Gear & Tech

• Make Your Computer Run Faster--for Free

  Q. My computer has gotten slower and slower at doing basic things like booting up and running multiple programs at once. How do I improve its performance without spending any money?...

  
  

• It's a Cell Phone, Not Your Master

  Is your work/life balance out of whack? Do you have a smartmphone? Bingo! In this article, an executive coach with a busy practice of type A businessmen tells how to overcome your Blackberry addiction.

  
  

• Should You Switch to Google's New Browser?

  Google's new Chrome browser is a mixed bag. It's fast, stable, beautiful, and it gives you a lot more privacy than other broswers. Alas, it's still in beta, and right now it's only for PC users; Mac and Linux users will have to wait. Here are seven PROs and 7 CONs to consider before you go Chrome. Source: PC World

  
  

• How to Find a Great Contractor

  In addition to lots of great references from other homeowners, make sure he has a great rep in the industry and a local street address in your community (not a PO box). Watch out for contractors who decline to give a cell phone number, who want to be paid in cash, and who drive a junker or otherwise look sleazy. Any doubts? Look him up on contractorcheck.com. Source: CNN Money

  
  

• New Way to Share Music Online

  SimplifyMedia lets Mac and PC users listen to music files on other computers, via the Net. You can enjoy songs on your home computer while at work. Or have a listen to songs on friends' computers while they are online. It's safe, legal, and free. Download at simplifymedia.com. Source: Macapper.com

  
  

• 10 iPhone Apps and Tools to Check Out

  Listen to the radio. Use online chat. Track major-league games. Turn your iPhone into a remote. All these and much more are among the hundreds of applications for the new Apple iPhone. Source: All Things Digital

  
  

• 7 Tech Trends Smart Guys Simply Ignore

  Some of these are just not necessary, others aren't fully developed. From social networking sites to virtualization, what trends you can take a pass on for now. Why you should remain leery of trends like radio frequency ID, Facebook, green technologies, and more. Source: Business Week

  
  

• 50 Cool Things to Do with Google Maps

  Some of these are just not necessary, others aren't fully developed. From social networking sites to virtualization, what trends you can take a pass on for now. Why you should remain leery of trends like radio frequency ID, Facebook, green technologies, and more. Source: Business Week

  
  

• Picking the Best Popcorn Popper

  Popcorn is the snack to beat all snacks. It's tasty, high in fiber, and you can season it with everything from butter and salt to wasabi. Compared to microwave popcorn, homemade is less expensive, lower in calories, and free of spooky chemical additives. Six popular poppers are tested and rated here. Source: Slate

  
  

• New Device Helps Keep You Safe in Remotest Areas

  Boating, camping, hiking, off-road motorcycling, snowmobiling, they’re all fun to do, and they all carry considerably more risk if you’re on your own—break a leg, sprain an ankle, get bitten by a snake or a spider, and suddenly you may not be able to get out without assistance. The Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) offers risk mitigation for adventurous people. How it works and who should get one. Source: gizmag

  
  

• Secrets of Clutter-Free Email

  Too much email piled up in your inbox? Step one is to create a file called “Backlog.” Dump all of the old stuff there and give yourself a fresh start. Here are simple instructions on how to tackle the backlog, start an empty inbox habit, and use a three-folder organization method. Source: Unclutterer

  
  

• 20 Most Dangerous Vehicles

  Hoping to stay safe on the road? You might want to avoid buying or riding in certain cars, from a list including the least safe sports cars, SUVs, and pickups. What features predict that a car will be safe in a crash? Experts share their safety tips. Source: Forbes

  
  

• 3 Great Three-Function Machines (Copy-Print-Scan)

  All-in-one machines are becoming much more compact and affordable, and most important, easier to use. A review of three machines geared toward home users: Eastman Kodak's ESP 3 All-in-One Printer, Canon's PIXMA MP470 and Hewlett-Packard's HP Photosmart C4280. Each costs about $100. Should you get one? Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Identity

  Find out how to safeguard your identity in a world of Dumpster divers, mail thieves and shoulder surfers. Ten simple ways to stop identity theft cold. Plus: What to do if your identity is stolen. Source: MSN

  
  

• New Super-GPS Unit Gives Traffic Data, Too

  Dash Express is a smarter in-car navigation device. It’s unique in that it brings the power of the Internet, and of community information, to auto navigation. If it becomes popular, it could be a big deal. Is it time to get on board? Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• Getting Things Done with an Online 'Honey Do' List

  What could be simpler than a paper shopping or to-do list? Why bother with a computer? In its simplest form, an online list solves the "Honey, I have a list of things for you to do" problem. Putting it online allows you to create a list at home that your wife can read and edit at work. Likewise, she can jot down chores for you as they strike her fancy. Online list managers explained. Source: Newsday

  
  

• Consumer Reports's Top 10 Cars for 2008

  Road tests, reliability, and safety are the criteria. So, what are the best pickup trucks, small and midsized sedans, and luxury cars for 2008? The Chevrolet Silverado, The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe, and the Lexus LS 460L all make the list. For a fun car that meets the same stringent standards, check out the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Source: Consumer Reports

  
  

• Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a HOME INVENTORY

  Anyone with stuff should have an inventory of his possessions. Not only to determine how much insurance coverage you need, but also to substantiate a claim in case of fire, natural disaster or theft. Use a video camera, photographs and a notebook, or computer program. Choose the method that’s easiest for you so you’ll be more likely to keep it up to date. Source: Real Simple

  
  

• Defending Against Dodgy Web Sites

  Nine tips to help you avoid suspicious web sites. No matter how you arrive at an unsafe web site, much can go wrong when you do. But you can learn to avoid trouble before it's too late. Understanding ad-ware, pop-ups, and when to disclose personal information—like your social security number—will keep you firmly in the safety zone. Source: CNET

  
  

• Consumer Reports's 11 WORST CARS

  Here are the cars and SUVs with the lowest scores in Consumer Reports's annual auto tests. Jeep Wrangler and Hummer H3 top this list of duds. These and nine others, as well as information on just what’s wrong with each of them, including poor fuel economy and safety features. Source: CNN Money

  
  

• 5 Tips for an ORGANIZED COMPUTER

  Want it to be easy to find your files? Set up systems that work for you, so that things stay neat even if you’re not. For example, by changing the settings in your web browser, you can make internet downloads go automatically to a specific folder, instead of making a crowd of clutter on your desktop. Source: Productivity 501

  
  

• How to Tell if Your Mechanic Is Honest

  Can you trust your auto mechanic? One mechanic’s honest answers about his chosen industry. He confesses that while the car repair industry is trying to clean itself up, some mechanics are still doing things like putting used parts in people's cars and selling them as new. This and more insider scoop. Source: CNN

  
  

• Just How Fast Is Your Broadband Connection? Try This Free Test

  Take a free broadband speed test with servers located all over the world. Could your internet connection be faster? Compare your results with others and easily share them. Allows you to analyze broadband speeds around the world. Moving? See which ISPs rank best at your destination. Source: Speedtest.net

  
  

• 10 Handy Numbers to Store in Your Cell Phone

  Be prepared! Ten phone numbers you could not care less about until the moment you need them, at which point they’ll save you time, money and general peace of mind. Do yourself a favor and program each of these handy numbers into your mobile phone. Source: Marc and Angel Hack Life

  
  

• Top 10 Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars

  One look at this list of the ten most fuel-efficient luxury cars proves that good fuel economy isn't necessarily synonymous with poor performance anymore. These cars conserve fuel while still providing amenities that luxury shoppers crave. Get better mileage and save money while driving a sweet ride. Source: Forbes Autos

  
  

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