Tony Bradley takes a look at the space that Windows Phone currently occupies in the mobile market. What do you think about the future of Windows Phone?
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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Microsoft's quixotic struggle to make Windows Phone relevant
Pro tip: Archiving email in the Android Inbox app
Jack Wallen shows you the quick way to archive email in Google’s new Inbox mobile app.
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2015: If wishes were penguins, everyone would fly
Jack Wallen offers up his Linux wishes for 2015 and what he believes will help the open-source platform reach more users and businesses.
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Faulty smoke detectors illustrate the downsides of the smart home
Jordan Golson questions the entire smart home concept after experiencing false alarms from Nest Protect smoke detectors.
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The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly…
The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly what you are afraid to do.
The post The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly… appeared first on Lifehack.
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10 Amazing Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Tony Robbins
Have you ever been to a Tony Robbins event? Thousands of people are screaming “MAKE YOUR MOVE! SAY YES! SAY YES!” The crowd goes wild as the inspirational giant leads everyone into a peak state right before they walk across a bed of fiery, burning hot...
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50 New Year’s Resolution Ideas And How To Achieve Each Of Them
The New Year is slowly nearing, and with the holiday season already upon us many people are indulging in retrospection and reevaluating some of their life choices. New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity for all those who have failed to start making the changes that they said...
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9 Powerful Questions That Will Change Your Financial Life
You’ve probably heard it said that to get to the “right” information, you have to ask the correct question. Makes sense, but when it comes to money, what exactly are the questions?
No matter what the current state of your relationship with the green stuff, there are nine...
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20 Cool Hostels In Europe For Every Traveler Who’s On A Budget
Hostels are no longer lousy, cheap temporary stays you’d love to escape as fast as you could, but trendy and stylish hubs, competing with each other in terms of creativity and extra free perks. Here’s a list of 20 affordable and cool hostels around Europe you may want to stay in for...
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15 Amazingly Useful Google Services You Should Know About
As one of the most innovative tech companies in the world, Google have a very special place in my heart. They’ve created a huge number of products and services that make all of our lives easier, beginning with their famous web search engine. Everyone’s heard of Gmail and Google...
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How to Use Label to Rename Drives from the Windows Command Prompt
Label is a another handy tool that you can use though the command prompt application. As its name suggests, its main function is to edit disk labels which is useful if you use many external drives or mapped drives and want to label them for specific uses.
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...
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Geek Trivia: Traditionally The Irish Scare Away Spirits On New Year’s With?
Traditionally The Irish Scare Away Spirits On New Year’s With?
Pots
Bread
Broken Bottles
Firecrackers
Think you know the answer?
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How to Manage Notifications on iPhone and iPad
Android users have been a spoiled bunch when it comes to device notifications. iPhone and iPad users had to wait until 2011 to see a notification center appear on their devices. It works pretty well though it handles things much differently than its Google counterpart.
Click Here to...
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How to Move a Window to a Different Space the Easy Way in Mac OS X
The Mission Control virtual desktops feature built into OS X is really nice, but the one annoyance is that moving windows to a different Space is a little tedious. You can right-click on the icon in the dock, but that’s hardly a solution. Here’s how to do it the easy way.
Click...
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Stop Testing Software on Your PC: Use Virtual Machine Snapshots Instead
We’ve long railed against registry cleaners and system tuners as useless products that waste your money, but how do you go about cleaning up after uninstalling shady freeware? Answer: You don’t. You avoid installing nonsense on your PC to begin with by testing everything in a...
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How To Find An Online Community To Support Your New Year Resolutions
You’ve made a great resolution, and you’re ready to stick to it in 2015 . . . now what? Set yourself up for success by finding an online community to help you get support, stay motivated, and learn strategies for meeting your goals in the new year. Here are 4 ways you can find one....
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Why Replacing Humans With These Robots Makes Sense
Robots are taking over the world. It’s a concept that’s both exciting and frightening to think about. In the past, we’ve explored jobs that robots can’t steal from humans, but what about the other side of the spectrum? Are there any jobs where automation and precision...
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Gamify Your Life Better With These HabitRPG Tips
Get more out of HabitRPG by learning from other players. Whether you’re just starting out your quest or are a long-time adventurer, checking out the way other people use HabitRPG can help you learn to use it better yourself. I’ve told you how this web app makes improving...
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The Best Windows Cleaning Tool Gets A Disk Analyzer
You can now clean crap more efficiently with CCleaner v5. Microsoft Windows is actually a great operating system, even though it gets attacked often. However, one valid criticism is how much junk builds up in various places of the OS. CCleaner, or Crap Cleaner, has long been one of the best...
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How To Kill Bad Habits With Bad Habits In The New Year
Getting rid of all your bad habits from day one of the new year is unrealistic, even if you have resolved to do so. But bad habits can’t be all that bad if they can help you in some way. Beat them at their own game by pitting them against each other. Before you learn how to do that,...
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Samsung Gear 2 Neo Review and Giveaway
Want a smartwatch with longer battery life? Check out the Samsung Gear 2 Neo ($199, Amazon) – little brother of the Samsung Gear 2. It offers most of the features of the Gear 2, minus the camera and smartphone independent data capabilities. As opposed to the $199...
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3 Ways JavaScript Can Breach Your Privacy & Security
You’ve probably heard that JavaScript is dangerous. Well, that’s partly correct. JavaScript can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. It can be used to view or steal personal data without you even realizing that it’s happening. And since JavaScript is...
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Running Linux In A Chromebook Window, Xbox Hackers Offer DDoS Attacks [Tech News Digest]
Also, the Xbox One SDK leaks online, the most pirated movies of 2014, Nuclear Throne freebies, and a look back at 2014 in GIFs. Run Linux In A Window On A Chromebook It’s now possible to run Linux in a window on a Chromebook. Google evangelist François Beaufort revealed how to do...
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How Do Smartphones Compare To Supercomputers Of The Past?
Most of us carry a smartphone around in our pocket without really thinking twice about just how impressive it is. These tiny little devices can do so many things, and they can do them for a (relatively) low price. Have you ever thought about what your smartphone can do when compared to the...
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Shhh! 3 ways to keep your pre-Lollipop Android phone quiet
Android phones have a bad habit of beeping during important meetings or buzzing in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, iOS devices and the brand-new, Android Lollipop-powered Nexus and Motorola phones have it lucky.
For silent mode, click and hold the volume-down button until the vibrate ...
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Does your computer have malware? Here are the telltale signs
Windows wouldn’t update on Warren Blake’s PC. Nor would system restore work. A malware infection seems likely. Here are some symptoms that could suggest foul play.
I’m received countless letters from readers who think they have a “virus.” The problems they describe—Blue Screens of Death, no aud...
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The hidden power of Windows Jump Lists
Windows is full of so many handy little features it’s easy to forget some of them if you aren’t using it every day. One such feature is Jump Lists, which is the app-specific menu that appears when you right-click a desktop app icon on the taskbar.
What you see in a Jump List is...
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Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Pro tip: Manage locations in ASTRO File Manager
Jack Wallen shows you how to add locations to the ASTRO File Manager for quick access to cloud and even SMB servers.
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The most undervalued project management skill
Find out which word more project manager job descriptions should include to better reflect that managing projects is more of an art than a science.
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Apple Watch apps will be the next gold rush, and more development predictions for 2015
Cory Bohon weighs in on what he envisions Apple developers can expect in 2015 with regards to Swift, Siri, Apple TV, and more.
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I Wish I Told My Parents These 18 Things Earlier
My parents sometimes tell me that I changed their lives more than any other single person, including each other. I am their firstborn child, and it was only after I became a mother myself three years ago that I finally understood what they meant. My own two children have completely rewired my...
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Visiting These 8 Hiking Cities in the US will Help You Reconnect with Nature
In the past, people have lived on this earth as just a part of a large system of flora and fauna, constantly alert and always keeping themselves busy with both mental and physical tasks to help ensure their survival. This required us to be in tune with nature, which meant shaping our...
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How to Use FC (File Compare) from the Windows Command Prompt
There is a great command line tool that can be used to compare files to see if there are any content or binary code differences that you can access if you are using a PC. File Compare or FC as we will refer to is from here on out, is a simple program that will compare the contents of text or...
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Why does Google Say Mozilla Thunderbird is Less Secure?
Sometimes when you are looking for an answer to one thing, you end up finding something else rather surprising. Case in point, Google’s statement that Mozilla Thunderbird is less secure, but why do they say that? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has the answer to a confused...
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Geek Trivia: Which Candy Was Originally Marketed As A Smoking Cessation Tool?
Which Candy Was Originally Marketed As A Smoking Cessation Tool?
Life Savers
Pez
Tic Tacs
Red Vines
Think you know the answer?
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Beginner: How to Use Notes in Outlook 2013 for Easy Desktop Reminders
Notes are simple and very handy. They are basically desktop Post Its, which you can collect and save in your Outlook and display on your desktop as reminders to do stuff.
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Mac OS X: Change Which Apps Start Automatically at Login
OS X makes dealing with startup items really easy — you just head into the preferences and add or remove things from the list. But if you’re a recent convert to Mac, you might not know how to do it. But now you will.
Click Here to Continue Reading
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How to Find Your Lost Windows or Office Product Keys
If you’re planning on doing a reinstall of Windows but can’t find your product key, you’re in luck because it’s stored in the Windows Registry… it’s just not easy to find, and it’s impossible to read without some help. Luckily, we’re here to...
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The Best Linux Software
Linux is full of awesome apps, both open source and proprietary. People new to Linux might be used to Windows or Mac OS X apps that aren’t available on Linux, and don’t know about available alternatives. Even seasoned Linux users tend to find new and useful software quite often....
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How To Turn Google Chrome Into A Productivity Beast
The Internet has made us more productive than ever before, and the browser is the gateway to all that productivity. If you’re a Google Chrome user (and if you aren’t, here’s the easy guide to get started), its many extensions and apps can help you turn it into a productivity...
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What’s In Store For Windows 10 In 2015?
2015 will be Microsoft’s chance to regain long lost popularity as they release Windows 10, their new flagship and cross-platform operating system. Here’s what happened with Windows 10 in 2014 and the milestones you can look forward to in 2015. What Happened So Far In...
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Social Media In 2015, Predictions And Potential
Back in January, we took a look at some of the groundbreaking social media events and stories from 2013. Today however, we chose to place our necks on the line and make four future predictions for social media in 2015, along with a few more ideas about what might happen before this time next...
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Microsoft, Artificial Intelligence, and The Robot Apocalypse
For those familiar with the classic 1984 film “Terminator,” some recent news out of oft-criticized Microsoft may be cause for consternation. No, Skynet isn’t ready to destroy all of humanity just yet. But it seems that autonomous security robots are garnering serious attention...
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Ultimate Browser Settings: Must-Change Items In Chrome, Firefox, & Internet Explorer
Every few months or so, I uninstall and then reinstall all of the browsers on the PC and MacBook. I do this mainly because browsers tend to fill up with crud eventually, and they slow down to the point where they are unusable. So I delete the whole lot, user profiles, extensions, and all, and...
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Five Breaches To Your Privacy in 2014 That You Might Have Missed
As you may know, 2014 hasn’t been a good year for privacy. An ever-increasing pool of people are interested in you. Numerous publications revelled in the private lives of celebrities, but 2014 was also the year the spotlight shone on the general public. Can we learn anything from...
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Master The Basics Of Arduino For Just $19
How would you like to take your tinkering skills to the next level with an Arduino? The range of cool projects you can do with this awesome development board is truly staggering. Of course, you aren’t just going to run out, buy an Arduino, and be an expert. You’ll need some...
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How To Keep Your Digital Life Organized In The New Year
One of the downsides of going digital is that clutter isn’t so obvious. When you’re buried under papers, boxes, and stacks of scattered miscellany, it’s all physical proof that you need to clean up a bit. Digitally speaking, however, the only real reminder of clutter is when...
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What Is The OBD-II Port And What Is It Used For?
If you purchased a car after 1996, chances are it has an OBD-II (On-board diagnostics II) port. Every car or truck on the road manufactured after that point is mandated by United States Federal Law to have one installed. But what is it? OBD-II is a sort of computer which monitors emissions,...
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Microsoft Develops New Web Browser, Hackers Target Your Fingerprints [Tech News Digest]
Also, new Twitter ads upset William Shatner, 10 million people try Amazon Prime, Apple offers extended refunds, and old people play QWOP. Microsoft Developing Spartan Web Browser Internet Explorer is being replaced with a browser called Spartan. Which will take over by kicking it into a...
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The Ultimate History Of The Humble Hashtag
Hashtags can be annoying. When someone sends a post over social media with one actual word followed by a spewing of words that #justcantbereadbecauseitstoolongwithoutspaces, it makes you want to unfollow them immediately. However, hashtags actually have their place on social media, and when...
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How to find images for Office documents now that Microsoft's killing Clip Art
Microsoft is sending its Office clip art to the digital beyond, where it shall rest in glory with Clippy, Zune, and the rest of the Redmond saints.
In other words, those wonky, yet charming images that graced countless PowerPoint presentations are in their last days. Microsoft already nixed...
Read More
A few good reasons to partition your SSD or hard drive
Chidi Okwara asked why one would choose to partition a hard drive
Partitions split one physical drive into multiple virtual drives. Each one uses an assigned piece of physical real estate on the media, and is treated by the operating system as a separate drive with its own drive...
Read More
How to start chatting with webRTC, the no-hassle, in-browser voice and video tech
There’s a relatively new technology built in to most browsers that could revolutionize the way you talk with your friends and family. Called webRTC, the HTML 5-based tech could one day replace the need for third-party plugins from services like Google Hangouts or Skype, offering voice...
Read More
Travel safely with your tech: How to prevent theft, loss and snooping on the road
When you travel, a whole fleet of electronics come with you. Smartphone and laptop are a given, but there’s a good chance you’re also toting a tablet, and maybe a cellular hotspot or dedicated GPS.
All of them are juicy targets for bad guys. Here’s how to make sure your devices’ travels are j...
Read More
Keep encrypted files encrypted when you back them up to the cloud
After reading my article on encrypting sensitive data, Ian Cooper asked if it was safe “to use one of these encryption tools in conjunction with an online backup service?”
In that previous article, I discussed two separate ways to encrypt a folder filled with sensitive files:...
Read More
Three security-boosting steps to perform on every router
The computer industry has worked hard to make sure that a lot of the gadgets we use are mostly plug-and-play. In other words, you just fire up the device, login and you’re ready to go—no configuration necessary. One device you should never consider “plug-and-play,” however, i...
Read More
Use third-party ink at your own risk
Norm Denard is using non-HP, third-party ink in his HP printer. “My printing is interrupted by warnings and urging to buy their ink.” Should he switch to the safer but more expensive HP option?
Few items in this world are as pricey as printer ink. You can easily spend or more for a small cart...
Read More
How to use cloud storage's hidden, helpful power tool: Robust file version histories
Cloud syncing services earn their keep by letting access your files from anywhere and with any device, but did you also know they can be lifesavers for people who stick to a single PC?
The other day I was writing an article in Microsoft Word. As usual, I saved it to OneDrive, closed the app...
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How to set up your new Chromebook the right way
Setting up a new Chromebook is much easier than setting up a PC. Chromebooks don’t require major updates or antivirus software. You start simply by signing in with your Google Account (or creating that account, if you don’t already have one).
All that said, Chromebooks have some ...
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How to save a webpage as a PDF or MHT file
Tom Stallard asked for a way to save webpages, with all of the formatting and images intact, to local storage.
I know of two ways to save webpages as single, contained files. They won’t reproduce the exact layout of the page, but they’ll come very close. One will give you a standard .pdf fil...
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Take precautions when using public Wi-Fi networks
Tctws Tan wanted to know about the dangers of using a public Wi-Fi network, such as the ones you find in cafes and libraries. “Is there any other method to increase my privacy?”
If Windows knows it’s accessing a public network, it will hide your laptop from other computers...
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How to install Microsoft fonts in Linux office suites
Times New Roman, Calibri, and many other popular fonts are created by Microsoft and can’t be included with Linux. If you open a Word document or another Microsoft Office document in LibreOffice or OpenOffice, you’ll need Microsoft’s fonts installed on your Linux system to see the documents as t...
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Monday, December 29, 2014
Geek Trivia: The Top Grossing Holiday Film Of All Time Is?
The Top Grossing Holiday Film Of All Time Is?
Elf
The Polar Express
A Christmas Story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Think you know the answer?
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The Clip Report is expanding. In between the quarterly(ish)...
The Clip Report is expanding. In between the quarterly(ish) briefing books I will be sharing field notes on LinkedIn from my various conversations with media innovators. You can read my learnings here.
Pictured above clockwise: Anil Dash, Wenda Harris Millard (Medialink), Kevin Gao (Hyperink),...
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No single industry has embraced social and digital technologies...
No single industry has embraced social and digital technologies like the press – and to their benefit too. This, however has created a stylistic split between news that’s crafted to find you vs that which you seek out.
This edition of The Clip Report, the second in a series...
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The Clip Report: An eBook on the Future of Media In the early...
The Clip Report: An eBook on the Future of Media
In the early 1990s when I began my career in PR there were clip reports. These were physical books that contained press clips. It seems downright archaic now but that’s how I learned about the press – by cutting, pasting up and...
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How To Turn Your New Year Resolution Into A Success Story
I will reduce my reliance on the Internet — so I vowed at the start of this year. Much against my expectations, that has turned into the first new year resolution success story of my life. Last year, when the question of new year resolutions loomed large, I asked myself,...
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5 Best PDF & Ebook Readers For Windows
Over the past few years, eBooks have gone from a novel idea to a broadly embraced alternative to print literature. Devices like the Nook and the Kindle have become commonplace — but they’re not the only option if you’re looking to see what eBooks have to offer. More and...
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Achieve Your Resolutions With Persevy And The Pomodoro Method
New Year resolutions are a promise of productivity — of doing something that you aren’t already. One of the most popular productivity methods, the Pomodoro technique, is ideal to achieve your goals. And new web app Persevy makes it easier than ever to track your progress. You need...
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5 Life-Ruining Ways You Can Be Victimized Online
The Internet can be a dangerous place. Despite the illusion, the Internet is not as anonymous as you might think it is. The truth is, if somebody wants to find out who you are and where you live, even the tiniest bit of information can lead back to you. And when that happens, the results...
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Can’t Put Off Email Every Morning? Try This Ritual Instead
According to every productivity blog ever, checking your email first thing in the morning is the worst thing you can do. You might as well crack open a beer and fire up your XBox, they say, because once you look at your email you’re not going to get anything done. I exagerate,...
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How To Create A Custom Planner To Meet Your Goals In 2015
There are few productivity tools that are as irreplaceable as the planner. And having one that’s customized to your needs can go a long way toward helping you keep your resolutions and meet your goals in 2015. It’ll remind you of what your goals are, help you track your...
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1Sheeld, The Ultimate Arduino Shield Review and Giveaway
A single Arduino shield that can link with an Android device and provide a multitude of sensors and advanced functions? Yep – that’s a thing now. The 1Sheeld, in fact. From developers Integreight, 1Sheeld blew it’s admittedly humble Kickstarter goal of $10k out of the...
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How Using “If-Then” Logic Can Help You Reach Your Goals
We set resolutions for the new year with good intentions. It’s all about self-improvement. But intentions aren’t enough. To follow through, you need a plan of action. Scientists suggest using If-Then logic to stick to your goals. Previously, Ryan has talked about such logic and...
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Twitter Taken Down By New Year, Bitcoin Performed Poorly In 2014 [Tech News Digest]
Also, PSN and Xbox Live are back online, Pinterest rolls out Promoted Pins, how to stream The Interview, and preferring a chocolate iPhone to the real thing. Twitter Back Up After Strange Downtime Twitter went down and I realized, my life is so boring that I had nothing else better to do other...
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Upcoming Design Trends In 2015 – Is This The Future?
Design is an incredibly trendy field. When something becomes popular, you’ll tend to see other people adopting and tweaking a design principle to suit their needs. So with that in mind, what will be the design trends that really take hold in 2015? No one can predict the future with 100...
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Hands On: How Haptic Technologies Will Bring Touch to VR
Almost all of the impressive VR work done to date has focused on just two senses: your sight and your hearing. That’s a great start, and one that will enable lots of powerful experiences, but it is incomplete. In order to fully immerse users in interactive virtual reality environments,...
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How To Remove, Change, Or Set Default Apps In Android
Android is renowned for how customizable it is. The tweaking and choice is one of the good reasons to go Android over iPhone. But have you ever tried setting and changing a default app in Android? It’s a mess. But we’re here to make it easy. The Google Play Store has a whole bunch...
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What Is The Best Smartphone Released In 2014? [MakeUseOf Poll]
There were some brilliant new smartphones released in 2014, including plenty of new Androids, a couple of new iPhones, several new Windows Phone handsets, and even a BlackBerry or two as well. But which, dear reader, is the best smartphone launched in the past year? Welcome to this week’s...
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Your Favorite Movie Cars Reimagined As Real Cars
Often times, vehicles in movies are not made from real world cars. Instead, they are custom-built and no longer resemble anything. What if movies cars were given a little tweak to make them look like real cars, but with the parts that still make them special? That’s just what...
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Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions With Help From Reddit [Weird & Wonderful Web]
A brand new year is upon us, which means several things. 1. We will all get another year older. 2. We will all have to get used to writing another number when dating things. 3. We will all make new year’s resolutions we’ll then fail to keep for the full 12 months. Number one is a...
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Free up space on your hard drive using your cloud storage's selective sync option
Running out of hard drive space on your PC used to be a problem. It usually meant you had to get a new PC, or offload some files onto an external hard disk, or upgrade your internal drive. All three options were pretty much a pain.
Cloud storage services haven’t solved these hassles...
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Shhh! 3 ways to keep your pre-Lollipop Android phone quiet
Android phones have a bad habit of beeping during important meetings or buzzing in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, iOS devices and the brand-new, Android Lollipop-powered Nexus and Motorola phones have it lucky.
For silent mode, click and hold the volume-down button until the vibrate ...
Read More
Does your computer have malware? Here are the telltale signs
Windows wouldn’t update on Warren Blake’s PC. Nor would system restore work. A malware infection seems likely. Here are some symptoms that could suggest foul play.
I’m received countless letters from readers who think they have a “virus.” The problems they describe—Blue Screens of Death, no aud...
Read More
The hidden power of Windows Jump Lists
Windows is full of so many handy little features it’s easy to forget some of them if you aren’t using it every day. One such feature is Jump Lists, which is the app-specific menu that appears when you right-click a desktop app icon on the taskbar.
What you see in a Jump List is...
Read More
How to find images for Office documents now that Microsoft's killing Clip Art
Microsoft is sending its Office clip art to the digital beyond, where it shall rest in glory with Clippy, Zune, and the rest of the Redmond saints.
In other words, those wonky, yet charming images that graced countless PowerPoint presentations are in their last days. Microsoft already nixed...
Read More
How to find images for Office documents now that Microsoft's killing Clip Art
Microsoft is sending its Office clip art to the digital beyond, where it shall rest in glory with Clippy, Zune, and the rest of the Redmond saints.
In other words, those wonky, yet charming images that graced countless PowerPoint presentations are in their last days. Microsoft already nixed...
Read More
A few good reasons to partition your SSD or hard drive
Chidi Okwara asked why one would choose to partition a hard drive
Partitions split one physical drive into multiple virtual drives. Each one uses an assigned piece of physical real estate on the media, and is treated by the operating system as a separate drive with its own drive...
Read More
A few good reasons to partition your SSD or hard drive
Chidi Okwara asked why one would choose to partition a hard drive
Partitions split one physical drive into multiple virtual drives. Each one uses an assigned piece of physical real estate on the media, and is treated by the operating system as a separate drive with its own drive...
Read More
How to start chatting with webRTC, the no-hassle, in-browser voice and video tech
There’s a relatively new technology built in to most browsers that could revolutionize the way you talk with your friends and family. Called webRTC, the HTML 5-based tech could one day replace the need for third-party plugins from services like Google Hangouts or Skype, offering voice...
Read More
How to start chatting with webRTC, the no-hassle, in-browser voice and video tech
There’s a relatively new technology built in to most browsers that could revolutionize the way you talk with your friends and family. Called webRTC, the HTML 5-based tech could one day replace the need for third-party plugins from services like Google Hangouts or Skype, offering voice...
Read More
Travel safely with your tech: How to prevent theft, loss and snooping on the road
When you travel, a whole fleet of electronics come with you. Smartphone and laptop are a given, but there’s a good chance you’re also toting a tablet, and maybe a cellular hotspot or dedicated GPS.
All of them are juicy targets for bad guys. Here’s how to make sure your devices’ travels are j...
Read More
Travel safely with your tech: How to prevent theft, loss and snooping on the road
When you travel, a whole fleet of electronics come with you. Smartphone and laptop are a given, but there’s a good chance you’re also toting a tablet, and maybe a cellular hotspot or dedicated GPS.
All of them are juicy targets for bad guys. Here’s how to make sure your devices’ travels are j...
Read More
Keep encrypted files encrypted when you back them up to the cloud
After reading my article on encrypting sensitive data, Ian Cooper asked if it was safe “to use one of these encryption tools in conjunction with an online backup service?”
In that previous article, I discussed two separate ways to encrypt a folder filled with sensitive files:...
Read More
Keep encrypted files encrypted when you back them up to the cloud
After reading my article on encrypting sensitive data, Ian Cooper asked if it was safe “to use one of these encryption tools in conjunction with an online backup service?”
In that previous article, I discussed two separate ways to encrypt a folder filled with sensitive files:...
Read More
Three security-boosting steps to perform on every router
The computer industry has worked hard to make sure that a lot of the gadgets we use are mostly plug-and-play. In other words, you just fire up the device, login and you’re ready to go—no configuration necessary. One device you should never consider “plug-and-play,” however, i...
Read More
Three security-boosting steps to perform on every router
The computer industry has worked hard to make sure that a lot of the gadgets we use are mostly plug-and-play. In other words, you just fire up the device, login and you’re ready to go—no configuration necessary. One device you should never consider “plug-and-play,” however, i...
Read More
Use third-party ink at your own risk
Norm Denard is using non-HP, third-party ink in his HP printer. “My printing is interrupted by warnings and urging to buy their ink.” Should he switch to the safer but more expensive HP option?
Few items in this world are as pricey as printer ink. You can easily spend or more for a small cart...
Read More
Use third-party ink at your own risk
Norm Denard is using non-HP, third-party ink in his HP printer. “My printing is interrupted by warnings and urging to buy their ink.” Should he switch to the safer but more expensive HP option?
Few items in this world are as pricey as printer ink. You can easily spend or more for a small cart...
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How to use cloud storage's hidden, helpful power tool: Robust file version histories
Cloud syncing services earn their keep by letting access your files from anywhere and with any device, but did you also know they can be lifesavers for people who stick to a single PC?
The other day I was writing an article in Microsoft Word. As usual, I saved it to OneDrive, closed the app...
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How to set up your new Chromebook the right way
Setting up a new Chromebook is much easier than setting up a PC. Chromebooks don’t require major updates or antivirus software. You start simply by signing in with your Google Account (or creating that account, if you don’t already have one).
All that said, Chromebooks have some ...
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How to save a webpage as a PDF or MHT file
Tom Stallard asked for a way to save webpages, with all of the formatting and images intact, to local storage.
I know of two ways to save webpages as single, contained files. They won’t reproduce the exact layout of the page, but they’ll come very close. One will give you a standard .pdf fil...
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Take precautions when using public Wi-Fi networks
Tctws Tan wanted to know about the dangers of using a public Wi-Fi network, such as the ones you find in cafes and libraries. “Is there any other method to increase my privacy?”
If Windows knows it’s accessing a public network, it will hide your laptop from other computers...
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Saturday, September 20, 2014
Tips For Buying TV
3D TVs are the new thing in the market now, many companies provide a three-dimensional TVs in their production lines. In this article will answer some of the questions that always spin in the buyer’s mind about these products.
Why bad image with Alsatleight receiver and TV HD? Here the...
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Monday, September 15, 2014
Tips For Buying Parking Sensors
Parking sensor kits are in-car technology systems that help drivers to avoid collisions. By acting as an extra set of eyes, parking sensors warn drivers of obstacles that exist in a driver’s blind spots. Although some luxury car models feature an installed parking sensor system, most...
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Tips For Buying Umbrella
Tips For Buying Umbrella
The truth is many of us don’t think about buying umbrella until the sky turns black or, worse, when the one you have suddenly breaks in a downpour. But snapping up the first umbrella you find means it’ll likely end up broken and tossed in the trash. We’ve tested many compact and mini umbrellas for water repellency, durability, size, weight, ease of opening and closing, and more in the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. After putting all those umbrellas through the wringer (and our rain tester!), we learned a thing or two about what makes a good one and give tips for buying umbrella.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. A model that’s about 10 or 11 inches long
A large, domed canopy is one key to good protection. In our test, buying umbrellas that were in this size range offered the best combination of coverage and compactness. If you really want something smaller, try the Totes Signature Micro ‘Brella ($22). It packs a lot of umbrella into only six inches.
2. A vented canopy
When you are battling wind and rain, a vented or two-layer fabric canopy helps keep the umbrella from flipping inside out. You stay dry while the wind passes through it instead of inverting it. The Samsonite Windguard ($30) has a vented canopy and was a top pick in our test.
3. A handle that’s comfortable to hold in either hand
Chances are you’ll be carrying bags and other items when toting your umbrella, so it has to work in both your right and left hands. When buying umbrella Look for a grip that’s slim and cushioned for maximum comfort. Skip umbrellas with handles that seem heavy, bulky, or hard to hold.
4. A shaft that collapses in only two sections
A frame that folds into lots of pieces generally isn’t as sturdy and may not operate as smoothly as one with fewer bends and breaks. More sections can also mean more places for fingers to get pinched.
5. A $30 to $40 price tag
Price is not the best indicator of quality, but buying umbrellas in this range generally offer good coverage, durability, and convenient features like automatic open and close.
Umbrella Types According To Season :
Rain Umbrellas
When most people think of buying umbrellas, they think of rain umbrellas. These umbrellas have waterproof canopies that are designed to protect whoever carries them from rain. While it may seem like a very basic accessory, there are actually many different types of rain umbrellas, some of which may be differentially suitable to certain situations or certain personalities.
- Full-Sized Umbrellas
At one time, a full-sized umbrella was the only kind that was available. These umbrellas have either a stick or a cane handle that does not fold up and remains at full height at all times. Because of this, full-sized umbrellas sometimes double as walking sticks. Usually, the canopy of this type of umbrella offers a significant amount of coverage and can be very durable. However, because the umbrella does not fold or collapse, it can be rather cumbersome to carry. People who would prefer buying umbrella to slip into a briefcase or purse will not prefer a full-sized umbrella. However, for dressy occasions where there is a chance of rain, it can be a classy choice.
- Compact Umbrella
In general, compact umbrellas enjoy more popularity today than their full-sized counterparts. These umbrellas have a handle and support that collapses or folds into itself when the user collapses the canopy. This construction means that it is easy to carry a compact umbrella when it is not in use and to have it handy for when the weather might turn unexpectedly. Despite the fact that compact umbrellas may be a bit less durable than full-sized umbrellas, Buying umbrellas that are made with nickel or fiberglass rather than aluminum will stand up very well to the elements.
- Shedrain Compact Umbrella
Shedrain is a company that has specialized in making all types of umbrellas since the 1940’s. Originating the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., the company has a good understanding of what it takes to be protected from downpours as well as drizzles, which shows in all Shedrain umbrellas. Shedrain compact umbrellas, like the Shedrain Windjammer, are a testament to this fact. They are well-constructed and also generally affordable. The Windjammer series is specially vented to allow wind to pass through. The vents keep the umbrella from turning inside out, thereby rendering it useless. These umbrellas are also compact enough to put into a purse and have at the ready.
- Bubble Umbrellas
Bubble umbrellas may look a bit different to people who are used to traditional canopy umbrellas, but they actually serve an important purpose. A bubble umbrella is designed so that whoever is carrying it can actually cover his or her entire head. The umbrella’s canopy is transparent so as to allow for visibility. This means that carrying a bubble umbrella will keep the head (and hairstyle) dry much better than most traditional umbrellas. Some bubble umbrellas have only a band of transparent plastic for visibility while others are transparent all over for maximum peripheral vision.
- Totes Bubble Umbrella
Totes is another brand that has made it their business to protect people from the weather. The company offers a line of Totes umbrellas, along with rain boots, hats, and scarves. Totes bubble umbrellas are particularly popular with women due to how well they protect hair and purses from rain and wind. These umbrellas come in a variety of designs, with some being completely transparent and others sporting fun, quirky designs around the bottom of the umbrella’s canopy. These bubble umbrellas are not expensive, so they make a whimsical and an affordable solution for bad weather.
- Designer Rain Umbrella
There are some people for whom a generic umbrella simply will not do. For this population, there is a surprising variety of designer rain umbrellas available that offer high fashion style along with waterproof protection. Of course, these designer umbrellas are a good deal more expensive than some of the other, more common varieties but for those people who must maintain their label loyalty, they may be the preferable choice when buying umbrellas.
- Burberry Umbrella
Burberry is an iconic London fashion label that is perhaps best known for its chic and timeless trench coats. However, they also make a line of Burberry umbrellas that feature their classic plaid design. A Burberry umbrella can be a considerable investment. Clearly, this is not an accessory that everyone can afford, but for the right person it can be a dream.
Sun Umbrella
Of course, rain is not the only reason that a person may need an umbrella. The same structure that is effective in protecting people from moisture can also help to block out the sun’s punishing rays. While some users may be content with a sun umbrella that is simply a repurposed rain umbrella, other users may prefer their sun umbrellas to be entirely different contraptions made from different materials.
- Patio Umbrella
Patio umbrellas are a necessity for any patio or outdoor seating area. These tall umbrellas are much different from umbrellas that are carried by hand. Patio umbrellas can be mounted in permanent stands in the ground or they can be portable so that they may be moved with the sun to provide constant shade. They are usually made from specially treated canvas so that they can effectively shade people while also offering protection in case of rain.
- Beach Umbrella
The beach is a place where people make themselves especially susceptible to UV rays and sunburn. With so much skin on display, a proper beach umbrella coupled with sunscreen is the best way to protect against sunburn and other harmful effects. Large beach umbrellas should be able to be anchored in the sand easily and cover substantial territory with their shade. Some beach umbrellas will clamp onto a beach chair, which can be convenient and prevent them from falling or blowing away.
- Parasol
Parasol is a fancy name for a sun umbrella that is carried by hand. Parasols are designed to provide shade and usually are not waterproof, so they are ineffective as rain umbrellas. However, keeping the face shaded from direct sunlight can be helpful in preventing sun damage and the associated premature aging. Decorative lace parasols have become a popular accessory for outdoor weddings, both for brides and for guests who may find themselves sitting in the sun for long periods.
Tips For Buying Umbrella
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