PC Answer: CBSNews.com

Counting On Computers To Count The Votes

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:04:47 EDT

Some of the country's leading experts on electronic voting are worried about how Americans' ballots will be tallied this November. CBS News tech analyst Larry Magid reports.

Google Street View A Child Safety Threat?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:03 EDT

A new child safety campaign is targeting Google Street View, claiming that the image-mapping feature aids potential predators. CBS News Technology Analyst Larry Magid disagrees.

Google Chrome - Upon Further Review

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:30:01 EDT

After initially giving Google's new Web browser mixed reviews, CBS tech analyst Larry Magid admits it's growing on him.

Security Highlights Demo Trade Show

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:55:10 EDT

For 18 years, the Demo trade show has been a place for start-up tech companies to strut their stuff to an audience of tech-insiders. This year, many of the featured products emphasized security, writes Larry Magid.

Google's "Chrome" Is Shiny. And Fast

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:30:04 EDT

Move over Microsoft and Mozilla. Google has its own Web browser. In a couple of hours of testing I found it fast but not always faster than the competition and confirmed that it"s less likely to crash than other browsers.

Report From Berlin Tech Show

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:30:02 EDT

At the IFA show in Berlin the big story is "white goods" - the fact that the show, for the first time in its 84-year history, is mixing home appliances along with consumer electronics.

The Value Of A Good "Twitter"

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:45:47 EDT

On a tip from a friend, technology analyst Larry Magid has signed onto micro-blog site Twitter. He hopes to gain a following and his very own slice of stardom, but will it be worth the time invested?

How Hackers Likely Blocked Georgian Sites

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:02 EDT

The Georgian government websites have been under attack, making it difficult or impossible for users to access several sites, including that of the country's president.

Protecting Web Sites From Their Members

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:52:53 EDT

Technology analyst Larry Magid examines the protection Web sites currently have from lawsuits filed by people whose reputations are trashed on their bandwidth, and contemplates what legal safeguards might be necessary.

Protecting Yourself Against ID Theft

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:06 EDT

After the Justice Department indicted 11 people for hacking into retail networks and stealing 40 million credit and debit card numbers, CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid offers tips on keeping your identity safe.

Smart-Phones Innovate Without Imitating

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:34:29 EDT

A lot has been written about how Apple added support for Microsoft Exchange to help the iPhone better compete with BlackBerry and Windows Mobile in corporate environments. But the reverse is also true.

About The Internet DNS Flaw

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:06 EDT

Tech analyst Larry Magid explains flaw that allows hackers to redirect URLs.

Even Experts Have Tech Problems

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:30:03 EDT

Larry Magid discusses his recent technological meltdown.

The High Price Of A Well-Wired Life

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:44:14 EDT

Still recovering from last week's iPhone 3G fever, Larry Magid has been thinking about the annual cost of using all our technological gadgets. After contemplating past and present, his verdict: Today's hi-tech lifestyle sure isn't cheap.

Can The New iPhone Revolutionize Radio?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:56:24 EDT

The new Apple 3G iPhone has received a lot of attention, but the more important story isn't about the new hardware, but Larry Magid says the real story is the software that could make the device a key weapon in the radio revolution.

Magid Celebrates His 25th Anniversary

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:30:04 EDT

This week marks my 25th anniversary as a tech columnist. "The Computer File," my syndicated Los Angeles Times column, debuted July 3, 1983.

Don't Fear The Vista From Your Windows

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:06:48 EDT

Microsoft's Windows XP operating system is now off the shelves. Vista is the way forward, and technology analyst Larry Magid says that's no reason to panic. If it's time for an upgrade, allow Mr. Magid to put your mind at rest.

What Your Tech Tendencies Tell About You

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:30:05 EDT

A new online survey shows some interesting personality trait links to people's habits in purchasing the latest gadgets. CBS News technology analyst explains the new data, and offers a warning to the targets of advertising (all of us).

Internet Providers Block Child Pornography

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:30:03 EDT

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown jointly called on California Internet service providers to "follow the lead of Verizon, Time Warner Cable and Sprint by "removing child pornography from existing servers."

The Intersection Of PC And TV

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:30:03 EDT

There's nothing new about using a PC as a media player. But no longer tethered to our cable or satellite provider, we can now tap into an abundant supply of online TV shows, commercial movies and user-supplied video, writes Larry Magid.

New Software For New iPhone

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:00:02 EDT

If you liked the Apple iPhone you"re going to love the new 3G iPhone. It"s faster, it"s cheaper and it knows where you are.

ZoneAlarm's Forcefield Boosts PC Security

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:00:03 EDT

CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid reports on the new software that takes PC security a step further.

Microsoft Chiefs Talk Past, Look To Future

Wed, 28 May 2008 04:50:58 EDT

Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer shared a stage in what could be regarded as a symbolic transition of power, as Gates gets ready to retire from his full-time job. Tech analyst Larry Magid spoke to the software icons about the past, present and future.

Netflix Offers A "Stream" Of Movie Rental

Tue, 27 May 2008 18:30:01 EDT

CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid test drives and critiques the instant online movie rental service from Netflix.

Google's New Project: Your Health Records

Tue, 20 May 2008 20:30:02 EDT

Larry Magid takes a closer look at Google's new health service designed to let users keep all of their medical information in one place online.

Fit For A Game-Loving Couch Potato

Tue, 20 May 2008 09:00:03 EDT

Larry Magid tries out Nintendo"s innovative Wii Fit - an $89.99 game and accessory for the Nintendo Wii designed to help people of all ages and both genders get healthier.

The Wonders Of Digital Photo Sharing

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:30:04 EDT

Tech guru Larry Magid loves to share his photos, and here he gives some insight on what he thinks are the best ways to do it - available now, and in the near future.

Identifying And Protecting Teens Online

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:30:02 EDT

Technology analyst Larry Magid is happy to be a member of a recently formed Internet Safety Technical Task Force, but it has caused him to feel a bit of a disconnect.

Yahoo-Microsoft Rift Leaves Wake Of Angst

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:00:04 EDT

A lot of people - especially its stockholders - are worried about the future of Yahoo now that Microsoft has backed away from its offer to buy the company. But Microsoft shareholders also have reason to worry, writes Larry Magid.

Consumer Electronics: Future Looks Bright

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:04 EDT

Larry Magid reports on the outlook for the global consumer electronics market

House Of Lords Goes High-Tech

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:30:03 EDT

The British House of Lords is a centuries-old institution, but Larry Magid found that the upper house of Parliament is embracing some aspects of the 21st century.

A World Away, U.S. Phone Service Is Swell

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:30:03 EDT

I"m in a city that spans Asia and Europe yet I"m happily using cell phones from Sprint and Verizon Wireless.

Software Helps Protect Kids From Predators

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:30:04 EDT

Thanks to some new technology from Google, analysts at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children now have a tool that could greatly enhance their effectiveness, writes Larry Magid.

Earbuds: Convenience At A Cost

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:16:50 EDT

Earbuds help MP3 users listen to music wherever they happen to be. But Larry Magid says they can sacrifice quality, damage hearing and create oblivion.

Dash System Is Step Up For GPS Devices

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:00:03 EDT

Larry Magid reviews the $400 Dash Express, which uses the Internet to monitor real-time traffic information and provide local search to help you find nearby restaurants and gas stations with actual gas prices.

Does JuicyCampus Go Too Far?

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:30:02 EDT

While there are legitimate reasons to protect people"s ability to be anonymous on the Internet, gossip site JuicyCampus.com is exercising these rights in ways that are hurtful and possibly dangerous. CBS News technology analyst reports.

Keeping Kids Safe Online: Myths & Tips

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:30:03 EDT

There are things teens, parents, teachers and other caregivers need to think about to ensure that online socializing remains "smart socializing."

How To Get E-Mail @ Yournamehere.com

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:30:04 EDT

CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid discovers greater flexibility and choices in receiving and sending e-mails, and offers suggesting on getting a handle on e-mail addresses.

Re-Examining The iPhone

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:00:04 EST

CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid has had some time to get to know Apple's iPhone, and its nearest competitors. He likes them, a lot, but not for making phone calls. In this article, Magid dreams of Holy Grail of cell phones.

The New ThinkPad: Light, Thin And Pricey

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:29:37 EST

Larry Magid says the Lenovo ThinkPad X300 is one of the thinnest and lightest PCs on the market. It's also very fast and more energy efficient thanks to its solid state hard drive. But one thing it's not is cheap.

A New Look At Blu-ray Now HD DVD Is Dead

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:30:02 EDT

After years of contentious battle between two competing high-definition DVD standards, Toshiba, the primary backer of HD DVD, on February 19th conceded defeat. HD DVD is dead. Long live Blu-ray.

Magid: Time For Uniform Online Sales Tax

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:22:12 EST

It may seem an unlikely position for a technology guru to espouse, but CBS' Larry Magid says people who buy goods from out-of-state online retailers should have to pay the same sales tax coughed up by everyone visiting local shops.

A P.O.V. Game On Immigration

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:07:15 EST

CBS technology analyst Larry Magid explores the issues behind ICED with Mallika Dutt, executive director of Breakthrough, the organization that distributes the game.

Getting The Perfect Shot

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:03 EST

CBS technology analyst Larry Magid lists his criteria for the perfect digital camera: Great pictures, small enough to fit in his pocket, LCD display, electronic viewfinder and large optical zoom lens. Oh, and inexpensive, of course.

Not Too Big, Not Too Small. Just Right?

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:30:03 EST

CBS technology analyst Larry Magid breaks down the basic types of digital cameras, taking a look at the ones that aren't too big and aren't too little and gives his verdict as to whether these mid-range digitals are just right.

Would A Takeover Of Yahoo Matter?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:30:03 EST

Would a Microsoft-Yahoo merger level the Internet playing field by offering a formidable opponent to Google? Or would it make no difference at all to the prospects of innovation in the development of Web 2.0? Larry Magid weighs in.

Cyberbullying Vs. Free Speech

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:00:07 EST

Since 13-year-old Megan Meier's death, there have been calls for laws to make it a crime to post comments anonymously or under an assumed identity. Larry Magid worries about over reaction to a rare but tragic case of an adult bullying a child.

That Other "Reality" Called Apple

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:00:04 EST

There's reality, and then there's Steve Jobs and Apple's sense of reality — which journalists, techies and Apple fans are eager to lap up. Larry Magid admits he got caught up in it, too. But he feels better now.

Time For That Big-Screen, HDTV Upgrade

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:00:03 EST

The Super Bowl is coming, and tech guru Larry Magid says "mature" technology makes now a great time to splash out on that big-screen, High Definition TV upgrade you've been wanting, but there's no need to pay for a name.

SSDs, The Death Knell Of Hard Drives?

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:00:03 EST

It's too early to declare the computer hard drive obsolete. But thanks to the shrinking size of flash memory chips, it is now possible to make full-feature laptops that store their data and programs on "solid-state drives," or SSDs.

Color Laser Printer Technology Comes Home

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:03 EST

Until the mid-'90s, if you wanted to print something in color, you had to use an ink jet printer. Then in 1994, QMS came out with a color laser printer but it was priced at $10,000. What a difference a bit more than a decade makes.

A Look Back At The Future Of Electronics

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:00:03 EST

The 2008 Consumer Electronics Show is in the history books. Tech analyst Larry Magid looks back at the last week and reviews what he's seen.

Chic Over Geek At CES '08

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:00:03 EST

As the Consumer Electronics Show gets underway in Las Vegas, tech analyst Larry Magid sees a common theme: products that look as good, or better, than they work.

2007: iPhone Tops Big Tech Year

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:00:02 EST

The iPhone was the biggest tech story of 2007, but there were plenty of other big stories, writes CBS tech analyst Larry Magid.

Trashing Tech Toys

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:30:07 EST

This is the season when people get technology gifts, but it"s also the time of year when we get rid of our old gadgets. Larry Magid lays out your options.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas On The Web

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:00:03 EST

With Christmas only a few days away, there's still time to order gifts online, and even send holiday greetings via e-cards. If you've ever wanted to have yourself depicted as an animated elf, now's your chance!

Watch Out For Your Personal Info Online

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:00:02 EST

When you're online, it's up to you to keep an eye out for your personal information.

GPS Can Speed You On Your Way

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:30:02 EST

Global Positioning devices have come a long way from the days when an early model tried to drive tech columnist Larry Magid into a lake. He reports on a new model with features including navigation to avoid traffic jams.

Backup Is Beautiful

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:00:05 EST

They don't have ringtones and are unlikely to be engraved with super cool art. Even so, says Larry Magid, external hard drives definitely are cool - and make a great gift.

Amazon's e-Reader Doesn't "Kindle" Raves

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:30:05 EST

CBS News technical analyst Larry Magid says the e-Reader is a good beginning, but Amazon should watch out for Apple. He finds it easy to use, but thinks the $399 pricetag is too high for what it does.

Larry Magid Goes Shopping

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:00:04 EST

Two big issues face holiday shoppers as they fill their online shopping carts: getting the best deal and Internet safety. A little homework, along with some consumer vigilance, can really pay off. CBS' Larry Magid reports.

The Ins And Outs Of Buying Electronics

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:49:51 EST

Buying new electronics this holiday season might seem like rocket science, but it doesn't have to be, CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid says. But do kick the tires and check for scams.

U.K. In Uproar Over Massive Data Loss

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:58:12 EST

The British government is revealing that the personal data of over 25 million people is at risk of exposure as a result of several computer disks that got lost in the mail. CBS News technology analyst Larry Magid reports on the fallout.

Skype Grows Up

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:04 EST

Once upon a time - and it was only four years ago - Skype was the ultimate computer geek toy: a great way for one PC user to call another. Today, all sorts of calls can be made with Skype. Larry Magid reports.