Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Doing the Right Thing -- 5 Tech Pitfalls]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/09/23/doing-the-right-thing-5-tech-pitfalls/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/23/doing-the-right-thing-5-tech-pitfalls/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/23/doing-the-right-thing-5-tech-pitfalls/#comments
Kids (and kids at heart) have always loved a little school-time tomfoolery, be it streaking at a football game or leaving a flaming bag of poop on a neighbor's doorstep. But in the digital age, the mischief has moved to the most public of forums: online. What may seem like harmless virtual-reality hijinks can have devastating real-world consequences. Switched consulted sociologist Carrie James of Harvard's GoodPlay Project, who recently conducted a study that examined the online behaviors and dilemmas facing 60 teens and young adults aged 15 to 25. With her help, we've come up with the top five online ethical pitfalls that ensnare today's students (and plenty of adults, too). Remember, like the toilet paper dangling from a TP'd tree of yore, online insults and Net misbehavior can leave a trail of incriminating, rep ruining, and possibly career-ending evidence. Ignore at your own risk.

If you're in school or you're an adult in the working world, ignore them at your own peril.

Continue reading Doing the Right Thing -- 5 Tech Pitfalls

Doing the Right Thing -- 5 Tech Pitfalls originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:53:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Ethics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/22/ethics-101-5-online-pitfalls-that-destroy-students/#comments
Kids have always loved to mix it up with a little school-time tomfoolery, whether it's streaking at a football game or leaving a flaming bag of poop on a teacher's doorstep. But in the digital age, the mischief has moved online. What may seem like harmless virtual-reality hijinks can have devastating real-world consequences. Switched consulted sociologist Carrie James of Harvard's GoodPlay Project, who recently conducted a study that examined the online behaviors of and dilemmas confronted by 60 kids aged 15 to 25. With her help, we've come up with the top five online ethical pitfalls that can ensnare today's students (and plenty of adults, too). If you're in school, ignore them at your own peril. And if you're the parent of a pupil, read on and remember with fondness the simpler, olden days.

Continue reading Ethics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students

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Ethics 101: 5 Online Pitfalls That Destroy Students originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crimeethicsfeatureslawstudentstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:41:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[14 Annoying Tech Types]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/09/08/14-annoying-tech-types/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/08/14-annoying-tech-types/ http://www.switched.com/2009/09/08/14-annoying-tech-types/#comments

Though technology generally makes our lives better, it can also turn us into idiots. Inspired by Blue Tools -- those people who never remove their wireless headsets -- we've compiled a list of personality types who irritate by misusing gadgets and the Internet in ways that are mean, rude, or simply clueless.

Are we stereotyping a bit? Sure, but ultimately, we're here to help. Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. So take that headset off for a moment and ask yourself: "Is this what I've become?" If so, just look up from the screen, turn down the volume, and your friends will be happy to have you back. But first, take a look at 12 types who we think should take their technology and shove it.

Continue reading 14 Annoying Tech Types

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14 Annoying Tech Types originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> annoyingappleblue toolBlueToolbluetoothfeaturessmstextingtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:21:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Bills With Technology]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills/#comments

Foreclosures. Bailouts. Unemployment. Cats and dogs living together. Yes, these are stressful times. But don't panic: There are a lot of ways to stay afloat during this economic downturn. While we can't advise you on stocks or mortgages, we do know a thing or two about technology. So we present this list of gadgets, Web sites, and tips that will keep at least a few bucks in your bank account (and, in some cases, save energy and the environment). Every penny counts these days.

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How to Lower Your Monthly Bills With Technology originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featureshouseholdpersonalfinancesavingthrifttop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-3/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-3/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-3/#comments


Monitor Your Electric Use

You know how you have second thoughts about eating fast food when you look at the nutrition facts? Monitoring your energy consumption will have the same effect, only you'll end up cutting watts instead of calories. You can go the cheaper route with a monitor like the $27 Kill A Watt, which measures one appliance at a time. Or pony up $140 for The Energy Detective (above) to measure your entire household's usage at once. The latter company claims that its device will help you save at least 10 to 20 percent off your energy bills.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-7/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-7/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-7/#comments


Program Your Home's Temperature

Keeping your home at the same temperature 24 hours a day either means you have too much money to care or you're not paying attention to your bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your temperature based on the time of day, making sure you're comfortable while keeping your air conditioning or heating bills down. Honeywell offers a number of products with different programming options, starting around $25, while Ecobee's Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat can be controlled from anywhere in the world via Web-connected computer (so you can shut off the air conditioning from Tokyo, if need be).

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-8/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-8/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-8/#comments


Use Motion Sensor Lighting

You already know that turning off lights is an excellent way to save on your electric bill, so why not make it easier by automating the process? Motion sensors come in a variety of models and increase energy efficiency and security in your home. They can plug straight into a bulb, be integrated into your switches, and work inside and outside. Plus, you'll feel really cool when the lights come on every time you enter a room.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-10/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-10/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-10/#comments


Ditch your landline and get an Internet phone (VoIP)

Using a digital Internet phone service -- also known as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) -- is a cheap way to cut your cell phone bill or eliminate the higher costs of a landline. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection, and you can choose from several services that usually offer tax-free flat-rates for unlimited long-distance calling.

Vonage, for example, offers caller ID, free long distance, voicemail, and a number of other features starting at $25 per month. Skype allows you to call or chat with other Skype users for free and offers affordable pre-paid rates for calls to actual phone numbers outside of Skype. It also allows for high-def video conferencing via your computer's Webcam. Skype is particularly affordable and useful for international calling, since all you need is a laptop, but can even be used in some mobile and home phones.

In addition, most cable companies will offer digital phone service and give you a discount if you order it along with cable TV and Internet services (around $100 for all three).

Making the switch is easy -- and the financial rewards are immediate.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-14/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-14/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-14/#comments


Use Efficient Power Strips

Power strips are great and all, but they can lead you into the bad habit of always leaving gadgets and appliances on, thereby raising your energy costs. That's why you should look into efficient power strips like the $90 Wattstopper, which senses when you're at your desk and turns on the connected gadgets, or the $42 Smart Strip, which shuts down idle gadgets, but keeps power going to those that need to be plugged in 24/7 (like cable boxes and clock radios). Or, you could just turn your strips on and off each time you need them. That also works.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-16/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-16/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-16/#comments


Brew Your Own Coffee

We know most people can't survive without coffee in the morning because we're in the same boat. But we also know that spending a few bucks at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts every morning is a waste of cash. That's why it's much more cost efficient to pony up a mere $36 for a snazzy-looking coffeemaker like the Braun KF590 and buy our own beans or grounds. This baby brews up to 54 ounces through a Brita filter and has a programmable timer so you can have fresh coffee when you wake up. Or, you can leave it unplugged when not in use to cut energy costs -- it's up to you. Unless you're incredibly lazy, there's no reason to keep throwing your money away at the coffee chains. (For more coffee makers, check out this lineup.)

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-17/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-17/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-17/#comments


Buy Yourself A Dining Gift Certificate

Tightening your budget doesn't mean sticking to ramen every night. If you need to get out and enjoy a nice meal, check out Restaurant.com, a site that basically gives you free money for dining out. Available for eateries around across the country, the site offers, on average, a $25 gift certificate for only $10, provided you purchase a minimum amount of food. It's not much, but it's still free money and you'll be able to find plenty of places to use it.


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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-18/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-18/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-18/#comments


Go Solar

Do we really need to explain how solar gadgets help your budget? Remember that products that use solar energy aren't limited to the panels you put on your roof. The options range from practical lighting products, including Christmas lights, to neckties and golf bags that charge your cell phones and iPods. Seriously.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-20/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-20/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-20/#comments


Use A Low Flow Showerhead

Wasting one minute of hot water per shower, according to the people at showerhead manufacturer Evolve, can cost you $75 in heating bills. Luckily, there are a lot of options when it comes to efficient showerheads, such as the ones featuring Evolve's ShowerStart technology, which slows water to a trickle when it reaches $95, then lets you turn it back on full blast when you're ready to hop in. Then there's the Lowest Flow Showerhead, which can go as low at 1.2 gallons per minute and has a valve that lets you stop the stream as you soap up. Also, showers don't need to be half an hour long unless you've been playing in a garbage dump, so make it snappy in there, and start counting the energy-bill savings that'll add up when your hot water heater doesn't run all day!

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-21/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-21/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-21/#comments


Stick to a Laptop

Are you reading this on a desktop computer? If so, you're probably using five to ten times as much power as you would on a laptop. Despite the cheaper costs of desktops nowadays, you'll still end up paying when it comes to your electricity bill. Plus, with a laptop, you can always charge your battery or do your work away from home. But, as we already said, you might try to avoid coffeehouses, unless you can hang out there without purchasing anything.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-22/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-22/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-22/#comments


If you have to buy stuff, at least get some money back.

 We've told you about all the deal and comparison shopping sites out there, but here's another great one to add to the list: ebates.com. Just sign up and do your shopping at over 900 stores that partner with the site, including Apple and Circuit City, and you'll get cash back for every purchase you make. Ebates also shows you what percentage you'll save at each store before you even buy anything, so you'll be the smartest shopper around.



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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-23/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-23/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-23/#comments


Find and buy cheaper gas.

If you're not taking public transportation, biking, walking, etc., then you should do everything in your power to find cheap gas. Luckily, the Web offers a multitude of gas sites such as GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com, where visitors constantly update local fuel prices so you can find the best deal. There's even an application with GasBuddy that works with Google maps and GasBuddyToGo.com, which is a simplified version designed for mobile phones. Happy hunting.

How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-24/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-24/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-24/#comments


Shop With Free Shipping.

The next time you're in the market for something, don't bother driving to the mall. Look online at sites like Freeshippingon.com and MSN's Free Shopping Center and you might be able to find deals that cost the same as in the stores and you won't have to spend the gas and time getting there. It's that easy.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-25/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-25/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-25/#comments


Light Up With CFLs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75-percent less energy and last longer than typical incandescent bulbs. They also come in all sorts of sizes, so you're not stuck with that soft serve cone shape if you don't want it. Yes, they do contain some mercury, but they're not as dangerous as you may have heard. There are now lower mercury bulbs, more recycling centers, and boatloads of advice out there for disposing of them safely.


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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-26/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-26/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/18/how-to-lower-your-monthly-tech-bills-26/#comments


Save On Car Repairs.

Visiting a mechanic is a gamble that can easily leave you ripped off or with a shoddy work. Luckily, there's RepairPal.com, which approximates how much fixing your car should cost and recommends where to go. All you do is enter your car's information, the problem, provided you know it, and your location. The site then gives you the estimated cost of parts and labor and tells you what to expect from your local shops. Remember to leave feedback and help your fellow drivers out.

How to Lower Your Monthly Tech Bills originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/#comments

There's somebody out there for everyone. And thanks to the Web, they are easier to find than ever. Today, online dating sites cater to any interest, vocation, hobby, fetish, and even shared disease. If you're single and very particular -- or you just want to peak at some of the weirder matchmaking services -- then check out our roundup of these unique dating sites.

Continue reading 17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers

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17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> datingfeaturesloverelationshipstopweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Forgotten Password Questions Too Easy to Crack, Study Finds]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/05/19/forgotten-password-questions-too-easy-to-crack-study-finds/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/19/forgotten-password-questions-too-easy-to-crack-study-finds/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/19/forgotten-password-questions-too-easy-to-crack-study-finds/#comments
Remember when Sarah Palin's e-mail account was accessed by a 20-year-old student who guessed the answer to her Yahoo! security question (where she and husband Todd first met)? Well, the former VP candidate is just one of many whose "forgotten password" questions are way too easy for others to guess, according to a new study published in the Technology Review..

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft found that 28-percent of 130 participants had their security questions correctly answered by people they know and trust. Another 17-percent were vulnerable to people they knew, but didn't trust. The problem, it seems, lies with both users and the ineffectiveness of the security method itself.

Continue reading Forgotten Password Questions Too Easy to Crack, Study Finds

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Forgotten Password Questions Too Easy to Crack, Study Finds originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 19 May 2009 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hackerspasswordsarah palinSarahPalinsecuritystudiesstudytop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Tue, 19 May 2009 06:12:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Watching 'Star Trek'...in Space, Topless NBC Exec]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/best-of-the-rest-watching-star-trek-in-space-topless-tv-ex/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/best-of-the-rest-watching-star-trek-in-space-topless-tv-ex/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/best-of-the-rest-watching-star-trek-in-space-topless-tv-ex/#comments There's a load of great tech news happening out there every day, and, unfortunately, we just can't cover it all. Here are a few of the other noteworthy things we saw today on our never-ending journey through the wild, wild Web.

  • Astronauts on the International Space Station got to watch the new 'Star Trek' movie. Yeah, that's cool and all, but we saw it in IMAX, so whatever. [Gizmodo]
  • Speaking of 'Star Trek,' that clever JJ Abrams hid R2-D2 somewhere in the movie. Whoever spots it can submit an entry form that will make them eligible to win an official prop from the film. Maybe one of the astronauts will win. [WorstPreviews]
  • NBC chief Ben Silverman stars in a YouTube clip in which he sings a blues song while only wearing a towel. If this doesn't get ratings up, we don't know what will. [NYmag.com]
  • A British man built the world's tiniest car out of a kid's toy. Sure, it gets 70mpg and tops out at 40 mph, but if it doesn't have a kickin stereo, we're not interested. [Autoblog]
  • The aptly name Blacksocks.com launches a subscription service that delivers black socks to you every few months. If you do the math, each pair costs somewhere around $10. But hey, you don't have to put on socks and go outside to buy them! [CrunchGear]
Got a tip? Want to talk to us? In need of more choice links like these? Drop us a line on Twitter and check out our new Tumblr blog.

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]]> bestoftheresttop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Mon, 18 May 2009 19:31:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Cheap Ford Fusions E-Mail Just Another Spam Hoax]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/cheap-ford-fusions-e-mail-just-another-spam-hoax/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/cheap-ford-fusions-e-mail-just-another-spam-hoax/ http://www.switched.com/2009/05/18/cheap-ford-fusions-e-mail-just-another-spam-hoax/#comments If you recently received an e-mail offer for $15,500 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid, you can just go ahead and move that to your spam folder. The automaker is the latest company to have its name used in an spam scam and has no intentions of giving you a deal this good.

As AutoblogGreen reports, an e-mail from "Ford Motor Company" is making the rounds. The e-mail offers a deal on the popular model: "Due to the World Economy Recession, Ford Motor Company, Inc undergo a statistic fall in Sales and result in a drastic financial crisis this last season," it begins, before explaining that Ford is selling 500 Fusions at nearly half of the normal $27,270 starting price. As is the case with most spam e-mails, it includes some grammatical errors and shady attachment.

Continue reading Cheap Ford Fusions E-Mail Just Another Spam Hoax

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Cheap Ford Fusions E-Mail Just Another Spam Hoax originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> e-maile-mail scamsE-mailScamsfordfusionhoaxhoaxeshybridscamspamtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Mon, 18 May 2009 11:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Cybersquatting's Latest Incarnation: the Fake Facebook Profile]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/cybersquattings-latest-incarnation-the-fake-facebook-profile/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/cybersquattings-latest-incarnation-the-fake-facebook-profile/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/cybersquattings-latest-incarnation-the-fake-facebook-profile/#comments

Remember the days when people would buy up a domain name like "pizza.com," hoping that a company would come along and pay a hefty sum for it? Well, the same tactic is being used on Facebook -- only with the site's public profiles being claimed and then sold to companies.

According to Nick O'Neill at AllFacebook, Facebook users are following in the footsteps of cyber squatters, finding ways to rake in the dough with public profiles. While you can't exactly create a page for a product like Doritos, for example (You must be an "official representative" of the company, according to Facebook's rules), you can get around many of the site's limitations with a bit of creativity. Specifically, you can create a generic fan page that resembles the official page of the product or company in question. If you create the right profile, you can get millions of fans and have your updates appear in their newsfeeds -- a goldmine for any corporation.

So, what's the payoff? O'Neill claims that companies might shell out tens of thousands of dollars for public profiles, or $.05 for each Facebook user that has befriended the page in question since Facebook's redesign. If you have any ideas for a good public profile, we'd say now is the time to post it, since we'd assume that Facebook will eventually put more restrictions on this practice -- most likely in a way that makes them more money. Whether or not you think this Web-speculation is dishonest, it's at least a way to make money on a social network without resorting to blackmail. [From: AllFacebook]

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Cybersquatting's Latest Incarnation: the Fake Facebook Profile originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> businesscybersquattingfacebookmoneytop switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:52:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Why You Shouldn't Toss Your Broken Xbox 360 Just Yet]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/why-you-shouldnt-toss-your-broken-xbox-360-just-yet/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/why-you-shouldnt-toss-your-broken-xbox-360-just-yet/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/why-you-shouldnt-toss-your-broken-xbox-360-just-yet/#comments
Having trouble with your Xbox 360? Well, join the club. Plenty of people have tossed their consoles, figuring them for dead. But what they probably didn't know is that they could have gotten their favorite toy repaired or replaced, for cheap or for free.

From a post by our friends at Geeksugar, we learned how easy it can be to get back on the gaming horse. First off, if you've encountered the dreaded "Red Ring of Death" malfunction, all hope is not lost. Microsoft will replace your machine for up to three years after the purchase date. This is opposed to the one year warranty on all other repairs. Hopefully, you saved your receipt.

Continue reading Why You Shouldn't Toss Your Broken Xbox 360 Just Yet

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Why You Shouldn't Toss Your Broken Xbox 360 Just Yet originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> fix it or toss itFixItOrTossItmicrosoftrepairtopxbox 360Xbox360 switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[16 Biggest Tech No-Nos]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/16-biggest-tech-no-nos/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/16-biggest-tech-no-nos/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/16-biggest-tech-no-nos/#comments

Whether it's the colleague who CC's you on irrelevant e-mails or the stranger who makes loud, public phone calls, many people are downright rude in their gadget use and online behavior. You may not agree with all of them, but we've compiled 16 common tech no-nos, along with ways to avoid them in the future. Read on, because a little more respect and politeness never hurt anyone, right?

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16 Biggest Tech No-Nos originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> etiquetteexpire-images:2010-4-2faux pasFauxPasfeatures switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 2]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-2/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-2/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-2/#comments


Accidentally replying to everyone

Hitting 'Reply All' by mistake is a far too common occurrence these days. At best, you send an irrelevant e-mail; at worst, you reveal sensitive, confidential, or offensive information. If you're going to say something that others shouldn't hear, then do it in private to avoid compromising your job, reputation, relationship, dignity, etc. Take a minute and think things over before clicking 'Send.'

Biggest Tech No-Nos 2 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 15]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-15/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-15/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-15/#comments


Forgetting attachments

How many times have you had to send an e-mail twice because you forgot to include an attachment? If the entire point of an e-mail is to send a file, make sure you actually include it. The easiest strategy here is to attach the file before you write anything in the body. That way, if you click send too quickly, you at least know the important stuff went through. If you do forget, though, the best course of action is to send another e-mail (with the attachment!) immediately.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 15 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 3]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-3/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-3/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-3/#comments


WRITING IN ALL CAPS

Leaving the caps lock engaged in e-mails or chats is like constantly shouting in normal conversation; it makes you seem angry or in need of attention. It's difficult to communicate inflection and tone in online communication, so use normal capitalization and punctuation to get your point across. If not, people won't take you seriously.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 3 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 4]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-4/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-4/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-4/#comments


Taking or posting incriminating photos

The paparazzi are some of the most reviled people out there, so why must you act like them? Please, try to avoid taking incriminating or embarrassing photos of others. It rarely ends well. If you must take these pictures, refrain from posting them on public sites. The exception? If you're actually witnessing a crime. In that case, be a good citizen and snap away.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 4 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 5]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-5/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-5/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-5/#comments


Constant, lame status updates

If you're a constant status updater on Twitter, Facebook, or IM, please keep things interesting. For example, if you must let everyone know that you're at the supermarket, at least spice it up with a joke about the shopping cart with one bad wheel, okay? If not, you'll wind up with friends who simply don't care about what's going on with you.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 5 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 6]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-6/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-6/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-6/#comments


Leaving your phone's ringer on

Cell phones ring or vibrate loudly at inappropriate times far too often. Whether it's out of laziness or the stress of disconnection, many people refuse to simply turn off their phone. You probably don't need to get calls, texts, or e-mails during job interviews, movies, weddings, etc., so shut off your devices for a little while. You'll be fine. We promise.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 6 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 7]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-7/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-7/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-7/#comments


Overusing the 'CC' in e-mails

Sometimes you need to get the opinions of many colleagues and friends, or need to start a group discussion. But there are also many times when you don't. People today seem to think that including more contacts in an e-mail increases efficiency, especially in work situations. More often than not, however, it wastes time and clogs inboxes. Think before you add more recipients.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 7 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 8]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-8/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-8/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-8/#comments


Being a bad customer with gadgets

Ever worked in retail or as a waiter? If so, then listen up. If someone is trying to help or wait on you, don't keep listening to music or yapping into your phone. At best, you're making others wait, and, at worst, you're saying, "You're not important to me, servant." Either way, this obnoxious behavior is easily remedied by, at the very least, removing one headphone or putting your call on hold. You have no excuses.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 8 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 9]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-9/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-9/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-9/#comments


Never removing Bluetooth headsets

It makes sense to wear your Bluetooth headset in your ear while you're driving or working with your hands. Leaving it in while you're at a meal, gathering, or, as one of our staffers witnessed, a funeral, makes you look like a self-important, inconsiderate jerk. If you're expecting a call important enough to interrupt one of these events, just subtly slip the device in your ear precisely when you need to answer the call. On second thought, just leave it on; it's easier for us to avoid you.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 9 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 10]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-10/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-10/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-10/#comments


Using the smartphone at meals

How would you feel if you were out for a meal and your companion pulled out their laptop to surf the Web or check their e-mail? Well, that's the same thing you're doing when you play on your iPhone or BlackBerry instead of paying attention to others. Yes, there are exceptions based on location, formality, and familiarity, but mind your manners.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 10 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 11]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-11/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-11/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-11/#comments


Unnecessary e-mail forwards

This silly behavior has been around for ages, but people still seem to think that their friends want to read lame jokes, cute stories, and scary chain letters. If you're passing along anything that's not serious, be mindful of your audience. If it's a warning of some kind, search for it on Snopes.com to see if it's a hoax. We'll all be grateful.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 11 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 12]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-12/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-12/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-12/#comments


Pocket calling

If you own a non-flip phone, chances are you've accidentally called someone from your pocket. First off, it's annoying to get these calls or voicemails. Second, and far worse, you could call an ex, relative, or boss at an inappropriate time and get caught saying something offensive. Just lock the keypad. It's that easy.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 12 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 13]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-13/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-13/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-13/#comments


Fail to give a NSFW warning

Just because you're at home, or your workplace is cool with improper content, doesn't mean that your friends are in the same situation. If you're forwarding a dirty e-mail (or sending a song, image, or video containing improper language, nudity, or porn), just write "NSFW," or "Not Safe For Work" in the subject line. Neglecting to warn someone can have extremely bad ramifications, so use your head.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 13 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Biggest Tech No-Nos 14]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-14/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-14/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/02/biggest-tech-no-nos-14/#comments


Inappropriate gadget volume

If you're in public or the workplace, keep the volume of your conversations, music, or video games to a minimum. Nobody cares about your business or music preferences, and we really don't want to hear about it during our rush hour commute. Also, speakerphone isn't necessary when only two people are talking. And, really, why does anyone use tiny speakers instead of headphones? Come on.

Biggest Tech No-Nos 14 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Dan Reilly) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST Switched