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

  • Browse Safer: Expand Shortened URLs

    URL shorteners are everywhere, and have exploded in popularity with sites like Twitter that have a character limit per message.  While URL shortening services provide a great way to share links quickly with friends – there is also a significant security risk of being sent to a malicious website.  For example, check out this great…

  • How to Add an OS X 10.5 Computer to a Windows Domain

    This article will guide you through the steps required to connect a computer running OS X 10.5 to a Windows domain, allowing you to login using your Active Directory credentials. Since Active Directory is so widely used, it is useful to be able to set up any computers running OS X to authenticate through it.…

  • New Gmail Labs Feature Hides Labels, Shows Subjects Better

    I like using labels in Gmail, but they take up a ridiculous amount of real estate in your subject line (especially if you’re using labels as folders).  On a small screen like a netbook’s, labels can completely overshadow the subject line of your emails. Gmail Labs comes to the rescue with the new Remove Labels…

  • How to Change the Icon and Name of a USB Flash Drive

    Windows only:  Flash drives are very popular devices these days, but they don’t have to be typical.  You can change the icon and name associated with your flash drive to both personalize it and make it easy to locate. Before you change the icon, you will need to find an .ico image you like.  Many…

  • Synchronize and Backup Your Files with SyncToy 2.0

    Are you tired of trying to keep up with synchronizing files on more than one computer or external storage device? SyncToy 2.0, a free application from Microsoft, solves this problem by allowing you to copy, move, rename, and delete files between storage devices or computers quickly and easily. Getting started with SyncToy is very easy: …

  • How to Share Your Screen with Skype

    Have you ever been talking to someone on Skype and exhausted your vocabulary trying in vain to describe something on your screen to the other person?  I’ve found myself in that situation many times.  It used to be that the only option was to have the person remotely connect to my computer, which was cumbersome…

  • Encrypt Your Data with BitLocker

    Data security is more important than ever in modern times, so to help keep your files safe, Windows Vista (Enterprise and Ultimate editions), Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 include an encryption program called BitLocker. BitLocker is essentially a software encryption program that encrypts a drive in such a way that if credentials are not…

  • How to Rebroadcast a Weak Wifi Signal

    There may be a time when you have access to a wireless network in one part of your house, but just can’t get it anywhere else.  This isn’t a big deal if you own the network (you can buy another access point or wireless repeater), but if you don’t own the network, this guide will…

  • Keep Your Inbox Spam-Free with TrashMail

    I’m not comfortable giving out my email address freely on the internet, but many websites require a valid email address when registering.  While this is typically harmless, it does open you up to the potential for spam – and who wants that? TrashMail lets you sneak past compulsory email registration by generating a disposable email…

  • Aviary Makes Online Image Capturing and Editing Easy

    One problem I have come across again and again online has been the struggle of how to capture screenshots of web pages to show my friends, co-workers, or family.  Stumbling upon the relatively new Aviary.com was the solution to that very problem.  Aviary.com is one of the most significant websites I’ve seen in a while. …