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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netflix Tech Tips: Tricks and Hints for Getting New Releases]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/netflix-tricks-getting-new-releases/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/netflix-tricks-getting-new-releases/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/netflix-tricks-getting-new-releases/#commentsConsidering the number of times we've uttered, "I'll watch it when it comes out on DVD," it's no wonder we're such hounds for new releases. Sadly, we've become used to the new movies in our Netflix queue being perpetually stuck at "Very Long Wait." It's bad enough that we have to hold off until we can watch something of merit. (Damn you, New York movie ticket prices!) But having to wait indefinitely even after a movie has come out on DVD? No way. Here are some handy tips we've compiled to make sure you can get the freshest releases ASAP.

Continue reading Netflix Tech Tips: Tricks and Hints for Getting New Releases

SwitchedNetflix Tech Tips: Tricks and Hints for Getting New Releases originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moviesnetflixtechtiptechtipstipstopwebThu, 13 Jan 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Put Your Netflix Account on Hold]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/netflix-account-on-hold-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/netflix-account-on-hold-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/12/netflix-account-on-hold-how-to/#comments There's a little red envelope that's sitting on our coffee table, and in it is a DVD. We haven't opened that envelope since it arrived, and it's been lying there, gathering dust and staring at us accusingly, as if to say, "Will you ever make it through all of 'Lawrence of Arabia'?" We tell ourselves we'll get around to it. Days go by, then weeks. Seasons change, time passes, we grow old. And still that envelope is sitting there, its contents unwatched and kept from the eager eyes of other Netflix users.

This is the sad truth for many Netflix subscribers. Unless you are a diligent film freak, it's likely you'll wind up with movies that go unwatched for far too long. No matter the reason, neglecting an unwatched DVD gives one the feeling of not getting your money's worth. Thankfully, Netflix offers a convenient way to put your account on hold, whether you're not around, have too much happening, or simply have to make some economic cuts. In that case, freezing your account is an incredibly convenient way to stop using Netflix without completely ending your membership.

Continue reading How to Put Your Netflix Account on Hold

SwitchedHow to Put Your Netflix Account on Hold originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NetflixtechtiptipstopwebWed, 12 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Shopping Tips: Be the Keeper of the Online Coupon Holy Grail]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/20/shopping-tips-online-coupon-holy-grail/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/20/shopping-tips-online-coupon-holy-grail/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/20/shopping-tips-online-coupon-holy-grail/#comments shopping tips couponsYour writer would like to brag for just a moment: everyone has talents, and hers (mine) happens to be Internet shopping. There is a groove one gets into, a zen-like hum, where this faithful blogger can surf the Internet for deals and scores with a preternatural agility, leaping from one excellent buy to another. And with Christmas just around the corner, the world will be looking for ways to spend its holiday cash -- or like any modern American family, waiting to do its shopping until all the sales hit on the 26th.

So brace yourself, dear readers, and you will be privy to the secrets of yore. And we of the modern era suggest frequenting independent, Mom and Pop-type stores for specific goods -- cheeses, handmade hats, a specific type of household cleaner -- but, for name brand deals, our 21st century has created a whole new retail atmosphere.

Continue reading Shopping Tips: Be the Keeper of the Online Coupon Holy Grail

SwitchedShopping Tips: Be the Keeper of the Online Coupon Holy Grail originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>money savingMoneySavingonline shoppingonline shopping tipsOnlineShoppingOnlineShoppingTipsshoppingtechtiptipstopMon, 20 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[P2P and Online Gaming Pose Risky Problems for Uninformed Parents]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/p2p-and-online-gaming-pose-risky-problems-for-uninformed-parents/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/p2p-and-online-gaming-pose-risky-problems-for-uninformed-parents/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/p2p-and-online-gaming-pose-risky-problems-for-uninformed-parents/#commentsP2P and Online Gaming Risk File-sharing and online gaming expose kids to a variety of harmful elements. The fact that most parents are unfamiliar with these services (relative to other online endeavors like social networking) only compounds the inherent dangers and issues. File-sharing services, also known as peer-to-peer networks (P2P), close as frequently as new ones spring up, which makes it difficult for parents or casual Internet users to keep up with trendy sites, like these. And, while establishing ground rules for gaming seems effortless enough, ensuring that kids adhere to those regulations is a wholly different matter.

When discussing P2P networks, parents should inform kids about the inescapable risks. The most publicized issues relate to the legal repercussions of downloading pirated content. Illegally sharing just one song can result in a five-figure fine and a permanently stained record. File-sharing also remains a primary method for predators and pedophiles to disseminate pornography (particularly of the child variety), and many sites feature potentially dangerous chat rooms. Viruses also present a constant threat.

Continue reading P2P and Online Gaming Pose Risky Problems for Uninformed Parents

SwitchedP2P and Online Gaming Pose Risky Problems for Uninformed Parents originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>file sharingFileSharinggamingOnline GamingOnlineGamingp2p networksP2pNetworkssecuritytechtiptipstopThu, 09 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Tips: Thwart Chatroom Shenanigans, Predators and Danger]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/tech-tips-thwart-chatroom-shenanigans-predators-and-danger/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/tech-tips-thwart-chatroom-shenanigans-predators-and-danger/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/tech-tips-thwart-chatroom-shenanigans-predators-and-danger/#comments Chris Hansen thrust chat rooms, and their inherent dangers, into the national consciousness with his legendary 'To Catch a Predator' sting operations on 'Dateline.' Despite Hansen's admirable and alarmingly successful crackdowns, chatting online definitely remains a perilous endeavor, particularly for kids. To combat the dangers, both parents and children need to familiarize themselves with threatening sites and terminology, but -- even if the activity isn't actually permitted -- adults also need to take active steps to ensure child chat room safety.

The first step toward safe online interaction should come from a frank discussion between parents and kids. Parents need to inform their progeny about the possible repercussions of forming personal Internet relationships with strangers, and then set guidelines for acceptable chatting -- including where, when and with whom. Parents need to ensure that kids fully know -- even though it may seem obvious -- that children (even if they feel comfortable with the other person) should never share certain information, specifically photographs and personal details like names, phone numbers and addresses. Vigilant parents should also learn popular chatroom lingo and dubious acronyms and codes -- like "9," which signifies the presence of a snooping parent.

Continue reading Tech Tips: Thwart Chatroom Shenanigans, Predators and Danger

SwitchedTech Tips: Thwart Chatroom Shenanigans, Predators and Danger originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AolInstantMessengerchatChatRoomsFacebookChatkidsnet nannyNetNannyparentsprivacysecuritytechtiptipstopYahooMessengerTue, 07 Dec 2010 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Calendar: Get Your Weather Forecast and Custom Date Views]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/03/google-calendar-weather-forecast-custom-date-views/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/03/google-calendar-weather-forecast-custom-date-views/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/03/google-calendar-weather-forecast-custom-date-views/#commentsFor all the good that Google has done in helping us keep our e-mails and events organized, it's notoriously bad for hiding useful tools and features out of sight. We've got two simple tips today for opening up Google Calendar's potential. Google Calendar's '4 days' view has always seemed out of place, but makes much more sense when you realize it's customizable. You'll need to head to Settings to make changes. Buried in the General Settings tab is a field for Custom view, which is set at '4 days' by default. You can limit the view down to '2 days' or open it up to as much as '4 weeks.' Any change here will be reflected in the tab between the Month and Agenda views.

Continue reading Google Calendar: Get Your Weather Forecast and Custom Date Views

SwitchedGoogle Calendar: Get Your Weather Forecast and Custom Date Views originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendargoogleGoogleCalendartechtiptechtipstipstopweatherFri, 03 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Your New Text Friend: Google Calendar and SMS]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/text-message-alerts-google-calendar-sms/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/text-message-alerts-google-calendar-sms/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/text-message-alerts-google-calendar-sms/#commentsSometimes a simple SMS reminder buzzing in your pocket is enough to break all the pings and alerts hitting your computer screen throughout the day. Fortunately, Google Calendar is SMS-capable, which means you don't need a cutting-edge smartphone to get calendar alerts. Read on after the break to learn how to text your calendar.

Continue reading Your New Text Friend: Google Calendar and SMS

SwitchedYour New Text Friend: Google Calendar and SMS originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googleGoogleCalendarsmstechtiptechtipstextingTextMessagingWed, 01 Dec 2010 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Back Up and Share Your Contacts with CSV files and vCards]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/26/export-share-contacts-csv-vcards/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/26/export-share-contacts-csv-vcards/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/26/export-share-contacts-csv-vcards/#commentsAlright, so you've siphoned your contacts out of Facebook and into a much more manageable level. All your repeat entries have been consolidated and unidentifiable e-mail addresses deleted. Your once chaotic set of contacts, scattered across several devices and services are now all together in one, reasonably manageable pile. But what if you cleaned them up using Yahoo and now you want to move everything to Gmail? Or what if you want to send your contacts in bulk to others? Or just back up your list for your own personal purposes and peace of mind? We'll tell you how and what your options are after the break.

Continue reading Back Up and Share Your Contacts with CSV files and vCards

SwitchedBack Up and Share Your Contacts with CSV files and vCards originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contact managementContactManagementcontactscsvtechtipvcardFri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Contact Tips: Group Your Peeps Together to Stay Organized]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/how-to-group-contacts-stay-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/how-to-group-contacts-stay-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/how-to-group-contacts-stay-organized/#commentsGroup Contacts Alright, guys, this is it. You've got your contacts combined, synced, Facebook-free, and cleaned out. You're feeling good, and your address book is looking pretty. Or, so you think. But, Padawan, why stop now? We've already come so far, so why not really whip your contacts into shape, and treat yourself to some serious organization in the form of labels and groups.

Practically any contact-management app, be it desktop or Web, allows you to categorize the entries in your address book in some way. Yahoo calls them 'categories' (natch), while Gmail and Outlook use 'groups.' Both serve as a way to organize your contacts based on context, and allow you to keep some delineation between your personal and your professional connections.

Continue reading Contact Tips: Group Your Peeps Together to Stay Organized

SwitchedContact Tips: Group Your Peeps Together to Stay Organized originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>address bookAddressBookcontact managementcontact managerContactManagementContactManagergmailgoogleproductivitytech tipstechtipTechTipstopwebyahooThu, 25 Nov 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Do a Fall Cleaning of Your Contact List]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/clean-contact-list-delete-duplicates-gmail/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/clean-contact-list-delete-duplicates-gmail/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/clean-contact-list-delete-duplicates-gmail/#commentsClean Contacts This week we've focused on creating a single, giant pool of contacts. First, we combined your Web-mail address book and the random numbers stashed on your cell phone. Then, we freed your friends' photos, e-mail addresses and phone numbers from the evil clutches of Facebook. Now, you've got a comprehensive database of hundreds of contacts. Your mother is in your address book 13 times, your girlfriend is listed thrice, and you even have six of your own accounts in the data pile! After the break, we'll help you clean up your address book, and take one more step towards contact-management bliss.

Continue reading Do a Fall Cleaning of Your Contact List

SwitchedDo a Fall Cleaning of Your Contact List originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ContactManagementContactManagercontactsemailGmailhotmailorganizationproductivitytechtiptopYahooWed, 24 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Organize Your Black Book: Syncing Google Contacts With Your Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/23/sync-google-contacts-iphone-android-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/23/sync-google-contacts-iphone-android-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/23/sync-google-contacts-iphone-android-how-to/#commentsBlack Book Sync With your Facebook contact data freed from the evil clutches of the mighty Zuck, we're halfway done with consolidating your address books. While getting your info from Facebook is the trickiest part, we all know that the disaster of an address book on your cell phone is the worst offender when it comes to disorganization. Today, we're going to combine your Gmail contacts with those on your Android or iPhone, and set them up to sync any changes. This way, the next time you get the number of that cute guy or girl at the bar, it'll automatically be saved online to your Google account, too.

While you can certainly sync other contact-management apps with other mobile platforms, covering them all would take a prohibitively long time. So, we focused on two of the most popular smartphone operating systems and Gmail, because we think it offers the most elegant and flexible solution for syncing. (Plus, most of you have it.) These general tips can be applied across different platforms and using other e-mail interfaces, as well.

Continue reading Organize Your Black Book: Syncing Google Contacts With Your Phone

SwitchedOrganize Your Black Book: Syncing Google Contacts With Your Phone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>address bookAddressBookcontactsgoogle contactsGoogleContactsproductivitysyncsyncingtechtiptipstopTue, 23 Nov 2010 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Your Friends' Contact Info From Facebook's Grip]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/how-sync-facebook-contacts-email-phone-yahoo/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/how-sync-facebook-contacts-email-phone-yahoo/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/how-sync-facebook-contacts-email-phone-yahoo/#commentsZuck Leaves Key Getting your contacts all in one place is a giant headache, and Facebook doesn't help. Recently, Google has been making a big stink about Facebook "trapping" your contact information. And, to be fair, the complaints aren't entirely unfounded; Facebook wants you to have your friends' contact info... just as long as you're looking it up on Facebook only. But there are ways around The Book's blockade. You only need to use the right tools to free your data. Read on to find out how to free your contacts and consolidate your data.

Continue reading Free Your Friends' Contact Info From Facebook's Grip

SwitchedFree Your Friends' Contact Info From Facebook's Grip originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>address bookAddressBookaddressbooksynccontact managementcontact managerContactManagementContactManagergreasemonkeytechtiptechtipstopMon, 22 Nov 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Travel Tip: Remember to Bring (Gadget) Protection]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/tech-travel-tips-best-gadget-laptop-protection-cases/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/tech-travel-tips-best-gadget-laptop-protection-cases/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/tech-travel-tips-best-gadget-laptop-protection-cases/#commentsBring Protection With the week drawing to a triumphant close, we thought we'd end our series on tech travel tips with a brief rundown of how to go about physically protecting your gadgets while abroad. Of course, the degree to which you sheath your beloved laptops and tablets largely depends upon where you're going. If you're planning on surfing the Web from the beaches of Brazil, you might want to take extra precautions to guard against pesky grains of sand that could send your netbook into a tailspin. If, on the other hand, you're headed to Mumbai during monsoon season, you'll have an entirely different set of atmospheric obstacles to overcome.

Even if you're "just" hopping on a transatlantic flight to the Old World, you should make sure that your gadgets are securely tucked away, and safe from the perils that even the most routine travel itineraries can present. Fortunately, you can do so without sacrificing any style points.

Continue reading Tech Travel Tip: Remember to Bring (Gadget) Protection

SwitchedTech Travel Tip: Remember to Bring (Gadget) Protection originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casehggiphone caseIphoneCaselaptop baglaptop caseLaptopBagLaptopCasetechtiptechtipstipstoptravelFri, 19 Nov 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Traveling Tips: Avoid Roaming While Roaming Freely]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/18/tech-travel-tips-avoid-roaming-while-roaming-freely/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/18/tech-travel-tips-avoid-roaming-while-roaming-freely/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/18/tech-travel-tips-avoid-roaming-while-roaming-freely/#commentsLearn to Adapt Networks, bandwidth and capabilities are varied enough within any given country (as will be confirmed by anyone who's tried to get an iPhone on Verizon), but they're an entirely new mess when you start crossing borders. So, if you plan on staying connected without bankrupting yourself, you might want to see if your phone can handle the trip -- and make sure you aren't signing away your first-born simply by turning it on.

Will My Phone Work?
First, we have a couple quick rules. if your phone is from Verizon or Sprint, there is a small likelihood of it being internationally compatible. Both use CDMA technology for their 3G networks, instead of the more widely supported GSM. (If you're concerned about globe-hopping, look for phones billed as "global ready" or "international." Unless your phone is labeled as such, you're probably out of luck.) T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM, and are more likely to get basic calling and texting while traveling abroad (unless you are going to Canada, which is pretty U.S.-friendly.) Double-checking by looking at your service provider's website is a great bet. Another option, if you would rather have your phone on a more regular basis, is to purchase a prepaid SIM card within the country in which you've landed. You won't keep your number, but you won't rack up roaming charges, either. In the worst-case scenario, a disposable cell phone works as well, and is much more "accepted" overseas than it is in the U.S. (probably due to the influx of travelers).

Continue reading Tech Traveling Tips: Avoid Roaming While Roaming Freely

SwitchedTech Traveling Tips: Avoid Roaming While Roaming Freely originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterchargertechtiptechtipstipstoptravelVoltageThu, 18 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Travel Tips: How to Keep Your Power Pumping]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/tech-travel-tips-converter/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/tech-travel-tips-converter/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/tech-travel-tips-converter/#commentsPower Pumping Once you're across the seas, you'll start snapping photos, turning up your MP3 player, and blogging your adventures -- that is, until you run out of juice. Buying converters in the airport is always über-expensive, and being stuck without one when you need it is hair-pulling. Not sure if you should make the investment? Remember that voltage varies in different continents, and, if you have an electronic made for America (i.e., 110 volts), the 220-volt sockets found abroad could deliver quite a shock to your device. A converter makes sure that no excess electricity comes through.

Those wacky symbols you see on the wall in Deutschland? They aren't native markings; that's what the locals call a "socket." Plugs vary from country to country, and, to make sure you can insert your cord in the right way, you'll want an adapter. Adapter/converter packages, like the Travel Smart by Conair, are usually ideal. For a helpful, all-in-one guide, bookmark Current Solutions. Shocking, isn't it? (Hehe. Electricity puns.)

SwitchedTech Travel Tips: How to Keep Your Power Pumping originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargertechtiptechtipstipstoptravelTravel Adaptertravel-techTravelAdapterVoltageTue, 16 Nov 2010 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/#commentsTravel Tips Your tickets are booked. Your bags are packed. Your passport's been dusted off. It's finally time to take off for that exotic vacation you so sorely deserve, and to totally disconnect from the rest of the world... sort of.

Sure, you probably won't want to spend too much time trolling through e-mails instead of strolling across the Île Saint-Louis. If you're like us, though, you'll still probably toss a couple of gadgets into your suitcase -- if only to flood your friends' feeds with tweets, photos and Facebook posts from the other side of the world. But, before you start haphazardly dumping your smartphone, laptop and e-reader into your Samsonite, you should remember to take care of some very forgettable things.

Continue reading Traveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off

SwitchedTraveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterbattery chargerBatteryChargerflyinginternational travelinternational travel tipsInternationalTravelInternationalTravelTipsphone chargerphone chargersPhoneChargerPhoneChargerstechtiptechtipstoptravelMon, 15 Nov 2010 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Share Your Google Reader Finds With Twitter, Blogs and Then the WORLD]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/12/google-reader-share-send-to-twitter-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/12/google-reader-share-send-to-twitter-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/12/google-reader-share-send-to-twitter-facebook/#commentsWhew. What a week it's been. First, we cleaned up our Reader's act, then we got some friends and followers, and recently we shut the door to any nosy neighbors in our privacy rundown.

Now, we are going to teach you to share your Reader finds with anyone, including your friends on other social networks and news sites. Don't worry. You can thank us later.

Continue reading Share Your Google Reader Finds With Twitter, Blogs and Then the WORLD

SwitchedShare Your Google Reader Finds With Twitter, Blogs and Then the WORLD originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GoogleReaderrssrss-feedrss-readerRssFeedsRssReadertechtiptechtipstopwebFri, 12 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Reader Privacy Settings for Online Hermits and RSS Exhibitionists]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/11/google-reader-privacy-settings-setup/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/11/google-reader-privacy-settings-setup/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/11/google-reader-privacy-settings-setup/#commentsreader You're amped. You've whittled your Google Reader account into perfectly organized folders and categories, and you're cruising the Web at warp speed, sharing links left and right. But you suddenly realize that you aren't quite sure if you want your future employer and/or offspring to see that you are a huge fan of cat sweaters. Maybe you have been bit by the bug of oversharing?

Yesterday, we taught you to create a "Reader" list with all of your preferred follow-ees, where you can craft and edit your contact list to allow sharing between certain people. To see exactly who is following you and who you are following, head to www.google.com/profiles/YourGmailName and browse. (To see what you're sharing, try www.google.com/reader/shared/YourGmailName.) Remember: if you set it up using your contacts list, those people can see your shared links. (For more general Google control, you'll have to head to www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount. Managing Google privacy settings is a well-noted nightmare.)

But why does everything now have to have a social component? What if you just want to read your daily news without anyone poking a nose in or "liking" the stuff you see? Or, contrarily, what if you have nothing to hide, and you'd like all of your Reader travels exposed on Facebook, Twitter and more?

Continue reading Google Reader Privacy Settings for Online Hermits and RSS Exhibitionists

SwitchedGoogle Reader Privacy Settings for Online Hermits and RSS Exhibitionists originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Google Privacygoogle readerGooglePrivacyGoogleReaderrssrss feedsrss readerrss-feedrss-readerRssFeedsRssReadertechtiptechtipstopThu, 11 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LOLCats Don't Share Themselves! Google Reader Tips to Spread Link Love]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/google-reader-sharing-tips/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/google-reader-sharing-tips/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/google-reader-sharing-tips/#commentsGoogle Reader Yesterday, we showed you how to use Google Reader to get organized, put together folders and take advantage of feed recommendations. So you think you've finally got RSS all figured out, right? Well, don't get too cocky, kid, because today we're going to explode your Google Reader world. Since you're now up to date on world news and breaking LOLcats news, you're going to want to show your legions of friends, followers and colleagues all of the incredible links that you find first.

Continue reading LOLCats Don't Share Themselves! Google Reader Tips to Spread Link Love

SwitchedLOLCats Don't Share Themselves! Google Reader Tips to Spread Link Love originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookmarkletbookmarkletsgoogle readerGoogleReaderrssrss feedsrss readerrss-feedrss-readerRssFeedsRssReadertechtiptechtipstopWed, 10 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Reader: Get Your RSS Organized With Folders]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/09/google-reader-organized-folders-rss/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/09/google-reader-organized-folders-rss/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/09/google-reader-organized-folders-rss/#comments So you want to master your RSS feeds, eh? (If you don't know RSS, read our thorough breakdown.) Google Reader is our go-to feed aggregator, and -- if you're a Gmail user -- we're willing to bet that it's yours, too. You can access Reader through Gmail, Google, or even directly at reader.google.com, but you probably know that already. After all, you're no novice Reader(-er); you're just horribly, incontrovertibly disorganized. Who needs folders, tags, Starred Items and that menu-bar balderdash when you could have the entire, unedited stream of the Internet smashing directly into your brain?

Well, put simply, you do. You can't separate your Mashables from your MoCo Locos, or your Wonkettes from your Walyous. You're missing meaty posts right and left, because you can't keep up with the unending torrent of the RSS rush. But, trust us, there is a way to rein it in. Continue past the break to read the Gospel of Folders, and become one of the enlightened few who can master the Feeds like the Force.

Continue reading Google Reader: Get Your RSS Organized With Folders

SwitchedGoogle Reader: Get Your RSS Organized With Folders originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google readerGoogleReaderrssrss feedsrss readerrss-feedRssFeedsRssReadertechtiptechtipstopTue, 09 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[How To Turn Your iTunes Into a Work of (Album) Art]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/04/itunes-artwork-how-to-add/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/04/itunes-artwork-how-to-add/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/04/itunes-artwork-how-to-add/#comments Since album art practically defines music (e.g., Joy Division's 'Unknown Pleasures,' Nirvana's 'Nevermind', even Britney Spears's 'Britney'), no collection is complete with covers in disarray. Artwork is a key component to any obsessively organized music library, and the latest version of iTunes makes it a breeze to sort and add art. While most downloads from the iTunes Store come with artwork, you'll know that any time spent ripping CDs, transferring vinyl or downloading tracks from the Web will fill a library with shoddy and incomplete graphics. Read on to get your lovely library looking top-notch, and wow your friends with a complete Cover Flow.

Continue reading How To Turn Your iTunes Into a Work of (Album) Art

SwitchedHow To Turn Your iTunes Into a Work of (Album) Art originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAppStoreArtworkGofergimmesometuneGoogleImageSearchitunesmusictechtiptipstoptuneupThu, 04 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Move Your iTunes Library to a New Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/how-transfer-itunes-library-new-computer/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/how-transfer-itunes-library-new-computer/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/how-transfer-itunes-library-new-computer/#commentsmove your itunes library
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Here at Switched, we've been through countless hard drives over the years. That trusty ol' 400-gigabyte drive is going to fail sooner or later, swallowing your precious, carefully crafted music library as it goes -- unless you've prepared yourself. Fortunately, transferring your fully intact iTunes library to a new drive or computer is a cinch. You can, of course, grab the music files themselves and throw them on your new computer, but you'll probably lose all of your metadata like playlists, playcounts and ratings. Instead, the following technique will preserve all of your hard work, and save you the effort of manually rebuilding your library. (Who does anything manually anymore, anyway?)

Continue reading How to Move Your iTunes Library to a New Computer

SwitchedHow to Move Your iTunes Library to a New Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolappleappsitunesmusictechtiptechtipstipstopWed, 03 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Consolidate Your iTunes Library and Keep It Organized]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/itunes-consolidate-library-keep-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/itunes-consolidate-library-keep-organized/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/itunes-consolidate-library-keep-organized/#comments For years, we chose to organize our music files by hand -- curating with an obsessive, Rob Gordon-esque eye towards genre, then era, then back to a year/artist/album format. Unfortunately, the pleasures of organizing your CD and vinyl collections simply don't transfer to MP3s and M4As. We finally convinced ourselves to just let iTunes do the organizing and spend our time creating mixes and playlists, instead of wasting hours pushing bits around.

Continue reading How to Consolidate Your iTunes Library and Keep It Organized

SwitchedHow to Consolidate Your iTunes Library and Keep It Organized originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsitunesmusictechtiptopTue, 02 Nov 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Thwart Future Embarrassment by Taking Google Chats 'Off the Record']]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/google-chats-off-the-record/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/google-chats-off-the-record/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/google-chats-off-the-record/#commentsgchat off the recordWith a simple change to your Gmail settings, you can (allegedly) ensure that all of your incriminating Google Chat conversations won't come back to bite you. According to The Atlantic, users can take chats "off the record" by clicking the 'Actions' tab in the chat box and selecting the option from a drop-down menu. If a chat is off the record, the transcript will not be saved or archived by your Gmail account. Both parties are made aware of this agreement beforehand.

In case you didn't know, all Google Chat transcripts are archived by default -- just like your e-mails -- so that you can search them later. If you don't want to worry about having to go off the record during every chat, you can click the 'Settings' tab, then the 'Chat' tab, and then choose for your chat history to never be saved. Whichever way you go, it'll be much easier to deny that the 3 A.M. drunk chat you had with your ex (or editor) ever happened.

Continue reading Thwart Future Embarrassment by Taking Google Chats 'Off the Record'

SwitchedThwart Future Embarrassment by Taking Google Chats 'Off the Record' originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailgchatGmailgoogleGoogleChatGoogleTalkimprivacytechtiptipstopTue, 02 Nov 2010 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Take Control of iTunes and Mix Things Up With Smart Playlists]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/01/use-itunes-smart-playlists-control-library/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/01/use-itunes-smart-playlists-control-library/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/01/use-itunes-smart-playlists-control-library/#comments
As we slowly move away from physical media, our digital music libraries continue to expand with music blog downloads, digital purchases and rips of our increasingly dusty CD collection. Libraries expanding past 10,000 songs are pretty common these days, and, much like e-mail and Web searching, smart filters can help you sort your tunes and manage your library. Arguing with friends over the best opening tracks on rock albums from the '60s? Want a personal list of your top-rated songs from 1974 to 1983 that you haven't heard in the past four months? Curious about your all-time top-played songs, or the tracks you've never given a listen? Smart playlists can build these lists on the fly -- you simply need to provide the constraints.

Fortunately, ID3 tags (the metadata that contains information like artist, bit rate, genre and year) offer a standard list of variables, and most of your purchases, CD rips and downloads should come with this information fleshed out. Your metadata should be well-kept. For editing on the fly, select the songs you want, and hit Apple + i (or CTRL + i for PCs) to fill in the data by hand. Make sure the year, genre and artist name are correct, as iTunes can be tricky, case-sensitive and punctuation-fickle. 'Beyonce,' 'Beyoncé' and 'beyonce' all appear differently.

Continue reading Take Control of iTunes and Mix Things Up With Smart Playlists

SwitchedTake Control of iTunes and Mix Things Up With Smart Playlists originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefiltersitunesItunesPlaylistsmusicsmartplayliststechtiptechtipstipstopMon, 01 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Download Full Facebook Photo Albums With FacePAD]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/how-to-download-facebook-photo-albums-facepad/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/how-to-download-facebook-photo-albums-facepad/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/how-to-download-facebook-photo-albums-facepad/#commentsfacepad firefox extention For better or sometimes worse, everybody shares their photos on Facebook. But, until now, there hasn't been an easy way to grab entire albums from the social networking site. Every possible method has required tediously clicking away, one photo at a time. According to The New York Times, though, a developer has created a free Firefox extension that allows Facebook users to download entire photo albums with just a couple of clicks.

After downloading the FacePAD add-on, make sure your preferences are set to accept third-party cookies. Next, log into Facebook, view an album, and click on a picture from that album. Scroll down, and right click the album's name, which appears below the picture. Then, choose the "Download album with FacePAD option" from the menu. Use the next menu that appears to select the download folder, and click "open." Within seconds (depending on your connection speed and the album's size), every embarrassing photo from last weekend's frat party will live in perpetuity on your computer's hard drive.

Continue reading How to Download Full Facebook Photo Albums With FacePAD

SwitchedHow to Download Full Facebook Photo Albums With FacePAD originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsappsdownloadDownloadsfacebookfacepadfirefoxfreephotosSocialNetworkingtechtiptechtipstopWebTue, 26 Oct 2010 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Use Gmail Filters and Labels to Effortlessly Organize Your E-mail]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/use-gmail-filters-and-labels-to-effortlessly-organize-your-e-mai/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/use-gmail-filters-and-labels-to-effortlessly-organize-your-e-mai/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/use-gmail-filters-and-labels-to-effortlessly-organize-your-e-mai/#commentsGmail Filtering and Labeling
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Everyone has their own coping methods and inbox philosophies for e-mail management. Whether you're subscribing to a super-involved "Getting Things Done" method or a minimalist "Inbox Zero" system, a few minutes spent building a smart filter and label routine will let you focus on what's really important. The point here is to make the messages hitting your inbox as relevant and important as possible. Facebook friend requests, daily digests, Groupon deals, college newsletters and more flood your inbox daily, and most aren't worth your immediate attention. Gmail's Priority Inbox feature may help sort your messages by algorithmic relevancy, but Gmail's Labels and Filters are the real deal when it comes to complete organization.

Note: Most of the following filter tips and tricks will be applicable on Yahoo! Mail, Hotmail, AOL Mail and other online services. Desktop clients may have trouble dealing with labels, but many of the filtering suggestions can be used in most modern e-mail clients.

Continue reading Use Gmail Filters and Labels to Effortlessly Organize Your E-mail

SwitchedUse Gmail Filters and Labels to Effortlessly Organize Your E-mail originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailfeaturesgmailgoogleproductivitytechtiptopwebWed, 20 Oct 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Turn Off Gmail Conversation View]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/29/how-to-turn-off-gmail-conversation-view/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/29/how-to-turn-off-gmail-conversation-view/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/29/how-to-turn-off-gmail-conversation-view/#commentsgmail conversation view We heard back in June that Google planned on adding a "normal" view to the always innovative Gmail. The service that introduced many people to the idea of threaded e-mail is now making one of its defining features optional. Starting today, users can open their settings, and find an option for "conversation view." Turning it off will make Gmail behave more like an e-mail client circa 1999, meaning that messages will be displayed individually in reverse chronological order. While some haters of the threaded Gmail view (read: crazy people) claim the classic layout makes it easier to identify new messages, we just think it adds clutter and makes tracking long conversations (especially ones with multiple participants) a huge pain. As with most Google products and features, "normal" view will be rolling out to users over the next several days.

SwitchedHow to Turn Off Gmail Conversation View originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversationconversation viewConversationViewemailgmailgoogleinboxtechtiptopwebWed, 29 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Opt Out of Targeted Ads: A Guide]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/18/how-to-opt-out-of-targeted-ads-a-guide/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/18/how-to-opt-out-of-targeted-ads-a-guide/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/18/how-to-opt-out-of-targeted-ads-a-guide/#commentsTargeted advertising in a fact of life. Advertisers use cookies to track your browsing habits so that the ads you see are more attuned to your interests, and thus more likely to appeal to you. This might make some people (notably those who might enjoy the illusion of privacy) uncomfortable. Thankfully most of the major advertising networks allow you to opt out of their targeted advertising programs, even if they bury the option in a hard to find area.

Google Ads has the easiest and most navigable page of the bunch. Simply click the opt out button in the middle of the Ads Preferences page. Turning off targeted ads on Yahoo! is just as easy. Open the Ad Interest Manager and click "opt out." Our parent company, AOL, does offer a one button solution for turning off data collecting cookies too, but you'd be hard pressed to find it on your own. Scroll down through the AOL Advertising Privacy page to opt out -- but before you go, click a site ad so we can feed ourselves.

SwitchedHow to Opt Out of Targeted Ads: A Guide originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingaolopt outOptOuttargeted adstargeted advertisingTargetedAdsTargetedAdvertisingtechtiptopwebyahooSat, 18 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Get Notifications From Your Android Phone on Your PC or Mac]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/10/how-to-get-notifications-from-your-android-phone-on-your-pc-or-m/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/10/how-to-get-notifications-from-your-android-phone-on-your-pc-or-m/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/10/how-to-get-notifications-from-your-android-phone-on-your-pc-or-m/#commentsAndroid Notification Rather than switching back and forth between our cell phones and our PCs, we wish text messages, missed-call notifications and low-battery alerts were delivered straight to our desktops. Android owners have a solution in Android Notifier and its partner app, Android Notifier Desktop. Setting up the apps does take a little work, but nothing that deserves a tech support call. Android Notifier will send the alerts that you choose to your desktop, over either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Mac users will need to install MacDroidNotifier, which feeds the alerts through the top-notch service Growl, while Linux and Windows users need Android Notifier Desktop to get their mobile alerts on the big screen.

SwitchedHow to Get Notifications From Your Android Phone on Your PC or Mac originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid notifierAndroidNotifiertechtiptopFri, 10 Sep 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Fix iTunes 10's Vertical Close/Minimize/Maximize Buttons]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/how-to-fix-itunes-10s-vertical-close-minimize-maximize-buttons/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/how-to-fix-itunes-10s-vertical-close-minimize-maximize-buttons/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/how-to-fix-itunes-10s-vertical-close-minimize-maximize-buttons/#commentsIf you're scratching your head over the new vertical orientation of iTunes 10's close/minimize/maximize 'traffic light' buttons -- which diverts from years of Apple design history -- there's a quick fix on the Mac (sorry, Windows users). Boot up the Terminal app (in your Applications folder), and paste in the following single line: 
 defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window -1
and press Return. Restart iTunes and you'll see glorious horizontal buttons again.

SwitchedHow to Fix iTunes 10's Vertical Close/Minimize/Maximize Buttons originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehacksitunesitunes 10Itunes10mac os xMacOsXtechtiptoptrafficlighticonsSat, 04 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Make and Manage a Facebook Fan Page]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/17/how-to-make-a-facebook-fan-page/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/17/how-to-make-a-facebook-fan-page/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/17/how-to-make-a-facebook-fan-page/#commentsFiled under: ,

Switched Facebook Page

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We're sure that at least a few of you out there have a business, website or maybe a band that you want to promote on Facebook. Operating a standard Facebook profile for promotional purposes is hardly an ideal solution (and we're pretty sure, in the case of a business, a violation of the terms of service). So that's where pages come into play. Pages are distinct from profiles in several ways; there's no limit on how many fans a page may have, multiple people can manage a page, and page managers have access to powerful analytical tools for tracking fans and visitors. We're going to walk you through the relatively simple task of creating a page for your business, band or cool hair club, and give you a few basic tips on how to run it effectively.

Continue reading How to Make and Manage a Facebook Fan Page

SwitchedHow to Make and Manage a Facebook Fan Page originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacebook pageFacebookAppsFacebookPageFacebookPagesFanPagefeaturesHowToLikeButtonpagepromotionrss graffitiRssGraffitiSocialNetworkingstatic fbmlStaticFbmltechtiptopwebTue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Skip Annoying YouTube Ads by Hitting the Refresh Button]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/11/skip-annoying-youtube-ads-by-hitting-the-refresh-button/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/11/skip-annoying-youtube-ads-by-hitting-the-refresh-button/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/11/skip-annoying-youtube-ads-by-hitting-the-refresh-button/#commentsFiled under: ,

Skip YouTube Ads

Honestly, we just don't have the patience to watch those 15- to 30-second ads that play before some YouTube videos. But, as one Lifehacker reader points out, you can skip the ads and get straight to watching the video by simply hitting the refresh button on your browser. After doing so, the video will load minus the ad. It's a simple way to save yourself time and prevent annoyance. Enjoy this neat trick while you can; we're sure YouTube and its legion of advertisers will put the clamps down as soon as they get wise to it. [From: Lifehacker]

Continue reading Skip Annoying YouTube Ads by Hitting the Refresh Button

SwitchedSkip Annoying YouTube Ads by Hitting the Refresh Button originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingonlinevideostreamingvideotechtiptechtipstipstopvideoWebyoutubeyoutube tutorialYoutubeTutorialWed, 11 Aug 2010 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Restore Scratched CDs With Vaseline]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/10/how-to-restore-scratched-cds-with-vaseline/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/10/how-to-restore-scratched-cds-with-vaseline/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/10/how-to-restore-scratched-cds-with-vaseline/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you lived through the MP3 revolution and still managed to hold on to a few of those ancient relics known as CDs, they're probably in pretty bad shape. A few scratches here and there, though, don't necessarily mean that you have to toss your entire Van Halen box set out with the Thursday morning trash. [Ed. note: Although you should've done so with the Sammy Hagar era stuff long ago.] The only thing you need to bring your battered CDs back to life, in fact, is a simple dab of Vaseline, and a piece of soft cloth.

DIY site Instructables has an easy, four-step guide to restoring your CDs, and it doesn't even involve anything as complex as fresh produce or dental hygiene products. Basically, all you have to do is take some petroleum jelly from your nightstand, thoroughly apply it to the CD and then use a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball to wipe away the surplus grease. We have absolutely no idea about the chemistry at work behind the entire process, but it certainly sounds reasonable enough to give it a shot. As for all your worn-out floppy disks, we can't really help you. [From: Instructables, via: LifeHacker]

SwitchedHow to Restore Scratched CDs With Vaseline originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdcdslifehacklifestylemusictechtiptechtipstopvaselineSat, 10 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Battery]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-battery/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-battery/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-battery/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tips To Get the Most Out of Your Battery
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There are tons of tips for stretching your batteries to the limit. The New York Times has run yet another collection of such suggestions, and a lot of them should sound quite familiar. By now, most of you know to: dim your screen; turn off 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS; and check your mail manually rather than using a battery-killing push function. But did you know also that your choice of provider can play a role? The GSM technology used by AT&T, T-Mobile, and most European carriers is much less more energy efficient than is the CDMA network used by Verizon and Sprint. Another thing to avoid is eye-candy. Those animated "live" wallpapers on Android 2.1? Battery killers. Fancy desktop effects like Windows Vista and Windows 7's Aero Glass? Battery killers. And Flash videos? Well, you know.

So, basically, if you want to get the most out of your battery, you'll need to turn your gadgets into ugly, dark-screened, Internet-free hunks of metal and plastic. Maybe you should just carry a charger with you. [From: New York Times]

SwitchedTips to Get the Most Out of Your Battery originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybattery lifeBatteryLifetechtiptopMon, 15 Mar 2010 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fix DVD Scratches Using a Banana and Toothpaste]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/11/fix-dvd-scratches-using-a-banana-and-toothpaste/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/11/fix-dvd-scratches-using-a-banana-and-toothpaste/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/11/fix-dvd-scratches-using-a-banana-and-toothpaste/#commentsFiled under: ,

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Whether it's from careless roommates or too many viewings, we've all had our favorite DVD get scratched and skip as a result. But you don't have to give up on your beloved disc; there could be hope for it yet -- in your pantry and bathroom.

The folks over at Unplggd have compiled a step-by-step guide to removing scratches with nothing more than a banana, some toothpaste, and window cleaner. First, you'll want to squirt some toothpaste onto the disc and gently rub it around with a clean rag. Let that sit for a few minutes. Next, using another rag, wipe off all the toothpaste. Cut a banana and rub it on the disc in a circular motion, resisting the urge to eat the fruit just yet. Let it sit, and then wipe off all the banana residue with a rag. After that, spray some window cleaner onto the DVD and wipe it clean. When it dries, you should be able to pop it into the player and continue watching the movie without missing any of your favorite parts.

Continue reading Fix DVD Scratches Using a Banana and Toothpaste

SwitchedFix DVD Scratches Using a Banana and Toothpaste originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bananasdvdhow-tomoviesrepairtechtiptoothpastetopThu, 11 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Save Space -- Make Your Mac Monolingual]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/01/18/save-space-make-your-mac-monolingual/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/18/save-space-make-your-mac-monolingual/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/18/save-space-make-your-mac-monolingual/#commentsFiled under: ,

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By default, Macs come loaded to the gills with language files for the operating system, printer drivers and such, as well as all of the iApps (iTunes, iPhoto, Safari, iEtc). For multilingual types it's nice as it allows them to use their Mac in their native tongue with just a couple mouse clicks. For the rest of us though, it also means there are literally thousands of useless files crowding your Mac which collectively waste several gigabytes of space -- not a huge deal for massive desktop hard drives, but certainly an issue for most laptops. So the fix is to delete the ones you don't use. In our experience we freed up about 5 gigs on an old laptop with a 60 gig hard drive -- a substantial difference.

The files you're looking for have the file ending .lproj but don't do a willy-nilly search and destroy for them -- if you accidentally chuck the English (or Br_Eng, which is British English) you may be locked out of your Mac. Also, the system software requires a specific set, and there are some programs (like MS Office in particular) that will bug out if you delete them. So the best way for most users then is to open Applications, select an Apple app and then right-click (or control+click) and select Get Info. In the window that pops up go to Languages. Then select all but the English (or Br_Eng where applicable) and hit remove; you can select several at a time by holding shift down and clicking on them. As you do this, notice in the top of the window how the file size of the app is cut nearly in half in many cases! Now try running the application. If all is hunky-dory, empty the trash and move on the next app.

Continue reading Save Space -- Make Your Mac Monolingual

SwitchedSave Space -- Make Your Mac Monolingual originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguage filesLanguageFileslprojmacos xOsXtechtiptopMon, 18 Jan 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download Free Kindle Books]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/21/download-free-kindle-books/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/21/download-free-kindle-books/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/21/download-free-kindle-books/#commentsFiled under:

Among the thousands of books and periodicals available on the Kindle Store, there are hundreds of free, or extremely cheap, items listed. To find them, go to the Kindle Store, via your Kindle or Amazon.com, and type "-domain" (minus the quotes) in the search bar.

SwitchedDownload Free Kindle Books originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonfree downloadFreeDownloadkindle storeKindleStoretechtiptopMon, 21 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle2 Keyboard Shortcuts]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/18/kindle2-keyboard-shortcuts/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/18/kindle2-keyboard-shortcuts/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/18/kindle2-keyboard-shortcuts/#commentsFiled under:

The Amazon Kindle2 offers dozens of useful keyboard shortcuts, but here are a few of the particularly nifty ones:
  • To take a screen shot, hit Alt+Shift+G. A .gif file will appear in your Documents folder, which you can access when connected to a computer.
  • Play Minesweeper by hitting Shift+Alt+M from the Home page. Hit M to mark, R to restart, and use the controller to move around.
  • Refresh the display or a Web page by hitting Alt+G.
  • Change the spacing between the lines of text shown onscreen by hitting Alt+Shift+(any number between 1 and 9). By default, the spacing is set to 3.
For a complete list, hit up geektonic.com.

SwitchedKindle2 Keyboard Shortcuts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboard shortcutsKeyboardShortcutskindlekindle2techtiptopFri, 18 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Macs: Drag Widgets to the Desktop]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/17/macs-drag-widgets-to-the-desktop/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/17/macs-drag-widgets-to-the-desktop/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/17/macs-drag-widgets-to-the-desktop/#commentsFiled under:


For many Mac users, widgets trapped in the Dashboard are all but useless since you can't use them without flipping the Dashboard on and off. Follow these instructions to festoon your desktop with your favorite widgets -- including those you create yourself with Safari's Web Clip feature!
  • Open Terminal (in Utilities) and type in the following:
    • defaults write com.apple.dashboard devmode YES
  • And then:
    • killall Dock
      • (This restarts your Dock, which controls Dashboard.)
  • Now, whenever you want to drag a widget to your desktop, just hit F12, click on the widget you want, and -- while still holding the mouse button -- hit F12 again. The widget will float over all windows.
  • To return the widget back to your Dashboard (which you have to do if you want to keep it; closing it will delete it), just do the reverse. Click on the widget, hit F12, and then release the mouse button.
This is especially powerful if you use Safari to make Web Clips of your favorite Web-based functions, like video streams, Flash games, calculators, etc. Make a Web Clip and then follow the above steps.

If you want to return your Mac to "normal" mode, and out of Dashboard developer mode, open Terminal and repeat the above commands. But, instead of "YES," type "NO" at the end of the first line.

SwitchedMacs: Drag Widgets to the Desktop originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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