Recent Comments
Comment by Donna Sue Fraley on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 21, 2024 07:14 AM)
Ohhhh gosh, how this brought back memories! I was a rider on the Bus when it first came into being! And I do indeed remember when the squirrels starte...
Comment by howard on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 21, 2024 02:34 AM)
I remember the days long ago when Steve and Johnnie, were on the overnight show on WGN radio, one day a week he would be on answering callers computer...
Comment by Cheryl C on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 10:36 PM)
Patrick's squirrel signature was because squirrels were frequently chewing on the electrical lines into the house interrupting internet access....
Comment by Donna on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 08:06 PM)
I'm a bus-rider from way back, too! Thanks so much for this blast from the past; love it!...
Comment by Bryan Hanes on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 07:41 PM)
I was a happy rider of the “Internet Tourbus” in the 90’s. I believe that the Squirrels were antagonizing the wiring at the University of Alaba...
Comment by Thom on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 07:18 PM)
Wow, is right! This brings back a lot of memories of the early days of the Internet....
Comment by Peppi on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 08:01 AM)
Windows 11 home is not build well. Never had any security problems with Windows 10 for 7 years home version. But Windows 11 is easy to crack by phishe...
Comment by Sarah L on 14 Computer Facts That Are Not True (December 20, 2024 05:10 AM)
AdBlocker Plus is not clearing the screen of the ads that come with your post. Did you change what ads you buy? If I cannot block the ads, it is near ...
Comment by John Burrows on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 02:35 AM)
Can it be dangerous to scan a QR code?...
Comment by Bob K on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 01:18 AM)
Tom wrote: Bob - really like your articles, however I never have liked McAfee, there are much better software out there, ---------------------- Ind...
Video Articles
Can I Share My Password for Netflix and Other Streaming Services?
The question of whether you can legally or ethically share your password for Netflix and other streaming services is a hot topic. With access to enormous collections of films, TV shows, documentaries, and more, streaming services have emerged as a crucial component of contemporary entertainment. However, the manner in which users share these services raises concerns about what is acceptable and what the potential repercussions might be. Read on for a look at the details of this question...
...Convert Your Old VHS Tapes to DVD or Digital
Unfortunately, those old VHS video tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD or digital format today, and save those memories for posterity. Here are some tips on how to get it done…
...[TIPS] How to Buy a Computer Monitor
A computer monitor (also called a screen or display) is often kept for many years, even longer than the computer to which it was originally connected. So when it’s finally time to replace your monitor, you may find that that new rules apply to its purchase that were unheard of when you bought it. Here are some of those new rules, without getting too geeky or extravagant...
...Try VLC: A Better Media Player
Do you like to play music, videos, CDs or DVDs on your computer or mobile device? Are you frustrated with the limitations of iTunes or Windows Media Player? Tired of having to convert audio or video formats? Here comes VLC Media Player to the rescue! Read on…
...Here's How to Convert Your VHS Tapes to DVD
Unfortunately, those old VHS tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD or digital format today, and save those memories for posterity. Here are some tips on how to get it done...
...Bored With Netflix? Your Library Has Free Movies Too
Our modern libraries are marvels of information technology. Even in small towns, the local library often provides free digital services you can access from home. One popular library service competes with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, and other streaming video services. If your library system is part of it, you’re in luck. Read on for the details...
...Deep Fakes: Getting Too Real?
Most people realize that photographs are easily faked. Audio recordings, too, can be manipulated or even created from whole cloth. Now it seems video is becoming a new frontier in which what you see and hear cannot be trusted. I’m not talking about simply editing video to omit or re-order parts of it. I mean computer-generated video that realistically depicts a real person doing things he or she never really did. Here's what you need to know about deep fake videos...
...Have You Tried the VLC Media Player?
Do you like to play music or videos on your PC, Mac or mobile device? Are you frustrated with the limitations of iTunes or Windows Media Player? Tired of having to convert audio or video formats? Here comes VLC Media Player to the rescue! Read on...
...Is it Legal to Share Your Netflix Password?
Lots of people share their Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime account with family and friends. But is it a crime to share your video streaming password with friends and family? And will artificial intelligence soon put an end to freeloading on the popular streaming services? Read on to find out...
...[GOTCHA] WiFi Security Cameras
Home security cameras were once next to useless, except as deterrents. Their tiny, grainy images couldn’t differentiate a Chihuahua from a chupacabra. Video tape (remember tape?) ran out, broke, or jammed exactly when it was needed. But those days are long gone. Read on and learn about the newest wifi-enabled home security cameras...
...[LEGAL?] Record Streaming Video and Music
It’s great to watch a favorite movie on Netflix, but if you want to watch it again and again, you’ll have to pay Netflix’s monthly fee again and again. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could record that movie (or tunes from Spotify) for infinite offline enjoyment, free of further charges? It's possible, but is it permissible? Read on for the scoop...
...Nest Cam Offers Simplified Video Monitoring
Surveillance cameras and video monitoring systems can be expensive, and difficult to install. Now you can solve both of those problems with an innovative wireless camera that can do some pretty cool things. Here's the scoop on this clever, affordable gadget...
...HOWTO: Convert Your VHS Tapes to DVD
Let's face it... those old VHS tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD or digital format today, and save those memories for posterity...
...How to Stop Annoying Auto-Play Videos
I was surfing the morning news sites recently, sipping coffee in blissful silence. Suddenly, my serenity was shattered by a loud, fast-talking voice urging me to buy... well, I didn’t take note of what he was selling. All I wanted to do was shut him up, fast! If you've experienced unwanted audio or video, read on and learn how to turn if off, for good!
...Best Streaming Devices
There are lots of ways to stream content over the Internet directly to your TV or other viewing devices. They include simple set-top boxes, tiny streaming “sticks,” and even video game consoles. Read on for my advice on how to choose the video streaming device that's best for your needs…
...[RED ALERT] Would You Pay for YouTube?
I received an unexpected email from Google recently, asking me to “Try 3 months of YouTube Red for 99 cents.” My first reaction was, “Why would anyone pay anything for YouTube, regardless of its color?” I went delving for an answer to that question; here is what I found...
...[COOL] YouTube 3D Offers Virtual Reality
In March 2015, YouTube launched a novel experiment in “immersive” video with its YouTube 360 panoramic video streaming service. Using a camera that is essentially a ring of cameras with their lenses facing outward, YouTubers can make videos that allow the viewer to look up and down as well as all around the camera’s point of view. Read on to learn how it works, and see some examples of this amazing tech in action…
...Apple TV vs. Chromecast
If a streaming media player is on your Christmas shopping list, you've probably narrowed the field down to a few market leaders. Google Chromecast accounted for 35% of media player purchases in Q3 of this year, and another 20% of buyers went with Apple TV. These products do much the same things in entirely different ways. Here’s how they compare:
...What is VLC Media Player?
Do you play music or videos on your PC, Mac or mobile device? Frustrated with the limitations of iTunes or Windows Media Player? Here comes VLC Media Player to the rescue! Read on...
...Roku and Friends: Can You Cut the Cable?
The Roku family of streaming media players has become the go-to product for those who want to drop cable TV and rely on Internet video sources like Netflix, Hulu and Youtube for their entertainment needs. But it's not the ONLY choice... check out these seven Roku alternatives that can bring movies, TV shows and Internet content to your HDTV...
...Easy Home Security and Surveillance Cameras
Home security camera systems are becoming more important to homeowners. Houses equipped with home security systems benefit from lower insurance rates and higher resale values. And thanks to the march of technology, you can enjoy the additional peace of mind at amazingly low prices, and even install it yourself. Learn more about home security camera systems...
...Dropping in With Dropcam
Surveillance and video monitoring systems for home or business can be expensive, and difficult to install. Dropcam solves both of those problems with an innovative wireless camera that can do some pretty cool things. Here's the scoop on this clever, affordable gadget...
...HOWTO: Convert VHS Tapes to DVD
Let's face it... your old VHS tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD format today, and save those memories for posterity...
...Can I Get Sued For Watching Online Video?
A reader asks: 'I know that downloading pirated video and music is copyright infringement. But just watching or listening to streamed content isn’t downloading, so I can’t be sued. Right?' A famous line from a Dirty Harry movie might be the best answer...
...How To Get Free Movies Online - Legally
A reader asks: 'Where can I get free movies online? I know about Netflix and Hulu, but their free trials expire after a month. And those websites offering free access to popular films seem rather sketchy to me. Is there a way to download free movies without getting in trouble?'
...Free Online Video Converters
Programs that convert one video file format to another are amazingly popular. Even more amazing is the number of free online video converters. Search for the phrase, 'online video converter' and you’ll get more than 23 million hits! What makes online video converters so popular? The answer may surprise you...
...Ten Video Editing Tools
Whether you’re just touching up a smartphone video before uploading it to YouTube, or creating your next full-length Oscar-worthy movie from scratch, you’re going to need some video editing software. There are dozens of free and commercial video apps designed for novices, enthusiasts, and professionals. Here are ten desktop and mobile video editor contenders to check out...
...Convert VHS Tapes to DVD
Let's face it... your old VHS tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD format today, and save those memories for posterity...
...Is Amazon Instant Video the Netflix killer?
Netflix reigns supreme among streaming video services, but a number of other media companies are trying to steal its crown. Among them is Amazon's Instant Video Service. Does it have a chance against Netflix? Here's how I see the situation...
...Replacing Your Graphics Adapter
Graphics adapters or video cards – call them what you will, they’re one of the most popular computer upgrades. There are many graphics adapters on the market, ranging in price from under $50 to over $500. Here are some points to consider when shopping for a replacement video card...
...Time to Buy a Webcam?
The 90's are over, and you still don't have a webcam? Lots of laptops come with built-in webcams, but if you have a desktop computer, it's pretty simple to install and use one. If you're not convinced, read on for some fun and practical uses for a webcam...
...Alternatives to Netflix
Netflix recently changed its pricing structure, upsetting a lot of people. The video rental giant not only jacked the price of its DVD with Online Streaming package by 60 per cent (to $15.98 per month), it had the nerve to force customers to make choices! Should you protest in the street, find an alternative, or do nothing? Here's my take…
...Netflix on Mobile Devices
Netflix first made its name (and dug Blockbuster's grave) in the rent-by-mail DVD business. Today, Netflix is going all out to push its streaming video service, called 'Watch Instantly' to computers, game consoles, tablets and smartphones. But does it really make sense to watch movies on a 'small screen' mobile device? Here's my take...
...Is Your Webcam Spying On You?
Someone may be spying on you via your computer's Web camera. It's an old hacker trick, dating back to the late 1990s. But don't worry, such attacks are relatively rare. Here's how to tell if your webcam is being used by someone else, and security steps to minimize this risk...
...Webcams for Windows 7
I recently upgraded to Windows 7 and my webcam doesn't work. It wasn't the best quality anyway, so I'd like to buy a new one. Can you recommend some good webcams that are certified to work on a Windows 7 computer?
...Free Video Conferencing
Free video conferencing services are popular among families, friends, and business partners. A free video conferencing service lets multiple parties exchange text chat messages, speak to one another, and exchange live video streams via the Internet. Let's take a look at what's available to you…
...Online Film Rental
Online film rental is a service that lets you rent video media online and have it delivered to you. The films you rent may be on optical media such as DVD or Blu-Ray; in that case, the physical discs will arrive via postal service and you'll return them the same way. But online film rentals can also take other forms...
...Make a DVD
If you download gigabytes of video files, sooner or later you will want to move them off your hard drive. The best offline storage for video files is DVD, which is designed to play video on television sets using a DVD player. But simply copying any old video file to a DVD disk will not make a playable DVD. There are a few steps you must take to make a DVD...
...How Can I Email a Video?
Filming or downloading video files and sharing them with friends is all the rage these days. It's easy to record a video if you have a good cell phone, a Webcam, or a portable video camera. Many cell phones will send video files to other phones. You can upload videos to YouTube or your own Web site, and send people URLs to your films. But many people are stumped when it comes to emailing a video. It really isn't that difficult…
...Graphics Card For Laptop
Laptops are full of compromises between size, energy efficiency, and performance. The manufacturing cost of components enters into the equation, too. So if you want the best performance possible from any laptop component, you must upgrade the original component with one made by a third party. This is particularly true with graphics cards for laptops...
...Convert DVD to AVI
I want to copy a DVD video to my hard drive and edit it. But the file is HUGE. How can I convert a DVD movie to compressed AVI format?
...Free Satellite TV on PC?
I saw a website advertising software that's supposed to give you free satelite TV on your PC. The program costs $40, but they claim it lets you watch hundreds of live worldwide channels free of charge. Sounds too good to be true... is this a scam?
...Copy DVD to Hard Drive
Have you run out of slots in your DVD storage tower? Do you find DVDs in the wrong cases, or find a case you've been seeking only to learn it's empty? Many movie buffs have such problems. You can solve this by copying all your DVD movies to a digital library on a hard drive...
...Five Reasons Blu-Ray Will Fail
There seems to be a buzz lately that consumers are just not buying into Blu-ray. Here are five reasons why I think Blu-ray will ultimately fail in the consumer marketplace...
...Free Video Chat Programs
Two-way video phones have been just around the corner for about 40 years. I've officially given up waiting on Ma Bell to provide this feature, since you can get free video chat software that works over the Internet. Here's a roundup of free video chat solutions you can try now...
...Portable DVD Players
We want to buy a portable DVD player for the car, since we have kids a travel often. What features should we look for, and do you have any reviews of the best portable DVD players?
...Is Blu-ray Doomed?
I'm thinking about buying a Blu-ray player, but I've read some reports that claim Blu-ray may not survive in the marketplace. What's your take on Blu-ray's chances of long-term success?
...Upgrade Your Computer Monitor
I have a really old monitor with a small screen that's starting to flicker. I'd like to upgrade to something nice that will handle web browsing, office applications and online video. What do you recommend?
...What is Slingbox?
Imagine you're in a hotel room, on another continent... you fire up the laptop, and with a few clicks, you're watching the same cable or satellite TV programming that's in your living room at home. You can change the channel, or even view the shows that your Tivo recorded for you last night. It's not smoke and mirrors, it's Slingbox...
...What is Blu-Ray?
I've seen ads for movies on Blu-Ray discs but I'm not sure what that means. What is Blu-Ray and how is it different from a regular DVD disc? Do I need a special player to view a Blu-Ray disc?
...TV as Computer Monitor
Imagine... putting that big old television set to good use as a secondary, or even primary, monitor for your computer. The thought has certainly crossed the minds of many a technophile. Here's how to hook it up...
...What is Podcasting?
Hey Bob, what's a podcast? Is this some kind of broadcast just for people with iPods?
...Download Movies
I've been using Netflix to rent movies by mail, which is okay, but with high-speed connections so common now, why can't I just download movies I want to watch from the Internet?
...What is YouTube?
YouTube is a video-sharing website that is changing American culture. It seems that every day, some short video clip on YouTube makes headline news. Here's the story behind the phenomenal success of YouTube, and some tips on how you can join the fun...
...Play WMV on Mac
I have a WMV (Windows Media) video file. But of course I don't have Windows Media Player on my Mac. Can I play this video with QuickTime on the Mac, or convert it to MPEG format?
...Convert iTunes Videos to MPEG
I purchased videos on iTunes, but I can't play them on my video player, because they are in some 'protected' M4V format that only works on iPods. How can I convert iTunes videos to MPEG or WMV format so I can play them on MY portable video device?
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