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Eye-to-iVisit

With help from apps like iVisit, face-to-face video messaging and conferencing is poised to become a part of daily life. It's a free unified communications solution that combines a host of tools--all via peer-to-peer network technology. The only thing missing is an adequate Help file. To take full advantage of iVisit, both parties must have the iVisit software.

A Windows-style wizard makes installing iVisit a snap. You must register online to use the iVisit network, but it's free and quick to do. You can then invite contacts into the iVisit network via a Web form--they'll need to … Read more

Samsung takes on Canon S90 with prosumer compact cam

Two years ago it was difficult to see Samsung as a serious digital camera competitor in the U.S. But that was two years ago. The company has since released a handful of models that have helped it standout, and its newly announced TL500 looks like another standout to add to that list.

Judging by it specs alone, the TL500 looks like it can take down Canon's PowerShot S90, one of the most popular cameras on CNET. In front is a f1.8, 24mm-equivalent lens with a 3x zoom. In back is a 3-inch swivel-mounted rotating AMOLED screen. Inside … Read more

Monster downloads

There's an abundance of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing clients these days, each boasting a combination of features designed to distinguish itself by making the bit torrent downloading experience easier or more complex, depending on how much control each user needs. Goforshare's Torrent Monster takes the more complex approach, offering a plethora of features and settings that give users an unusual degree of power and control over the searching and downloading processes on Gnutella, the largest P2P network. Its connection optimizer matches your download speed to your Internet connection bandwidth. Torrent Monster also has a sophisticated library manager and features … Read more

Really secure your Gmail

If you use Gmail, but worry about your privacy--especially in the wake of Google's attack by sophisticated hackers--CNET reporter Stephen Shankland shows you how to have your cake and eat it, too.

What are the secret ingredients to a secure Gmail? A triumvirate of freeware comprised of Gnu Privacy Guard encryption, Mozilla's Thunderbird e-mail application (Windows|Mac), and an e-mail encryption plug-in called Enigmail (Windows and Mac).

Switching from open to encrypted e-mail isn't a light undertaking, and as Stephen points out, there are plenty of drawbacks and trade-offs when you swap ease-of-use for near-total privacy. Still, … Read more

Overwhelming video options

Videocharge Full provides an impressive collection of photo, audio, and video editing utilities. While its tools are simple to handle, it nearly overwhelms with a seemingly endless supply of options.

The program's interface is friendly and easy to use, thanks to a Wizard that breaks down each action into a few simple steps. It was so intuitive throughout that we never felt compelled to seek out the Help file for further instructions. We were initially amazed and slightly overwhelmed at the program's collection of functions, which include converting video file types, applying watermarks, taking screenshots from videos, and … Read more

Mediocre file-sharing software

Fastest P2P promises to be the fastest peer-to-peer file-sharing program available. Although we can't vouch for that, we can say that it seems to be an adequate--if not particularly impressive--piece of software.

The program's interface looks very much like an earlier version of LimeWire and is fairly intuitive. Users will want to pay attention during the installation process; the "typical installation" installs a toolbar, sets Fastestp2p as the default search engine, and makes Fastp2p.com the default home page. Using the program was very much like using other Gnutella P2P programs; it searched, it found, and … Read more

Nikon gives the VR II treatment to two popular lenses

Improving on two already-popular Nikon lenses, Nikon today announced the new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR II, and the new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 G ED VR II. One is a popular FX series lens, the 70-200 f2.8, which has long been a staple for working professionals due to its fast aperture and versatility. And one is a popular DX series lens, the 18-200mm f3.5-5.6, which is one of Nikon's best sellers for the simple fact of its amazing versatility in a single lens. Both new lenses share Nikon's latest … Read more

Improve your Outlook

The Xobni Outlook add-on is at its heart a tool to search for and find e-mail and contacts faster. As an interesting, but far less crucial, secondary function, Xobni also collects statistics, like the frequency you e-mail a contact and at which hour, that can eventually help you manage your social relationships.

Visually, Xobni displays as an attractive sidebar that slides in an out from the right and over the reading pane. It features a Xobni search bar, faster-acting than Outlook's own by miles, and a Google search bar for more general queries. The search results pull up people, … Read more

Four new DT series Alpha lenses from Sony

To go with Sony's new compact and lightweight Alpha dSLR's announced today are four new DT series lenses. Designed for use with APS-C sized sensors, the new entry-level DT lenses have built-in-lens autofocus motors. The Smooth Autofocus Motor provides quiet, smooth autofocus with the new compact Alpha bodies.

Sony announced a pair of new compact, lightweight kit zoom lenses: The DT 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens has aspherical and ED (extra-low dispersion) lens elements. The DT 55-200mm f4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens has an ED lens element and its long range make it good for sports. … Read more