Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/#comments Whether you're a recent convert, ambivalent veteran or one of those hardened Apple fanboys, let us remind you: a Mac, like any other computer, needs to be maintained. No, you probably don't need anti-virus software (yet), you may never have to fiddle with registry editing, and you'll likely never need to reinstall the operating system. But you may face a kernel panic, a raft of mysterious app crashes or the dreaded spinning beach ball of death. We've put together thirteen tips for keeping our Macs lean, clean computing machines. Spring has sprung, so, while you dust off your shelves and empty your closets, do some Mac maintenance, too.

Continue reading A Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac

SwitchedA Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebackupBeachBallcrashdesktopsfeaturesfontsHardDriveSpaceimaclaptopsmacmacbookOsXSpinningBallSpringCleaningtipstopwhatsizewidgetsThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[webOS is Coming to Desktops and Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/#commentswebOS on PCs After all the TouchPad, Pre 3 and Veer hoopla passed, HP dropped a bit of a bombshell at today's press event: webOS is coming to PCs. Whether that's as a primary OS or as a quick-boot option, we're not sure, but the company is working on bringing the smartphone and tablet OS to full-sized computers later this year.

SwitchedwebOS is Coming to Desktops and Laptops originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktophplaptopstopwebosWed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Sales Lower Than Expected in 2010]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/#commentsAccording to market research firms Gartner, Inc. and IDC, 2010 was not a great year for PC sales. Well, perhaps that's an oversimplification. PC sales in the fourth quarter of 2010 rose, but not nearly as much as the research firms had expected. Shipments of PCs have risen steadily over the years, as prices have come down and access to computers has become all but required for everything from schoolwork to paying bills. The exact numbers vary between the two firms, but both put the rise in PC sales during Q4 at about three-percent over the same time frame last year, a significantly smaller increase than expected. In total, the number of PCs shipped in 2010 rose 13.6-percent over 2009, which only highlights how disappointing the fourth quarter sales were.

IDC and Gartner blame this downslide on lower-than-expected consumer demand, as well as on the emergence of the iPad and other tablet devices, which have captured the public's attention. The extent to which tablets are cutting into PC sales is unclear, but the iPad alone sold more than seven million units in its first six months. (By contrast 93 million PCs were sold in Q4.) There is concern among PC makers that tablet sales will continue to grow and erode PC sales, but it's entirely possible that devices like the iPad may enjoy a (relatively) brief surge in sales before falling out of favor, as netbooks did.

SwitchedPC Sales Lower Than Expected in 2010 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscellphonesdesktopipadlaptopmoneypctabletTabletPcstopFri, 14 Jan 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Honors Dead Son With Computer Tombstone]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/computer-tombstone-hu-chuang/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/computer-tombstone-hu-chuang/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/computer-tombstone-hu-chuang/#commentsHu Chuang may have passed away, but his geeky legacy will live on. After the 26-year-old Chinese man died in the course of sending e-mails to his friends, his family decided to honor him with a tombstone carved in the shape of a computer monitor, which displays his dates of birth and death. Stonemasons also crafted a keyboard, mouse and camera, which sit alongside a photograph of the deceased Chongqing resident.

A friend of the family told the Austrian Times that Chuang's parents have kept their son's e-mail account open, and have asked his friends to continue sending him messages "because, who knows, maybe he can read them on the other side." We can only hope so.

SwitchedFamily Honors Dead Son With Computer Tombstone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burialchinadeaddeathdesktopsemailgeekmemorialmonitorpctombstonetopWed, 12 Jan 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Antique Apple-1 Computer Commands $213,000 at Auction]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/antique-apple-1-computer-231000-christies-auction/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/antique-apple-1-computer-231000-christies-auction/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/antique-apple-1-computer-231000-christies-auction/#commentsApple I It's 35-years old, it can't send e-mail or compose office documents, and, even after you open up the box, you'll still have to add your own case, keyboard, monitor and power supply. Yet the Apple-1 -- the first computer to come out of the shop founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak -- is still commanding top dollar from eager buyers. Only 200 of the machines were made, and only 50 of those are known to still exist. So, it's no surprise that the first Apple computer pulled in the big bucks at a recent auction at Christie's in London. But, even with most Apple-1 computers selling for over $15,000, it was still quite a shock when the final price for this particular auction was announced. The anonymous buyer shelled out a whopping $213,000 for the 1976 personal computer, with its meager eight kilobytes of RAM and all of its original manuals.

The purchase set the record for the highest price paid for a personal computer at auction, according to Christie's. All we know is that, with an original price of $666.66, the Apple-1 turned out to be a hell of an investment.

SwitchedAntique Apple-1 Computer Commands $213,000 at Auction originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-1auctionChristiescomputersdesktopsrecordtopWed, 24 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Seminal Piece of Apple History Lands on the Auction Block]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/13/apple-1-christies-auction-200000/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/13/apple-1-christies-auction-200000/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/13/apple-1-christies-auction-200000/#commentsapple-1 computer Occasionally, vintage tech treasures materialize and propel geeks into a nerdly frenzy. Not too long ago, 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry's vintage Apple console seemingly represented the pinnacle of dorky computer collectors' items. That ancient relic now appears relatively boring compared to one recently unearthed Apple prize, though. An incredibly rare, original 1976 Apple-1 has appeared, and Christie's of London plans to auction the invaluable item (for dorks, at least) on November 23rd.

The auction house believes approximately 50 models (out of the 200 that were originally manufactured in Steve Jobs' parents' garage) remain in existence. Initially priced at more than $200,000, the Apple-1 auction package reportedly even includes, "the original packaging, instruction manuals and a signed letter by billionaire Jobs." In one interesting bit of numerology, the console originally cost $666.66, which -- given Apple's recent direction -- may have been a remarkably prescient glimpse into the company's future.

SwitchedSeminal Piece of Apple History Lands on the Auction Block originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apple 1apple-1Apple1auctionchristiessteve jobsSteveJobsvintage appleVintageAppleSat, 13 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP, Abandoned by Dell, Gets One Step Closer to the Grave]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/#commentsxp logo in hospital bed It's been a slow and painful death for Windows XP, and it's not over yet. (If the operating system were a beloved pet, you'd have put it to sleep ages ago.) Microsoft plans to officially start barring manufacturers from selling computers preloaded with the aging OS on October 22nd, and Dell plans to get a head start on the phase-out by eliminating XP as an option from its direct sales site this month. Dell and others will still offer XP as a downgrade option, but customers will have to specifically request an installation disc, and then perform the OS-ectomy themselves. With XP turning nine-years old on October 25th, we think you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would suggest sticking with the old dog, though.

SwitchedWindows XP, Abandoned by Dell, Gets One Step Closer to the Grave originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delldesktopslaptopsmicrosoftoperating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemspctopwindowswindows xpWindowsXpWed, 08 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[McAfee Warns Browsers of Cameroon and Romania, Australia's Okay]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/mcafee-warns-browsers-of-cameroon-and-romania-australias-okay/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/mcafee-warns-browsers-of-cameroon-and-romania-australias-okay/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/mcafee-warns-browsers-of-cameroon-and-romania-australias-okay/#commentsFiled under: ,

McAfee Tells You What Countries to Avoid Digitally
When it comes to booking your next holiday retreat, there are a number of places in the world you'd probably be unlikely to visit if you value your safety -- places like Iraq, Somalia, or Detroit. Digital locations are apparently no different. Anti-virus and computer security company McAfee has a map for you, and red most certainly means don't go.

The company has done a search of worldwide domains -- Internet addresses -- and categorized the unhealthy ones based on country. These are the websites that look real but are fake, trying to get user names, passwords, and other account information so that malicious folks can steal your precious infos. The worst of the worst? Cameroon. The country's domain identifier is .CM, which looks awfully close to .COM, meaning it's a place people often get to by accident. Meanwhile, Romania's .RO has the most viruses and malicious downloads, while good 'ol governmental domains, ending in .GOV, tend to be safest. At least politicians can do one thing right. [From: McAfee, via CNET]

SwitchedMcAfee Warns Browsers of Cameroon and Romania, Australia's Okay originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domain namesDomainNamesinternet addressesInternetAddressesmcafeeScamstopvideoThu, 03 Dec 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was easy! I'll be using it for a little bit of everything, but my high-end needs will include a little video editing, music writing, and graphic design with Photoshop.
Answer: Apple certainly likes to tout its simplicity and plug-and-play usability, but try telling that to someone switching to Mac for the first time. On the surface, it looks as though Apple has two new iMacs out: the 21.5-inch and 27-inch. Simple. Done. Right?

Not so much. Let's take a quick trip to Apple shopping land (otherwise known as store.apple.com).

Continue reading What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?

SwitchedWhat's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreativefeaturesimacjusttellmewhattogettopMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: HP Touchsmart 300z]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-hp-touchsmart-300z/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-hp-touchsmart-300z/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-hp-touchsmart-300z/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HP Touchsmart 300z (Novice, Under $2,500)

HP's all-in-one desktop ($799 - $1,099, depending on the configuration) includes the specs you'd want for day-to-day computing: a 20-inch widescreen LCD, an AMD Athlon multi-core processor, 2-4-gigabytes (GB) of RAM and up to a 750 GB hard drive. But what separates the Touchsmart 300z from the pack is the user-friendly, iPhone-like touchscreen interface, which has been much improved with the addition of Windows 7. No need for a stylus. Just select an item by tapping a finger on it. To rotate a photo, move your fingers in a circular motion. And if you prefer a touch keyboard, tap the edge of the screen twice. It's so intuitive, you'll wonder why all computers don't have one.

SwitchedGift Guide: HP Touchsmart 300z originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hgghgg-2500hgg-novicehphptouchsmarttouchscreenwindows7Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC (Gamer, Cost No Object)

If you're trying to keep up with the Joneses in PC gaming, Alienware's Area 51 Gaming PC ($3,999 and up) is tough to beat. Housed inside one of the company's trademark love-'em-or-hate-'em "futuristic" cases, this rig is decked out with some of the best components money can buy: Intel Core i7 975 Extreme processors, your choice of ATI CrossFireX or NVidia SLI graphics graphics cards (making it great for the 3-D gaming with Nvidia's 3-D Vision Kit), and plenty of memory to keep things running smoothly). Oh, and it uses a fancy liquid cooling system to keep all this stuff from melting down inside. it's a hefty price to pay, certainly -- fully tricked out, this thing will set you back nearly as much as a small car, but the benchmarks are right up there near the head of the pack. And hey, you can't shoot nasty, earth-hating aliens with a Hyundai Accent, can you?

SwitchedGift Guide: Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarearea51gamingpcgamingpcshgghgg-cnohgg-gamerluxuryMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:14:00 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[Classic Computer Keyboards Revisited]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/29/classic-computer-keyboards-revisited/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/29/classic-computer-keyboards-revisited/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/29/classic-computer-keyboards-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Okay, this is our last post from that Vintage Computer Festival, we promise, but we thought there was something kind of beautiful about all those retro keyboards we saw, especially after seeing them through the lens of Matthew McMullen Smith's camera. Take a look at the gallery below and let us know if you agree. (We call first dibs on the all-turquoise and PET computer keyboards!)

Gallery: Vintage Keyboards

SwitchedClassic Computer Keyboards Revisited originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computeraccessorieseventsfeatureskeyboardsretroretrotechtopvcfvcf2009vintageTue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro Logos From the Early Days of Computing]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/retro-logos-from-the-early-days-of-computing/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/retro-logos-from-the-early-days-of-computing/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/retro-logos-from-the-early-days-of-computing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Last week, we showed you the biggest exhibitions we saw at the Vintage Computer Festival East 2009. Still, we also became mildly obsessed with all the logos we saw on those retro PCs. So, we asked our photographer, Matthew McMullen Smith, to shoot some close-ups of as many retro logos (and vintage fonts) as he could find on the various restored computers that were on display.

If you're a retro PC or design enthusiast, or are just feeling nostalgic, then take a look at these bygone beauties -- from the '60s to the early '80s.

Gallery: Retro Computer Logos

SwitchedRetro Logos From the Early Days of Computing originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designeventsfeaturesretroretrotechtopvcfvcf2009vcfeast2009vintagevintagecomputersMon, 28 Sep 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage Computers Get the 'Classic Car' Treatment at VCF East 6.0]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/24/vintage-computers-get-the-classic-car-treatment-at-vcf-east-6/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/24/vintage-computers-get-the-classic-car-treatment-at-vcf-east-6/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/24/vintage-computers-get-the-classic-car-treatment-at-vcf-east-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We trekked down to the New Jersey shore a couple of weeks ago to attend the Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0, an annual gathering of serious computer enthusiasts who prepare and exhibit working, restored computers from '50s, '60s, '70s and very early '80s ("essentially nothing later than a 186," says festival organizer Evan Koblentz). The festival is run by the Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists (MARCH) and took place at the InfoAge Science Center, a former secret military wireless radio and radar research center in Wall Township, New Jersey. Nowadays, the site houses many museums, including the MARCH Computer Museum, which is open every Sunday from 1-4pm.

As for the festival itself, it was a friendly cross between a classic cars festival and a science fair, with amateur computer restorers blowing our minds with working examples from computing history's hall of fame. Check out our slide show below with some of our favorite highlights, and be sure to check back for a couple of other slide shows featuring these same computers, from slightly different angles -- there was just so much to see!

Gallery: Vintage Computer Festival

Sony SMC-70


Related Links:

Classic Computer Keyboards Revisited
Retro Logos From the Early Days of Computing

SwitchedVintage Computers Get the 'Classic Car' Treatment at VCF East 6.0 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eventsfeaturesretroretrocomputingretrotechtopvcfvintagevintagecomputersThu, 24 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Question: I use my computer for most of my TV and movie watching and music listening, but my machine's built-in speakers sound bloody awful. I want a set of computer speakers that sounds good whether cranked up loud or turned down soft. And I don't want to spend a fortune.

Advice: The underpowered speakers built into laptops and desktops can suck the life out of any video or song. They're too small to handle bass, and not of a high enough quality to reproduce most of the detail and richness in the audio.

Continue reading What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100?

SwitchedWhat Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetfeatureshouseholdjusttellmewhattogetspeakersstudentstopFri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell to Offer Encrypted Solid-State Drives for Careless Workers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/dell-to-offer-encrypted-solid-state-drives-for-careless-workers/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/dell-to-offer-encrypted-solid-state-drives-for-careless-workers/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/dell-to-offer-encrypted-solid-state-drives-for-careless-workers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Your hard drive is like your pet; if anything were to happen to it, you just don't know what you would do. And it doesn't help that it's constantly being attacked on all sides by viruses, breakdowns, and overheats.

To help deal with the problem, Dell announced yesterday that it will be offering encrypted solid state drives (SSD) from Samsung in the coming months, making Dell one of the first manufacturers to offer secure SSDs. The drives, which will reportedly deliver "some of the fastest encrypted storage available" (remember, SSD's are significantly faster than your standard hard drive) will bring your resting heart rate down a good 20-percent, as well; the drive offers 8.5 times the shock tolerance of a standard notebook's hard drive. Moreover, full encryption means that, for hackers, accessing all of this tightly held information will be tougher than frozen beef jerky. The encrypted SSDs will be available at 64, 128, and 256 GB capacities, though prices are still to be announced.

Continue reading Dell to Offer Encrypted Solid-State Drives for Careless Workers

SwitchedDell to Offer Encrypted Solid-State Drives for Careless Workers originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdellsamsungsecuritysolid state driveSolidStateDrivessdThu, 16 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer Unveils Slim Timeline Laptop, Plus Desktops, Netbooks, and Nettops]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/08/acer-launches-new-laptops-desktops-and-netbooks/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/08/acer-launches-new-laptops-desktops-and-netbooks/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/08/acer-launches-new-laptops-desktops-and-netbooks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We rolled over to the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey last night for Acer's computer announcement extravaganza. The PC manufacturer announced brand new netbooks, laptops, and desktop lines under its eMachines, Gateway, and Acer brands. Considering the loads of new computer models flashing onto the giant IMAX screen overhead, all intercut with short IMAX clips driven by techno versions of Barber's 'Adagio for Strings,' it took us a while to get a hold on the sheer number of announcements. Improved battery life and affordability seem to have been the trends guiding last night's announcements. We've combed through the announcements, and here's a quick rundown of the big releases.

Continue reading Acer Unveils Slim Timeline Laptop, Plus Desktops, Netbooks, and Nettops

SwitchedAcer Unveils Slim Timeline Laptop, Plus Desktops, Netbooks, and Nettops originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceraspire oneAspireOnebreaking newsBreakingNewsemachinesgatewaynetbooknew productsNewProductsupcomingWed, 08 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Office Depot Employees Altering Computer Price Tags]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/report-office-depot-employees-altering-computer-price-tags/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/report-office-depot-employees-altering-computer-price-tags/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/report-office-depot-employees-altering-computer-price-tags/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Wow. Things at Office Depot appear to be worse than we could have possibly thought. In fact, the alleged apparent systematic misleading of customers makes the shenanigans at BestBuy look quite tame by comparison.

Laptop Mag has published a follow up to its initial report of employees being encouraged to lie to customers at Office Depot. It turns out that salespeople at other Office Depot locations across the country are telling Laptop that the the same dishonesty is being encouraged at their stores. Even worse, the lying goes beyond mere fibs about laptop stock -- employees have reported Photoshopping and digitally altering price tags, as well as including the price of extended warranties and protection plans in the cost of clearance items. For example, if a $500 laptop were on sale for $450 and the employees needed to push an $80 extended warranty, the store would list the laptop at $500 and claim to be offering the $80 warranty for only $30.

View Poll



We'd like to say we're shocked, but it has become increasingly clear that dishonesty and unethical behavior (while not "officially" endorsed) are simply standard corporate policy at some major retail chains. We may not be shocked, but we are certainly appalled.

Continue reading Report: Office Depot Employees Altering Computer Price Tags

SwitchedReport: Office Depot Employees Altering Computer Price Tags originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscustomer serviceCustomerServicedishonestyethicslaptopmaglieslyingoffice depotOfficeDepotretailshoppingtopTue, 17 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Most Speed-Up-Your-PC Programs Are Bogus]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/16/most-speed-up-your-pc-programs-are-bogus/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/16/most-speed-up-your-pc-programs-are-bogus/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/16/most-speed-up-your-pc-programs-are-bogus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Surely you've seen the annoying ads on television or flashing banner graphics on your favorite sites advertising applications guaranteed to take your slow-as-molasses computer and make it run like new again? Hopefully you've never taken the plunge and clicked or installed, but Slate's Farhad Manjoo did. Out of curiosity, he installed My Faster PC just to see what it would do to his computer. As it turns out, it didn't really do a thing -- other than milk him for $30.

That program, and the dozens of others like it, pledge to clean up supposed detritus left behind by months or years of computing. Sadly, My Faster PC relies largely on tools that are already on your computer, like Microsoft's disk defragmenter, which re-arranges things on your computer's hard drive to speed it up. It's automatically enabled in Vista (here's how to adjust it) and you can get to it in XP by going to "My Computer," right-clicking on your hard drive (C: or D:), clicking "Properties," clicking "Tools," and then clicking "Defragment Now."

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Continue reading Most Speed-Up-Your-PC Programs Are Bogus

SwitchedMost Speed-Up-Your-PC Programs Are Bogus originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccleanercomputersdefragmentdefragmentingmy faster pcMyFasterPcperformanceregistrytopupgradeswindowsMon, 16 Mar 2009 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Prices Keep Going Down, Sales Expected to Increase]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/pc-prices-keep-going-down-sales-expected-to-increase/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/pc-prices-keep-going-down-sales-expected-to-increase/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/pc-prices-keep-going-down-sales-expected-to-increase/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

PC Prices Keep Going Down, Sales Expected to Increase

With the recession pushing prices of everything down, and with low-priced netbooks' newfound popularity, the research firm IDC is reporting a much larger than normal drop in the average price of PCs. On average, computer prices drop about five-percent per year, but, in the fourth quarter of 2008, prices dipped a dramatic 14.3-percent.

Only once before have prices of computers fallen faster; following the burst of the Internet bubble in the fourth quarter of 2001, they fell 14.5-percent. Another research firm, iSuppli, sees costs continuing to drop, as much as 10-percent in 2009. As consumers increasingly favor netbooks, which usually rest in the $300 to $600 range, more established manufacturers worry that consumers may significantly drive down the prices of their laptop and desktop PCs, according to one expert. "What's concerning here is, [netbooks] could potentially reset consumer expectations of what you pay for a notebook," IDC's Richard Shim told Business Week.

Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research, however, believes that lower prices could spur more purchases. With some netbooks having been found at Radioshack for a mere $99 (with a two-year contract from AT&T), such deals may become more popular as people flock to the idea of mobile Web browsing. Accordingly, iSuppli expects that, even in this troubled economy, the downward trend of prices should lead to a 12-percent increase in mobile PC sales. So maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel for PC manufacturers. [From: BusinessWeek]

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SwitchedPC Prices Keep Going Down, Sales Expected to Increase originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseconomynetbookPCspricesresearchretailshoppingThu, 12 Mar 2009 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Upgrades iMac, mini, Pro, and AirPort]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/03/apple-upgrades-imac-mini-pro-and-airport/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/03/apple-upgrades-imac-mini-pro-and-airport/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/03/apple-upgrades-imac-mini-pro-and-airport/#commentsFiled under: ,



We'd heard rumblings about computer upgrades from everyone's favorite Cupertino-based company, but we didn't expect anything this soon. This morning, Apple announced new updates across its desktop computer and router lines. Although there aren't any significant aesthetic changes or redesigns to the models, the Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac all received spec upgrades (e.g. faster chips, improved graphics cards, and more storage), and there are even some welcome price downgrades. Click after the break to get the quick rundown of the new items (available now on the Apple store) and new features:

Continue reading Apple Upgrades iMac, mini, Pro, and AirPort

SwitchedApple Upgrades iMac, mini, Pro, and AirPort originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple airport extremeapple time capsuleAppleAirportExtremeAppleTimeCapsulebreaking newsBreakingNewsGeForce 9400mGeforce9400miMacIntelIntelXeonmac miniMac ProMacMiniMacPronew apple releasesnew macsNewAppleReleasesNewMacstopupcomingupdatesTue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Does Your Computer Desktop Say About You?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/02/what-does-your-computer-desktop-say-about-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/02/what-does-your-computer-desktop-say-about-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/02/what-does-your-computer-desktop-say-about-you/#commentsFiled under: ,



Privacy is a funny thing, isn't it? These days, it's fairly common to update your Facebook page with your likes and dislikes, taste in music, contact information, personal photos and who knows what else. This is information we give out consciously and willingly, and it all says something about the types of people we are. But what are we unconsciously saying about ourselves when we use the computer? Are we confident or do we have big egos? Are we insecure, or shy?


One way to find out is to analyze your computer desktop. According to a study in desktop psychology, everything from your habits to your ambitions may be revealed just by looking at your desktop icons and background. "Our desktops are our personal space and as such provide a fairly accurate personality description of an individual," says Donna Dawson, a personality and behavior psychologist.

Have icons evenly placed on each side of the screen? Chances are you like everything in its place and well-proportioned and stay calm in stressful situations. If you have icons all over the desktop, then it's likely you're disorganized and unfocused. Use a personal photo as your desktop background? It's likely you are a parent or frequent traveler. If you're one of those folks who just opts for the plain blue wallpaper that comes with your computer, then you probably like to keep your private life private.

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There's a lot of interesting stuff here that, while fairly generalized, seems like it makes logical sense. Check the read link and to find out what type of person you might be. And if you're wondering what some of your other gadgets say about you, then take a look at the "What Your Gadgets Say About You" gallery below. [From: Telegraph]

Continue reading What Does Your Computer Desktop Say About You?

SwitchedWhat Does Your Computer Desktop Say About You? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumerismdesktoppersonalitypersonality traitsPersonalityTraitsprivacypsychologystudiesMon, 02 Mar 2009 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[8 Ways to Back-Up Your Computer (and Keep Your Stuff Safe)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/26/8-ways-to-back-up-your-computer-and-keep-your-stuff-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/26/8-ways-to-back-up-your-computer-and-keep-your-stuff-safe/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/26/8-ways-to-back-up-your-computer-and-keep-your-stuff-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If there's one important task computer users regularly ignore, it's backing up their data, including important items like their office documents, music, videos, and photos. Things go wrong sometimes: Computers get viruses, hard drives fail, and ex-girlfriends launch belongings out of windows, leaving you in a bind.

One of the biggest reasons people forget backing up is that they don't know where to start, what tools to use, or how to go about it. While we can't come to your house and do it for you, we can at least give you our preferred options to help you choose. Don't be scared -- the process is relatively simple these days and often completely automated, so you won't have any excuses when your music library and your financial records are all gone.

Click on 'Next' below to see Switched's Backup Roundup. It's for your own good.

Switched8 Ways to Back-Up Your Computer (and Keep Your Stuff Safe) originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backupfeaturessecurityThu, 26 Feb 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Virus Tip: How to Disable Print and File Sharing in Windows XP]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/disabling-print-and-file-sharing-in-windows-xp/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/disabling-print-and-file-sharing-in-windows-xp/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/disabling-print-and-file-sharing-in-windows-xp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Disable Print and File Sharing

One of the first things you should do if you think you have a virus is to quarantine your PC and disconnect from your home network to prevent the infection from spreading to other computers in your home. You don't want to disconnect from the Internet entirely however or you won't be able to download updates for your anti-virus software. Doing this on a Mac (in Preferences: Sharing) or in Vista (go to the Network and Sharing Center) is (relatively) straightforward, but under XP it takes a little maneuvering. Here's how to do it:

Disable File and Print Sharing:
  • Right click on the network icon in the system tray and choose "Open Network Connections"
  • Right click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties"
  • Under the "General" tab uncheck "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks"
Disable Network Discovery and Simple Sharing:
  • Open "MyComputer"
  • Click on the "Tools" menu and open "Folder Options"
  • Under the "View" tab uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers" as well as "Use simple file sharing"
This isn't a perfect solution, but it will put up an additional road block between your computers and the nasty virus you've picked up.

SwitchedVirus Tip: How to Disable Print and File Sharing in Windows XP originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>file sharingFileSharingnetworknetworkingsharingtechtiptechtipswindowswindows xpWindowsXpxpFri, 20 Feb 2009 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Store Bans Facebook to Free Up Public Computers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/08/apple-store-bans-facebook-to-free-up-public-computers/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/08/apple-store-bans-facebook-to-free-up-public-computers/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/08/apple-store-bans-facebook-to-free-up-public-computers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the thousands visiting Apple retail stores each week competing for time to test drive the in-store machines, the company has again decided to ban a social networking site from the computers in its store. This time, Facebook is getting the boot. As of this week, the ubiquitous site, like Myspace before it, will no longer be accessible on computers in the Apple Store. The retailers have become impromptu Internet cafés at malls across the country and we know firsthand the frustration of waiting for an available computer behind a loitering Facebooker. Therefore, we applaud Apple's move to limit time-wasting -- as long as they keep Gmail available, that is. [From tinyComb]

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SwitchedApple Store Bans Facebook to Free Up Public Computers originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple storeAppleStorebansfacebookretailshoppingsocial-networkingSun, 08 Feb 2009 09:06:00 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[Why You Should Get Rid of Your Screensaver (Tip of the Day)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/why-you-should-get-rid-of-your-screensaver-tip-of-the-day/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/why-you-should-get-rid-of-your-screensaver-tip-of-the-day/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/why-you-should-get-rid-of-your-screensaver-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

no screensaver lcd monitors

This tip only applies to folks with LCD computer monitors, which includes anyone with a laptop, of course. Unlike old tube-style CRTs, LCD monitors don't benefit from a screensaver-in fact, using one may shorten your LCD monitor's (or laptop screen's) lifespan and will tax your PC's components more than simply turning it off or putting your PC to sleep.

Click here for more 'Tech Tips'

SwitchedWhy You Should Get Rid of Your Screensaver (Tip of the Day) originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>techtipWed, 28 Jan 2009 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[New Phishing Attack Using Pop-Up Windows From Bank Sites]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-phishing-attack-difficult-to-defend-against/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-phishing-attack-difficult-to-defend-against/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-phishing-attack-difficult-to-defend-against/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Online scammers and phishers are constantly improving their skills and developing even more sophisticated methods of attack. One of our jobs here at Switched is to stay on top of these Internet criminals and warning you, the reader, about when they'll strike, how they'll strike, and how to avoid falling victim to these online con-jobs.

The latest threat to your security comes in the form of so-called "in-session phishing" attacks, that present themselves as pop-up windows from legitimate Web sites (much like the screenshot above). Often, these pop-ups will occur while you're on a banking Web site and will tell you that your session has expired and prompt you to re-enter your username and password.

What makes these attacks particularly worrisome is that they don't require the installation of traditional malware. The pop-ups can be triggered by embedding a small piece of code in a legitimate Web site, but the code never actually gets loaded on a victim's computer, making it difficult if not impossible for traditional anti-malware defenses to detect the flaw.

Continue reading New Phishing Attack Using Pop-Up Windows From Bank Sites

SwitchedNew Phishing Attack Using Pop-Up Windows From Bank Sites originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phishingscamsecurityFri, 16 Jan 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Tricky Windows Worm Hits 3 Million Computers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/tricky-windows-worm-hits-three-million/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/tricky-windows-worm-hits-three-million/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/tricky-windows-worm-hits-three-million/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Have you updated your Windows machine lately? If not, as always, you certainly should! Word is coming from a number of virus and malicious software experts that a certain piece of nasty software with a number of names has gone on to infect three million Windows machines around the world, with the most infected being in places like China, Brazil, Russia, and India.

The software is known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido, but by any name, it's a worm, which is software that infiltrates machines and then spreads itself from there. This one is particularly shady and deceptive, renaming itself with every install and also connecting to random online servers, making it very difficult to detect. Once on your machine, it has the power to do whatever it likes, including steal your passwords and private information.

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Thankfully Microsoft has released a patch ensuring your machine will be safe, and most virus manufacturers can detect it. So, make with the updating already! [From: BBC News]



Continue reading Tricky Windows Worm Hits 3 Million Computers

SwitchedTricky Windows Worm Hits 3 Million Computers originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>confickerdownadupkidopatchsecuritytopupdateviruswindowswormFri, 16 Jan 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop Sales Overtake Traditional Desktop PC Sales Over Holiday]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/09/laptops-overtake-traditional-desktop-pcs/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/09/laptops-overtake-traditional-desktop-pcs/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/09/laptops-overtake-traditional-desktop-pcs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Laptops have officially overtaken traditional desktop PCs, according to a Reuters report.

In the all-important week before Christmas, laptops dominated online retail giant Amazon.com's list of the 10 highest selling computers and hardware components, while nary a desktop appeared on the list. Noting advances in laptop technology and consumer demand for portability, commentators find that laptops' recent success largely depends on one particularly relevant reason: a newfound competitiveness in pricing.

Peter Lin, an analyst with iSuppli, told Reuters, "On both price and performance, laptops are so competitive now it's surprising they weren't able to catch up with desktops even earlier."

Continue reading Laptop Sales Overtake Traditional Desktop PC Sales Over Holiday

SwitchedLaptop Sales Overtake Traditional Desktop PC Sales Over Holiday originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktopindustrylaptopFri, 09 Jan 2009 05:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mac Mini To Debut at Macworld?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems like the signs are pointing to a refresh of the Mac mini when this year's Macworld rolls around. According to a press release by SeeFile, their new (version 4.6) Web server software can be purchased bundled with a Mac mini server with 1 terabyte of storage -- which is odd enough, since the largest internal drive that ships with the thing is 120GB. And how about the release itself, indiscreetly titled: "New Mac Mini Hardware to Be Supported by Revolutionary SeeFile Web Sharing DAM Software." Of course, this could all be mere speculation, rumors and innuendo. We'll find out soon enough, won't we? [Via Yahoo]

SwitchedNew Mac Mini To Debut at Macworld? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemacmac miniMacMiniMacworldMon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Fix a 'Broken' Computer (or at Least Try)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/27/how-to-fix-a-broken-computer-or-at-least-try/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/27/how-to-fix-a-broken-computer-or-at-least-try/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/27/how-to-fix-a-broken-computer-or-at-least-try/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fix a Computer, Be a Hero, Save Some Cash
Computers are a lot like cars in that people everywhere rely on them for their day-to-day lives, and yet most of those people have no idea what goes on inside of them. If they start making funny noises or something stops working properly, it's often time for a trip to a specialist who will be happy to fix your issues -- for a fee. Sometimes, though, you can figure it out yourself, and DownloadSquad has some suggestions on how you can figure out simple problems on your own:
  • Make a toolkit - A cheap USB thumb-drive or CD-R can save the day if you load it with a virus scanner or other repair software utilities. DownloadSquad has quite a few, perhaps the most important being Clam Anti-Virus, a free virus scanner that might just make your sick machine healthy again.
  • Troubleshoot - This one seems obvious, but try and remember the last thing you did before the problems started? If your printer isn't working, were you shuffling your feet and dislodging cables? If your computer won't turn on, did your surge protector blow a fuse? And, before all else, did you try restarting your machine?
  • Go slow -DownloadSquad's main advice is to not take it too far. It's pretty difficult to make a mess of your computer, but before you start deleting things or changing configuration files, make sure you know how to get them back and reset your settings. If you don't, maybe it's time for a call to the Geek Squad.
If you do call in reinforcements, though, maybe you should try to get that shower out of the way before they arrive. [From: DownloadSquad]

SwitchedHow to Fix a 'Broken' Computer (or at Least Try) originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computercomputer repaircomputer technicianComputerRepairComputerTechniciandownloadsquadfixmaintenancerepairSat, 27 Dec 2008 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Legal Music Downloads Growing Faster Than Illegal Ones]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/legal-music-downloads-growing-faster-than-illegal/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/legal-music-downloads-growing-faster-than-illegal/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/legal-music-downloads-growing-faster-than-illegal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Legal Music Downloads Growing Faster than IllegalIf you purchased and downloaded your first digital album this year, then congratulations, you're not alone! Demand for legal music downloads increased an impressive 29-percent last quarter over the same quarter in 2007. Interestingly, while illegal downloads of music also increased over the same period, they rose only 23 percent.

This means that more and more people are turning to legal alternatives like Amazon's MP3 service, or the ubiquitous iTunes. The news isn't all good, though. While online demand is increasing, overall music sales dropped 2-percent -- more bad news for a music industry that's already hurting. [From: Silicon Alley Insider]

SwitchedLegal Music Downloads Growing Faster Than Illegal Ones originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonmp3downloadingituneslegalmusicmusic downloadsMusicDownloadsonline musicOnlineMusicpiracyriaashoppingstudiessurveystrendswebFri, 19 Dec 2008 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Is Not a Bastion of Openness (Duh)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/07/apple-is-not-a-bastion-of-openness/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/07/apple-is-not-a-bastion-of-openness/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/07/apple-is-not-a-bastion-of-openness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Well, the Register is a little late to the party, but having another voice bemoaning the closed nature of Apple is always appreciated.

As we've pointed out before, despite all the complaints against Microsoft for being closed and monopolistic, Apple actually commits far more crimes against openness in the tech world. While most of the computer-using, iPod-listening public give Apple a free pass, developers have been very vocal in their opposition to Apple's practices.

Even when Apple finally opened the iPhone and iPod touch to third-party developers, the Cupertino-based company made sure that it had had final say over applications -- Apple retains the ability to remotely disable and delete any application. Want to load songs on an iPod without iTunes, for example? There isn't any Apple-sanctioned way to do that. Running OS X on a non-Apple computer requires a bit of hacking.

Apple makes some quality products, for sure, but the company is far from the bastion of openness and corporate responsibility that people seem to think it is. If you want open, try Linux instead. [From: The Register]

SwitchedApple Is Not a Bastion of Openness (Duh) originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemicrosoftos xOsXSun, 07 Dec 2008 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Commodore Unveils MLB-Themed Gaming PCs]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/01/commodore-unveils-mlb-themed-gaming-pcs/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/01/commodore-unveils-mlb-themed-gaming-pcs/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/01/commodore-unveils-mlb-themed-gaming-pcs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hard to say if these MLB-themed gaming PCs will be "a line drive to right" with gamers out there, but Commodore has certainly "rounded the bases" in order to deliver some pretty fanciful machines. The officially licensed desktops boast an exclusive C-kin paint job only possessed by the "true five-tool" PC manufacturing companies, though we have heard that the Core i7 within was "indirectly linked to HGH." At any rate, clean-up hitters can "round third and head for home" (or the order page, as it were) right now, but don't expect to underpay one of these "all-stars" and get away with it. Full release is just past the break, and we don't want to see any lollygagging on your way down.

SwitchedCommodore Unveils MLB-Themed Gaming PCs originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming PCsGamingPcshgg-gamerhggnewsMLBnew productsNewProductsMon, 01 Dec 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/01/five-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-computer/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/01/five-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-computer/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/01/five-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-computer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,





So you're buying a new computer? Well, you're in luck, because there's never been a better time -- they're faster, smaller, and more powerful than ever before, and they don't necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg (in fact, plenty of decent desktops and laptops can be had for less than $500). But should you get a Mac or a PC? Laptop or desktop ? Specs-wise, what difference does having an AMD or Intel processor make? And if you're planning on getting a laptop, how do you make sense of the alphabet soup that is Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n)? Well, dear reader, and potential buyer, Switched is here to help you wade through the spec lists you see on those Sunday circulars and help you make the best of your computer money. Take a look at our crib sheet of five things to consider when picking out your new computer, which starts on the next page, so click below....

SwitchedFive Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 things to consider5thingscomputer5ThingsToConsiderbuying guidesBuyingGuidesfeatureshggfeaturestopWed, 01 Oct 2008 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac vs. PC -- Which Is for You?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/mac-vs-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/mac-vs-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/mac-vs-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mac or PC - it's the perennial debate for anyone looking to buy a new computer (or win an argument). Passionate and valid points exist in both camps, but it ultimately boils down to your personal tastes, needs, and budget. We played around with all shapes and sizes of Macs (Mini, iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro) and PCs (Gateway One desktop, Gateway M-Series laptops, Lenovo x300 laptop, Acer Ferrari 1100, Sony TP Series, and Dell XPS M2010) to figure out which type of computer was best on a variety of fronts. Much to our surprise, not all of our findings turned out as we expected....

SwitchedMac vs. PC -- Which Is for You? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btsfeaturesfeaturesWed, 06 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Free Downloads For Your Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/06/06/top-10-downloadable-apps/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/06/top-10-downloadable-apps/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/06/top-10-downloadable-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The first thing you should do when you get your new laptop is uninstall all that free trial crap that gets loaded on by the manufacturer. Six Months of Earthlink, two weeks of Adobe Photoshop Elements, McAfee Anti-Virus, one month of MusicMatch... who needs it? Not you! (Besides eventually charging you money, a lot of these programs you didn't ask for can slow down your computer.)

Now that you've cleared out some room on that hard drive, start installing some of these free and useful applications, many of which are open source (meaning anyone can view and alter the code of the program to improve or customize it if they have the skill or desire). Here are ten (or so) applications that will let you do almost anything you could need to on your computer, without you having to spend a dime.


Firefox (XP/Vista/OS X/Linux)

The most important item you can install on any computer.

The Firefox Web browser will probably be the application you use the most on your laptop. Now don't get us wrong -- Internet Explorer 7 isn't awful -- it's just that Firefox is that much better. Particularly attractive is the ability to add new features through extensions, which are small-add ons to Firefox that allow you do do everything from block advertisements to save chunks of Web sites to your Google Notebook.

We've discussed some of our favorite extensions before, but here are some other ones we like: If you use Gmail, then check out Better Gmail from the folks over at Life Hacker. Better Gmail adds a host of new abilities to the Google mail service, including new keyboard shortcuts or even a completely new look. We also like the Remember the Milk extension for adding a to-do list to your Gmail inbox. Also worth checking out (if you're a Windows or OS X user) is PicLens, which turns any photo site -- including Flickr, Google Image Search, or even MySpace -- into an interactive 3D wall of images that makes scrolling and scanning huge numbers of photos easy and fun.

SwitchedBest Free Downloads For Your Computer originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfreelaptopfeaturesswitcheddownloadFri, 06 Jun 2008 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Gateway Releases Slew of New Desktops, Offers Something for Everyone]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/gateway-releases-slew-of-new-desktops-offers-something-for-ever/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/gateway-releases-slew-of-new-desktops-offers-something-for-ever/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/gateway-releases-slew-of-new-desktops-offers-something-for-ever/#commentsFiled under: ,


Do you absolutely love Gateway desktops? If you said yes, prepare to be seriously stoked. The company is releasing a slew of new systems this week, ranging from cheapo starters to pretty heavily equipped gaming / multimedia models. We've got all the info that's fit to print (and frankly, some that isn't), and we've rounded up the basic specs and features after the break. Enjoy! [Source: Gateway]

Continue reading Gateway Releases Slew of New Desktops, Offers Something for Everyone

SwitchedGateway Releases Slew of New Desktops, Offers Something for Everyone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsgatewayTue, 06 May 2008 14:37:00 EST