Computer and Electronics News
Latest in Computers & electronics
Cybersecurity firm identifies Chrome extension malware5/11/2018
Researchers say the extensions were distributed using Facebook
Researchers at Radware, a cybersecurity firm, have uncovered what they describe as a number of malicious Chrome extensions, which were available for downlo… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Google rolls out Chrome changes that stop videos from autoplaying with sound5/3/2018
The company says Chrome blocks ‘about half’ of unwanted autoplays
Two weeks after releasing Chrome 66, an update that prevents Chrome from automatically playing content with sound, Chrome product manager John Pallett has… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Windows to release April 2018 Update on Monday4/27/2018
Microsoft is focusing on keeping users productive with its latest patch
Windows has announced that it will be rolling out its April 2018 Update worldwide on Monday.Users will be able to download the upgrade for the Windows… continue readingBy Christopher Maynard
Microsoft claims to make Chrome safer with a new browser extension4/19/2018
The plug-in alerts users about malicious links and directs a clear path back to safety
Google’s Chrome browser has competent protection against malicious websites already in place, but Microsoft feels it can make Chrome’s armor even stronger… continue readingBy Gary Guthrie
Tech companies sign pledge not to help governments launch cyber attacks4/18/2018
More than 30 major companies have signed on to the Cybersecurity Tech Accord
A group of 34 tech companies have signed an agreement to refrain from helping world governments wage cyberwar on each other. Microsoft, Facebook, Cisco… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
‘Warranty void if removed’ stickers are illegal, FTC says4/12/2018
The agency has asked several companies to amend their warranty statements
In a series of warning letters sent to six different companies, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noted that the practice of placing “warranty void if rem… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Cyberattack on gas pipelines highlights vulnerability of pipeline infrastructure4/5/2018
Cybersecurity experts say having adequate cyber-security defenses is crucial
Several gas pipeline operators were forced to shut down computer communications with their customers over the last week after their systems were compromise… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Intel promises its new chips will fix the Spectre and Meltdown issues3/16/2018
The new processors are expected to ship in the second half of 2018
Intel is banking on a new chipset to end recently discovered security concerns over flaws in the company’s chips and processors.It’s been a tough first… continue readingBy Gary Guthrie
February, 2018
Intel ships firmware updates for 7th- and 8th-generation Core chips2/22/2018
The company still faces numerous lawsuits from outraged customers
Google reveals flaw in Microsoft’s Edge browser2/20/2018
Microsoft has promised a fix, but the company hasn’t moved quickly enough to make Google happy
Intel faces 32 class-action lawsuits over Spectre and Meltdown chipset vulnerabilities2/16/2018
Two securities lawsuits and 30 customer lawsuits have been filed
Google to roll out a built-in ad-blocker for its Chrome browser2/14/2018
The new tool will help users avoid some of the web's most intrusive and annoying ads
Winter Olympics, televisions, and 'smart' sex toys may be under cyber attack2/9/2018
Here are the things that were reportedly vulnerable to cyber criminals this week
Former Silicon Valley insiders launch anti-tech campaign2/5/2018
‘Our society is being hijacked by technology,’ the group says
January, 2018
Windows update neutralizes Intel Spectre fix1/29/2018
Microsoft claims the fix could cause data loss
Chip makers find patches for Meltdown and Spectre not so simple1/18/2018
Intel says patch causes newer machines to unexpectedly reboot
Why you may be losing home internet connectivity1/17/2018
Google and Android devices may be overwhelming your router
AT CES, television sets are the star of the show1/11/2018
Latest TV sets feature higher resolution and AI
Microsoft pauses Meltdown and Spectre fixes for AMD chips1/9/2018
Update reportedly puts devices into 'unbootable state'
'Meltdown' and 'Spectre' flaws cause huge security concerns1/5/2018
The vulnerabilities put consumers' personal information at risk, but companies and experts say solutions are being implemented
AT&T to test 5G wireless service in 12 markets this year1/5/2018
Verizon announced a similar plan last month
Intel processors' design flaw may lead to huge computer slowdowns1/3/2018
Fixing the problem could slow devices’ performance by 30 percent
December, 2017
What consumers can expect from the first ‘Always Connected’ PCs12/8/2017
Qualcomm aims to make the PC more like a smartphone
Expert insight on securing your home’s smart devices12/1/2017
Enjoy the benefits of IoT devices without worrying about unwelcome intrusions
November, 2017
Survey shows millennials are Bitcoin early adopters11/17/2017
Here’s how the digital currency works
Walmart deploys robot workers at undisclosed stores, and they haven’t crashed11/16/2017
Don’t get between the robot and the shelf and you’ll be fine, the robot's creator says
Lowe’s launching ‘smart home’ centers in stores across the U.S.11/13/2017
The new stores-within-stores will let shoppers test and learn about smart home products
Smart household devices may be your biggest security blindspot11/8/2017
Strong wifi and device security a critical factor
iPhone X performs poorly in durability tests11/7/2017
Third party reviewers find high-tech features easily compromised, expensive to fix
October, 2017
Which devices are most vulnerable to cyberattack?10/13/2017
Hackers are increasingly targeting smart devices
Sophisticated malware may evade antivirus software10/3/2017
Security expert offers advice to consumers on how to protect themselves
September, 2017
Hackers target CCleaner and infect it with malware9/18/2017
Security experts say millions of users could be affected
Lenovo settles with FTC over adware that exposed users to cyber attacks9/5/2017
The software inserted ads into sites users visited and had serious security vulnerabilities
July, 2017
Hackers find voting machines as secure as a car with the key in the ignition7/31/2017
One machine from Tennessee was sold on eBay with 60,000 registration records
Why millions of PC users are locked out of Microsoft's Creator's Update7/25/2017
The problem may force consumers to either buy a new machine or lose access to security updates
Google steps up protections against phishing attacks7/20/2017
Users will now be notified before installing an app that hasn't been verified
Teens most likely to struggle with technology addiction7/7/2017
A survey finds that younger people have the most trouble putting their devices down
Protection plans for electronic devices -- are they worth it?7/5/2017
There are many ways consumers can cover their devices, but finding the right one is essential
June, 2017
Another ransomware attack threatens systems worldwide6/28/2017
Experts say this one appears to be more dangerous than the one launched in May
Researchers urge makers of wearable devices to keep older consumers in mind6/27/2017
Many devices currently suffer from debilitating design problems, they say
How to protect your personal and financial information online6/21/2017
There are many steps consumers should take to protect themselves and their loved ones
Sharp sues Chinese firm to reclaim its name6/12/2017
Sharp says company it licensed to make its TVs is damaging its brand
May, 2017
Why your personal fitness tracker may not be all that accurate5/25/2017
Calorie measurements can be off by as much as 93%
Consumers are cool to virtual reality gear5/22/2017
Early sales haven't lived up to expectations
How to protect yourself from the WannaCrypt ransomware scheme5/15/2017
Experts say having up-to-date security settings is essential
Huge ransomware attack unfolding worldwide5/12/2017
Make sure your computer's up to date or shut it down ... now
Windows Defender vulnerability allows hackers to take over systems without a fight5/10/2017
Consumers must ensure that their devices are updated to the latest patch
Microsoft joins the AI race with the Invoke5/9/2017
Tower speaker will work with Cortana and take on Amazon Echo and Google Home
April, 2017
Tips for cleaning up digital disorder4/18/2017
Protect your personal information by making sure your digital doors are locked
March, 2017
Tech companies fight government 'gag orders' on search warrant cases3/14/2017
Facebook and Microsoft are bristling at government demands that they cannot disclose search warrants to consumers
February, 2017
Intel to invest $7 billion to create a chip plant in Arizona2/9/2017
The announcement comes on the heels of new proposed regulatory policies under the Trump administration
St. Louis Cardinals to pay $2 million and forfeit top draft picks due to hacking scandal2/1/2017
A former team executive was convicted of hacking into the Houston Astros database
January, 2017
Fraud, cyber attacks called the 'new normal'1/18/2017
Report finds insiders among the usual suspects
Yahoo to change name to 'Altaba' pending a successful acquisition deal1/10/2017
CEO Marissa Mayer and co-founder David Filo will step down as directors
Fitbit reportedly considering an app store1/10/2017
Company may seek to expand its influence with software as well as hardware
D-Link didn't provide adequate security on its internet cameras and routes, feds charge1/9/2017
It's the latest action taken by the FTC to tighten security on the Internet of Things
Polaroid: not your grandfather's instant camera1/6/2017
First instant camera maker is returning to its roots
Samsung hoping for reboot at Consumer Electronics Show1/4/2017
The electronics firm hopes to erase the memory of its Note 7 debacle
December, 2016
Cyberhacks emerge as 2016's biggest online threat12/16/2016
Insurance companies are offering more products to provide protection
November, 2016
What to do before recycling or discarding your computer11/16/2016
Simply deleting files isn't enough
Nintendo to halt production of the Wii-U soon11/10/2016
Releases of the Nintendo Switch and NES Classic Edition should keep fans happy, though
Preserving your pictures and videos for posterity11/2/2016
A new service says it can store them for up to 1,000 years
October, 2016
MacBook has its Touchbar but no ultra-high-def display10/31/2016
The Asus Zenbook UHD display outshines the MacBook Pro
The disappearing PC getting even more rare10/12/2016
Analysts suggest that consumers just don't see the need
September, 2016
USB Killer 2.0 raises concerns over computer protections9/19/2016
The device can permanently disable a computer by electrically frying internal components
July, 2016
Why employees shouldn't respond to work email after-hours7/28/2016
How managers can help employees regain work-family balance
April, 2016
Skoove can teach you how to play the piano from your computer4/13/2016
The program works with the keyboard you already have and adapts to your pace
February, 2016
Facing new market challenges, GoPro gets a reality check2/4/2016
In a disruptive marketplace, it may be hard to remain the "hot product" forever
October, 2015
Wearable tech to be 2016's top fitness trend10/28/2015
Survey predicts popular devices about to get more popular
August, 2015
Video camera uses artificial intelligence to automatically edit footage8/6/2015
Graava says now anyone can turn out finished video content
May, 2015
Safari exploit leaves Apple users extra-vulnerable to phishing attacks5/19/2015
Hackers can use this exploit to spoof legitimate websites in Safari browsers
Future PCs may be cooled without fans5/6/2015
Machines would cost less, be cheaper to run and collect less dust
Mumblehard malware turns Linux servers into spam-senders5/1/2015
One server got blacklisted for sending spam its administrator never even knew about
March, 2015
Proposed “right to repair electronics” bill moves forward in New York State3/30/2015
But is it too loopholed to actually be useful?
PlayStation Network accounts hacked; Sony leaves victims holding the bag 3/13/2015
No credit card chargeback, or Sony will cancel your PSN account
February, 2015
Reminder: change the default password on your home router, before a hacker does2/27/2015
This rule applies to any password-protected device you buy
Digitizing slides with the Epson V6002/2/2015
Kodak's quality gets a new lease on life
January, 2014
Lawsuit challenges MacKeeper's "clean computer" claims1/21/2014
The software finds problems on every computer it tests, the suit claims
December, 2013
Scam alert: Microsoft will not call you at home12/23/2013
FTC cracked down 14 months ago, yet scam continues
July, 2013
How public libraries fit into the digital age7/29/2013
We picked out a couple of apps that many libraries are using
Today's inkjet printers give new meaning to 'disappearing ink'7/5/2013
If you seem to run out of ink too quickly, your printer may be wasting it
March, 2013
Anti-Google Glass group warns of dire consequences3/18/2013
The sky really is falling this time, says Stop the Cyborgs. It offers t-shirts to buy a little time.
February, 2013
How to disable McAfee's auto renewal2/25/2013
If you don't disable it, you'll continue to be charged, even if you get a new debit card
December, 2011
Staples Addresses Security Concerns In Used Computer Sales12/19/2011
Many machines still contained old customer data
June, 2011
Cloud Site Dropbox Drops the Ball6/27/2011
Popular data storage site accidentally unlocked users' accounts, suit charges
April, 2011
There Really Is A Difference Between Mac And PC Users4/25/2011
Those stereotypes hold up in research
October, 2010
Nvidia Settles Faulty Processor Suit; Dell, HP, Compaq, Mac Owners Stand to Benefit10/4/2010
Graphics processor used in more than 50 laptop models tended to overheat
August, 2010
Suit: Clearspring Violates Consumer Privacy on Disney, Warner Brothers Sites8/15/2010
Plaintiffs take issue with Flash cookie reactivation
April, 2010
Second Lifers File Class Action4/24/2010
Plaintiffs accuse Linden Labs of taking back 'land'
March, 2010
Classmates Sued Over Content-Sharing Arrangement3/10/2010
Complaint accuses site of improperly exposing personal information
October, 2009
Gateway Unloaded Warranties on Insolvent Company, Suit Says10/20/2009
Company's actions disproportionately affected students
September, 2008
Buying A Computer With Poor Credit9/18/2008
Financing companies offer low-quality alternatives at higher prices
December, 2007
A Visit to the Video Professor's 'Classroom'12/2/2007
We sign up for the 'free' lesson
May, 2007
Ubuntu: Too Good to be True?5/4/2007
A Curmudgeonly Review by a Very Irritable Webmaster
February, 2007
Planned Obsolesence Comes to Ink Cartridges2/13/2007
Some HP, Lexmark Cartridges Shut Down after a Predetermined time
January, 2007
BlueHippo Funding: The Pitch1/8/2007
An Expensive Way to Buy a Cheap Computer
July, 2006
The Death of E-Mail?7/27/2006
January, 2006
TV Logos Blamed for Plasma Screen Burn-In1/23/2006
Aussie views complain that those long days of cricket and tennis coverage on Channels 7 and 9 are leaving the stations' logos burned into expensive receivers