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[HijackThis: The Ultimate Malware Removal Tool for Nerds]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/05/06/hijackthis-the-ultimate-malware-removal-tool-for-nerds/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/06/hijackthis-the-ultimate-malware-removal-tool-for-nerds/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/06/hijackthis-the-ultimate-malware-removal-tool-for-nerds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HijackThis: Ultimate Malware Removal

What it is:

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When we suggest that readers download software, we normally pick programs that are known for user friendliness. HijackThis is not user-friendly. In fact, it's downright dangerous in the wrong hands. Yet, its power for locating and removing malware is unrivaled, thanks to its catch-all approach that doesn't bother to determine what is good or bad, but merely tells you what is on your PC.


What we like:

Rather than exclusively looking for known baddies, HijackThis scans your browser, registry and other settings, and returns a complete log of everything it finds. From here, users can manually remove settings and other spyware components that might be missed by traditional anti-malware tools. This is all done from the HijackThis window, simplifying what would otherwise require digging through the registry and several other settings dialogs, and could ultimately take hours.

Continue reading HijackThis: The Ultimate Malware Removal Tool for Nerds

SwitchedHijackThis: The Ultimate Malware Removal Tool for Nerds originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresHijackThismalwaresecurityswitcheddownloadtopThu, 06 May 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Security Essentials Offers Fast, Powerful and Free Malware Protection]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/26/microsoft-security-essentials-offers-fast-powerful-and-free-mal/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/26/microsoft-security-essentials-offers-fast-powerful-and-free-mal/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/26/microsoft-security-essentials-offers-fast-powerful-and-free-mal/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft Security Essentials Offers Fast, Powerful and Free Malware Protection

What it is:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free anti-malware and anti-virus package, designed to compete with both commercial and free offerings like AVG and Norton.

What we like:

First, and most obviously, we like the price point; it's hard to argue with free. But no matter how free an app is, if it sucks, there's no reason to install it. Thankfully, there is plenty more to like about Security Essentials.

Unlike some other anti-virus suites, MSE (as it will be known from here on out) is light on its feet. In addition to using very little RAM, saving precious CPU power for more important things (like watching the Switched Video feature). MSE is fast; scans take significantly less time than they do with many free or paid options.

Continue reading Microsoft Security Essentials Offers Fast, Powerful and Free Malware Protection

SwitchedMicrosoft Security Essentials Offers Fast, Powerful and Free Malware Protection originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antimalwareantivirusappsfeaturesMicrosoftMicrosoftSecurityEssentialssecurityswitcheddownloadtopMon, 26 Apr 2010 13:14:00 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:

Share
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[What's New in Microsoft Office 2010?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/30/whats-new-in-microsoft-office-2010/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/30/whats-new-in-microsoft-office-2010/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/30/whats-new-in-microsoft-office-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft Office 2010 officially hit the beta channels last week, and the crew at Lifehacker has spent some time getting acquainted with it. According to their early judgment, the newest version doesn't make the leap that Office 2007 made from 2003, or even that Windows 7 made from Vista, but there are enough little tweaks and improvements to keep things interesting.

Some of the changes are unsurprising: integration with Windows 7's new task bar; support for jump lists; and porting the ribbon interface to Outlook. Others are unexpected but welcome enhancements that make 2010 a worthy upgrade from the drastic face-lift of Office 2007. The improved "file" menu puts common actions up front and all but eliminates submenus, while paste preview offers live previews as well as a pop-up menu of pasting and formatting options. The updated software also includes improved online sharing features and adjustments aimed at power users.

To see some screenshots of the Office beta in action, and to read more about the new features, hit the source link below. Of course, you can always get your own hands-on time, too, by heading over to Microsoft and downloading the beta of Office 2010. For now, it's free to download, but it will expire, at which point you'll have to pony up for a proper commercial version. [From: Lifehacker]

SwitchedWhat's New in Microsoft Office 2010? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftmicrosoft officemicrosoft office 2010MicrosoftOfficeMicrosoftOffice2010officesoftwaretopMon, 30 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


NVidia 3-D Vision Kit (Gamer, Under $250)

"3-D gaming" is one of those terms that gets bandied about quite a bit these days. And while the experience is best experienced in movie theaters, the home alternatives are finally starting to proliferate. Arguably the best option out there is NVidia's 3-D Vision Kit ($199), which connects to your PC, and displays your compatible games in three glorious dimensions (the list includes such award winners as 'Resident Evil 5,' 'Left 4 Dead,' and 'Batman: Arkham Asylum'). You'll need a high-speed 120 Hz-monitor, HDTV or projector to properly view the games, and an 8800 GT graphics card or better. While the stereoscopic goggles are a bit goofy, the gaming experience provided is quite unlike any you've ever experienced: You'll literally try to reach out and touch the graphics.

SwitchedGift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-D3D3Dgaminghgghgg-250hgg-gamernvidiaMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 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[Microsoft Launching Ad-Supported 'Office Starter', Retiring Works]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/microsoft-launching-ad-supported-office-starter-retiring-work/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/microsoft-launching-ad-supported-office-starter-retiring-work/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/10/microsoft-launching-ad-supported-office-starter-retiring-work/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft To Retire Works, Launching Ad-Supported Office StarterMicrosoft has spread itself pretty thin in recent years by offering a bewildering array of products that often have overlapping feature sets or compete directly with one another. This confusion, combined with the increasingly ridiculous fees for joining Club Microsoft, has helped out competitors like Google, Apple, and Open Office.

This problem has been no clearer than it has in the productivity software field, where the nearly useless Microsoft Works, often packaged for free with new PCs, has been losing customers to more full-featured and free competitors. But Microsoft has been making moves to consolidate its Office product line: launching a Web-based version of the tool, ditching Entourage for a proper Mac version of Outlook, and now offering an ad-supported, free version of Office with some of the more advanced features stripped away.

Continue reading Microsoft Launching Ad-Supported 'Office Starter', Retiring Works

SwitchedMicrosoft Launching Ad-Supported 'Office Starter', Retiring Works originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftmicrosoft officemicrosoft office starterMicrosoftOfficeMicrosoftOfficeStarterofficeoffice starterOfficeStartertopSat, 10 Oct 2009 14:25:00 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[Use 7-Zip to Manage Archive Files, and Create Your Own]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/18/use-7-zip-to-manage-archive-files-and-create-your-own/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/18/use-7-zip-to-manage-archive-files-and-create-your-own/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/18/use-7-zip-to-manage-archive-files-and-create-your-own/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What it is: 7-Zip is a free tool for PC users to handle virtually all of those pesky archive files -- the ones with endings like .zip and .rar -- as well as a host of other file types. Not only does it allow you to open and unpack archives, but it lets you create them, too.

What we like: 7-Zip is one of those simple tools that quickly becomes indispensable once you've used it a few times. It's versatile enough to extract files from the most popular archive formats (e.g., .zip, .rar, .tar, and .gzip) as well as from the more obscure ones (e.g., .lha, .lzh, .arj, and .z).

Continue reading Use 7-Zip to Manage Archive Files, and Create Your Own

SwitchedUse 7-Zip to Manage Archive Files, and Create Your Own originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-zip7ziparchivearchivesfeaturesswitcheddownloadtopzipFri, 18 Sep 2009 13:40:00 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[Microsoft Debuts Office 2010 and Free Web Apps]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-debuts-office-2010-and-free-web-apps/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-debuts-office-2010-and-free-web-apps/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-debuts-office-2010-and-free-web-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With all the chatter surrounding Windows 7, Chrome OS, and the recent release of Firefox 3.5, it's easy to forget that there is another major software release approaching: Office 2010. Sure, Office may not be loaded with the flash of Windows 7 and it lacks the mystery of Chrome OS, but it is still one of the world's most popular suites of publishing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

Yesterday, Microsoft showed off the latest version of the standard bearer of cubicle software at its Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans. Powerpoint gets nifty new image and video editing features for crafting multimedia, and Outlook will include conversation style views (similar to Gmail). The e-mail app joins the rest of the Office family by getting a "ribbon" interface of its own (ribbon being the new menu system introduced with Office 2007 that changed based on the task you were performing). Office will also come in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, a first that will lead to speed improvements on 64-bit operating systems, like MacBook Pro or PS3.

Continue reading Microsoft Debuts Office 2010 and Free Web Apps

SwitchedMicrosoft Debuts Office 2010 and Free Web Apps originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft office 2010MicrosoftOffice2010officeoffice 2010office web applicationsOffice2010OfficeWebApplicationstopupcomingweb appsWebAppsTue, 14 Jul 2009 08:28:00 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.

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What it is: Hulu Desktop is a free, Flash-based application for Mac and Windows that plays video from the Hulu Web site, including full episodes and clips from ABC, Fox, and NBC television shows, plus a smattering of movies.

What we like about it: Hulu desktop brings a high level of polish to what was already a fantastic video site. Once you get the hang of the left-to-right organization, the interface is very easy and intuitive to navigate. You start by searching for a series, selecting from the most popular videos, or hitting up a cue of programs you've already built in this app or on Hulu's Web site. Then you click to the right to select an individual episode to watch.

The process if far more straightforward than scrolling around the Hulu.com site. And you don't even need to use the mouse. You can also navigate by simple keyboard shortcuts (directional arrows to move around menus, the space bar to pause, etc); or you can wield remote controls for the Apple Front Row or Windows Media Center applications. There are plenty of options during playback, such as fast-forwarding or rewinding the video by sliding along a timeline that pops up at the bottom of the screen. And multitaskers can reduce the currently playing video to a preview window while searching for new videos to play or add to the cue.

Continue reading Switched Download: Hulu Desktop Eases Up PC TV-Watching Experience

SwitchedSwitched Download: Hulu Desktop Eases Up PC TV-Watching Experience originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadsfeatureshuluonlinetvstreaming videoStreamingVideoswitcheddownloadtopTue, 02 Jun 2009 12:57:00 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.

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