Tips, guides, and reviews about software, web apps, technology, mobile phones, and computers.

  • Android Secret: Hidden Android Testing Menu Reveals Detailed Diagnostics

    Have an Android phone?  If you do, there’s a secret testing menu hidden within the operating system where you can see detailed diagnostic information not available in your phone’s standard menus. To access the hidden menu, open up the Dialer application and type the following code: * # * # 4 6 3 6 #…

  • Chrome Tip: How to Automatically Backup Forms and Text Areas

    You know what’s the worst?  Having your browser crash after you’ve almost completely filled out text areas in an online form.  This is especially disastrous when submitting an online resume – you get the whole thing filled out and poof, it’s gone. If you’re using the free Google Chrome web browser, there’s an easy fix…

  • How To Remove The Windows 7 Recycle Bin Icon

    A fresh install of Windows 7 includes only one icon on the desktop, the Recycle Bin.  While this is provided as a convenience for some, many view this icon as cluttering their perfectly clean desktop. In this guide, I’ll show you how to quickly remove the Recycle Bin from the Windows 7 desktop. Step one:…

  • How to Share Files and Drives from Your Computer in a Remote Desktop Session

    Windows includes built-in remote access/support software called Remote Desktop Connection.  This software is a quick and easy way to access another computer, whether to use your personal computer while away from home or to provide remote support for somebody else. A somewhat hidden feature of Remote Desktop Connection is the ability to access files from…

  • How To: Completely Remove Software with Revo Uninstaller

    Windows only:  After testing questionable software, I sometimes wish I could completely obliterate any trace of its existence from my hard drive.  I don’t mean just removing the program files; I want to remove registry entries, temporary files, and anything it stored on my computer. The built in Add/Remove Programs tool in Windows only runs…

  • How To: Make The Most Of Your Bookmarks In Firefox

    Bookmarks have evolved from the static entries they once were, and with the right Firefox add-ons you can get the most out of your bookmarks.  Listed below are a couple add-ons that will get you started with improving your bookmarking experience in Firefox. Live Bookmarks Often an overlooked feature, Firefox’s Live Bookmarks feature allows you to…

  • Don’t Get Caught Off Guard By Web Pages Imitating Antivirus Software

    Malware, which is any type of harmful software, uses many different methods to trick users into installing it.  A recent trend is to imitate legitimate antivirus software so you inadvertently install the malicious program. Malware creators utilize scary pictures and language to trick people into believing their computer is infected, and ultimately attempt to make…

  • Use AppAware To Find New and Interesting Android Applications

    While there are plenty of great applications available for Android, it can sometimes be difficult to find them. The Android Market doesn’t do a very good job of showcasing applications, so you’ll usually see the same twenty or so apps on its front page. If you want to find those buried gems, you’re forced to…

  • Firefox Tip: How to Easily Save Websites for Later Reading

    I’m constantly running across interesting articles and posts I want to save for later reading.  Bookmarks work well enough, but I don’t need to save these websites for long-term use – I want to be able to quickly check them out later when I’ve got free time. Read It Later is a free add-on for…

  • How To: Find Large Files On Your Hard Drive With WinDirStat

    Have you noticed that you hard drive space has decreased and don’t know what files are taking up the space?  If so, you can use WinDirStat to help find those large files taking up space on your drive. To start, download WinDirStat from http://windirstat.info/.  You can select either the installation download or the standalone executable. …