Programs like Pidgin and Trillian solve the cross-platform problem, allowing you to sign into multiple networks under a single software roof. But they're still software, and I'm trying install fewer programs on my PC, not more.
Enter Meebo, a browser-based solution that lets you access 9 different chat networks without installing so much as a plug-in. This free service supports AIM, Facebook, Flixter, Gtalk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, Myspace, and Yahoo. Read the rest of this entry »
Programs like Pidgin and Trillian solve the cross-platform problem, allowing you to sign into multiple networks under a single software roof. But they're still software, and I'm trying install fewer programs on my PC, not more.
Enter Meebo, a browser-based solution that lets you access 9 different chat networks without installing so much as a plug-in. This free service supports AIM, Facebook, Flixter, Gtalk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, Myspace, and Yahoo. Read the rest of this entry »
The ads are everywhere these days â switch to the Mac for a safer, more stable computing experience. Many people have taken the plunge; some people have done so due to Vista frustrations while others have done so based on promises of less frustrating computer time. Personally, I use both a Mac (a MacBook laptop) and two Windows desktops (both Dell Precision workstations â one at home and one at the office. I will admit that Iâm Read the rest of this entry »
This is easily the most important upgrade you can make, especially if you short-changed your hardware initially. You should have at least 2GB, but shoot for about 4GB. The 32-bit versions of XP and Vista cap the memory usage there and might not even be able to address all of it. (64-bit Windows can use more than 4GB.) Still, RAM is cheap; your programs will run more smoothly, and you'll be able to have more open at a time. Consult your system documentation Read the rest of this entry »
December 26, 2008 (PC World)
Maybe your PC won't boot. Or it could be infected with some kind of persistent malware. Perhaps Windows puts up a Blue Screen of Death every time you type the word "aardvark."
No matter what kind of trouble your computer is having, someone will probably tell you to reformat your hard drive, reinstall Windows and your applications, and then restore your documents, photos and music from a backup.
That isn't always Read the rest of this entry »
machine may be able to get you on the Web, play your MP3s and collect your photos, but it can perform those tasks better with a little extra setup. Here's what to do with a new computer running
, the current versions of each operating system.
On a Vista computer, Windows' built-in firewall defense will already be active, and you should be prompted to enable the preinstalled anti-virus software when you first boot up the PC. Do not ignore that Read the rest of this entry »
1. Hybrid Business Models -- Ad-supported software continues to grow either
as a full replacement, or an alternative, for users to choose when
consuming software. Yahoo Games, the leading online game site, signed a
deal with NeoEdge ( http://www.neoedge.com) and Double Fusion
( http://doublefusion.com) to offer 400 ad-supported downloadable games.
This is a real change as typically these downloadable games were offered
for Read the rest of this entry »
1. Hybrid Business Models -- Ad-supported software continues to grow either
as a full replacement, or an alternative, for users to choose when
consuming software. Yahoo Games, the leading online game site, signed a
deal with NeoEdge ( http://www.neoedge.com) and Double Fusion
( http://doublefusion.com) to offer 400 ad-supported downloadable games.
This is a real change as typically these downloadable games were offered
for Read the rest of this entry »
I recently promised you a strategy for a long-term exploration and transition to Linux and Open Source. This plan is for home use; organizational Linux is another issue. You also can follow this strategy to get some idea of how well a netbook will work before shelling out big bucks.
You can decide whether Open Source applications work for you without installing Linux. Why? Most come in Mac and PC-compatible versions as well. Start by downloading Read the rest of this entry »
I recently promised you a strategy for a long-term exploration and transition to Linux and Open Source. This plan is for home use; organizational Linux is another issue. You also can follow this strategy to get some idea of how well a netbook will work before shelling out big bucks.
You can decide whether Open Source applications work for you without installing Linux. Why? Most come in Mac and PC-compatible versions as well. Start by downloading Read the rest of this entry »