here’s How That Could Affect You.

It’s official. The Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality rules, which had required internet service providers to offer equal access to all web content, took effect on Monday.

Former FCC Chairman Claims Ajit Pai Lied About DDoS Attack

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai lied when he claimed a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack brought down the agency’s comments system in 2014, his predecessor says.

A Facebook bug changed the privacy settings for 14 million users

A new software bug is Facebook's latest self-inflicted privacy headache

Yahoo Messenger Will Be Discontinued on July 17 After 20 Years of Service

The service will function normally until then, and after that date users will no longer be able to access their chats and the Messenger service as a whole will be shut down.

New Chips From AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm Make PCs Exciting Again

They've gotten cheaper, sure, and a little faster. But despite some wild promises the gap between the actual and the possible has remained expansive. This week, it narrowed significantly.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Use Windows 10’s Hidden Video Editor

Windows 10 has a hidden video editor that works a bit like Windows Movie Maker or Apple iMovie. You can use it to trim videos or create your own home movies and slideshows. You can even have it create videos automatically.

The Best Chrome Extensions for Managing Tabs

Crashing pages, slow performance, or just not being able to find that one tab you need to get back to—you’ve probably felt the effects of tab overload.

Chromebook vs Laptop in 2018: Can it replace your Windows Computer?

Chromebooks are better and more productive than ever, but can one replace your current laptop?

7 Gmail tips every emailer should know

Want to quietly opt out of an email chain or take back that pathetic note to your ex? Gmail can help.

How To Sign Out Of Gmail

When you log into Google, you’re opening access to Google Calendar, the Play Store, and Drive, to name just a few. To help keep that information safe, you should sign out of Gmail when you’re done.

Mobile Computing

10 Best To-Do List Apps to Keep You on Task

Our picks for the best to-do apps can help you manage tasks, stay on top of to-do lists, remind you of upcoming events, and even collaborate on projects with colleagues.

Clean and Clear Up iPhone Space – FREE Alternative to Paid iCloud Photo Library

While Apple offers solution for a price, there’s actually FREE alternatives you can get and it’s offering unlimited storage

How To Take Better Pictures With Your iPhone

The biggest way to improve your photos is to be clear on what your subject is, and use composition to tell that story.

The best note-taking apps for the iPad Pro and Pencil (2018)

The best hardware in the world, though, would be wasted on a low-quality note-taking app, and that’s where this list comes in.

Gmail for Android now lets you customize swipe actions

Google’s been delivering a bunch of overdue updates to Gmail over the past few weeks, and one more arrived in the latest update on Android: the ability to customize what happens when you swipe an email to the left or right.

Top 5 most popular Android apps from last week

Read on for the five most popular Android apps from last week. These apps are ones that are most likely new.

What’s the best photo management solution? Google Photos or iCloud Photos?

By keeping a dual copy of my photos in both system, I can easily swap to a Chromebook or Android device without missing a beat.

Apple vs. Samsung…Who Wins This Year?

Tech News and Opinions

Opinion: Apple is going to absolutely crush Samsung this year

Despite having two of the most impressive smartphones the world has ever seen, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have not been well received by consumers.

Five years on, Snowden inspired tech giants to change, even if governments wouldn't

Where lawmakers failed to reform, the tech industry stepped up.

Apple finally brings free trials to App Store

Apple has finally fixed one of the biggest complaints about its Mac and iOS App Stores: free trials. Developers can now offer free time-limited trials of their apps, with a one-time in-app purchase to unlock the full version.

Firefox will stop hiding an important privacy feature: Tracking protection

The browser makes it easier to find and use tracking protection, which stops website publishers and advertisers from following you around online.

WatchOS 5 makes those pricey $10,000 Apple Watch Editions obsolete

The company's ultra-expensive Apple Watch Edition — which started at $10,000 and ran up to $17,000 — will soon be obsolete, thanks to Apple introducing watchOS 5 at this week's WWDC event.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Use Google Photos: Upload, Edit & Backup Photos in Seconds

Google Photos is a savior for avid photographers and online creators looking for a place to store and backup their pics and videos.

How to use, modify, and create templates in Word

Plus, creating custom interactive templates for special projects

How To Sign Out Of Gmail

When you log into Google, you’re opening access to Google Calendar, the Play Store, and Drive, to name just a few. To help keep that information safe, you should sign out of Gmail when you’re done.

How to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro for free

You've got a new PC running Windows 10 Home. You want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. Here's how to get that upgrade for free. All you need is a Pro/Ultimate product key from an older version of Windows.

How to Borrow Books, Music, and Movies From Your Library Online

The online service Hoopla—also an app for iOS, Android, and Amazon devices—is a great way to enjoy all the conveniences of your local library without having to leave your home.

Mobile Computing

Microsoft To-Do Picks Up List Sharing and Steps

The latest update to Microsoft To-Do is rolling out “around the globe today and will be available to everyone this week,” Microsoft says, across iPhone, Android, Windows, and the web.

5 Android Messages features you should start using

Add a message subject, archive old threads and more.

How to Get Android Files to Show up In the Chrome OS File Manager

Access to Android apps is one of the best things to happen to Chrome OS, but finding files stored by Android can be a huge pain. But a new flag changes that.

Apple is removing apps that share your location data without consent

Apple has recently started removing apps from the App Store for violating the rule against sharing location data with third parties without the consent of the app users.

This is the most important setting you can enable on your iPhone

There's a security setting in iOS that will erase everything on your iPhone, resetting it back to a blank, factory-state slate if you tap in the wrong passcode 10 times.

DuckDuckGo: How to Set Safari in iOS 11 to Use it and Why You Should Want To

If you worry about being tracked on the web, you shouldn’t be using Google or Bing for your searches. Both search engines track your searches, so they can serve up those ads they love so much. Use DuckDuckGo instead.

Apple’s Big Announcements: Exciting or No Big Deal?

If you wanted to know about all the new Apple devices coming soon…well, you were at the wrong show. This year’s Apple’s WWDC developer’s conference was all about their operating systems and applications. There was absolutely no mention of hardware…much to the chagrin of many people.  By the way, everything they did announce will not be available for months yet.

The show led off with iOS 12, the latest version of the OS for iPhones and iPads. Their first announcement was iOS 12 will perform much better on older devices, increasing performance on those iPhones and iPads by as much as 40%! For me, and probably for many of you, that is huge! I own an iPhone 6+ and did not install iOS 11 on it as it drags down the performance so much, according to published reports. You can bet I will be one of the first to install Version 12.

There are many other changes and improvement coming in iOS 12 such as big improvements in Augmented Reality, the new Apple Book Store, new improved Animoji’s and the introduction of do-it-yourself Memoji’s. Facetime will now allow up to 32 participants on one call; big improvements to Siri and Photos and much more.You can read all about them in our first article. So, iOS 12 will be big.

The rest of the Apple line was far less than thrilling. Some improvements across the board on all applications and operating systems. But the biggest disappointment for me was the new macOS, called Mojave. Their big announcement was the introduction of the Dark Mode. Apple made a big deal out of this, like they invented it…but in fact are the last company to make it available.

PS: I just read an article that said Dark Mode on the MAC is better than the one  on Windows 10.

The other “big” deal was the addition of Apple News to macOS…something that should have been done a long time ago. Its been on iOS for a few years now. Was it that hard to transport it to the MAC?

As I said, our first article lays out all the changes in depth that were announced at WWDC. You be the judge if they are a big deal or not.

Tech News and Opinions

All of Apple's big announcements from WWDC 2018!

Check out all of Apple's big announcements from WWDC 2018. There are several new and exciting things coming to all Apple Devices.

Older iPhones, iPads will perform better on iOS 12, says Apple

At WWDC 2018, Apple tells developers that iOS 12 will double down on performance with particular attention to supporting older devices.

The Best Ways to Fight Robocalls

How many times a day do you pick up the phone, only to have it be a recording? Or worse, a spam call pushing a sale?

The FBI says you should reboot your router. Should you?

Can such a simple step thwart Russian hackers? Here's everything you need to know.

Mark Zuckerberg hammered by shareholders over scandals

"If privacy is a human right ... then we contend that Facebook's poor stewardship of user data is tantamount to a human rights violation."

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Microsoft's Windows 10 April 2018 Update: What's New

Instead of wasting hours trying to figure out what Microsoft has changed, here’s a quick overview of everything worth knowing about in the Windows 10 April 2018 update—and how to find it.

How to free up disk space after updating to Windows 10 April 2018 Update

You can reclaim gigs of drive space after updating your system.

How to use Snap assist on Windows 10

Snap assist provides a quick and easy way to arrange your windows. Here's how to take full advantage of the feature on Windows 10.

If You Care About Data, Change These 15 Default Privacy Settings Right Now

You're not reading all those updated data policies flooding your inbox. You probably haven't even looked for your privacy settings. And that's exactly what Facebook, Google and other tech giants are counting on.

The Best Places to Find Free Audiobooks (Legally)

Audiobooks are great for commutes, long trips, and dull tasks. Here are a number of places you can download Audiobooks legally, and for free. And they’re not all public domain stuff.

Mobile Computing

7 iPhone calendar tips everyone should know

The stock Calendar app on your iPhone is sneaky-good.

Best photographic accessories for your smartphone

If you want to elevate your smartphone photography above the ordinary, there are plenty of affordable accessories to help you do so. Here are 15 to get you going.

How to Keep Track of All the iOS Apps You Might Want to Download Later

How many times do you see an app on the App Store and think, “I should buy that, but maybe later”?

The Best Recipe Apps for Android and iOS

Recipe apps are the next step in the complete mobile takeover, offering step-by-step instructions on how to make a fine oven-fried chimichanga, curate a weekly meal plan, and even getting you prepared for the future of food.

Microsoft’s Android launcher now lets you track your kid’s location and app usage

The launcher also includes an activity report of what apps are being used on a device and for how long, similar to Microsoft’s family account feature.

What Is A SIM Card (And What Comes Next)?

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a chip inside most modern cellular phones that stores information your phone needs to communicate with your carrier’s cell towers.

Donald Trump Out to Destroy Amazon

Note: This is my last blog for a couple of weeks as I am about to leave for Chicago, then Indianapolis for the Indy 500 Race.

Tech News and Opinions

Trump Will Not Rest Until Amazon Is a Smoldering Pile of Radioactive Ash

The president reportedly tried to gouge Jeff Bezos for billions. Sounds like the good old days of Richard Nixon.

White House eliminates cybersecurity coordinator role

There was near universal agreement that the cybersecurity coordinator position was important. But the White House disagreed

Why Google and Microsoft are doubling down on their free email services

For consumers, the e-mail services are largely free to use, so why are Microsoft and Google still locked in what appears to be a heated horse race e-mail?

Comcast charges $90 install fee at homes that already have Comcast installed

$90 fee may be required even if you buy your own modem and plug it in yourself.

Google Parent Company Drops 'Don't Be Evil' Motto

Alphabet, which took over as Google’s new holding company on Friday, has dropped the tech giant’s “Don’t Be Evil” mantra from its code of conduct.

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

How to Get Started With Usenet, the Best Alternative to Torrents

Read on to learn how to ditch Torrenting and enjoy super speeds and selection on Usenet.

How Google’s New Storage Pricing Compares to Microsoft, Apple, and Dropbox

Google’s subscription storage service has a new name: Google One. Some prices are dropping and customers will also get customer support from an actual human for the first time.

As Windows 10 April 2018 Update lands, Microsoft lists old features being cut

Microsoft reveals the features and apps it's deprecating or removing from the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

How to Create, Edit, and View Microsoft Word Documents for Free

There was a time when you had to have Microsoft Office installed to create, edit, or even view a Microsoft Word document. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.

How to download your Facebook data

What exactly does Facebook know about you based on your profile?

Mobile Computing

Microsoft To-Do for iOS

Microsoft's To-Do app, the successor to the popular Wunderlist task manager, gives you an easy way to track your tasks and organize your day.

Google News vs. Apple News on iOS

We went hands-on with Google News to check out the new features and to see how it compares to Apple News, the built-in news app that's available on the iPhone and the iPad.

Avoid Battery Drain on iPhone with These Settings

There are various iPhone settings that will increase your iPhone’s battery life. Continue reading to learn 14 of them

The 44 best Android games of 2018

The headline speaks for itself.

Best Android Phones in 2018

When money's no option, these are the absolute best Android phones you can buy.

Best Android Tablets in 2018

Like most things, there is no one Android tablet that's right for everyone. Whether you want the stylish look and thin profile of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 or the sort-of-tablet Pixelbook, or anything in between, there's a tablet that will work for you.