killer

Altec's new Live 5000 Wi-Fi speaker doesn't discriminate against Android users

LAS VEGAS--Attention, Android users who've been shut out from using Apple's AirPlay feature: Altec Lansing feels for you and wants you to get in on the Wi-Fi streaming action. So much so that today it's launching the Live 5000, the first product in what it's calling "an exciting new music entertainment ecosystem."

But, sorry, Android peeps, this isn't an exclusive. Apple users also are welcome to join.

In fact, on paper anyway, Altec's new system sounds a little like a Sonos. Take Altec's description of the Live 5000:… Read more

Blockbuster Movie Pass no Netflix killer

commentary Talk about a serious letdown.

Anticipation was high that Dish Network would unveil a streaming video service through Blockbuster that would compete--and even possibly undercut--Netflix, which isn't exactly feeling the love right now. Instead, Dish announces a bundle of streaming videos; DVDs and games by mail; and access to premium movie channels--but only to Dish customers.

So those of you looking to leave Netflix in righteous anger over the way the company has treated you in the recent months might want to pause for a moment, because Blockbuster Movie Pass is no viable alternative. In hindsight, we probably … Read more

Prevent viruses with Alfa Autorun Killer

Alfa Autorun Killer is a free security tool that helps protect your system by scanning for and removing viruses, worms, adware, and other autorun threats on your hard disks and removable drives and by preventing unauthorized programs from executing autorun processes. It includes secure delete and process, services, and startup managers, and automatic updates.

Alfa's system-tray icon is the central access point for the software's features and settings. We right-clicked the program's icon to open its extensive menu, which stayed open even when other windows and apps were active--a small but welcome touch. From this menu, we … Read more

Make some space with Start Killer

Sometimes the smallest desktop modifications can make a huge difference. That's certainly the case with Start Killer. Hiding the Windows Start menu doesn't seem like such a big deal, but getting rid of this not-particularly-necessary button can actually free up a lot of space on your Taskbar. Start Killer can hide and unhide your Start menu easily, ensuring that it's there when you need it and gone when you don't.

Start Killer is based on the premise that most people don't actually need the Start button on their desktop, since the Start menu can also … Read more

Using the built-in Task manager on Galaxy Tab 10.1

Saving battery power is a popular topic when it comes to Android; that's why so many people turn to task managers to help them see which apps are running in the background. Instead of scouring the Android Market for the perfect task manager or killer, you can just use the built-in one that Samsung's flavor of Android provides. While it doesn't auto-kill apps after a certain period, it does keep you informed of which apps are running and let you close them all at once or individually. Read on to learn how to pull the … Read more

Hands-on with new Nook: Better than the Kindle?

Note: CNET's full review of the new Nook is up now.

The day after Kobo served up a new $129.99 touch-screen e-reader, Barnes & Noble, as expected, unveiled its own touch-screen e-ink Nook, which it's branding as "The Simple eReader."

We had a very good idea what the new device would be prior to the launch, but before we get to the initial impressions, here's a quick rundown of the new Nook's key specs:

Touch screen with Neonode "responsive" zForce infrared touch technology 6-inch Pearl e-ink screen (same screen as Kindle'… Read more

Cloud computing's killer applications

The year 2010 will probably be remembered at the year that cloud computing "shaped" itself into a tangible concept, at least amongst those of us who care. 2011, on the other hand, will likely be the year in which IT figures out how to actually use cloud concepts.

Of course there are success stories dating back two or more years, but what is happening so far in 2011 is a growing body of businesses, data, and applications that were born and cultivated in the cloud. Add to that the online and conference communities forming around cloud and new … Read more

Fortinet: Job outlook improving for cybercrooks

Cybercriminals are likely to find more jobs next year, one of five top trends forecast by security vendor Fortinet.

In an ironic twist in the job market, more positions will open up for developers who can write customized malware packers, people who can break CAPTCHA codes, and distributors who can spread malicious code, according to Fortinet.

And though cybercrooks have typically deployed their own botnets themselves, Fortinet believes this job will increasingly be farmed out to middlemen, citing the Alureon and Hiloti botnets as two examples of malware distributed this way. Money mules responsible for wiring funds and cashing checks … Read more

Djay for iPad fulfills your mixmaster fantasies

I'm not a musician, nor am I a DJ. I do fantasize about it, though, hence my obsession with DJ Hero, and my amateur songcrafting in GarageBand. I'd never buy a full-fledged turntable, nor would I know what to do with it. However, I'm a big fan of what's been accomplished on Djay, a new turntable app for the iPad.

Algoriddim's Djay app isn't cheap--at $20, it's in the high end of the App Store economy--but what it does matches what you'd expect from a regular PC/Mac application. In fact, it'… Read more