Does everyone like Evernote?

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Are you part of the cult of Evernote? Do you use the well-known organizing app to schedule meetings, save your favorite Web pages and track of your wedding anniversary date? Do you use the program to store images and videos for work or play? If so, you’re not alone. As a recent story by BloombergBusinessweek shows, a growing number of tablet and computer users are gravitating to Evernote. And the fans of the software are anything but shy about their love for it.

Booming popularity

According to the Bloomberg BusinessWeek story, Evernote today boasts more than 50 million users, remarkable for an app that’s only existed for five years. Even more impressive is the fact that new users are signing at a pace of 100,000 a day. That makes chief executive officer Phil Libin’s goal of reaching 1 billion users across the globe seem more realistic than farfetched.

Why the praise?

According to the BloombergBusinessweek story, Evernote currently has more than 50 million users around the world. And the number of users remains on the rise. The story says that more than 100,000 new users sign up for Evernote daily. That’s impressive. And the BloombergBusinessweek interview quotes CEO Phil Libin as saying that his goal is to soon reach 1 billion users.

Why the popularity?

And that might be the key to Evernote’s popularity. It’s easy to forget meetings, appointments and deadlines when you are juggling the responsibilities of family and work. In the BloombergBusinessweek story, Libin says that he never thinks of the work/life balance because he considers work an essential part of life. And a increasing number of us think much the same way. Consequently, when life becomes so busy and cluttered, we need something which will help us get through it productively. That something, increasingly, has become Evernote.

Why make the switch to Android?

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The iPhone continues to be the dominant smartphone in the industry. That does not mean, though, that everyone loves it. The reality is, Android smartphones are siphoning quite a few users from the world of iPhones. Andy Ihnatko is but one such user. And he’s a significant user. He’s a tech writer, so he knows what makes for a good smartphone. So his switch means something. Fortunately, he’s written all about it for the Web site TechHive.

The big switch

Ihnatko writes that he’s long been a fan of the iPhone. He bought the first generation of the device. And he did it during the period when AT&T offered an unlimited data plan. He still had that unlimited plan prior to making the decision to change to an Android smartphone. What’s that mean? It means that Ihnatko really must like Android to surrender that unlimited data plan.

A great operating system?

Ihnatko writes that he moved to Android, and gave up his unlimited data plan, for just one reason: The Android operating system has developed into a excellent one. Simultaneously, the phones using this system grew more and more powerful. The pull of Android, then, was simply too strong. Today, Ihnatko subscribes to an LTE data plan with a monthly cap of 5 GB. And he uses his Android phone to make all of his calls.

What makes it better?

In his column, Ihnatko runs through a list of reasons for his decision to convert to the Galaxy S III. The primary ones? He likes the bigger screen that comes with his Android phone – important in an age when so many of us watch so much video on our smartphones – and also the easier-to-use keyboard that is included with his new phone. Again, that’s very important when so many of us spend much of our days sending messages and texts to our friends, family members and co-workers.

Worried about malware? Turn off Java

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You almost have to feel sorry for the makers of Java. The applet is constantly cited as an open door to hackers, one that allows cyber criminals easy access to your computer and private info. But really, Java’s time has mainly gone. That is why Slate writer Will Oremus has this recommendation: Disable Java on your computer. Don’t forget, last year the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning regarding security holes associated with Java. If you wish to keep your computer safe, you’ll follow Oremus’ advice.

No Patching

How strongly does Oremus feel about Java’s security weaknesses? He suggests that computer users not even bother with all the security patches that Java has issued. He advises instead that users totally disable Java. This actually is sensible. Most computer users rarely use Java. Only a few Web sites are still fueled by Java applets. It’s important to note, too, that when you disable Java, you aren’t actually eliminating it from your computer. Should you need it, then, it is easy to temporarily enable it again.

Java’s Problems

The latest Java exploit let hackers use Java applications to manipulate the computers of users who visited certain hacked Web sites. The current owner of Java, Oracle, reacted swiftly to this attack, putting out an emergency update that patched the Java security hole. That does not mean, though, that Java is now safe to use. Slate’s Oremus states that despite having the patch, Java is still sprinkled with weaknesses that any clever hacker could target.

Disabling

If you’re ready to disable Java, it’s a relatively easy task, depending on the Web browser that you use. If you’re a Chrome user, type the phrase “Chrome://Plugins” in your browser’s address bar. Check the “Disable” button next to any Java plug-ins that you see. If you are using Safari, click on the “Safari” option in your main menu bar. Then click “Preferences.” Select the “Security” tab. You’ll see a checked button next to the option “Enable Java.” Uncheck that box to turn Java off. In Firefox, select “Tools” in the main menu. Click “Add-ons,” and then select the “Disable” button next to any Java plug-ins that you see. To no one’s surprise, Internet Explorer boasts the trickiest Java disabling procedure. For more information concerning how to do this — there are too many steps to list here — visit http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml

Sending e-mail? Mind your matters

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How many e-mails did you send out today? You probably lost count at some point just after lunch. The odds are that you sent more than a dozen of these messages out to family members, friends, clients and co-workers. Here’s the big question: Were any of these e-mail messages rude? Were any overly brief? Would any of the messages you sent today make their recipients ponder whether they had done something to offend you? Yes, there exists such a thing as e-mail etiquette. Here’s a quick primer on how to mind your manners while sending e-mail.

Brevity might be off-putting

When someone receives an e-mail message that simply says “yes” or, even worse, “no,” they may wonder if you’re a lttle bit ticked at them. After all, that’s a very short reply. When sending e-mail messages, then, make sure you add a bit more meat to help make your recipients feel better. Rather than just answering “yes,” you could start to add a, “Thanks for asking” or a “Hope you’re doing well today.” That can make a significant difference. And if your message is brief because you’re typing it on a smartphone or tablet, make a special e-mail signature that conveys to recipients that this is the reason for your short message.

Don’t ignore messages

When your inbox is back logged, it’s easy to let some messages languish without a reply. You’re simply short on time. But not responding to an e-mail message from a co-worker, friend or family member is fairly rude. Even if you can’t yet address the specific question in an e-mail message, be sure to send back a quick reply explaining that you’re flooded with other tasks but will get to the question as quickly as possible.

Slow down

CBS News also recommends that you take time to proofread your e-mail messages prior to sending them. It’s tempting to quickly dash off a message and hit “send.” Doing so, can leave you with a message that’s full of typos. Even worse, you might forget to include a necessary attachment. Don’t rush. It’s respectful to ensure that you are sending out a professional e-mail message.

Be polite and don’t shout

PR firm Ragan highly suggests you keep in mind your basic offline manners when generating e-mail messages. This means including those magic words as part of your messages, “please” and “thank you.” All too often, in the rush of composing and sending e-mails, we forget these niceties. Ragan also warns against shouting in your e-mail messages. To those who don’t know, “shouting” means typing in all capital letters. This looks incredibly annoying on the computer screen.

Don’t believe everything you read when researching online

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The Internet is an amazing tool for research. The days are gone when you were forced to run to your local library to find out the average salary for steel workers in the 1990s. You no longer need to flip through encyclopedias to uncover the forgotten inventions of Leonardo da Vinci. Even so the Internet can also be a dangerous destination for researchers. The online world is filled, unfortunately, with documents, research and statistics that are incorrect. Believing this inaccurate data can ruin your research efforts. The Web site Lifehacker, though, recently presented several tips for bettering your online research.

Bias alert

No one is free from bias. Everybody has their own strong opinions. These opinions, though, can alter our online research. For this reason, Lifehacker recommends that researchers first understand their own biases before performing online research. For instance, if you believe that life starts at conception, you might not be inclined to acknowledge studies or opinion pieces taking the opposite side. This can ruin your online research even before you start. Make sure, then, to take what Lifehacker calls your confirmation bias into account before you start scanning the Internet for your research.

Bad information

Lifehacker points to inadequately cited articles as a big trap for online researchers. Unfortunately, the Internet is packed with “research” that isn’t very methodical in nature. Search for articles that are highly sourced and that originate from respected journals, magazines or newspapers. You can generally rely on medical journals and government reports, as well, when it comes to online research.

Specialized online research

When hunting for online information, it’s OK to start with popular search engines like Bing or Google. However, when you want detailed information, it’s time to rely on more specialized searches of journal articles and reference items. Try such engines as Google Scholar, Scirus and PLOS for scientific and scholarly resource that will supply more meat to your research.

Looking for a more dangerous Web? The U.S. government might be building it

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Remember Stuxnet? Back in 2010, a new bit of malevolent software attacked multiple systems required to access and control industrial equipment being used in Iran’s nuclear program. The details of this malware remain fuzzy, but, as a recent story from the MIT Technology Review reports, Stuxnet is widely believed to be the work of the United States and Israeli governments. That makes Stuxnet particularly important: As the Technology Review story says, Stuxnet is among the most visible signs of a new kind of warfare: government-controlled malware developed to attack the computers and security systems of other countries. Like it or not, it appears that the United States is at the cutting edge of this phenomenon.

A more dangerous Internet?

What is the long-term impact of malware weapons? The Technology Review story fears that governments, by investing so much research and dollars into creating these virtual weapons, is generating an ever-more dangerous Internet. And yes it appears these fears are justified. Since Stuxnet was unleashed in 2010, it’s clear that governments have invested a lot more money developing malware weapons. No one knows, in reality, how frequently such weapons have already been deployed. It’s almost certain many of these weapons have already been unleashed without the public’s knowledge.

Watch your smartphone

Don’t believe that you can avoid malware weapons by doing most of your computing on tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. The truth is, governments are particularly keen on targeting these mobile devices. First, progressively more people are doing the majority of their computing on these mobile devices. Secondly, mobile devices are particularly susceptible to malware because their operating systems are updated so rarely. The Technology Review story points to Apple, which only updates its iPhone operating system a couple of times per year. That represents a golden opportunity for governments to infect the smartphones of suspects with spyware.

An age-old threat?

The Technology Review story ends on a somber note. Maybe, it suggests, these malware weapons aren’t so extraordinary. Countries around the world routinely create new weapons. Malware exploits might be the latest version of an arms race. However, consumers might be caught in the crossfire of a Web that’s suddenly become considerably more dangerous.

Does rise of tablets mean end of PCs

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Recall the time when your only option for connecting to the Internet was to boot up your PC or laptop? Well, those days are gone. You’ve got more alternatives than ever before to access the Internet, anything from your smartphone to your tablet to your video-game console. And that, as much as anything, is sending PC sales into a downward spiral. Web site Business Insider has declared this the end of the PC era.

Consumers lukewarm toward PCs

It’s not that people will no longer buy PCs. They will. They just aren’t going to be purchasing as many. When they would like to check their e-mail messages, update their Facebook pages and search for the phone number of that new Thai restaurant, they will be far more likely to punch up the Internet with their smartphones or tablets. Business Insider uses data from IDC and Gartner showing that PC sales have been flat since 2009 while the number of smartphones sold has now overtaken the number of PCs sold.

Tablets are Hot, Not PCs

If this is the end of the era of the PC, what era is it? The numbers increasingly suggest that we’re now in the era of the tablet. Business Insider’s story quotes numbers from Gartner, Strategy Analytics and IDC showing that consumers today are purchasing more tablets compared to are PCs. And consumers aren’t content to have just one iPad in their homes. The numbers as of July of 2012 show that 32.3 percent of U.S. report that their homes have two iPads, while 10.1 percent had three. That’s rather impressive demand for a product that’s still relatively new.

The Future

The future doesn’t look more favorable for PC makers. Business Insider, relying on numbers from Nielsen, found that about 40 percent of consumers 13 and older want to purchase tablets in the next half-year. Not as impressive is the number who want to buy PCs. Only 19 percent are interested in desktop computers. And the news is worse for PC makers when considering young consumers. Business Insider reported that a whopping 75 percent or so of young consumers want to buy tablets in the next six months, as opposed to just 30 percent who would like to buy a PC.

Are you a desktop or Web-based e-mail person?

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The debate is an old one: Are Web-based e-mail services such as Gmail the best choice? Or do savvy computer users go with desktop e-mail clients such as Sparrow or Postbox? Just as with many other long-running technology debates, this one doesn’t have a definitive answer. As a recent Lifehacker story points out, different e-mail systems are more effective for different users. So if you’re deciding whether or not to install a desktop e-mail client on your pc or rely on the cloud and a Web-based e-mail provider, your first step is simple: You need to determine what type of computer user you are.

The desktop client

The Lifehacker story does a good job identifying which computer users are right for which kind of system. For instance, Lifehacker recommends that you choose a desktop e-mail client if you frequently find yourself accessing e-mail messages when you’re offline. For obvious reasons, you can’t do that with a Web-based e-mail system. A desktop system might make more sense, too, if you own several different e-mail addresses with several different domains. Finally, if you utilize security measures – such as encryption or digital signing – or if you plan to filter your e-mail messages by subject header, sender or keywords, a desktop client might be the better option for you.

When Web-based is best

Lifehacker supplies a list, too, that will help you decide if a Web-based e-mail system would be the better choice for you. First, if you prefer a single inbox for all of your e-mail, Web-based e-mail will make more sense in your case. Secondly, if you only keep a few e-mail addresses, you can choose Web-based e-mail. This type of e-mail is practical, too, if you do much of your work at the office or at school. Often, your employer or school won’t let you download and install a desktop e-mail client on their computers.

Plenty of choices

Here is the best news of all: Whether you go with a desktop e-mail client or simply a Web-based service, take comfort in the knowledge that you have lots of excellent choices to help you manage and organize your e-mail messages. Desktop services like Sparrow and Postbox give you a wide range of organizing features. On the Web, the tried-and-true Gmail continues to be one of the strongest e-mail clients, whether desktop or Web-based, available for people who use computers.

How smart is your toaster? With Android it might be a genius

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It’s turning into a strange world once your rice cooker is smarter than your laptop. Then when your washing machine and dryer start telling you when you need an added spin cycle or extra 10 minutes drying time? That’s beyond weird. But this world is becoming a reality thanks to the Android operating system. A current story by BusinessWeek highlighted a variety of strange places in which Google’s operating system Android is appearing. And the strangest news of all? Having Android inside your rice cooker might actually make sense.

Here comes Android

Google’s Android operating system is a rather remarkable success, at least when it comes to powering the smartphone world. The BusinessWeek story quoted numbers by research firm Gartner showing that Android powered 72 percent of the smartphone market during the third quarter of 2012. That’s especially impressive considering that rival Apple could only claim 14 percent of that market share during the same period.

Why appliances?

So why would Google, which developed Android, want its software in microwave ovens, refrigerators or rice cookers? It’s very simple: Having Android power these appliances can help Google acquire even more data for its main business, search. Google’s search business, no matter its dominance in the smartphone business, is still its biggest moneymaker. Google can learn more about customer preferences, and gain the cabability to more directly tailor its search engine to best serve these needs, by collecting more information from U.S. consumers.

Is it useful?

That leaves an additional question: What can Android in a clothes dryer or rice cooker really do? Fortunately, BusinessWeek answers this. Suppose you’re watching TV and a pop-up message appears letting you know the jeans tumbling in your dryer aren’t completely dry. You’ll be able to press a button telling your dryer to dry those pants for an additional 10 minutes. Or what if you could tell your rice cooker what type of rice you are cooking – brown, white or jasmine, say – and your device would then auto-magically cook that rice for the appropriate time. That’s useful, right? And if it’s all rather unnecessary? So what?

Tech will change your business in 2013. Here’s how

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There was a point in time when e-mail was considered cutting-edge tech. Before that, businesses were considered tech-savvy if they had their own fax machines. Technology, though, is constantly evolving. What businesses needed three years ago is nowhere near what they need now to thrive. CIO Magazine, of course, recognizes this. That’s why the magazine so emphasized the evolving nature of technology when it listed its top tech trends for businesses. The trends that the magazine’s editors cited will definitely change the way businesses work in 2013. If you’re a wise business owner, you’ll pay particularly close attention to them.

Hospitals and BYOD

The BYOD movement — bring your own device — has recently changed the way many companies operate. By allowing their employees to bring their own computers and tablets to the workplace, companies have boosted their workers’ productivity and saved themselves big dollars. CIO Magazine, though, predicts that the BYOD movement will this year move to hospitals. The magazine’s editors say that a growing number of hospitals across the country will encourage their doctors, nurses and administrators to bring their iPads and laptops to their stations.

3-D Printing Continues to Soar

3-D printing shot to popularity last year, with a growing number of businesses embracing high-tech printers to fashion plastic parts and device components. This year, 3-D printing stands to be an even more common tool among tech-savvy businesses. 3-D printing is an amazing technology. And those organizations who recognize this can stay a step ahead of their competitors.

The End of Passwords?

Tired of memorizing dozens of passwords? Don’t worry. The editors at CIO Magazine predict that passwords will soon go the way of the milkman. That is because more companies, recognizing how easy it is for hackers to compromise most passwords, will rely on biometric security. As CIO explains, biometrics uses the iris of your eye, your voice or your fingerprints as security. No one can get into your computer or important accounts simply by guessing that your password is your son’s first name.