Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Calibre Is an All-Purpose, E-Book Swiss Army Knife]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/20/calibre-is-an-all-purpose-e-book-swiss-army-knife/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/20/calibre-is-an-all-purpose-e-book-swiss-army-knife/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/20/calibre-is-an-all-purpose-e-book-swiss-army-knife/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Calibre
When it comes to managing your e-book collection, there aren't a whole lot of options out there. If you want to organize a large library of e-books, especially ones that you're not buying or downloading directly from your e-reader's manufacturer, then there's really only one viable choice: Calibre. Not only does it organize your collection and load it onto your e-reader, but it will do so regardless of whether you run Windows, OS X or Linux. And the list of compatible readers is truly impressive, covering all the major models and quite a few you've probably never heard of.

Before we go any further, let's get this out of the way: if you own a Kindle and have no intentions of ever purchasing anything from anywhere other than the Kindle store, then you have no need for the Calibre app. (Though, you can use both concurrently.) As for the rest of you, stick around to find out how to get the most out of your e-book collection and e-reader.

Gallery: Calibre

Continue reading Calibre Is an All-Purpose, E-Book Swiss Army Knife

SwitchedCalibre Is an All-Purpose, E-Book Swiss Army Knife originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calibree-booke-readerElectronic-Artsfeatureskindlenookswitched downloadSwitchedDownloadtopFri, 20 Aug 2010 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Screen Capture Apps for OS X, Windows and Linux]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/02/best-screen-capture-apps-for-os-x-windows-and-linux/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/02/best-screen-capture-apps-for-os-x-windows-and-linux/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/02/best-screen-capture-apps-for-os-x-windows-and-linux/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screen Capture Apps
There are a number of tools that we simply can't live without. For instance, we'd be lost without the ability to quickly take, manipulate and share screenshots with each other. A good screen capture app is essential for adding images to blog posts, sharing ideas and mocking the occasional typo. But you don't need to be a blogger to make good use of such a tool; they're great for capturing images of websites, showing less tech-savvy friends where to find things, quick annotations and, of course, sharing cat photos. Sadly, there's no single cross-platform solution for quickly capturing images of websites or your other computational doings, so here are our top screen cap (short for capture) tool picks for Windows, OS X and Linux.

Continue reading Best Screen Capture Apps for OS X, Windows and Linux

SwitchedBest Screen Capture Apps for OS X, Windows and Linux originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfeatureslinuxos xOsXScreenCapturescreenpressoscreenshotsshutterskitchSwitchedDownloadtopwindowsMon, 02 Aug 2010 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Your E-Spring Cleaning Done With OnyX and CCleaner]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/09/get-your-e-spring-cleaning-done-with-onyx-and-ccleaner/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/09/get-your-e-spring-cleaning-done-with-onyx-and-ccleaner/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/09/get-your-e-spring-cleaning-done-with-onyx-and-ccleaner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got a double dose of Switched Downloads for you. Normally we try to cover cross platform apps so everyone can get in on the fun, but with the category of app we're covering today, that just isn't an option. CCleaner and OnyX are system cleaning and optimization tools for Windows and Mac respectively. We searched for a comparable product for Linux, but the closest we could find is the unreliable (and potentially dangerous) System Janitor built into Ubuntu.

PC: CCleaner

What it is:


CCleaner, which is generally understood to stand for 'Crap Cleaner,' removes all sorts of data that might gunk up your system. The program clears your browser cache, empties your recycling bin and clipboard, deletes temporary files, and straightens the disaster that is the Windows registry. Not only does this clear up hard disk space and leave less information lying around for cyber-criminals to harvest, but it can actually make your computer run a bit faster.

Continue reading Get Your E-Spring Cleaning Done With OnyX and CCleaner

SwitchedGet Your E-Spring Cleaning Done With OnyX and CCleaner originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccleanerfeaturesonyxos xOsXregistryswitcheddownloadtopwindowsTue, 09 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[KeePass Keeps Your Passwords Safe and Organized]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/02/keepass-keeps-your-passwords-safe-and-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/02/keepass-keeps-your-passwords-safe-and-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/02/keepass-keeps-your-passwords-safe-and-organized/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

KeePass Keeps Your Passwords Safe and Organized

What it is:

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KeePass, along with its innumerable (and unofficial) ports, is one of the best and most flexible password managers available. In order to keep your various accounts and log-in information safe, it's strongly encouraged that you not only choose difficult-to-guess passwords, but that you also use a different password for every account. The problem with that method, though, is that it's quite difficult to remember all those passwords. KeePass and programs like it remember all your passwords for you, while keeping them safe from prying eyes.


What we like:

KeePass is available for more computing platforms than any application we've ever seen. Windows, OS X, Linux, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and J2ME (many "dumb" phones) are all covered by some version of KeePass. There's even a portable version that can be run from your USB drive (or the Switched-endorsed DropBox).

Continue reading KeePass Keeps Your Passwords Safe and Organized

SwitchedKeePass Keeps Your Passwords Safe and Organized originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureskeepasskeepassxpasswordpassword managerPasswordManagersecurity cameraSecurityCameraswitcheddownloadtopTue, 02 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxee Sits Comfortably Atop the Media Center Hill]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/01/26/boxee-sits-comfortably-atop-the-media-center-hill/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/26/boxee-sits-comfortably-atop-the-media-center-hill/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/26/boxee-sits-comfortably-atop-the-media-center-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Boxee Sits Comfortably Atop the Media Center Hill


What it is.


Boxee is the most hyped media center software to ever hit the market. It's supposed to change the way we watch TV, how we discover new content, and solve global warming. Okay, maybe not that last part, but you can only expect so much from what amounts to a prettied-up version of the open-source XBMC (Xbox Media Center).

Continue reading Boxee Sits Comfortably Atop the Media Center Hill

SwitchedBoxee Sits Comfortably Atop the Media Center Hill originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxeeboxee betaboxee boxBoxeeBetaBoxeeBoxfacebookfeaturesHype CheckHypeCheckmedia centerMediaCenterMLBnetflixpandoratoptwitterTue, 26 Jan 2010 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/just-how-risky-are-public-wi-fi-hotspots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ever wonder how safe all your personal information is when it's beamed through the air over Wi-Fi ? If you haven't, then chances are, you haven't taken the right precautions to keep that information safe, either. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the 'Today Show' recently examined the security of Wi-Fi networks. While the video above is a little on the fear-mongering side, it does make some good points about the vulnerability of wireless traffic, in particular, those public hot-spots at your local coffee shop, park, or airport.

Here's what you need to know: Public hot-spots -- most of which are open and don't require a password -- are, by nature, insecure. Sure, they may be easy and convenient to hop on from your computer, but that very openness is also what allows anyone, including hackers, to just walk in and sign on. In other words, when you're signed on to a public Wi-Fi hotspot (or at an unsecured network at your or someone's private home), it's entirely possible for someone to come along and snatch your data, literally out of the air.

Luckily, there are some essential precautions you can take to protect yourself when you're in a public hotspot. First and foremost, get a good firewall program -- not the one built into Windows or Macs, though. Most security suites from Norton, McAfee, and others come with one, and you can download free ones from the likes of Zone Alarm and Comodo. These apps are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the data on your PC, and will block and alert you to any attempts to wirelessly access your computer.

Continue reading Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?

SwitchedJust How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackershackingsecuritytopwi-fiwifiwifisecurityMon, 02 Nov 2009 06:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Access Files From Anywhere -- Even Your iPhone -- With Dropbox]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/access-files-from-anywhere-even-your-iphone-with-dropbox/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/access-files-from-anywhere-even-your-iphone-with-dropbox/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/access-files-from-anywhere-even-your-iphone-with-dropbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

What it is: Dropbox is an online storage service that holds your files (up to 2 gigabytes) for free, and automatically syncs them between several PCs. It also allows you to access your files from any Web-connected computer. Dropbox offers 2 free gigabytes of storage to all users, but you can upgrade that to 50GB for $9.99 a month, or 100GB for $19.99 a month. If you want a slight boost in storage, but don't want to cough up for it, you can gain an extra 250 megabytes of free storage for each new user you refer -- up to a 3GB limit.

What we like: Dropbox is dead simple to use. Simply download the application from GetDropbox.com and then install it. The installer automatically creates a Dropbox folder where you can save any files you want to sync and share. Whether you run Windows or have a Mac, or even if you're a Linux, you'll find a version of Dropbox that will work. There is also a newly released iPhone app that will let you access files from your phone, and a Web interface that lets you pull them up from any device (computer or smartphone) with Internet access.

Continue reading Access Files From Anywhere -- Even Your iPhone -- With Dropbox

SwitchedAccess Files From Anywhere -- Even Your iPhone -- With Dropbox originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud computingCloudComputingdropboxfeaturesswitcheddownloadtopTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/05/5-essential-tips-to-keep-your-pc-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One of the most important things everyone -- even Mac users -- needs to do with a computer is to make sure it is as secure from viruses, phishing scams, and other 'net threats as possible. No matter how often you practice safe browsing habits or think twice before clicking on a random link in your e-mail, you'd be surprised how often even the most cautious of folks can be caught off guard, which is why you need to have some basic security measures in place to protect you (and your computer), should something slip past. We've boiled it down to five basic steps that everyone -- even the computer and 'Net-threat-savvy -- should take to make sure that their PC and personal data are safe.

Continue reading 5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe

Switched5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuressafetysecurityspywaretopvirusMon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's List of Software Incompatible With Snow Leopard]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/01/apple-releases-list-of-software-incompatible-with-snow-leopard/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/01/apple-releases-list-of-software-incompatible-with-snow-leopard/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/01/apple-releases-list-of-software-incompatible-with-snow-leopard/#commentsFiled under: ,

Upgrading a computer's operating system often means you'll be left with software and devices that are simply incompatible with the new version due to the removal of legacy code, and/or outdated drivers and software. We've seen this happen in every major operating system (OS) update, from Vista to Leopard, and we're seeing it once again with Snow Leopard, Apple's most recent OS X point update (10.6), released just days ago.

While it's impossible for Apple to test every application and hardware device with its OS, the company has posted a list of software that it knows to be incompatible with the 10.6 update. The big names include Parallels Desktop and Norton AntiVirus, though even Apple's own Airport Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow makes the list.

If you're thinking about jumping on the Snow Leopard bandwagon, we suggest you check the official sites for any critical software you use before doing so to look for any potential issues. It might also be helpful to check various Apple forums for user-generated lists of incompatible software, like this one from popular Apple site MacRumors. [From: TUAW]

SwitchedApple's List of Software Incompatible With Snow Leopard originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applenewproductsosxsnow leopardSnowLeopardtopTue, 01 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Switched Download: Evernote

Evernote

What it is: Evernote is a note-taking tool that lets you store information online and quickly reference it from any Web-connected computer or mobile phone. You can clip parts of Web pages, save text, images, or even hand-written notes. It's a place "in the cloud" to store anything you might need to recall at a later date -- be it a to-do list, meeting notes, Web research, a picture of that wine label you took while on vacation in Napa Valley, or even more sensitive data like difficult-to-remember network keys.

What we like about it: We love that you can use it from pretty much any computer or cell phone. While the Windows and Mac versions let you access and save notes offline to be uploaded the next time you are online, there are also dedicated Evernote apps for iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm's WebOS, and Windows Mobile, not to mention a separate mobile site for cell phones. The regular Web site has a slick interface that easily lets you create and save notes, tag them, and divide them up into separate notebooks. There's also a plug-in that lets you "clip" content from the Web with just one click and then automatically upload it to Evernote. As if all that weren't enough, you can also e-mail or tweet notes to Evernote, where they will automatically be added to your collection.

Continue reading Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.

SwitchedCan't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help. originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudclutterevernotefeaturesfreenote takingNoteTakingorganizeproductivityswitcheddownloadtopMon, 27 Jul 2009 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Yet Another Security Flaw Hits Firefox 3.5 Web Browser]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/20/yet-another-security-flaw-hits-firefox-3-5-web-browser/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/20/yet-another-security-flaw-hits-firefox-3-5-web-browser/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/20/yet-another-security-flaw-hits-firefox-3-5-web-browser/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

More Firefox Flaws Lead Some to Question its SecurityHere at Switched, we're big fans of Firefox, the once alternative Web browser from Mozilla that, within a few years, has become hugely popular, with nearly one in four Web surfers using it today. We quickly downloaded the 3.5 release when it was made available a few weeks ago -- alas, a raft of security warnings are making us wonder whether that was necessarily the best idea.

Not long after the eagerly-anticipated 3.5 release, a major security vulnerability was found -- a flaw that could have allowed shady Internet sites to infiltrate your computer and, possibly, install spyware. That flaw was patched last week, but now, just a few days later, another security hole has been found. It's called the "Unicode Data Remote Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability," and, as of now there's no fix from Mozilla.

Should you be worried? Probably not, as it's unlikely that more than a handful of sites are using this exploit, and they're surely relegated to the darkest corners of the Web. This is really just more of a black eye for the browser, which was pledged as a more secure alternative to Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Still, you should always be careful and be wary before you go to random sites you've never heard of -- and, when Firefox prompts you about an important security update in a day or two, you'd best install it. [From: SecurityFocus, via DownloadSquad]

SwitchedYet Another Security Flaw Hits Firefox 3.5 Web Browser originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsersfirefoxfirefox3.5fixflawmozillapatchsecuritytopvulnerabilitywebbrowserwebbrowsersMon, 20 Jul 2009 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Switched Download: Handbrake Rips Your DVDs for Your iPhone and Other Devices
Handbrake

What it does: Handbrake converts DVDs and other videos into formats for easy sharing between your computers or loading onto a portable device or console.

What we like about it: Handbrake is dead simple to use, with one-click presets that format for the iPod, the iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple TV, PSP, PS3, and Xbox 360. But power users can access advanced controls to fine-tune options such as resolution or bitrate, or optimize videos for devices such as BlackBerrys. Though it began as a DVD converter, the latest version of Handbrake can reformat just about any video source -- including YouTube clips and DivX files.

Continue reading Switched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices

SwitchedSwitched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrydvdfeatureshandbrakeswitcheddownloadtopvideoMon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Oprah to Devote Entire Show to Skype]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/oprah-to-devote-entire-show-to-skype/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/oprah-to-devote-entire-show-to-skype/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/oprah-to-devote-entire-show-to-skype/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Skype software enables its users to instant message, talk, and conduct video conversations anywhere in the world, completely for free. Fans of Oprah were introduced to the computer program on her show a year ago, and the media mogul uses the service to converse face-to-face with guests, fans, and even bears.

On Thursday, May 21st, Skype president Josh Silverman will visit 'Oprah' to discuss the features the technology offers to its subscribers. In true over-the-top Oprah fashion, the show will have a bunch of people calling in from exotic locales around the world. Judging by the video teaser for the episode -- titled "Where the Skype Are You," for the record -- you can expect to see video chats on an airplane, a submarine, Antarctica, and London's Harrods department store.

Continue reading Oprah to Devote Entire Show to Skype

SwitchedOprah to Devote Entire Show to Skype originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internettelephonyoprahskypetoptravelvoipWed, 20 May 2009 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features

The wait is over! Well, the wait to know what we're waiting for is over.

The iPhone 3.0 update is coming, and honestly, it's not coming soon enough. We'll have to wait until this June, when the iPhone will get a major software update that will bring boatloads of new features to everyone's favorite multi-touch cell phone. Of course, many of these features, such as support for Multi-Media-Messaging (MMS), have been on other smart phones for years. Check out the bullet list after the break for what to expect, and hit up Engadget for more in-depth coverage.

Continue reading iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features

SwitchediPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStorebluetoothbreaking newsBreakingNewscopy and pasteCopyAndPastegpsiphone 3.0Iphone3.0mmspushpush notificationPushNotificationtopupcomingupdatesTue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[15 Phishing Scams to Watch Out For]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/15-phishing-scams-to-watch-out-for/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/15-phishing-scams-to-watch-out-for/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/15-phishing-scams-to-watch-out-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Perhaps the most pervasive and discussed Internet graft, phishing garners daily mention from media outlets for its high-profile victims, such as PayPal, and its incredibly diverse methods. Traditionally known as an e-mail scam, the hustle has grown to incorporate seemingly infinite forms of attack, which can make it seem intimidating and confusing.

In theory, though, the con is pretty simple. Scammers bait unsuspecting targets with seemingly legitimate requests from what appear to be reliable sources (banks, news outlets, stores) in efforts to obtain personal information. The perps specifically target data, such as social security numbers, passwords and bank pins, that can be used to access bank and credit card accounts, resulting in stolen funds and identity theft.

Casual surfers of the Web can take precautions to ensure they don't fall for any bait. Be incredibly wary of whom you give personal information, and always keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. To help you stay informed about the latest phishing incarnations, here are some of the most prevalent and convincing scams making the rounds

Switched15 Phishing Scams to Watch Out For originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresphishingsafetyscamscamssecurityThu, 05 Mar 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Free Screensavers for Your Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/best-free-screensavers-for-your-computer/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/best-free-screensavers-for-your-computer/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/best-free-screensavers-for-your-computer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We know we told you to ditch them just a few short days ago, but we miss screensavers already.

The days of flying toasters and text crawls (with the name of your crush scrolling across the screen) are behind us. Instead of watching an armada of winged cooking appliances zoom across the screen of our idle computers, most of us stick with the power saving blank screen these days.

But you can add a little spice to your computer's down time by downloading any of the free screensavers still floating around the Web. URLesque collected 15 of the best, and we strongly suggest you follow the read link and check out the list. Just in case, we hand-selected our five favorites and put them in the gallery below. Enjoy! [From: Urlesque]

Gallery: Best Screensavers

HAL ProjectSurveillanceSaverHolding PatternWord ClockDropClock


Related Links:

SwitchedBest Free Screensavers for Your Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freefree stuffFreeStuffscreensaverscreensaverstopurlesqueWed, 11 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Flashback: Young Bill Gates, Steve Jobs Play 1983 Mac Dating Game (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/29/flashback-young-bill-gates-steve-jobs-play-1983-mac-dating-gam/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/29/flashback-young-bill-gates-steve-jobs-play-1983-mac-dating-gam/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/29/flashback-young-bill-gates-steve-jobs-play-1983-mac-dating-gam/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Before they were mortal enemies, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were just two big dorks who really liked computers, and each other! Of course, the video (check it out after the break) also predates that whole Windows thing by about seven years.

This bizarre dating show, taken from an Apple Event in 1983, features a bunch of software guys in '80s-era-preppy khakis and polo shirts answering questions about how they view Apple and its relationship with the computer company, all in the style of 'The Dating Game.' Interestingly, all the non-Gates answers are cut.

The whole thing is awkward, slightly embarrassing, and features Bill Gates primping and preening in hopes that Steve Jobs will pick him -- we don't see that happening again anytime soon. Check out the video above in all it's '80s geek glory. And, for more images of these moguls when they were slick young things, check out the gallery below. [From: BuzzFeed]

Jobs and Gates, When They Were Young

    Can you recognize Bill Gates in this Microsoft company photo from 1978?

    Gates and Wozniak show off the Apple I in 1976.

    Bill Gates Strikes a Pose for 'Teen Beat' Photospread in 1983...Meow!

    Steve Wozniak, left, and Steve Jobs hard at work at Apple in the early 1980s.

    A dapper Steve Jobs with the groundbreaking Mac Classic computer in the 1980s.

    This famous mugshot shows a young Bill Gates after getting caught for speeding outside Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1977.


Related Links:

SwitchedFlashback: Young Bill Gates, Steve Jobs Play 1983 Mac Dating Game (Video) originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebill gatesBillGateseventfunnymicrosoftretroretro techRetroTechsteve jobsSteveJobsthe dating gameTheDatingGamevideoviralweb videoWebVideoyoung steve jobsYoungSteveJobsThu, 29 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIAA Says It Will Stop Suing Consumers for Illegal Downloading]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/riaa-says-it-will-stop-suing-consumers-for-illegal-downloading/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/riaa-says-it-will-stop-suing-consumers-for-illegal-downloading/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/riaa-says-it-will-stop-suing-consumers-for-illegal-downloading/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When you retard fair use with pointless DRM and then sue anonymous children for illegally downloading music while ignoring those of the execs at the top of the music industry, well, you're asking for a public relations nightmare. Now, with more than 35,000 lawsuits to its credit, the RIAA says it will finally end the legal assault against consumers that began back in 2003. The Recording Industry Association of America will instead, focus its anti-piracy efforts with ISPs. Under the new plan, the RIAA will contact ISPs when illegal uploading is detected. The ISP will then contact the customer with a notice that would ultimately be followed by a reduction or cessation of service. As you'd expect, the RIAA is not commenting on which ISPs they are in cahoots with. The RIAA also says that it won't require ISPs to reveal the identities of individuals but could, of course, go after individuals who are heavy uploaders or repeat offenders. For the moment though, it appears that single-mothers are in the clear.

SwitchedRIAA Says It Will Stop Suing Consumers for Illegal Downloading originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscrimedownloadinglawlawsuitsmusicFri, 19 Dec 2008 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Icy Radio Records Radio Streams to MP3]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/icy-radio-records-radio-streams-to-mp3/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/icy-radio-records-radio-streams-to-mp3/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/icy-radio-records-radio-streams-to-mp3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Icy Radio Freezes Radio Streams to MP3

We're big fans of Internet radio here at Switched, keeping our speakers pumping while we keep blogging all the day long. So, it's with a bit of trepidation that we bring you news from Download Squad on a new bit of software that, on one hand makes it easy to stream hundreds of those choice radio streams, but on the other might just help to bring down the industry by letting you quickly and easily record tunes.

We've reported before on how the RIAA has managed to push much higher fees through, going into effect in 2010 and potentially shutting down streaming of non-royalty-free music altogether. This increase in fees was partly due to a belief that people are recording and sharing tunes from Internet streams, and while Icy Radio isn't the first to make it possible, it does make it awfully easy. Download Squad gives the free, PC-only app high marks, but if you value the continued lifespan of Internet Radio as we do, please use responsibly. [From: Download Squad]

SwitchedIcy Radio Records Radio Streams to MP3 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>download squaddownloadsDownloadSquadinternet radioInternetRadiomusicriaasteramingMon, 24 Nov 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA['Poladroid' Adds Vintage Polaroid Look to Your Photos]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/poladroid-adds-that-hip-vintage-look-to-your-photos/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/poladroid-adds-that-hip-vintage-look-to-your-photos/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/poladroid-adds-that-hip-vintage-look-to-your-photos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shake it like a... well, you know. Since switching to digital, we've often missed the look and feel of prints from our old Polaroid cameras. Sure, you can boot up Photoshop and employ a set of filters and level adjustments to achieve the Polaroid look with the washed out colors and white borders, or you can check out the new Poladroid software.

Once you open the app, drag your photos onto the Polaroid camera icon, and you'll hear that familiar Polaroid click sound. A mini print will pop up on your screen that will lack a recognizable image, just like the real thing. Over time, the picture bleeds into the frame -- it takes about a minute or two to see a fully developed image (an x appears on the bottom of the image once it's ready). Double click on the prints at any time to save the Poladroidized images to your desktop.

It's a great concept, but the execution still needs some work. The software is slow (yes, the original Polaroid took time to develop, which is part of the charm, but the software seemed to cause our computer to hang several times), and the novelty of the interface wears off after the first few picture developments. Looking to apply the effect to a lot of your photos? It's going to take awhile.

We threw a couple of photos we had sitting around onto the app, and added the results below -- check out flickr to see more results from around the Web. For now, the software is Mac only, but a Windows app is apparently in development. Still, despite the sluggish feel, the pictures often turn out sufficiently vintage, and the app is definitely worth the free download. [From: TUAW]

Gallery: Poladroid Gallery

Switched'Poladroid' Adds Vintage Polaroid Look to Your Photos originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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