Matt Smith
555 articles published since May 24, 2010
Page 20
About Matt Smith
Matthew Smith is a freelance writer living in Portland Oregon. He also writes and edits for Digital Trends.
What Exactly Is Phishing & What Techniques Are Scammers Using?
I’ve never been a fan of fishing, myself. This is mostly because of an early expedition where my cousin managed to catch two fish while I caught zip. Similar to real-life fishing, phishing scams aren’t always best when they rely on advanced tactics, but there are many new techniques motivated by social networks. So what exactly is phishing?
Does Saving Energy With Your PC Really Help Your Wallet?
Computers, like all electronics, consume a fair amount of electricity. And while the efficiency of the modern computer hardware has improved relative to older parts, there’s still a lot of energy wasted. Finding ways to save energy with your PC will not only help save the planet. It can also reduce your power bill. But by how much? Let’s have a look at some common energy saving tactics and gauge their impact.
The 4 Best IPS Monitors To Buy This Holiday Season
Monitors are an important part of any computer. Given the widespread availability of cheap TN panel options, it’s easy to take the path of least resistance and purchase whatever looks like a good value. That, however, may not be your best option. A high-quality display using an IPS panel can provide far better image quality and offer improved viewing angles. Ready to take the plunge? Then check out these four options.
4 Apps That Make Halloween Better & Safer [Android]
Ah, Halloween. Of all the holidays, it’s likely the most social. This brings its own challenges. With everyone spread far and wide, you may want to keep track of your family or friends. You might also want to watch what you’re eating, lest the candy bars get out of control. Let’s have a look at some apps to solve these problems – and more.
Microsoft Releases IE9 Security Update, Guards Against 8 Vulnerabilities [News]
Still using Internet Explorer? If so, you should check your Windows Updates to make sure that you’ve received a new IE9 patch that has been rated as "critical" by Microsoft. The patch is designed to protect against 8 specific vulnerabilities discovered in Microsoft’s web browser.
The Best External Hard Drives You Should Consider Buying [Gadget Corner]
Ah, the external hard drive. This unsung hero of the gadget world can be found on almost any geek’s desk, usually tucked away behind a monitor or stuffed in a drawer. Yet it’s of great importance, as it’s often used to back up critical data or store a library of music, videos and photos. There are plenty of drives available, but most of us only need one or two, so let’s narrow down the choices.
Steve Jobs Scams Spread Via Social Networking [News]
Online mischief-makers focusing on social media love to take advantage of your emotions. They convince you that you can see your Facebook stalkers, disguise themselves as political activists, and even use mourning to generate clicks. It’s no surprise, then, that scammers have been quick to latch on to the death of Steve Jobs.
Rdio Now Offers Free (Limited) Streaming Music [News]
Feeling some heat? That might be coming from the battle of the streaming music providers, which currently includes a number of competent competitors, each trying to find some edge against the others. Now Rdio has made a move that may draw it some attention – free streaming music with no ads. The way it works is simple.
How To Meter & Manage Computer Bandwidth Usage
Unlimited bandwidth is the dream of every geek, but unfortunately, it’s not always available. Caps are one way for service providers to squeeze extra money out of existing services, so there have been many attempts to introduce them, some of which have stuck. If you’re on a cap, it’s important to know how much bandwidth you’re using.
4 Tools For Easier & Safer Online Dating [Google Chrome]
Dating has gone digital. Once considered a realm inhabited only by the socially awkward, online dating is now just another tool in the toolbox, no matter whether you’re looking for a hook-up or your soulmate. Still, there are some disadvantages. You never know who you’re going to end up meeting, and sometimes your match isn’t who you thought they were.
What Is An Ultrabook & Can It Succeed? [Technology Explained]
Remember when the word laptop described virtually every mobile computer on the market? The choices were certainly easier back then (because there was simply less choice available), but today there’s a far wider variety including netbooks, ultraportables, thin-and-lights, desktop replacements, and more. Now, a new category is being added, courtesy of Intel. It’s the ultrabook.
Pixlr-o-matic Arrives For Android 2.1+, Lets You Mix-And-Match Photo Filters [News]
Do you want to make your digital smartphone photos look like they were taken with a 50 year old camera that you found at a yard sale? Do you have an Android? Then you’re in luck, because Pixlr-o-matic is now available for the low price of free. It’s an image editing app that can apply pre-determined filters to photos on your Android.
Game Booster 3 Adds Diagnose Feature, Plays Nice With Steam [News]
Sometimes, the gaming experience can be legitimately distorted by computer hiccups caused by background processes or problems with a game’s files structure. One solution that we’ve reviewed in the past is Game Booster, which has just received an update to its third incarnation.
4 Reasons Amazon’s Kindle Tablet Could Kick Butt
Rumor has it that Amazon is preparing a Kindle tablet that should launch by the end of the year. This is exciting new for the tablet market, as it’s been dominated by the Apple iPad so far. Amazon could be just the company to present a competitor with sales volumes similar to the iPad.
5 Tips for Navigating the Craigslist Jobs Jungle
Unemployment is an issue in much of the world today. There are many people looking for work, but not enough companies hiring. As a result, job hunters are trying to find ways to find and apply to as many jobs as possible and Craigslist is an obvious solution. However, I also found myself wasting time on supposed opportunities that turned out to be scams.
3 PC Games Like Angry Birds That You Can Play Offline
Like any popular game, Angry Birds has spawned clones. These games are often flash-based, and though most aren’t up to par with Angry Birds, they’re a nice diversion for someone who has slaughtered their fill of hogs. Just one problem – most of these games require an Internet connection. So what are you supposed to do when you’re offline?
3 Great Alternative Photo Gallery Apps [Android]
Photos have become an important part of the smartphone experience, be it taking them, sharing them or displaying them. Therefore it’s no surprise that Android phones come with a gallery app by default, but the quality isn’t always up to par. Once again, third-party apps come to the rescue. Almost everyone needs a gallery app, so it’s little surprise that many are available.
The 3 Best Google Analytics Apps [Android]
If you’re running a blog, Google Analytics may be the best single tool in your arsenal of traffic-generating weapons. Available for free, and capable of providing excellent data, Analytics is a must-have. The basic site isn’t well optimized for mobile devices however, which can be frustrating for webmasters who want to keep tabs on sites without dragging around a laptop.