Saturday, 30 September 2017

New Research Proves Android Unlock Patterns Suck

If you unlock your Android handset using a pattern, you should consider using a PIN code instead. Because new research shows that Android unlock patterns are really not secure. If no one sees you swiping your finger over your screen then you may be OK, but how many of us even try to hide it? There are various ways of stopping people from accessing your phone. Apple has been innovating with biometrics, first with Touch ID, and now, with the iPhone X, Face ID. But Android users tend to be stuck choosing between a pattern and a PIN. Only one...

Read the full article: New Research Proves Android Unlock Patterns Suck



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xN9XJ7
via IFTTT

5 Sites to Find Which TV Show to Watch Next

find-tv-show

There is nothing like finding a great new TV series that you can binge-watch for hours or days. But you will eventually hit a point where you don’t know what to watch next. Even your friends don’t have any recommendations left. Don’t worry, these sites have your back. Of course, most of the TV series recommendations today are all about what you can stream. You will probably need to choose between Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. And personally, I would recommend you buy an HBO Go subscription too. 1. Vulture’s Streaming Guide: For Beginners, Based on Service Entertainment site Vulture...

Read the full article: 5 Sites to Find Which TV Show to Watch Next



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xIyzkR
via IFTTT

This Spotify Playlist Can Make You Feel Young Again

Spotify has a new playlist for you, and this one has the potential power to make you feel young again. Unless you are still young, in which case it has the power to transport you all the way back to 2012. “Your Time Capsule” is a literal time capsule of songs you’ve listened to over the years. Despite increased competition from Apple Music and others, Spotify is still the music streaming service to beat. And part of Spotify’s enduring appeal is its ability to craft personalized playlists for each individual user. These take all of the effort out of finding...

Read the full article: This Spotify Playlist Can Make You Feel Young Again



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wpwwkg
via IFTTT

Closing Up the Cottage? 8 Smart Gadgets to Keep It Safe and Secure

smart-gadgets-cottage-security

Smart home devices are great for adding convenience to your everyday life, but they can also play a really important role in keeping an eye on your vacation house, your short-term rental, or on your home while you’re out of town. With everything from smart plugs to an all-in-one smart home solution, you can figure out which device best suits your budget and your concerns based on where your vacation home is located, and how connected you want it to be. 1. Security Camera The first thing you’ll probably want to do is keep an eye on your summer home,...

Read the full article: Closing Up the Cottage? 8 Smart Gadgets to Keep It Safe and Secure



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hAaAjN
via IFTTT

Make Halloween Your Own With These Petrifying 3d Prints

halloween-3d-prints

Halloween is right around the corner, do you have your scares prepared? Rather than buying disposable props from the store, why not 3D print your own? The cost of 3D printers is dropping, and there are now options for people on most budgets. If you are new to 3D printing, we have a beginner’s guide which will teach you everything you need to know to make the projects in this article. Of course, Halloween isn’t just about the scary, it’s also a time to show off your awesome costumes, and a 3D printer can come in handy here too! In...

Read the full article: Make Halloween Your Own With These Petrifying 3d Prints



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xIWS1Q
via IFTTT

Friday, 29 September 2017

4 Syskey Encryption Alternatives for Windows 10

syskey-windows-alternatives

Windows encryption tool Syskey is being removed in the upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. The utility encrypts password information stored in system databases that are in turn stored in the Windows registry. Its original purpose was to prevent unauthorized, offline password cracking attempts. However, scammers realized they could use the integrated utility to lock users out of their systems, forcing them to pay a ransom (pre-ransomware, but still in use in telephone scams — there are thousands of YouTube videos). In other environments, Syskey provides pre-boot authentication, where the user is challenged for a password before the operating system...

Read the full article: 4 Syskey Encryption Alternatives for Windows 10



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xPHJy4
via IFTTT

7 of the Best Desktop Speakers to Buy Right Now

best-desktop-speakers

Integrated speakers are common these days, in both laptops and computer monitors. But regardless of how expensive that laptop or monitor was, the internal speaker likely sounds tinny and unsatisfying — good enough in a pinch, but not something to use long-term. A set of desktop speakers is better because they aren’t confined by the space limitations of a laptop or monitor. This extra space allows them to include amplifier components, which are crucial for producing a high-quality sound. But good speakers aren’t cheap. In this article, you’ll find seven desktop speaker recommendations that will give you the most bang...

Read the full article: 7 of the Best Desktop Speakers to Buy Right Now



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2k9p4rC
via IFTTT

The 7 Best Mobile Document Scanner Apps

best-mobile-apps-scan

Gone are the days of taking documents to the library to scan or spending a bunch of money on a scanner for your home. You can find many applications for Android, iOS, and Windows that put scanning at your fingertips no matter where you go. These seven awesome apps provide more than just scanning. They are smart enough to adjust and correct items for you, let you save them where you need to, and are perfect for both business and personal use. 1. Office Lens From Microsoft, Office Lens is a flexible, portable scanner with a nice set of features....

Read the full article: The 7 Best Mobile Document Scanner Apps



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xLH2oT
via IFTTT

How to Set Up an Out-of-Office Email Reply on Your Mac

outofoffice-reply-email

Nobody likes managing email, especially when it’s time for a holiday. If you are going away, or just taking a staycation, you can use an automatic out-of-office (or vacation) reply to let people know that you won’t be reading or responding to emails during that time. Today we cover how to set up an out of office reply in five of the more popular email clients and web services. Apple Mail In Apple Mail, there is no dedicated setting for an out of office reply. Instead, you need to set up a rule. Fortunately this is very easy to do....

Read the full article: How to Set Up an Out-of-Office Email Reply on Your Mac



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xPxoC9
via IFTTT

Can Facebook Watch Rival YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime?

facebook-watch-rivals

It seems like everyone is getting into the video business. First it was Netflix and Amazon. Then Apple recently announced that it will be producing original content. And now even Facebook is entering the game. Facebook Watch is a new service that lets Facebook users watch original TV shows created exclusively for the social network. But how does Facebook Watch stack up against the established big hitters on the streaming scene? Read on to find out. You Can’t Beat Free As of right now, there’s no cost to watch any of Facebook’s videos. Which puts it at a significant advantage...

Read the full article: Can Facebook Watch Rival YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ydlsLr
via IFTTT

How to Use Apple TV Apps to Fully Automate Your Home

control-smart-home-appletv

Apple TV isn’t just for watching films and television shows or playing games. It can also play an important role in your smart home. With Cupertino’s digital media player, you can now download and install apps to perform everyday home tasks such as checking your security cameras, monitoring your Wi-Fi network, and turning on your lights. To get started, all you need is a fourth- or fifth-generation Apple TV, a few dollars, and your imagination. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the most popular lifestyle and utility apps for Apple TV. Apple TV Apps for Lighting It shouldn’t...

Read the full article: How to Use Apple TV Apps to Fully Automate Your Home



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2x20UAL
via IFTTT

New to DIY? Start With These No-Stress Easy Repairs for Beginners

easy-repairs-diy

You want to get started with DIY, but you’re not sure where to begin. You see no point in paying for repairs when you could probably fix something yourself… you just don’t have the skills yet. But that doesn’t mean you never will. What you need to do is start getting your hands dirty now. Some simple DIY repairs you can do without worrying about breaking anything. Basically, you’re looking for something that will help you to develop the skills needed for DIY repairs and builds. Once you’ve mastered these five repairs, you should be ready to move onto more...

Read the full article: New to DIY? Start With These No-Stress Easy Repairs for Beginners



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xLcvaU
via IFTTT

7 Spotify App Integrations Actually Worth Setting Up

spotify-app-integrations

Spotify continues to impress and frustrate in equal measure. For every Discover Weekly, there’s a much-loved feature stripped out of the streaming music app. Often, it’s difficult to get those features back. One of the feature removals which has garnered most ire was the company’s decision to kill third-party apps in 2014. At a stroke, users lost the ability to get curated recommendations from record labels and magazines, find nearby concerts, give guests “party access” to accounts, and a whole lot more. Spotify has never truly managed to replace the lost apps, even though some third-party web apps can still...

Read the full article: 7 Spotify App Integrations Actually Worth Setting Up



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xHBV7N
via IFTTT

How to Grant Gmail Access to Someone Without Sharing Your Password

Sharing your email password with someone is a big test of trust. And if you’re one of those people who uses the same password for everything, even though you know you shouldn’t, well it’s just an impossibility. With Gmail’s delegates feature, you can grant someone access to your account without revealing your password. You can add up to 10 delegates with a regular account and up to 25 with a school or work account. Delegates can read, send, and delete messages in your Gmail account. When an email is sent by a delegate, their email address will appear in the message as well. They...

Read the full article: How to Grant Gmail Access to Someone Without Sharing Your Password



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hDmc5p
via IFTTT

What’s the Difference Between AppData and ProgramData?

We recently examined the difference between the Roaming and Local AppData folders in Windows. One commenter wondered further what the difference between the AppData and ProgramData folders is. Let’s take a look at these two folders and find out how their roles differ. As we discussed before, AppData is a folder inside your user directory. It contains data that is specific to your account. Usually, this includes configuration settings that are particular to your instance of an installed program. The ProgramData folder is located at the root of your C: drive. Like AppData, it’s hidden by default so you won’t see...

Read the full article: What’s the Difference Between AppData and ProgramData?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fCUk0O
via IFTTT

7 Ways to Turn Off Windows 10 Laptop Screen

For better or for worse, we no longer live in 1999. As such, most of our monitors don’t have their own power buttons anymore. In fact, I’ve never seen a laptop screen with its own power button! But don’t worry, it is still possible to turn off your laptop screen. Perhaps more astonishingly, there are multiple ways to achieve this — seven ways, in fact. Keep reading to see how easy they are. 1. Close the Lid You can adjust your machine’s power settings so that when you close the lid, only your screen is turned off and nothing else....

Read the full article: 7 Ways to Turn Off Windows 10 Laptop Screen



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2x0iABm
via IFTTT

Giphy Stickers Let You Deface Your Favorite Websites

Giphy wants you to plaster your favorite websites with stickers. Why? Because why not? Most websites are rather dull, dry places devoid of much razzmatazz. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Giphy is on hand to help, with Giphy Sticker Embed letting visitors post stickers all over the shop. Given that Giphy specializes in GIFs, the company obviously thinks the future is one filled with moving images. After all, static images and paragraphs of text are just so boring by comparison. However, standard GIFs may not be the answer. Because GIF stickers are Giphy’s latest innovation. Giphy Stickers...

Read the full article: Giphy Stickers Let You Deface Your Favorite Websites



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xC4HJr
via IFTTT

Turn OneNote Into Your Personal Cliff Notes Collection

onenote-personal-notes

Making notes on a novel? Here’s why you need to do it in OneNote and create your own cliff notes collection. Book assignments are a staple of classrooms around the world, and the longer you study literature, the more in-depth you’re going to need to go. If you really want to delve deeply into an author’s work, OneNote can be a great help in keeping your thoughts and observations well organized. Microsoft’s note-taking software is one of the best tools that any student can have at their disposal. However, when it comes to making your own “cliff notes” on a...

Read the full article: Turn OneNote Into Your Personal Cliff Notes Collection



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xJosOb
via IFTTT

Even Bill Gates Has Switched to Android…

Bill Gates uses Android. That’s Bill Gates, the co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft who is still listed as a Technology Advisor to the company. And he uses an Android phone. That’s surely the strongest sign yet that Microsoft is dead in the water in terms of its mobile strategy. Since Satya Nadella took over as CEO in 2014, Microsoft has done great things. The company culture is changing, Windows 10 is one of the best versions of Windows ever, and things are looking up. Except when it comes to smartphones, a market in which Microsoft has completely failed to...

Read the full article: Even Bill Gates Has Switched to Android…



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wZa4mn
via IFTTT

Always Back Up These Files and Folders in Windows

always-backup-windows

We’ve written ad infinitum about why you should back up files and what can happen if you don’t. Worst case scenario? You lose all of your apps, data, settings, and files, forcing you to start over from scratch. A major inconvenience — and one that you can avoid so easily. But even if you do decide to back up your stuff, you may be stuck with this follow-up question: Which files and folders should I back up? Keep reading to find out, plus learn about which files and folders you should ignore. Files and Folders to Back Up Note that...

Read the full article: Always Back Up These Files and Folders in Windows



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fsTNdW
via IFTTT

Thursday, 28 September 2017

13 Free Newsletter Templates You Can Print or Email as PDF

printable-newsletter-templates

If you’re looking for printable free newsletter templates for your business or group, look no further. While many companies and organizations send their newsletters via email, there are still situations when you may want to print and distribute physical newsletters. You can place them in the company breakroom or teachers’ lounge, hand them out after a school board meeting or church session, and distribute them to committee members, clubs, or community groups. These newsletter templates can help you provide a consistent appearance and have easy-to-edit layouts. And remember, you can still send them as email attachments in addition to printing...

Read the full article: 13 Free Newsletter Templates You Can Print or Email as PDF



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xJg3un
via IFTTT

How to Set Up and Use Your Google Home

google-home-setup

Virtual assistants aren’t just for your smartphone anymore. A whole new class of speakers, featuring quick and easy voice control, can play music and do a whole lot more. One option is Google Home. From the search giant and Android creator, the speaker is powered by Google Assistant and can do pretty much anything you can imagine — from controlling smart home devices to answering the most obscure questions and more. The on-call assistant is a great choice for any modern home, especially those already entrenched in the Google ecosystem of products and services. If you’ve recently decided to take...

Read the full article: How to Set Up and Use Your Google Home



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hzx8B0
via IFTTT

Never Kill These Windows Task Manager Processes

windows-processes-important

Have you ever browsed the Windows Task Manager and wondered what some of the entries were for? The Windows system process section, which is at the bottom of the list in the Windows 10 Task Manager, holds some processes that are critical to your computer running properly. What do these processes do, and what would happen if you ended them? Let’s look at some of the most important entries. Note: The new Task Manager in Windows 8.1 and 10 refers to some of these entries with friendlier names, like Windows Logon Application instead of winlogon.exe. If you’re using Windows 7,...

Read the full article: Never Kill These Windows Task Manager Processes



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hzrNK9
via IFTTT

7 Mistakes You’re Making While Using Netflix

netflix-mistakes

When it comes to getting the most out of Netflix, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned pro or a relative newbie. No one is perfect, and you are bound to be doing something wrong when using the streaming service. I’m afraid it’s inevitable. Your Netflix viewing experience is determined by many factors, including your knowledge of the wide array of categories on offer, recommendations, and how long you spend scouring Netflix. We have compiled a list of things you’re probably doing wrong on Netflix. The hope being that by finding a better way of doing things you’ll be able...

Read the full article: 7 Mistakes You’re Making While Using Netflix



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xBpLiS
via IFTTT

Ableton Live: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Ableton Live is a software sequencer and digital audio workstation (DAW). It’s designed for live performance and remixing of songs, but it can also be used to record music, control stage lighting, visual effects (VFX) and much more. By the end of this guide, you’ll know enough about Ableton to be able to quickly and confidently navigate around a track, solving problems as you go — let’s get started! Versions & Pricing Before jumping right in, you need to know about the different versions available. Ableton live is currently on version 9, and comes in three main “flavors”: Intro: A fairly...

Read the full article: Ableton Live: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2yviNJk
via IFTTT

Smart Home Data Collection: Are Companies Going Too Far?

smart-home-data-collection

Yes, smart homes are fabulous. They can save us money, time, and frustration. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: privacy. How much invasion of privacy is too much? Where do you draw the line? The debate reared its head again in the summer of 2017 thanks to the news that Roomba devices are mapping homes, allowing the parent company to sell the data to third-parties. Join us as we look at what data is being collected, how it’s being used, and whether there’s a benefit to the end user. What Data Is Collected? In short: everything. If...

Read the full article: Smart Home Data Collection: Are Companies Going Too Far?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wYR2MY
via IFTTT

How to Make Your First Movie With Shotcut

make-movie-shotcut

Making a movie is not difficult. Making a good movie, on the other hand, requires a decent editing tool. You’re probably not going to be cutting a new version of Ben Hur, but as long as you have an editing tool that meets your requirements, you should be able to produce something that is at least watchable. So many video-editing tools are available these days. Windows has its fair share, and there are also video editors for Linux. Meanwhile, macOS has a few to choose from as well. One of the most popular current options is Shotcut, a free and...

Read the full article: How to Make Your First Movie With Shotcut



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fBsJNJ
via IFTTT

Fix HTML Formatting Using Simple Shell Scripting

fix-html-shell-scripting

If you often write HTML in an editor and then paste into WordPress, you’ll notice that sometimes annoying formatting tags (like <span> tags) are added. Using simple shell scripts, you can automatically clean up that garbage HTML formatting with a few simple commands. Why use shell scripting? If you’re new to programming, it’s much, much better to start small. Not only are you less likely to give up, but you’ll have opportunities to stop and learn along the way. That said, your first programs can be really useful even if they’re also really simple. Shell scripting is a great place...

Read the full article: Fix HTML Formatting Using Simple Shell Scripting



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xIj9yL
via IFTTT

17 Shift Key Shortcuts You Should Remember in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts have always remained the quickest “hack” for productivity. It may not seem so, but trying to do everything with the mouse does add up over time. Turn to your keyboard instead. If you are on Windows, then learning the many Windows shortcuts can take a while. The best advice I can give? Practice one shortcut for a week. That’s still 54 in a year, which is a lot, so here are some of the most valuable ones you should start with. Start With the Modifier Keys The Shift key has been a modifier from the days of the typewriter (the 19th...

Read the full article: 17 Shift Key Shortcuts You Should Remember in Windows



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fRXtXs
via IFTTT

How to Generate Upside-Down and Backwards Text

Here’s a stupid geek trick for you. When was the last time you typed in upside-down or backwards text? Probably never. But did you know it’s possible? Whether you want to goof around and freak out your friends or just dress up a website, there’s a site that will let you quickly generate gravity-challenged text. Head to the Unicode Text Converter page to check it out. It’s a barebones site so there’s not much to see. Simply enter text in the bar near the top, and click the Show button to get a list of fancy text effects. What’s more, you...

Read the full article: How to Generate Upside-Down and Backwards Text



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wYintE
via IFTTT

Safe Mode for Microsoft Office: What It Is and Why You Need It

We’re all familiar with using Safe Mode in Windows: if you’re having issues with your operating system, you can use it to stop autoexec.bat and config.sys from running, prevent device drivers from loading, force the display to load at a lower resolution, and so on. But did you know Microsoft Office also has a Safe Mode? It’s entirely independent of Windows Safe Mode. The two are not connected. But what is it? And how do you use it? Keep reading to find out more. What Is Safe Mode for Microsoft Office? In one sense, Safe Mode for Microsoft Office is similar...

Read the full article: Safe Mode for Microsoft Office: What It Is and Why You Need It



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fTjJ3h
via IFTTT

You Can Now Try the New Firefox Quantum Beta

firefox-chrome-integrate

Mozilla is almost ready to unleash its new vision for Firefox onto the world. Called Firefox Quantum, this is designed to see Firefox reborn as a serious challenger to Google Chrome. Firefox Quantum is faster, more efficient, and better looking. And the beta is now available for you to try. Google Chrome practically owns the web browser market right now. Google’s ever-impressive browser boasts a 55 percent share of the market, with Safari a long way behind in second place. Firefox is, well, even further behind. Which is why Mozilla has pulled out all of the stops for Firefox 57....

Read the full article: You Can Now Try the New Firefox Quantum Beta



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wXmSEK
via IFTTT

Windows 10 Is Fragmented: Which Version Do You Need?

which-windows-10

Microsoft may have claimed Windows 10 as final version of Windows, but nobody ever said it’d be simple. A little after two years in the wild, Windows 10 has no fewer than ten different editions available. Each one is the same at its core, but offers slightly different features for users with varying needs. Along with its ever-changing features, this can make keeping track of what’s current with Windows 10 tough. Let’s look at each Windows 10 edition in turn, and see why Microsoft has created such a fragmented environment. Windows 10 Home We start with the baseline version of...

Read the full article: Windows 10 Is Fragmented: Which Version Do You Need?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xLc1Sx
via IFTTT

The 20 Best Movie Soundtracks on Spotify

spotify-ost-playlists

What makes a good movie? An exciting plotline with surprising twists? Sure. Well-written characters? Definitely. But there’s one thing that you can appreciate even if those two criteria aren’t met. It’s not what you see, but what you hear. You may forget the events of your favorite movie, even the lead character’s name, but you never really forget the songs from your favorite movies. Like the opening of Star Wars — you can hear it playing in your head right now — or the magical songs of the Harry Potter films. These musical masterpieces will live forever. In order to...

Read the full article: The 20 Best Movie Soundtracks on Spotify



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wkdU4U
via IFTTT

Wednesday, 27 September 2017

Want to Install Elementary OS? 7 Reasons Why You Should!

reasons-install-elementary-os

I’ve watched Elementary OS from a distance over the years. I loved the screenshots, but the experience wasn’t quite ready. For years, it came off to me as a themed version of Ubuntu. There was great work going on, but as long as I was opening the Ubuntu Software Center and having to install Personal Package Archives for anything Elementary-related, that feeling wasn’t going to change. That isn’t the case anymore. Elementary OS has really come into its own. If you’re sitting on the fence wondering if now’s the time to make the switch from your current Linux operating system,...

Read the full article: Want to Install Elementary OS? 7 Reasons Why You Should!



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wX8BrK
via IFTTT

18 Tremendous Deals You Can Get On Amazon Today

There’s a ridiculous quantity of good deals available on Amazon today including the new standard in home projectors, tons of Logitech PC accessories, a high-end subwoofer, and much more! Nebula Mars Portable Cinema Nebula Mars Portable Cinema, Home Theater, 150in HD Picture, 3000 (500 ANSI) Lumens, 4K and 3D support, with Wi-Fi, Two 10W JBL Speakers, 3hr Playtime, DLP, and Android 4.4 for Music, Movies, and More Nebula Mars Portable Cinema, Home Theater, 150in HD Picture, 3000 (500 ANSI) Lumens, 4K and 3D support, with Wi-Fi, Two 10W JBL Speakers, 3hr Playtime, DLP, and Android 4.4 for Music, Movies, and...

Read the full article: 18 Tremendous Deals You Can Get On Amazon Today



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wWxeoz
via IFTTT

Got a GoPro? You Need These 9 Accessories

gopro-accessories

The GoPro is a fantastic action cam: it goes anywhere, films anything, and does it in style. And it comes with almost everything you need. Almost. There are a few accessories that will take your GoPro to the next level. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best accessories for your GoPro action cam. We’ve included a range of different accessories for every activity and budget. No matter what you’re filming, and no matter what you want to spend, we’ve got you covered. 1. GoPro Chesty GoPro Chesty (Chest Harness)(GoPro Official Mount) GoPro Chesty (Chest Harness)(GoPro Official Mount) Provides an...

Read the full article: Got a GoPro? You Need These 9 Accessories



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xFPJkx
via IFTTT

How to Spot Fake Reviews on Amazon

amazon-fake-reviews

Don’t trust that 5-star review or rating on Amazon to make up your mind about a product. There’s a good chance it’s a fake (i.e. a commissioned review by the seller). The only way to find a true opinion is to learn how to spot these fakes. Amazon has faced this problem for some time now. The online retail giant has even filed a few lawsuits against companies that provide these fake review services. But it’s an uphill battle, and one that Amazon probably won’t win. There is an entire world of scammers trying to manipulate Amazon’s reviews and ratings....

Read the full article: How to Spot Fake Reviews on Amazon



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wVR9Zm
via IFTTT

How to Listen to Music With Friends Far Away

listen-music-friends

Listening to music is a social activity. Topics for discussion abound, whether they center on lyrics, rhythms, or something else. However, what happens when your music-loving pals live far away? Thanks to the 10 awesome apps below, it’s easy to listen to music with your friends, even if they live far away. It should be noted that most of the apps here require access to a music streaming service such as Spotify Premium. That shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for most people though. Since 2012, Spotify users have asked for a feature that allows simultaneous listening among users. The streaming service...

Read the full article: How to Listen to Music With Friends Far Away



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2fRVJO6
via IFTTT

The Best Windows Store App Developers You Must Try

windows-store-devs

The Windows Store continues to improve. What was once a barren wasteland of fake apps and security issues is now a thriving community full of fun and useful software. You’ll find everything from productivity tools to games. You might even be surprised by the presence of some mainstream apps like Photoshop and Ubuntu. But, like any app store, we’re always striving for more, always looking for the next thing to sink our teeth into. So, in this article, we’re going to introduce you to some more cool apps. But we’re going to take a different approach. Rather than listing apps,...

Read the full article: The Best Windows Store App Developers You Must Try



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wWKN7j
via IFTTT

How to Customize LED Notifications on Your Android Device

customize-led-notifications

The inconspicuous LED notification light on your smartphone can do a lot more than it seems. From changing color to customizing the flashing frequency, there are a variety of ways that you can customize your LED notifications to your preferences. All you need is an app and some creativity. Here is how to change your Android phone‘s LED notification light to suit your needs. 1. Download an LED Notification App There are a variety of apps, both free and paid, that you can use to change up your notification light settings. There are a few major apps in this niche...

Read the full article: How to Customize LED Notifications on Your Android Device



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wVymxi
via IFTTT

The New Google Doodle Lets You Play Old Games

Google is celebrating its 19th birthday today (September 27). And to mark the occasion it has published a new Google Doodle to the Google homepage. This new Google Doodle lets you access 19 playable Google Doodles, including a brand new Google Search easter egg called Snake Game. In 1998, a company called Google was born, and the internet has never been the same since. Google fostered the massive growth of the web, and now, in 2017, it’s seen as an essential part of our everyday lives. I mean it’s not as essential as food and water, but it’s certainly worth...

Read the full article: The New Google Doodle Lets You Play Old Games



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xFuUWD
via IFTTT

The Easiest Way to Install Microsoft Excel on Linux

excel-ubuntu

Switching from Windows to Linux is remarkably simple. The problems arise when you need to perform a particular task, such as running an application or video game, and finding that the software isn’t compatible. One obvious example is Microsoft Office. We’ve already looked at how to install Microsoft Office in Linux, but what if you just want to use Microsoft Excel? Perhaps you have a particularly complicated spreadsheet you need to use. It might be an XLS or XLSX file that you’ve been working on for years, and requires you to use Microsoft Excel rather than a Linux-based, open-source Office...

Read the full article: The Easiest Way to Install Microsoft Excel on Linux



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2xLFBr5
via IFTTT

Nebula Mars: The New Standard in Portable Projectors

Our verdict of the Nebula Mars:If you need a portable cinema projector, this is the best in class. A weak software offering slightly lets it down, but the hardware is top notch.910 We're giving away a Nebula Mars. Keep reading to find out how to win!Until now, battery powered projectors just haven’t been worth the effort. Poor image quality, not bright enough, rubbish speakers, and barely enough battery to last a whole movie. But the Nebula Mars is the new standard in portable projectors. Nothing else comes close. Nebula Mars Portable Cinema, Home Theater, 150in HD Picture, 3000 (500 ANSI) Lumens,...

Read the full article: Nebula Mars: The New Standard in Portable Projectors



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wWy18K
via IFTTT

What Are CNAME Records and How Do You Use Them?

cname-records

Once you’ve learned how to make a website, and chosen a web hosting service, configuring your domain CNAME records should be one of your next priorities. Today I’ll be showing you how and why to configure the CNAME records for your domains. Let’s begin! What Are CNAME Records? CNAME stands for canonical name, and its primary purpose is to alias or redirect one domain name to another. For example, say you store your documents on your own server and domain name. Perhaps you already have this configured as a subdomain: my_private_documents.my_website.com This subdomain is all well and good, but it’s...

Read the full article: What Are CNAME Records and How Do You Use Them?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2y77Gde
via IFTTT

How Do I Know VPNs Won’t Intercept Bank Login Details?

By now, you hopefully know that using a VPN is vitally important for your security. Obscuring your IP address and internet activity keeps you safe from prying eyes. But when using a VPN, how can you be sure that the VPN provider isn’t intercepting sensitive information, like your bank login? Assuming your VPN is trustworthy (which you can’t be sure of with a free VPN), the answer is encryption. Whenever you use a VPN, the security that it offers builds on top of the security that’s already built into secure websites. Let’s take an example. When you visit Bank of...

Read the full article: How Do I Know VPNs Won’t Intercept Bank Login Details?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2wkrTbc
via IFTTT

Know When Ctrl+C Fails Copying to Clipboard With This Notifier App

windows-clipboard

If there’s one keyboard shortcut that every Windows user should know, it’s Ctrl + C. It lets you copy anything to your clipboard in an instant and makes moving text and images between apps a breeze. But the shortcut does have a downside: sometimes it doesn’t work. And when it doesn’t, it can be hugely frustrating — especially if you’ve just had a five-minute battle with your web browser to select exactly the right bit of text. Alas, thanks to a new app called ClipboardNotifier, you don’t need to worry anymore. You will always know whether your clipboard copying was successful. ClipboardNotifier is...

Read the full article: Know When Ctrl+C Fails Copying to Clipboard With This Notifier App



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2yGeEmA
via IFTTT

How to Remove Items in Your Amazon Browsing History and Reset Recommendations

Your Amazon browsing history can reveal a lot about you, not all of it you necessarily want to share. Fortunately, if you’re on a shared computer or simply want to reset your Amazon suggestions, getting rid of your browsing history is easy. When it comes to removing items from your Amazon browsing history, you can either just wipe the entire list or you can selectively remove items: Click Browsing History in the menu at the top of your home page. Click the Manage history button. To wipe your browsing history, click Remove all items. You can also turn off browsing history so that it...

Read the full article: How to Remove Items in Your Amazon Browsing History and Reset Recommendations



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2k3DxFo
via IFTTT

How to Turn an Old Phone Into a Chore Tracker

Why waste the next-gen powerhouse in your pocket for task tracking when you can just recycle an old smartphone and turn it into a dedicated chore tracker? Chorr is a free Android app that’s specifically designed for re-using old devices. The words on the tin say, “Give use to a retired Android and get motivated.” Velcro the device to the wall (recommended by the developer) and it becomes a central hub for tracking chores and tasks. Think of It as a Smarter Post-It Note It isn’t sentient, but all your chores will be there front and center once you stick the phone...

Read the full article: How to Turn an Old Phone Into a Chore Tracker



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hvcCBz
via IFTTT

You Can Now Use Alexa in the Amazon Music App

amazon-music-unlimited-prime

Alexa is now available right from within the Amazon Music app on Android and iOS. Previously, Alexa could control your tunes via one of Amazon’s many hardware devices, including its Echo range. But she has now been given a new home in the Amazon Music app on your smartphone as well. I use Alexa to play music every single day, and have done since buying my Amazon Echo. However, this is only possible when I’m at home, and when I’m out and about I have to resort to actually searching for songs by hand. Thankfully, this extremely first world problem...

Read the full article: You Can Now Use Alexa in the Amazon Music App



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2hxu197
via IFTTT