Don’t Tell Your Boss, But There Is a Way to IM Despite Blocks
Internet-based instant-messaging services Meebo and KoolIM circumvent barriers to downloadable software and are far less vulnerable to viruses.
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Internet-based instant-messaging services Meebo and KoolIM circumvent barriers to downloadable software and are far less vulnerable to viruses.
New Web services are giving cellphone voice mail a fresh sound with features that let users personalize outgoing messages for individual callers and eschew unwanted calls.
A new type of T-Mobile cellphone can place calls over Wi-Fi for a flat monthly fee without using regular cellphone minutes and can switch seamlessly to regular cellular service, but has a few drawbacks.
Walt Mossberg tests Fusion, another option for running Windows, and Windows programs, on a Mac. The program let him switch between each operating system rapidly and smoothly without slowing down his computer.
Walt Mossberg says Picnik — a Web-based photo-editing application — is good for tweaking and improving photos, then posting them to photo Web sites, saving them to a computer, emailing them, or even printing them.
Walt tests a new type of VOIP option that differs radically from Vonage and other current providers. You pay for it only once, and you can keep your regular phone service as an integrated backup. (Video)
Many parents don’t realize that the latest versions of the two main computer-operating systems have parental controls built in. Walt tests some of these tools that help parents get a handle on their children’s computing activities. (Video)
A free Web site called Netvibes is poised to give My Yahoo a run for its money, writes Walt Mossberg. It allows users to create personalized pages with modules that gather headlines, email, weather and other data from all over the Web.
Walt Mossberg tests two online services for remotely backing up his computer data that offer unlimited capacity for around $50 a year.
The new version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is much improved, but there’s nothing that should make you switch from other browsers, Walt Mossberg writes.
A new system gives you access to 2.5 million digital tunes — without even turning on your computer. But at $999, Walt Mossberg says it requires a roomy budget.
BlackBerry’s new Pearl is aimed squarely at consumers who need powerful email capabilities, but also want style and bells and whistles. And it’s a beautiful piece of work, Walt Mossberg says. (Video)
Using small gadgets called Powerline adapters, you can route your Internet connection around your house over your power lines. It really works and it’s fast, Walt Mossberg says. (Video)
A new version of Wi-Fi, generally known as draft-N, promises greater speed, greater range and standardization, but may not deliver any of those things. Walt Mossberg tests some of this latest Wi-Fi gear, with mixed results.
The fastest-growing computer-security problem isn’t a virus. It’s called “social engineering,” and it consists of tactics that fool users into giving up sensitive financial data. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these schemes. (Video)
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