10 p.m.

It was only last year that the 8^th version of Internet Explorer was released, and now we’re only about a month away from the public release of a beta version of its successor.   Though we probably won’t see the final version until sometime next year, you can get a feel for what is coming by downloading the platform preview.  Using Windows Vista or Windows 7, curious techies can view speed, HTML5, and graphic demos of the new system.  The current preview available is the third of its type, as Internet Explorer has kept the public up to date throughout the process with new previews every couple of months. Read the rest of this entry »

In the last five years, we’ve watched smart phones seize the market and revolutionize the mobile phone industry.  It is only fitting that a new cellular wireless structure should follow behind.  Though 3G is still widely considered to be the coveted, high-speed wireless standard, 4G is slowly making its way onto the scene.  One of the most talked about aspects of the switch to 4G is whether or not it should be accomplished through the use of WiMax or Long Term Evolution (LTE).  Currently, Verizon and AT&T have unveiled plans to use an LTE-based 4G system.  However, currently, the only cell phone provider who has actually launched a 4G network is Sprint, and they are dedicated to using WiMax for providing this wireless coverage.

Sprint launched its 4G network this year in select cities throughout the country, with plans to expand to many more over the next year.  They also recently released the first 4G phone, the HTC EVO.  A 4.3-inch touch screen along with live video sharing and 3G and 4G capabilities have made this a highly coveted device in today’s smart phone market.  But you may still be wondering, what exactly is the advantage of 4G?  Higher data rates allow for more information to be downloaded and streamed at a higher speed.  According to Sprint, the 4G network can provide downloading speeds up to 10 times faster than those of 3G.  Just as 3G replaced 2G as the cellular wireless standard as its impressive predecessor, we’re about to watch history repeat itself.  Though the 4 in its name does not refer to the new 4G network, the iPhone 4 is said to be capable of operating with the 4G network. Read the rest of this entry »

For all the benefits social networks bring to our lives, there are as many risks of using these platforms.  This isn’t to suggest you should discontinue your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, but you should be cautious about what information you make public.  Most people neglect to use many of the key privacy settings on these sites that can go a long way in protecting you.

One of the biggest mistakes made by social networks is not knowing or controlling who is accessing your information. Unless you designate otherwise, most social networks make your profile accessible to anyone on the web.  This is easily changed, but it’s not done automatically.  On Facebook, you can change your privacy settings so that only your “friends” can view you profile.  You can narrow this down even further by restricting what aspects of your profile particular people are allowed to see.  On Twitter, anyone can follow you without your approval unless you change your settings so that a person must request to follow you and can only do so with your approval.

Another mistake many people make when using online profiles, is including too much information.  You should never include your full birth date.  The day and month are usually ok, but don’t include the year.  Not only has this become a method for online predators to target children and teens, but this information can also be used to hack into other security information such as your social security number.   And though it should go without saying, never include your address or telephone number. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are a smart phone owner and find yourself lost or trying to follow poorly written directions, you have several possible methods for finding your way safely home.  If you’re in an area where you can connect to the Internet, you’ll have access to a range of direction-giving websites such as MapQuest or Google Maps.  Additionally, most smart phones at least offer a GPS feature if they don’t automatically provide it.  To add insult to injury, geo-focused apps are some of the most popular programs downloaded to smart phones such as Take Me to My Car, a popular iPhone app that can provide directions to any place you’ve ever been. Read the rest of this entry »

While we won’t jump on the bandwagon claiming the iPad is nothing but a larger version of the iPhone, there are certainly comparisons to be drawn between the two.  Unless you are a true tech junkie or just have plenty of money to spend on every product Apple comes out with, chances are you’ll only buy one of them.  Though the differences between these two products can’t be boiled down to one generic statement, if we had to, we’d claim that the iPad is basically the iPhone on steroids.

Though it doesn’t really even need to be mentioned because it’s the most obvious difference, one of the biggest advantages of the iPad is the screen.  The 9.7-inch LED screen of the iPad trumps that of its counterpart and delivers higher resolution as well.  However, this advantage of the iPad also creates one of the most important advantages of the iPhone, which is its small portable size.  An iPad may give you a larger viewing area, but you can’t carry it in your pocket, at least most of us can’t.  Therefore, one of the most important factors in your decision is in what situations you will need to use your device most often.  If you’re constantly on the go, in airports or lunch meetings, an iPhone might be more practical. Read the rest of this entry »