05/09/2008

Free software mimics Microsoft Office

IBM

While some people get a computer to play games, most folks use their machine for useful but mundane things like writing letters, preparing presentations and creating budgets. But if your budget doesn't accomodate an all-purpose suite of office software, you now have another option for a very useful (and free) alternative.

05/08/2008

The joys of iMac
Twenty-eight years after it was introduced with great fanfare, I'm finally using a Macintosh computer on a daily basis.

05/01/2008

Cell phone could be your ticket to Hollywood
In this week's Computer Corner, we've got some helpful information for all our viewers who still have questions about the TV transition to digital broadcasting. But first, some news about how you can get into show business by using something you probably already have — a mobile phone.

04/23/2008

New tools to manage money online

Quicken Online lets you know the state of your financial situation.

It's a frustrating time to be an American consumer. Every time you turn around, it seems prices are going up — from gasoline to groceries. With the buying power of your paycheck shrinking daily, you've got to make the most of your financial resources. And there's nothing more powerful than a computer to help.

04/17/2008

A Mac clone; the petition to save XP; musical Windows

Psystar

The Open Computer is a desktop chameleon

How would you like to get your hands on a powerful Macintosh computer — without the Apple brand or legendary styling (but with a price tag less than $600)? That's just what one Florida company now has on offer. Plus: the petition to save Windows XP and a look at some music makers who use their PC for inspiration.

04/10/2008

Eliminate manual labor; Tell it to Starbucks
Grab your cup of coffee and get ready to gripe! You now have an online pipeline to your local barista. But first in this week's edition of Computer Corner, we'll examine an elegant solution to a frustrating problem: What happens when you need the long-lost manual for complicated electronic gear?

04/02/2008

Photoshop for free? Well, sort of...

WFAA-TV

Cropping photos is easy with Photoshop Express.

The digital photo revolution presents picture-takers with a real dilemma. Snapshots that once occupied albums and shoeboxes are now just digital bits somewhere on a hard drive, a CD or even a memory chip.

03/26/2008

Kidzui: The Internet for kids

Kidzui.com

It's hard to keep kids away from the Internet, but parents understandably worry about the potential danger of connecting with the wrong person or seeing the wrong Web site. This week in Computer Corner, we hear from the CEO of a company that may have just what moms and dads have been looking for.

03/19/2008

Hands-on with a digital TV converter box

WFAA-TV

On February 17 of next year, Channel 8 (and every other full-power TV station in the USA) will switch off traditional analog transmissions. If you use an indoor antenna ("rabbit ears") or an attic antenna, or an outdoor antenna to watch Channel 8 on an analog TV (and that's about one out of three viewers) you are going to need to either buy a new TV or get a digital TV converter box. So I tested an inexpensive box that will let you watch sparkling digital transmissions on your old TV.

03/13/2008

More TV for your PC

Chances are very good that your primary home entertainment device is a TV set in a living room or a family room. But studies now show that fans of sitcoms, medical dramas and lawyer shows are rapidly embracing the growing number of alternative viewing options online. This week, Hulu.com launched with a deep catalog of current and classic TV shows, movies and video clips..

02/28/2008

Tracking quakes online; something called chumby

This week, Computer Corner tackles earthquakes, but from the safety of a computer screen. Plus: an interesting new gizmo that could just establish its own category of amorphous Internet device.

02/21/2008

Digital TV update; Talk all you want; Free software for students

This week, Computer Corner has an important update on the availability of digital TV converter boxes. Plus: talk all you want with new (but pricey) unlimited cell phone plans; and Microsoft has an unprecedented free offer that gives students a head start in digital engineering.