Take control of Firefox 4
The long overdue release of Firefox 4 has prompted a mixed reaction from users. It's undoubtedly quicker than previous versions, and it consumes less system resources too. The streamlined user interface isn't to everyone's tastes however, while there are still functions missing that might prove to be deal-breakers for those weighing up the pros and cons of upgrading or switching from another web browser.
In this roundup we dig out a selection of extensions that can speed up Firefox 4 further, help you regain absent options, customize the browser to your tastes or to add in features found in other browsers that are missing here. So whether you're enamoured or enraged by the latest Firefox browser, there's bound to be something to charm or calm you in this collection.
WinOptimizer 8 improves performance and live tuning
Everyone wants to keep their computer running as smoothly as possible, where possible avoiding the need to upgrade hardware. Over the years, Ashampoo has built up a reputation of producing easy to use software that makes it possible to do just this, and WinOptimizer 8 has just been released, taking system optimization to the next level.
A redesigned interface incredibly make it easy to access the suite's various modules, which are broken up into system maintenance, improving performance, customizing Windows, system analysis file tools and general utilities. Spread across each of these sections are hundreds of options that can be used to not only greatly speed up your computer -- using tools such as the drive cleaner and registry optimizer -- but also to perform other tasks such as securely deleting files.
EASEUS Partition Master Home 8 now more at home on Windows 7
EASEUS Partition Master 8.0.1 has been released by Chinese software house EASEUS. The eighth major release of this popular partition tool boasts three notable new features, two of which are available in the freeware Home edition, while the third, an updated WinPE bootable disc option, is restricted to Professional and Server users only.
EASEUS Partition Master was one of the first freeware non-destructive partitioning tools to be released on the Windows platform, and allows users to partition their hard drives quickly and easily through a series of wizards, which allows them to create, delete, resize and move partitions.
Microsoft should make Google the April Fool
Google has given Microsoft a great competitive opening, and it's one the software giant shouldn't let go. Opportunities like this just don't come `round often enough, or so rightly timed.
Twice in about a week, Google has cracked down on Android licensing. From one perspective, the search and information giant is asserting needed leadership. From another, Google is closing the door on so-called openness of its software. Either way, Microsoft has a hook to grab developers and encourage further OEM adoption of Windows Phone 7.
Massive SQL injection attack may affect over a million sites
Security researchers are watching a mass SQL injection attack that is quickly spreading throughout the web, possibly already compromising over one million URLs by Friday afternoon. The attack injects a line of code into compromised sites than will trigger malicious pop-up ads.
Those affected may see a popup appear that informs them that there is malware on their computer and urges them to use a web-based antivirus program called "Windows Stability Center." However, first the victim is asked to pay for the scan, which obviously would do nothing more than install malware on the users computer.
Technology's most blatant design copycats
Imitation, as the old saying goes, is the highest form of flattery. But when it comes to technology, imitation is sometimes more of a sad replacement for innovation. Today, it seems every tech imitator gets labeled a "killer" of the product it's imitating...be it an "iPhone Killer" a "Twitter Killer," or a "Google Killer," we hear it all the time.
Here's a look at some of technology's most blatant design knock-offs that are not likely to ever be honored with the title of "killers."
More connected machines means more non-PC IT, more contextual signage
Ericsson is the single largest wireless communications equipment company today, and nearly every hardware manufacturer from consumer devices to network infrastructure uses some piece of Ericsson's technology in their products.
The company's long-standing vision has been to create a world with 50 billion connected devices by the year 2020.
Acer CEO Lanci out over disagreements on future strategy
Taiwanese electronics maker Acer faces another struggle: finding a new CEO. Gianfranco Lanci abruptly resigned on Thursday over disagreements on the future of the company. The announcement comes just a week after Acer was forced to lower sales and revenue projections.
Lanci had been with Acer since 1997 following its acquisition of Texas Instruments' notebook division, which he worked for. He was named president of the company in 2005 and CEO in 2008, and oversaw Acer's purchases of Packard Bell and Gateway.
Spam accounts for 124% of email, spammers complain
Editor's Note, April 2, 2011: This was an April Fools gag post
According to a new report released today from Male Bomber LLC, more than one out of every email sent is spam. I knew the number was high, but 124 percent? That's what Male Bomber claims, and the company should know. Male Bomber specializes in targeted spam, working outside the jurisdiction of law enforcement. Well, so the company claims. Executives won't reveal exactly where they operate, and Male Bomber uses sophisticated botnets, rather than its own servers, to dispatch spam.
Hey, Google, Microsoft payback is a bitch
What goes around comes around, and Microsoft proved the point by filing an antitrust complaint against Google. I'm not so much surprised by Microsoft's action but why it took so long. Google dogged Microsoft with European trustbusters for years, now it's tit-for-tat time.
Microsoft "decided to join a large and growing number of companies registering their concerns about the European search market," Brad Smith, general counsel, writes in a blog post today. "By the European Commission's own reckoning, Google has about 95 percent of the search market in Europe." Say, doesn't that figure sound familiar -- like Windows on x86-based PCs when U.S. trustbusters targeted Microsoft in the late 1990s?
Customers abandon GoDaddy after CEO posts elephant hunting video
A video purported to show GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons shooting an African Elephant is causing controversy for the Web hosting company on Thursday as outraged customers began pulling their domains from the company's hosting service.
The video, embedded below, is titled "Hunting Problem Elephant - My 2011 Vacation." It shows "one typical night and day" in Labola, Zimbabwe which culminates in a bull elephant being shot and eaten.
Music producer rains praise on Amazon Cloud Drive and Cloud Player
As a music producer who went through the rapid changes from the "tangible content" era to the "digital content" era I am incredibly pleased with Amazon's cloud storage and personal music streaming services. Editor's Note: Amazon unveiled Cloud Drive and Cloud Player on March 29.
I had conceived of a unique service similar to Amazon's Cloud Drive around 2004. Lacking the funds and expertise to put something together I chose a career path for my music that was far from designing web and app code. After 10 years of composing, producing, engineering and performing I have amassed a very large publishing catalog of music that I own and operate.
The conversation surrounding Net Neutrality should include Device Neutrality
It is understandable to think the Net Neutrality argument is new, but it is actually rooted in legislation that first passed in 1860. The Pacific Telegraph Act, which was passed in that year, essentially stated that no individual or entity, save the government, would be given preferential access to information which they were entitled to.
While today's Net Neutrality debate is surrounded by a much more complex information infrastructure, the same basic principles apply. A consumer's right to access information to which they are legally entitled is protected, and content carriers may not prioritize one customer or content provider over another.
O&O DiskRecovery 7 Professional
If you're looking for a good undelete program then there are plenty of freeware programs to choose from. Recuva, from the CCleaner authors, is a particular favorite of ours -- fast, capable and very easy to use -- and it's tempting to assume that you don't need anything else. Are freeware data recovery tools really up to the standards of the commercial competition, though? O&O Software says no, pointing to its latest release, DiskRecovery 7, as evidence. A look at the program's feature list suggests they O&O have a point.
DiskRecovery combines multiple scanning methods to improve the chances of recovery, for instance, allowing it to locate files even on formatted or damaged partitions. There's direct support for locating and restoring more than 350 common file types. DiskRecovery can be installed on a removable drive, which means it won't overwrite the data you're trying to recover -- and it works with all Windows-compatible storage devices: hard drives, removable drives, memory cards, digital cameras, MP3 players and more.
Tip: Alter your voice on Skype calls
Used for business or pleasure, Skype provides a great cross platform means of keeping in touch with your contacts anywhere in the world. While many people use the messaging tool merely to send text based instant messages, it can also be used to conduct Internet based phone calls and conference calls. Skype Voice Changer is a free add-on that enables you to do exactly what you might assume from the name.
Once granted permission to access Skype, the program can be used to change the sound of your voice during VoIP conversations in real time. Using the application is simple enough, simply select from one of a number of predefined special effects that are included and start a voice chat in Skype. It really is that simple.
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