Friday, April 01, 2011

Our Choice: The Funniest April Fools Jokes

In Gmail, you no longer have to use obsolete technology such as a mouse and a keyboard to write, compose, or reply to e-mails: you can do all of those simply by moving your body.
Our Choice: The Funniest April Fools Jokes

It’s Over: Google Has Already Won April Fool’s Day 2011

It’s not even April 1st in Mountain View, but the April Fool’s Day comedy game is already over and I’m declaring Google the winner. Hiring autocompleters? YouTube 1911? Gmail Motion? Chromercise? Ding, ding, ding and ding. Game over. If you’re planning any big pranks tomorrow, skip it.
It’s Over: Google Has Already Won April Fool’s Day 2011

YouTube Time Travels to 1911 for April Fools

YouTube has kicked off the April Fools festivities with a celebration of its “100th birthday” — a journey into what YouTube might have looked like in 1911, if YouTube or the Internet existed back then.
YouTube Time Travels to 1911 for April Fools

The Great Beyond: The world's nuclear reactors as you've never seen them...

The nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daichii power plant will have consequences for the future of nuclear power in Japan and elsewhere. To get a better idea of the world's current tally of nuclear reactors, I've created a map of the world's nuclear power plants and reactors using Google Earth – the maps are based on a database kindly supplied to me by staff at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) database, so it's reliable, and up-to-date.
The Great Beyond: The world's nuclear reactors as you've never seen them...

The 10 Most Ridiculously Awesome Geeky Computer Pranks

Everybody loves a good prank… unless you are the one on the receiving end of the fun. It’s time to hone your pranking skills, not just to make sure you are the best, but so you can avoid being pranked by others.
The 10 Most Ridiculously Awesome Geeky Computer Pranks

What Files Should You Backup On Your Windows PC?

Everybody always tells you to make sure that you are backing up your PC, but what does that really mean? And what files do you actually need to backup? Today we’ll walk you through the basics of backing up your PC, what you should back up, and why.
What Files Should You Backup On Your Windows PC?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Gallery – Google Maps with Street View

Visit historic and architecturally significant landmarks in Italy. You can now explore inside the Colosseum, see ancient wellness centers, and walk along the Appian Way.
Gallery – Google Maps with Street View

Most Beautiful, Readable Radiation Dosage Chart Yet

We’ve been talking a lot about radiation lately – and with good reason – but it’s been difficult to keep track of just what all those numbers mean. How much is safe? How much is bad? How many bananas do I have to eat before I mutate? This chart shows us in clean, beautiful, terrifying strokes.

The full chart (below, click to embiggen) may not be to correct scale like the also terrific xkcd radiation dosage chart, but it’s a bit easier to follow. The chart also puts things in terms of Fukushima, where maximum radiation levels have nearly doubled the highest dose limit for US radiation workers in life-saving situations.
Most Beautiful, Readable Radiation Dosage Chart Yet

10 Office Pranks Perfect for April Fools' Day

Ah, April Fools’ Day. That dreaded day of the year that news editors and the gullible public love to hate. While we can’t wait to see what amusing pranks the likes of Google are cooking up, you can plot your own fun in the meantime.
10 Office Pranks Perfect for April Fools' Day

OMG! Online abbreviations make dictionary

OMG! LOL! The venerable Oxford English Dictionary approves of the three-letter, Internet-inspired expressions you use for "Oh, my God!" and "Laughing out loud."
OMG! Online abbreviations make dictionary

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

How to Get Around The New York Times Paywall

The New York Times currently uses browser cookies, and not IP addresses, to keep track of how many articles you have read on their online website. That means if you are reading the NYT articles in Google Chrome and then switch to Firefox or IE, the limit is reset to zero because cookies aren’t shared across browsers.

If you would like to stick with one browser, you can still get around the NYT paywall by clearing the cookies that are associated with nytimes.com (there’s no need to clear all the browser cookies). All web browsers let you remove cookies through their Privacy settings but a easier way to get this done is through a bookmarklet.
How to Get Around The New York Times Paywall

This Is The Scariest Tsunami Video Yet

Watch as the waves ravage the port of Kesennuma, destroying everything in it’s path. First watch as the tsunami begins by tossing cars around like toys at the port parking lot – and then watch how terrifyingly fast the rest of the city becomes enveloped in water. In the end, only a couple of buildings survive.
This Is The Scariest Tsunami Video Yet

20 Essential Online Resources for Finding New Music

Back in the oft-mentioned “day,” we only had the radio and helpful record store clerks to satiate our musical hunger pangs. Now we have the entirety of the web.

Still, with this veritable diner menu of choices (read: overstuffed), it can be hard to find what one is looking for, impelling one to perhaps choose whatever is safest and most familiar, rather than seeking out something new, and perhaps, more delectable.
20 Essential Online Resources for Finding New Music

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Cracking the Credit Card Code

You likely use a credit or debit card on a daily basis; have you ever wondered how exactly your card number is generated? Check out this infographic breakdown to see.
Cracking the Credit Card Code

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Only Secure Password Is the One You Can’t Remember

Let's assume you log onto a bunch of different websites; Facebook, Gmail, eBay, PayPal, probably some banking, maybe a few discussion forums, and probably much, much more. Consider a couple of questions:

Do you always create unique passwords such that you never use the same one twice? Ever?
Do your passwords always use different character types such as uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation? Are they "strong"?

If you can't answer "yes" to both these questions, you've got yourself a problem. But the thing is, there is simply no way you can remember all your unique, strong passwords and the sooner you recognize this, the sooner you can embrace a more secure alternative.
The Only Secure Password Is the One You Can’t Remember

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thank You For Visiting NYTimes.com, How To Bypass

You may have heard that the New York Times will introduce its “paywall” on March 28. It basically limits visitors to 20 articles per month, after which a paywall message appears that asks them to sign up to become a subscriber to access the contents on the site. Is there a way to bypass the New York Times paywall? You bet. The thing is, the NYTimes developers have decided to use JavaScript and CSS to create the overlay. The contents are still there, only in the background with no visible option to access them.
Thank You For Visiting NYTimes.com, How To Bypass

The Top 10 Worst Nuclear Nightmares

What’s happening right now in Fukushima is terrible, for sure. But how does it rank in the pantheon of nuclear disasters? We humans have had an awful lot of atomic foulups; here are the ones that have caused the most widespread contamination and destruction.
The Top 10 Worst Nuclear Nightmares

Anniversary of OK

Today in 1839, the expression "OK" was first used in print. It appeared in Boston Morning Post article about the Anti-Bell-Ringing Society.
Anniversary of OK

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

10 Common Photoshop Frustrations (And How to Fix Them in Five Minutes)

Photoshop is not always the most user friendly of programs. Sometimes it has frustrating issues, and the solution is not always clear. Here’s a list of 10 annoying problems you might have with Photoshop, and simple solutions to fix them.
10 Common Photoshop Frustrations (And How to Fix Them in Five Minutes)

HTG Explains: What’s the Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7?

Whether shopping for a new computer or upgrading an old one, you’ve likely come across the the “64-bit” designation and wondered what it meant. Read on as we explain what Windows 7 64-bit is and why you’d want a piece of that 64-bit pie.
HTG Explains: What’s the Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7?

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 6/2011

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 6/2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Make Your Caps Lock Key into a Cr-48-Style Search Key

Google did it with their Cr-48 Chrome netbook, and Lenovo did it, too. If you want to try living without Caps Lock, and converting it into a much more helpful Search button, commenter Java-Princess has your how-to.
Make Your Caps Lock Key into a Cr-48-Style Search Key

Travel Without Baggage

There are four modes of no-baggage travel these days:
1) Total Nada
2) Just Pockets
3) Day Baggers
4) Minimalist Borrowers
Travel Without Baggage

Monday, March 21, 2011

12 Critical Things You Should Never Tolerate

There is so much in life that we just tolerate. Some of it we have to deal with (taxes, bad weather, traffic). But there’s a good portion of stuff that we tolerate even when we don’t have to. We step around things, overlook irritations, and mindlessly accept energy drains. Perhaps we’ve become so immune to these tolerations that we don’t recognize the negative impact they have on us.
12 Critical Things You Should Never Tolerate

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Fukushima Serious Business, Japan raises disaster level to 5

Japan's nuclear safety agency today raised the level of the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant from level 4 (local consequences) to level 5 (wider consequences, same level as Three Mile Island), on the 7-point scale created by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Their assessment was declared as retroactive to Tuesday.
Days after global nuke experts declare Fukushima Serious Business, Japan raises disaster level to 5

How To Remove Vocals From Music Tracks Using Audacity

Ever get a sudden, inexplicably irresistible desire for karaoke? Maybe you like the music of a song but can’t stand the lead singer? Here’s how to use remove the vocals from most music tracks in a few simple steps.
How To Remove Vocals From Music Tracks Using Audacity

Friday, March 18, 2011

Flyover Of Japanese Nuclear Plant Shows Apocalyptic Scene

Helicopter video of Japan’s troubled Fukushima Nuclear plant from yesterday indicates how extensive the damage at the plant is from the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent explosions.
Flyover Of Japanese Nuclear Plant Shows Apocalyptic Scene

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Web Browser Benchmark Results Comparison

Time for a now Internet browser benchmark comparison. All benchmarks are run on a 64-bit Windows 7 Professional PC with an Intel Core i7 860 Ghz cpu, 8 Gigabytes of RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 display adapter.
Web Browser Benchmark Results Comparison

How to Ditch Slow Wireless Speeds and Go Completely Wired in Your Home (and Why You Should)

Wi-Fi provides a convenient way to connect the computers in your home without dealing with the hassle of wires, but Wi-Fi is also slow and unreliable compared to a wired connection. Wireless may be the way of the future, but here are some of the best ways to go wired where it counts.
How to Ditch Slow Wireless Speeds and Go Completely Wired in Your Home (and Why You Should)

Japan’s Prime Minister Launches English-Language Twitter Account for Quake Updates

The Japanese Prime Minister’s Office started an English-language Twitter account Wednesday, providing updates on the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake situation.
Japan’s Prime Minister Launches English-Language Twitter Account for Quake Updates

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

As Japan nuclear fears spread, so does crowdsourced radiation tracking

CNET: "The intensifying nuclear crisis in Japan is raising anxieties on both sides of the Pacific over the potential impacts of radiation exposure, and a relative dearth of official information on radiation levels is leading some to turn to crowdsourced options. (...) With official estimations of the threat from radiation across Japan changing rapidly and sometimes inconsistent, a number of real-time amateur radiation monitors have popped up online."
As Japan nuclear fears spread, so does crowdsourced radiation tracking

The Ultimate Facebook Tips And Tricks Guide

You’re on Facebook. So is the guy sitting next to you on the bus. Your brothers, best mates, old classmates, demented neighbours, former coworkers, your grandma – they’re all on Facebook. The social networking behemoth now boasts over 500 million (active) members (that’s 1 in every 13 people on earth) and everything from your Mountain Dew Code Red to your sneakers has a fan page). Facebook is becoming an integral (and at times, claustrophobic) part of how we access the Internet.
The Ultimate Facebook Tips And Tricks Guide

Internet Explorer 9 Released: Here’s What You Need To Know

Microsoft has released the final version of Internet Explorer 9, and there’s just one question you should be asking yourself: Should I bother installing it? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest release of Microsoft’s infamous browser.
Internet Explorer 9 Released: Here’s What You Need To Know

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Amateur video captures tsunami destruction - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Watch new footage of the tsunami as its rips through Japan's Miyagi prefecture.
Amateur video captures tsunami destruction

World Nuclear News

On a daily basis World Nuclear News provides free and accurate public information on the subject of nuclear power. BREAKING NEWS - Serious damage to the reactor core of Fukushima Daiichi 2 seems likely after coolant was apparently lost for a period. Seawater is again being injected, but coolant level is unknown.
World Nuclear News

Internet Explorer 9 Launch, All The Information You Need

Internet Explorer 9 will be released for 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 and the server products Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Server 2008 R2. The minimum system requirements are 512 Megabytes of RAM, a computer with a 1 Gigahertz processor and 70 to 200 Megabytes of hard drive space depending on the version used.
Internet Explorer 9 Launch, All The Information You Need

Monday, March 14, 2011

Google’s Before/After Gallery Of Japan Is Tragic Viewing

In addition to their updated Google Earth imagery, Google has created a Picasa album full of before and after shots of Japan following the devastating earthquake and Tsunami.
Google’s Before/After Gallery Of Japan Is Tragic Viewing

Japan: terrifying eyewitness video of tsunami destroying an entire town

James MacWhyte, a US citizen who lives in Tokyo, is reported to have shot this six-minute video of the Japan tsunami destroying a town in the northern part of the country.
Japan: terrifying eyewitness video of tsunami destroying an entire town

Sunday, March 13, 2011

How Nuclear Plants Save Themselves From Meltdowns

After today’s earthquake in Japan, there was concern over the country’s nuclear power plants: though 13 of the affected plants automatically shut down, two caused a scare. This raises the question: how does a nuclear plant stay safe during an earthquake, and why were there problems in Japan?
How Nuclear Plants Save Themselves From Meltdowns

Top 10 Solutions To Real Life’s Most Annoying Problems

You’re fat, in debt, bite your nails, live in a filthy hovel you call an apartment, can’t find a decent job, and your life sucks. Well, maybe it isn’t that bad, but if you could stand to improve things in one area or another we can help. Here are our top 10 solutions to life’s most annoying and troubling problems.
Top 10 Solutions To Real Life’s Most Annoying Problems

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Faces Of The Tsunami

The massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged Japan this morning did more than just impact the topography. This is an account of the tsunami’s human toll. We’ll be updating this page as new developments arise, so check back often.
Faces Of The Tsunami

Japan Expands Evacuation Around Nuclear Plant

Japanese officials issued broad evacuation orders on Saturday for people living near two nuclear power plants whose cooling systems broke down as a result of the earthquake. The officials warned that small amounts of radioactive material were likely to leak from the plants.
Japan Expands Evacuation Around Nuclear Plant

Daybreak reveals devastation in Japan

Japan is dealing with widespread devastation along its north-eastern coast, with fires raging and parts of some cities underwater after a massive earthquake and tsunami that is likely to have killed at least 1,000 people. Daybreak revealed the full extent of the damage from Friday's 8.9 magnitude earthquake - the strongest in Japan since records began - and the 10-metre high tsunami it sent surging into cities and villages, sweeping away everything in its path.
Daybreak reveals devastation in Japan

Mapping live seismic data from Japan, as aftershocks continue

FYI you need the Google Earth web plugin to make this work. I have it, but find the link isn't working with Chrome. Works on Firefox though no problem.
Mapping live seismic data from Japan, as aftershocks continue

These Are The Most Gut-Wrenching Photos Of Japan Yet

There’s maybe no one with a better eye Alan Taylor, whose curative talents recently relocated from The Big Picture to The Atlantic. Here, he has assembled the most compelling—and terrifying—views yet of the aftermath of today’s historic earthquake.
These Are The Most Gut-Wrenching Photos Of Japan Yet

Japan declares atomic emergency

The Japanese government declared an atomic emergency and told thousands of residents living near a nuclear plant in Fukushima to evacuate, warning a small amount of radiation could be released. Trade minister Banri Kaieda said authorities were nearing a decision to release radioactive steam from a troubled nuclear reactor in a bid to ease a pressure build-up after its cooling system was damaged by a massive earthquake.
Japan declares atomic emergency

The Japan Earthquake Seen By Millions Of Digital Cameras

The 8.9 magnitude Earthquake hit Japan today and a zillion-strong army of Japanese digital cameras and mobile phones were ready to record its effects. Clearly, if the apocalypse ever comes, it will be recorded from two billion different angles.
The Japan Earthquake Seen By Millions Of Digital Cameras

Japan Earthquake Strikes: Full Coverage

Here’s a summary of all that is happening, from a round of home videos updating in real time to the emergency nuclear shutdown, going through giant whirlpools and giant waves of mud and flames taking over fields and towns in the northeast coast. And no, the supermoon really didn’t cause this. New Scientist has a good article on the causes and effects of the Japan earthquake. There’s also footage of the high rises in Tokyo swaying during the quake.
Japan Earthquake Strikes: Full Coverage

Google Responds to the Japan Earthquake With an Online Crisis Center

Google has reacted to the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on Friday with a tool that helps you find a person or provide information on missing persons. The site also aggregates important resources, maps and other related information.
Google Responds to the Japan Earthquake With an Online Crisis Center

Watch: YouTube Footage of Japan Quake [VIDEOS]

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake followed by a 10-foot tsunami hit the coast of Japan at 2:46 p.m. Tokyo time Friday. It was the most powerful recorded in the country’s history, and the seventh largest ever recorded worldwide.
Watch: YouTube Footage of Japan Quake

HOW TO: Follow the Japan Earthquake Online

Social media and the web have become the go-to for real-time information when disasters strike. It’s no surprise that the news of Friday’s 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan spread rapidly on Twitter, while live video feeds and blogs kept pace.
HOW TO: Follow the Japan Earthquake Online

Japan Quake: Tsunami mud wave overtakes town in northern Japan

Tsunami mud wave overtakes town in northern Japan.
Japan Quake

Japan: radiation leak fears at nuclear power facilities after quake, tsunami, and strong aftershocks

Widespread concerns in Japan over a possible radiation leak at one of the country's largest nuclear facilities, after the devastating quake and tsunami. The government is warning Japanese citizens of risks, but says the situation is not yet critical.
Japan: radiation leak fears at nuclear power facilities after quake, tsunami, and strong aftershocks

Friday, March 11, 2011

Firefox 4: What You Need To Know [HANDS-ON]

After no fewer than 10 beta releases, Firefox 4 finally entered the “release candidate” stage Wednesday. Assuming that no fatal bugs emerge, this version (minus minor bugs) will soon be released as a final product that is up to six times faster than its predecessors, features a new minimalist interface and incorporates long-awaited sync and panorama features.
Firefox 4: What You Need To Know [HANDS-ON]

Twitter Reacts To Massive Quake, Tsunami In Japan

A powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Japan on Friday, causing widespread power outages, fires and a severe tsunami that was reported to be up to 10 meters high in places. It was the seventh most powerful earthquake in recorded history.
Twitter Reacts To Massive Quake, Tsunami In Japan

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How to Solve a Masyu Puzzle: 7 steps

Masyu is a type of puzzle in which the solver is presented with a rectangular grid with black and white circles. The objective is to find a closed loop.
How to Solve a Masyu Puzzle: 7 steps

Listen To The Man Who Invented ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’ Explain Its Origin

David Bradley is the IBM programmer responsible for bringing “Control-Alt-Delete”, that most comforting of key combinations, into this world. Here he explains how it came to be and can’t help but add who he considers responsible for making it a ‘cultural icon’. Hint: that person is not very amused with the distinction!
Listen To The Man Who Invented ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’ Explain Its Origin

Stereo photographs of 1906 San Francisco Quake discovered

A volunteer at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has discovered what is believed to be the first, and maybe the only, color photos of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire that nearly destroyed the city.
Stereo photographs of 1906 San Francisco Quake discovered

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

HOW TO: Support International Women's Day Using Social Media

International Women’s Day is a big deal. And this year it is celebrating its 100th birthday. International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on March 8, every year. It’s a time not just to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide but to raise questions about discrimination, equality and basic human rights.
HOW TO: Support International Women's Day Using Social Media

Pioneer Music Discovery Site Relaunching Full of Free MP3s

Before RCRD LBL and The Hype Machine, if you were in the market for free, legal music on the web, Epitonic was the place to go. Until it shut down in 2004, that is. Well, Tuesday — exactly 12 years after its 1999 launch — the site is back, bursting with free downloads for music fans.
Pioneer Music Discovery Site Relaunching Full of Free MP3s

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

New footage emerges of 9/11 attacks

A new video taken from a police helicopter has emerged, showing the burning Twin Towers during the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US.
New footage emerges of 9/11 attacks

Google - 100th anniversary of International Women's Day

We invite you to join tens of thousands of people coming together on bridges all over the world -- from the Millennium Bridge in London, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to the Grand Barriere Bridge joining Rwanda and Congo -- to show your support for women's causes and celebrate women's achievements.
Google - 100th anniversary of International Women's Day

Improvised toilets of earthquake-struck Christchurch

Website showcasing a selection of ingenious long drop toilet seating arrangements that have proliferated in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake and its disruption of the sewerage system.
Improvised toilets of earthquake-struck Christchurch

We Reported More Scams Last Year, But Got Sucked In Less

It’s National Consumer Fraud Week, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has marked the occasion by releasing its annual statistics on the numbers of scams reported to it in 2010. The total number? 42,000, which is more than double the 2009 figure of 20,000.
We Reported More Scams Last Year, But Got Sucked In Less

Screen Reading Before Bed Still Bad for Sleep, and We All Still Do It

We've known for years that viewing electronics before bed disturbs or prevents sleep. But the National Sleep Foundation finds that 95 percent of people are staring at screens—and two-thirds don't get enough sleep during the week.
Screen Reading Before Bed Still Bad for Sleep, and We All Still Do It

Internet Explorer 6 – Not as Unpopular as you Might Think!

Microsoft launched Internet Explorer 6 some 10 years ago around the same time as Windows XP. Lot has changed in the browser world since then but IE 6, the most criticized browser of all times, refuses to go away.
Internet Explorer 6 – Not as Unpopular as you Might Think!

Get a Random Homepage for your Browser

When it comes to choosing a homepage for our web browsers, we all have different preferences. Some people prefer a blank start page, some may want to see thumbnails of most frequently visited sites (like in Chrome) while others may be more happy seeing their favorite website (like news.yahoo.com) set as their browser's homepage.
Get a Random Homepage for your Browser

Satellite map of the Christchurch earthquake

This is what the effects of an earthquake look like from space. Vertical movement was mapped by a Japanense satellite as the ground shifted closer to it (blue) or further from it (red).
Satellite map of the Christchurch earthquake

Virtual Cafe opens to help New Zealand Earthquake victims

The Christchurch cafe is a site where you can buy virtual items you might find in a coffee shop, from a $2 espresso to a $300 espresso machine. This is a creative and interesting way of raising aid donations: 100% of funds raised go directly to the community in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was hit hard by the earthquake last week. It's an inspired way to encourage people to help out financially after a disaster.
Virtual Cafe opens to help New Zealand Earthquake victims

Taking the Pain Out of Reinstalling Windows

Sometimes there’s nothing you can do when your copy of Windows is malfunctioning other than a complete format and reinstall. This is always a pain, but how can you take the pain out of the process? Here’s the ghacks guide to taking the pain out of reinstalling Windows from scratch.
Taking the Pain Out of Reinstalling Windows

What’s The Best Bookmark Manager?

Every web browser comes with bookmarking capabilities, and while bookmarking is not as popular as it was ten years ago, it is fair to assume that the majority of computer users make use of bookmarks. What is a bookmark? Standard bookmarks are nothing more than links that point to a web address. Bookmarks are like an address book, only for web properties and not people or businesses.
What’s The Best Bookmark Manager?

Sunday, March 06, 2011

What You Said: Malware Fighting Tips and Tricks

Today How-To-Geek is rounding up some of the tips and tricks from an Ask the Reader post "What Are Your Best Malware Fighting Tricks" and highlighting them below.
What You Said: Malware Fighting Tips and Tricks

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Microsoft Begs Users to Stop Using IE 6

Like the rest of us, Microsoft is ready to move beyond Internet Explorer 6. The software giant has launched a new website, The Internet Explorer 6 Countdown, that bears the slogan: “Moving the world off Internet Explorer 6.”
Microsoft Begs Users to Stop Using IE 6

Our Favorite YouTube Videos This Week: The Vanity Edition

We are all the main players in our own, personal films — tortured Dorian Grays rendered oh-so blue in the presence of our fading youth, staring in the glass, transfixed by our glittering reflections. In short, pretty much everyone is completely and totally self-absorbed, which is why this week’s YouTube roundup is all about you — well, vanity, actually.
Our Favorite YouTube Videos This Week: The Vanity Edition

Friday, March 04, 2011

Hold a Nail Steady with These Household Objects (and Avoid Crushing Your Fingers)

For the uncoordinated among us, simple tasks like hammering a nail can be pretty harrowing. Weblog DIY Life has a simple tip for keeping your thumbs safe—just hold the nail with some needlenose pliers.
Hold a Nail Steady with These Household Objects (and Avoid Crushing Your Fingers)

How Difficult Decisions Trick Your Brain Into Thinking They're Important

Have you ever stood in the supermarket, deciding between two different types of toothpaste, when suddenly you realize you've been there for ten minutes? Here's how you're being tricked into thinking small decisions are actually important.
How Difficult Decisions Trick Your Brain Into Thinking They're Important

The Current Crop of Tablets (Fairly) Compared: The iPad 2, Xoom, and Galaxy Tab

This should give you a pretty good comparison between the most popular tablets out today, as far as hardware is concerned.
The Current Crop of Tablets (Fairly) Compared: The iPad 2, Xoom, and Galaxy Tab

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Get a free website for your business

Google and MYOB have come together to create Getting Aussie Business Online. We’re taking the time, hassle and cost out of getting a website so that you can get on with running your business.
Get a free website for your business

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 5/2011

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 5/2011

Here’s What The Most Average Person In The World Looks Like

National Geographic went about collecting statistics on the world’s population (which currently stands at 7 billion). Know what they found? Apparently, the most average/typical/frequent person on this planet is male, 28-years-old and is Han Chinese in ethnicity (with 9,000,000 alive). But they didn’t stop there. Taking images from 190,000 of those fitting the criteria, researchers created a composite image to show what the most average person looks like.
Here’s What The Most Average Person In The World Looks Lik

How We’ll Beat Traffic and Find Parking Spots in the Future

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. is confident that the auto industry is on its way to eliminating CO2 emissions. He’s less confident, however, that the world is prepared to adequately deal with an even larger problem: the global gridlock created by a population set to grow to 9 billion people by 2044.
How We’ll Beat Traffic and Find Parking Spots in the Future

WebBrowserPassView, Reveal Browser Passwords

All modern web browsers have options to store passwords for the user which is beneficial in two ways; Users do not have to remember their passwords every time they want to log into a service on the Internet, and they do not have to enter the data into the forms manually. The downside are security implications and potential recovery issues. Most web browsers offer to protect the stored passwords with a master password to avoid unauthorized access to the passwords. The feature is however usually deactivated and needs to be activated first.
WebBrowserPassView, Reveal Browser Passwords

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

You Have Never Seen The Sun So Close

Our friends at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center have sent us this spectacular 16:9 panoramic high definition close-up of a recent gigantastic solar flare. What you are seeing here occurred during 90 minutes on February 24, 2011.
You Have Never Seen The Sun So Close

How to Backup Your Web-Based Email Account Using Thunderbird

If the Gmail scare earlier this week has you thinking about backing up your Gmail or other web-based email account, we’re here to help. Read on to learn how to backup your web-based email using open source email application Thunderbird.
How to Backup Your Web-Based Email Account Using Thunderbird

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

The fish pedicure: a foot-holder's-eye view

(Bob Harris is a TV and travel writer, Kiva supporter, and dabbler). Had a long layover in the Singapore airport the other day. What to do? Why, I visited the Fish Spa, of course, where for just S$30 (about US$23) I could let hundreds of hungry doctor fish feast on my dead skin cells while I filmed the results and tried not to freak out.
The fish pedicure: a foot-holder's-eye view

DriveSafe.ly Reads Your Text Messages Aloud

DriveSafe.ly, a free application for Android and BlackBerry phones, reads your text messages, emails, and caller ID notifications aloud so you can stay connected while keeping your eyes on the road.
DriveSafe.ly Reads Your Text Messages Aloud

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Launch, Viewed From the Air [VIDEO]

Imagine the delight of airline passengers flying out of Orlando when suddenly out the right side of their aircraft, the Space Shuttle Discovery appeared, beginning its final voyage late Thursday afternoon.
Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Launch, Viewed From the Air [VIDEO]

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Why Giving Up Is Sometimes The Best Solution To A Problem

There comes a time when the work required to achieve certain dreams stops being beneficial and starts being a source of anxiety. Blogger Jonathan Mead reminds us that sometimes there’s nothing wrong with just giving up and moving on.
Why Giving Up Is Sometimes The Best Solution To A Problem

CCleaner Update Brings Windows 7 SP1 Support

The popular temporary file cleaner CCleaner has just been updated by the developing company Piriform. The latest iteration of CCleaner brings support for the first Windows 7 Service Pack, Internet Explorer user data cleaning, management and more.
CCleaner Update Brings Windows 7 SP1 Support

Friday, February 25, 2011

136 Discounts Just for Seniors

Despite what those "age defying" wrinkle creams might tell you, getting older needn’t be a negative.
136 Discounts Just for Seniors

Google Recipe Search

Google with Recipe View helps you find recipes from across the web.
Google Recipe Search

Autologon For Windows

There is really no need for typing in your Windows account username and password every time you log into the operating system, at least not if you are the only user with access to the Windows PC. I personally have configured my system to automatically log me in every time the computer is booted and Windows is selected as the operating system. This is obviously not practical for everyone but it can make the life of Windows home users and single PC users a tad more comfortable.
Autologon For Windows

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Recorded Crime - Offenders, 2009-10

This publication presents statistics relating to offenders who were proceeded against by police during the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010, for all states and territories. These statistics describe the characteristics of the offender, including the principal offence for which offenders are proceeded against. Data are also presented on the number of police-initiated court and non-court actions against offenders.
Recorded Crime - Offenders, 2009-10

JPG to PDF Converter: Free Software Giveaway

The authors of JPG to PDF are giving away a full licence for their product for anyone that wants it until March 22nd 2011. The software, which you can download here along with your giveaway product key does just a single job, converting a range of graphics file formats to Adobe’s po, but those types of software can be good because they usually can do it better than full suites.
JPG to PDF Converter: Free Software Giveaway

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is Released: But Should You Install It?

Microsoft has just released the final version of Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, but should you drop everything and go through the process of installing it? Where can you get it? We’ve got the answers for you.
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is Released: But Should You Install It?

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

NZ Quake destruction revealed from above

Aerial footage of Christchurch after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake shows buildings flattened, fires smouldering and roads buckled.
Quake destruction revealed from above

Google Search Now Returns Australian Postcode Results

A small but handy time saver: if you want to find the postcode for an Australian town, enter its name and the word ‘postcode’ into Google and it will now tell you automatically without needing to delve into other sites.
Google Search Now Returns Australian Postcode Results

Amazon Offering Free International Shipping

Amazon UK is offering Free International Shipping to Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa until May 15th 2011.
Amazon Offering Free International Shipping

9 Dynamic Digital Resumes That Stand Out From the Crowd

Everyone is looking for a way to make their resume stand out in today’s job market. One way to do that is by giving your resume some visual appeal. Well-designed resumes with color and images can attract attention over those with plain old text.
9 Dynamic Digital Resumes That Stand Out From the Crowd

Middle East Unrest Continues: Morocco & Libya As Seen Via YouTube

As pro-democracy protests spread like a virus through many parts of the Middle East, social media is still providing both a tool for organizers and a valuable window for the outside world into the volatile and intricate political situations in many countries.
Middle East Unrest Continues: Morocco & Libya As Seen Via YouTube