customized

Ever want to build an app for yourself?

It's actually not hard. There are a number of companies that offer the ability to create your own app for a minimal fee, which is great for small businesses looking to stay relevant in this increasingly mobile world. Or if you just have a lot of time on your hands.

Take Conduit. The company made its money creating branded toolbars found on your browser. But over the past few months, it has been expanding into the mobile world with a free service that allows you to build an app and mobile … Read more

In Apple's continuing effort to streamline the shopping process at its retail stores, the company has reportedly launched software that informs its employees when shopper has arrived to pick up a purchase.

The free Apple Store app allows shoppers to buy Apple products before entering a retail outlet and then alerts store employees that the customer has arrived to retrieve their purchases, according to a New York Times report. A store employee told the newspaper that 16 customers used the location feature to pickup purchases at the company's Palo Alto, Calif., store on Friday.

Employees already have a … Read more

The carriers are increasingly taking their cues from Apple's stores as they look to evolve more into a resource for consumers instead of simply a place to buy cell phones.

Last week, AT&T opened up a model store near Chicago with a Genius Bar-like services center. Over the past few months, Verizon Wireless has been rolling out workshops--similar to the classes offered at Apple stores--to help with different smartphones, tablets, and services across its nationwide chain of stores. T-Mobile similarly has been holding "smart clinics" in its stores.

The move towards improved customer care and … Read more

Couple quick housekeeping items. First, my sincere thanks for all the incredibly kind words of condolence yesterday. I'm deeply touched and endlessly appreciative, and my family feels the same way. Thank you.

Second, I know the Cheapskate newsletter has arrived unusually late the last few days, and many of you missed deal opportunities as a result. My apologies for that. I'm still working with the CNET crew to come up with a better, more timely system for newsletter delivery. Stay tuned!

Third, if you haven't yet checked out CNET's new Marketplace page, home to a steady … Read more

Is your Windows 7 system a sea of bland yellow folders? Custom folder icons can make folders easier to find and they're prettier to look at too. Here's how to customize your Windows 7 folder icons:

Step 1: Right-click on a folder you want to customize and select "Properties."

Step 2: In the "Customize" tab, go to the "Folder icons" section and click the "Change Icon" button.

Step 3: Choose one of the many icons listed in the box then click OK. These icons are located in C:\Windows\system32\… Read more

At the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, seeing 100 different custom incarnations of big, powerful Ford Mustangs is par for the course. This year, however, Ford is thinking small.

This year, Ford is choosing to focus on the B- and C-segment 2011 Fiesta and 2012 Focus and will be filling its booth with custom examples of each. We got a sneak peek at 10 renderings of these tiny customs and are happy to see that they run the gamut. From high-performance examples by Roush, Steeda, and Cobb Tuning to styling exercises by the ID Agency, M2-Motoring, and 3dCarbon, if … Read more

It stands to reason: the less software you have on your system, the lower the risk of software conflicts.

Windows 7 is complete enough to not need any added helper programs. The Windows Firewall, Security Essentials, Windows Update, and other components of Windows 7 are sufficient to keep your machine running smoothly and virus-free.

(Technically, Security Essentials is freeware supplied separately by Microsoft, but I consider it part of the operating system.)

In the past, I have recommended free file-management programs for Windows Vista and XP to replace or enhance Windows Explorer. Windows 7 Explorer is not a big departure … Read more

I still have a hard time buying the idea that anyone really wants to use the iPod Nano as a watch. It's rare enough that people still wear watches at all, much less adopt a $129 watch that you have to recharge every few days.

But don't let me stop you. With the 18 clock faces Apple has added with the October 2011 software update, you're bound to find at least one that will tempt you.

Once you've committed to a method of strapping the thing to your wrist, the next hurdle is finding a way … Read more

Apple's October 2011 software update for the iPod Nano changes the home screen navigation to a large icon view. The change is intended to make the fitness-friendly MP3 player easier to use, and honestly, I like it better than the small grid of icons that was used previously.

I mean, when you're dealing with a screen the size of a postage stamp, even one icon can be tough to manage. Throw in the fact that you're probably using the Nano while flailing around trying to work off that morning extra doughnut, and you're probably praying the … Read more