Also this week: 5 ways to take charge of your Windows taskbar; OnLive Desktop Plus, the lastest way to play Flash videos on the iPad, and how to wipe everything—and I do mean everything—off your iPhone or Android phone.

10 tacky things to avoid posting on Facebook
What might’ve looked cute in the pages of your private journal could be a one-way ticket to Tacky Town on Facebook. Need some examples? Read more…

5 ways to customize the Windows taskbar
Don’t want the Windows taskbar at the bottom of your desktop? Wish it were smaller, or even gone? Read on for 5 ways to make the taskbar do what you want. Read more…

How to wipe everything off your iPhone or Android phone (updated)
Ready to trade your aging iPhone or Android phone for the latest model? Don’t do it without wiping your personal data off your old handset first. Read more…

Hands-on with OnLive Desktop Plus, the latest way to watch Flash videos on the iPad
OnLive Desktop, the clever new service that “streams” Windows 7 to the iPad, now boasts a Flash-enabled web browser. The catch? It ain’t so cheap. Read more…

How to pinch or swipe the iPhone’s screen without pinching or swiping
Don’t have full use of your fingers? With the iPhone’s “AssistiveTouch” feature, you can pinch the screen, crank the volume, and more with one fingertip. Read more…

Send us your favorite iPhone auto-correct fail (and learn how to turn auto-correct off)
Ever send a text on your iPhone that was way more interesting than you intended? Do share! Also: how to turn off auto-correct on your iPhone or Android phone. Read more…

Facebook tip: Double-check your privacy settings before you post
Surprised that your last Facebook post was set to “Public”? Here’s why it may have happened. Read more…

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Also this week: My take on the pricey new PlayStation Vita, Apple announces “Mountain Lion,” yet another new version of the Mac operating system; and find out how to lend a Kindle book to a friend.

Hands-on review: Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T
Is it a phone or a tablet? That’s the big question about the Samsung Galaxy Note, a new, gargantuan Android phone that tries a little too hard to do it all. Read more…

Hands-on review: Sony PlayStation Vita, and why parents who game will love it
Who needs a handheld game console like the PlayStation Vita when you can play games on your iPhone or Android phone? A dad-to-be like me, that’s who. Read more…

8 things you need to know about OS X “Mountain Lion” for Mac
So, when will the new Mac system software arrive? How much will it cost, and which features look most enticing? Get the scoop right here. Read more…

Facebook tip: How to limit who sees you as a suggested friend
You can’t completely stop Facebook from putting your name out there as a possible friend, but at least you can limit who gets to see the suggestions. Read more…

How to turn on parental controls for your PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii
If you’re the parent of a pint-sized gamer, make sure to turn on your console’s parental controls to keep your little ones away from Call of Duty. Here’s how. Read more…

How to loan a Kindle book to a friend
Lending a Kindle book to a fellow reader isn’t as easy as lending out a paper book, but it can be done—provided you’re willing to jump through a few hoops. Read more…

9 classic movies coming soon to Blu-ray
“We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” “Bring out your dead!” “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” Get the scoop on 9 great films making their way to Blu-ray in 2012. Read more…

Android tip: How to sync all your Gmail folders, not just the inbox
You can set the Android Gmail app to sync some or all of your custom email folders, although you’ll sacrifice battery life in the process. Here’s how to do it. Read more…

9 questions—and answers—about Sony’s PlayStation Vita
So, what’s the big deal about Sony’s new gaming handheld? How much will it cost, and why get one when you can play games on your smartphone? Read more…

Podcast 012: The Samsung Galaxy Note, or how big is too big?
Boasting a massive 5.3-inch HD display, the new Galaxy Note is easily the biggest smartphone I’ve ever tested—but is it a little too big for most of us? Read more…

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Also this week: five ways to turn back the clock on Gmail; six questions to ask before you decide between an iPhone or an Android phone; and the scoop on if—and when—your carrier will throttle your smartphone data.

Isn’t it romantic: 9 tech-minded Valentine’s Day goodies
We’ve come up with nine nifty gifts for your tech-addicted sweetie, from a heart-shaped, USB-powered mug warmer to a “Star Wars” lightsaber candlestick. Read more…

iPhone or Android? 6 questions to ask yourself before deciding
Can’t quite decide between a new iPhone or an Android phone? Don’t make the leap  until you answer these six crucial questions for yourself. Read more…

5 ways to go back to the old Gmail
Remember the old Gmail—before instant chat, the preview pane, the automatic message sorting, and the new look? Here’s 5 ways to make the new Gmail old again. Read more…

When will your smartphone carrier throttle your data? AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon compared
Your carrier may slow, or “throttle,” your phone’s data speeds if it thinks you’re using too much data. How much is too much, and what’s your carrier’s policy? Read more…

Mac tip: How to control your desktop with “Hot Corners”
Turn on the Mac’s hot-corner feature to jump to Mission Control, clear your desktop, and more, all with a simple flick of your fingertip. Read more…

6 ways to take charge of the Windows Start menu
From pinning a program to your list of recent items to changing what the “Shut down” button does, read on for six key ways to tweak the Windows Start menu. Read more…

Podcast 011: Gadgets, your kids, and you
Find out why your toddler wants not just any iPhone, but your iPhone; what a kid might do to a keyboard; and how to keep tykes from lunging at your new gadget. Read more…

4 ways to check if Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or [insert name here] is down
So, is Facebook (or Yahoo Mail, Netflix, or another big site) refusing to load? Here’s four quick ways to find out whether the problem lies with you, or them. Read more…

How to choose who can—and can’t—see you in Facebook’s chat sidebar
Don’t want a certain Facebook pal to see you’re online? Good news: you can now pick and choose who gets to see you’re available for chat, and who doesn’t. Read more…

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The good news, though, is that you can—finally!—hide it completely. Want to know how? Read on.

Also this week: the scoop on Google’s “personalized” ads, and how to tweak or disable them; 12 keyboard shortcuts every Mac user should know; and why I’m still renting DVDs and Blu-rays.

How to completely hide the Facebook ticker (finally!)
Some people love it, most seem to hate it, but there was no real way to completely hide the Facebook ticker—well, until now, anyway. Here’s how to do it. Read more…

12 Mac keyboard shortcuts you need to know
Switch applications, take a “quick look” at a file, get help, and more, all without touching your Mac’s mouse or trackpad. Read more…

How to say “thanks, but no thanks” to personalized Google ads
There’s an easy way to tell Google and other online ad networks to stop “personalizing” the ads you see in Gmail, search results, and on the web at large. Read more…

iPhone tip: How to see more (or less) of the messages in your email inbox
Want to get a better idea of what’s waiting for you in your iPhone’s email inbox? Just boost the size of your email message preview in the settings menu. Read more…

How to zoom the display on your PC or Mac
Squinting at your computer screen? You can zoom the entire display on your PC or Mac, a handy trick for anyone with iffy eyesight. Here’s how. Read more…

How to fine-tune the “personalized” online ads that Google shows you
Want to see more online ads that you’d actually click? If you’re game, you can help Google’s ad system get a better idea of who you are, and what you like. Read more…

How to “unfriend” a Facebook friend without really unfriending them
Want to keep a marginal Facebook pal at arm’s length without actually hitting the unfriend button? Read on for a couple of ways to do it. Read more…

5 reasons why DVDs and Blu-ray still matter
Streaming is all the rage when it comes to home video, but that doesn’t mean DVDs and Blu-rays are dead—or at least, not to me it doesn’t. Read more…

10 essential Facebook tips and tricks
Don’t like getting tagged in photos? Had it with the ticker? Looking to declutter your news feed? Read on for 10 tips to make life on Facebook easier. Read more…

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Like it or not, your Facebook wall is about to get the Timeline treatment. Don’t let the upcoming change to your Facebook profile catch you by surprise.

Once you’ve learned the basics and snagged some must-know security tips, be sure to learn how to limit who can browse stories posted by others on your Timeline—or how to block second-hand Timeline posts altogether.

Also this week: everything you need to know about mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, taking a “Quick Look” at files on your Mac with the spacebar, and how to set up multiple iCloud accounts on a single iPhone.

How to control who can post stories to your Facebook Timeline—and who can’t
Don’t want any and all of your Facebook friends marking up your Timeline—or sifting through Timeline stories posted by others, for that matter? No problem. Read more…

Take a “Quick Look” at almost any file on your Mac with the spacebar
Want to sneak a peek at just about any document on your Mac’s desktop? Try this: just use the space bar. Read more…

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots: Your questions, answered
So, how do mobile hotspots work, what are their drawbacks, and how much do they cost? Get answers to those questions and more, right here. Read more…

Mac OS X Lion tip: Miss the scroll bar arrows? Try the arrow keys instead
Yes, you can get Lion’s missing scroll bars back, but the same can’t be said for the arrow buttons that used to flank the scroll bars. Read more…

Sneak a peek at your Windows desktop with Aero Peek
Want to take a quick look at the files and folders on your desktop without minimizing all your open windows? It’s easy, thanks to a handy Windows 7 feature. Read more…

3 ways to declutter your Facebook news feed
Seeing too many links and photos in your Facebook news feed from perfect strangers? Read on for three ways to whip your bloated news feed into shape. Read more…

How to make your iPad’s keyboard float in the middle of the screen
Want to set the iPad’s on-screen keyboard free? With a tap, you can undock it from the bottom of the screen, allowing it to float in the middle of the display. Read more…

Podcast 009: The Facebook show, starring Timeline
Ready or not, Timeline is coming to your Facebook account, and this week we guide one of our co-hosts through the process of making the switch. Read more…

Best way for my wife and me to set up iCloud on our iPhones? (reader mail)
You can pick and choose the contacts, calendars, email, and photos you want to share with your better half in iCloud, but the setup can be a bit tricky. Read more…

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More than 60 so-called “Open Graph” apps from the likes of Spotify, Yahoo!, Hulu, and Urbanspoon are now live on Facebook, and they’re designed to tell the world what you’re reading, watching, playing, and even eating. Wary of oversharing? Read on.

Also this week: shopping for smartphone data plans in the wake of AT&T’s recent rate hike; how to bring the Mac’s virtual desktop “spaces” to your Windows PC; and a Netflix-like “try before you buy” service for gadgets.

How to keep Facebook’s new “Open Graph” apps from (over-)sharing your activity
Want to keep your reading, listening, and streaming habits to yourself? Here’s how to stop Facebook’s new, oversharing Open Graph apps from spilling the beans. Read more…

Smartphone data plans compared: Bargain plans becoming more and more scarce
If you’re looking to pay less than $20 a month for data on your smartphone, you’ll soon have just one choice left among the biggest U.S. carriers: T-Mobile. Read more…

How to bring the Mac’s virtual desktop “spaces” to a Windows PC
A free utility called Dexpot will let you quickly switch between up to 20 virtual desktops, similar to the handy Mission Control feature on the Mac. Read more…

“Try-before-you-buy” Ybuy service: Like Netflix, but for gadgets
For $25 a month, Ybuy will ship you a new gadget every 30 days, which you can either try and return for keep for the standard retail price. Is there a catch? Read more…

6 ways to take charge of your Facebook Timeline
You can’t remove Timeline from your Facebook wall, but you can tweak its look and feel, from adding a “cover” photo to hiding “life events” you’d rather forget. Read more…

How to zoom in on your iPhone’s entire display (quick tip)
The trick to magnifying the entire screen on your iPhone? A three-finger tap, and a tweak to a key iPhone setting. Read more…

Exceeded your monthly smartphone data limit? Here’s what you’ll pay
Each of the biggest U.S. carriers—including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—has its own overage policies, and it’s pretty much a case of pick your poison. Read more…

12 iPhone tips and tricks you need to try
From zipping to the top of a web page to restoring your app, settings, and other data from iCloud, here’s a dozen tips for getting the most out of your iPhone. Read more…

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Also this week: 10 keyboard shortcuts that ever Windows user needs to know, a browser shortcut that’ll make your Facebook news feed default to “most recent” stories first, and how to create custom vibrations for contacts on your iPhone.

CES 2012: 9 nifty new products to watch
From a razor-thin 55-inch HDTV to a wireless, Twitter-savvy baby scale (no, really), check out nine new gadgets that are making waves at CES this year. Read more…

10 Windows keyboard shortcuts you need to know
From CTRL+ALT+DELETE to hitting the shift key five times, here’s 10 keyboard shortcuts that every Windows user should have at their fingertips. Read more…

iPhone tip: Create custom vibrations for your contacts
Want to know if that buzz from your iPhone is a call from your spouse, and not just some random cold call? All you have to do is create a custom vibration. Read more…

How to enable “sticky keys” on your PC or Mac
Having a tough time maneuvering your fingertips around multi-key combos like SHIFT + ALT + DELETE? The “sticky keys” feature in Windows and Mac OS X can help. Read more…

Hands-on: OnLive Desktop brings Windows 7 to your iPad
OnLive Desktop for iPad is more of a curiosity than a practical alternative to a true Windows desktop. But what a curiosity it is—and hey, the price is right. Read more…

How to send documents to your Kindle directly from Windows Explorer
Thanks to the new “Send to Kindle” utility from Amazon, sending PDFs, Word documents, and other files from your PC to your Kindle is just a right-click away. Read more…

How to make your Facebook news feed default to “most recent” stories first
Tired of seeing “highlighted” stories at the top of your Facebook news feed? Here’s a browser bookmark that’ll keep your Facebook feed in chronological order. Read more…

Bad iPhone battery life while shuffling music with iTunes Match? (reader mail)
Shuffling music with iTunes Match is a recipe for draining your iPhone’s battery, especially over 3G. Here’s a setting that’ll save the day for music lovers. Read more…

6 ways to customize the Mac desktop dock
You can expand, shrink, move, and otherwise tweak the Mac’s dock in just a few clicks, as well as rearrange, add, or zap any app, folder, or file icon. Read more…

How to get your personalized email address for uploading photos to Facebook
Can’t find your customized email address for uploading photos to Facebook? You’re not the only one. Here’s how to do it. Read more…

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Also this week: my review of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus and its eye-popping 4.65-inch touchscreen; 10 classic, must-have Blu-ray movies; and 7 upcoming gadgets to keep an eye on next year.

Holiday Gift Guide: 4 tips for last-minute shoppers
There’s still time to leave something under the tree—a digital something, anyway—even if you’ve waited until the last yawning moment. Read more…

Hands-on review: the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, powered by “Ice Cream Sandwich”
With its jumbo HD screen and button-less face, the “Ice Cream Sandwich”-powered Samsung Galaxy Nexus is scene-stealer, but is it worth the hefty $299 price tag? Read more…

The 5 best YouTube Yule logs
Stuck without a fireplace this holiday season? No problem. Just crack open your laptop, fire up YouTube, and warm up with one of these cozy digital Yule logs. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 classic, must-have Blu-ray movies
Putting a Blu-ray player under the tree for your favorite movie buff? Consider throwing in a classic Blu-ray movie, like “Ben-Hur” or “Gone With the Wind.” Read more…

7 gadgets and tech products to watch in 2012
Coming in 2012: a spiffy new iPad, a camera that you’ll never have to focus, data plans for families, two game consoles your kids will be longing for, and more. Read more…

Year in tech: The 5 “improvements” you hated the most
From the redesigned Gmail to Newsstand on the iPhone, here’s 5 new and “improved” features on your favorite products that you wanted undone, pronto. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: 6 super smartphone accessories
From a stylish Bluetooth headset to a roll-up keyboard, we’ve got six great gifts for your favorite iPhone-, Android-, or BlackBerry-toting road warrior. Read more…

How to set a hard data limit for your Android phone
The new “Ice Cream Sandwich” version of Android boasts a data-usage monitor that warns you if you’re approaching your monthly data limit. Here’s how to do it. Read more…

Podcast 008: Gadgets to watch next year; last-minute shopping tips
This week: the so-called tech “improvements” that readers absolutely, positively hated. Also: gadgets to watch in 2012, and (very) last-minute shopping tips. Read more…

How to unlock the Galaxy Nexus Android phone with your face
Can’t be bothered to tap in a PIN to unlock your phone? Here’s a novel solution: a camera that unlocks your handset the instant it recognizes your face. Read more…

Happy Holidays from here’s the thing!
I wanted to take time out and wish you and your families all the best in this Holiday Season. I’m looking forward to an amazing 2012! Read more…

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You didn’t think the year would end without one more big change on Facebook, did you?

Meet Timeline, which (like it or not) turns your old Facebook wall into a visual representation of your life, complete with all your posts and literally starting from the day you were born. Find out what you need to know about Timeline, along with 5 key privacy tips.

Also this week: Check out our 2011 holiday shopping guide, featuring everything from iPads and Roombas to digital photo frames and pocket-sized video projectors. We’ve also got apps and online services for keeping you organized during the holiday rush, as well as bargain gift picks and 10 tech-minded gift card ideas.

Facebook’s new Timeline feature: 7 things you need to know
Get the scoop on “Timeline,” the new Facebook feature that weaves your Facebook posts, photos, and other “life events” into a linear, visual, and public story. Read more…

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: gadgets, tech gear, apps, and more
From iPads and Roombas to flying alarm clocks and voice-recording smartpens, we’ve got the perfect gadget for the loved ones on your holiday shopping list. Read more…

10 must-have apps for the iPad
Got a new iPad? Here are 10 apps you should download now, ranging from news and video apps to virtual fashion catalogs and video chat courtesy of Skype. Read more…

5 privacy tips for locking down your Timeline on Facebook
Read on for three ways to wipe—or at least hide—updates, photos, activity from your apps (like Spotify), or any other less-than-flattering Timeline posts. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: Home theater gear for the living room and beyond
Among our picks: a pair of streaming TV set-top boxes (can you say Apple TV?); one remote control to rule them all; and a pocket-sized HD projector. Read more…

Podcast 007: Facebook’s new Timeline feature; last-minute holiday shopping tips
This week, we take on Timeline, the new Facebook feature that weaves your posts into a visual timeline of your life. Also: last-minute holiday shopping tips. Read more…

5 must-have organizational apps for the holidays
We’ve rounded up a few apps and web sites that’ll help organize your gift lists, find the lowest prices for your picks, and manage your holiday get-together. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 tech gifts under $20
From a tiny mobile speaker and a Kindle reading light to an iPhone armband case and MP3-playing sunglasses, we’ve got 10 tech gifts that won’t break the bank. Read more…

How to create an iPhone calendar event or contact directly from email
Get an invitation to a can’t-miss event in your iPhone’s email inbox? If so, you’re just a few taps away from marking the date in your mobile calendar. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 tech-minded gift card ideas
So, don’t have a clue what to give your favorite gadget hound for the holidays, or are you simply pressed for time? Here’s a simple solution: a gift card. Read more…

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Also this week: How to create a “smart” Photo Stream album in iPhoto that you can actually edit; 5 reasons a $99 HP TouchPad might not be a bargain after all; and help for those trying to decide between the 3G iPad and the Wi-Fi-only model.

Holiday Gift Guide: 7 goodies for iPhone users
Among our gift ideas: a gaming-friendly iPhone case, a gorgeous Bluetooth speaker, a Wi-Fi-enabled bathroom scale, and more. Read more…

5 reasons why the $99 HP TouchPad isn’t necessarily a bargain
The $99 TouchPad may serve as another example of getting what you pay for—no less, but certainly no more, either. Read more…

Holiday gift guide: Gadgets for grandparents
From an HD webcam to a digital photo frame that doesn’t look like one, we’ve got five can’t-miss gadgets for the grandparents on your holiday shopping list. Read more…

How to create a “smart” Photo Stream album in iPhoto that you can actually edit
Annoyed that iPhoto makes you jump through hoops to edit or share photos in your Photo Stream? Here’s a quick, easy shortcut. Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: 5 gadgets for around the house
From a floor-sweeping robot to a blue “light therapy” device to brighten dark winter months, these handy household gadgets will make for perfect holiday gifts. Read more…

Which iPad should you give for the holidays: 3G, or Wi-Fi? 4 things to consider before buying
So, you’re giving an iPad to a special someone for the holidays. But which version should you get: the Wi-Fi-only version, or the pricier 3G-plus-Wi-Fi model? Read more…

Holiday Gift Guide: Prepaid and no-contract phones
Put a spiffy new phone under the tree without hanging a contract around the lucky recipient’s neck. Read more…

Podcast 006: Going iPad shopping—3G, or Wi-Fi?
This week, we tackle the No. 1 question I’ve been getting from gadget shoppers: Whether to get the Wi-Fi-only iPad, or the one with 3G support. Read more…

How to check the status of Xbox Live
Can’t log in to Xbox Live, the online gaming network for the Xbox 360? Here’s how to find out if Xbox Live is on the fritz, or whether your console is to blame. Read more…

Visit the here’s the thing Holiday Gift Guide on Pinterest
Check out all our holiday gift picks on Pinterest, an online “pinboard” that lets you share products, restaurants, and anything else that tickles your fancy. Read more…

How to paste your signature into a PDF using your Mac’s built-in webcam
Got “Lion”? If so, you can scan your signature using your Mac’s iSight camera, then paste it onto the dotted line of a PDF. Here’s how. Read more…

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