How to start a business for free

Two and a half years ago I wrote about the economic difficulties facing the modern small-business owner, and, well, it looks like nothing has changed since then. Times are still tough, money is tight, and starting your own new business takes an iron gut.

By Christopher Null | 13 April, 2011 00:51

Tags: cloud computing, internet, productivity

Simple fixes for a problematic PC

Figuring out what's wrong with a balky computer takes a bit of detective work -- but with our advice, you can solve the mystery in no time at all.

By Christopher Null | 23 November, 2010 03:05

Tags: operating systems, software, troubleshooting, Windows, windows troubleshooting

The 25 Worst High-Tech Habits (and How to Fix Them)

Good citizens of technological America, this story is not for you.

By Christopher Null | 02 November, 2010 01:21

Tags: antispam, Office Hardware, online privacy, online security, power supply, security, spam, tablet PC, tech support

Work smarter in Windows: 55 great productivity tricks

With an ever-growing number of distractions that are fighting for your attention throughout the day, it’s more important than ever to be as productive as possible when you’re actually on the job. With that in mind, we’ve dug up the best Windows tricks in our arsenal and talked to some of the best minds in productivity to find 55 tips sure to help you get more work done with your PC in less time.

By Christopher Null | 27 October, 2010 00:57

Tags: Microsoft, operating systems, productivity, software, Windows, Windows 7

Viral video: A DIY guide

Now that YouTube officially supports 15-minute videos, Andy Warhol's dictum that we'd all be famous for 15 minutes has proven more than a little prescient. Viral video is nothing to scoff at. There's more than just page-view bragging rights at stake--there's real money to be made. (Get popular enough, and YouTube will cut you in on ad revenue.)

By Christopher Null | 18 September, 2010 10:30

Tags: applications, camcorders, consumer electronics, Digital camcorders, digital video, memes, software, video, youtube

Who really runs Facebook?

Quick: Who's the CEO of Facebook?

By Christopher Null | 06 July, 2010 00:59

Tags: Facebook, Google, internet, Internet-based applications and services, social media, social networking, social networks

Defeat tech distractions

Concentration is defined as giving all of your attention to a subject or--hey wait, I just got a text message.

Technology's most and least reliable brands in '09

Every year, consumers purchase millions of computers and peripherals. And every year, millions of those devices break down.

By Christopher Null | 27 January, 2010 04:30

Tags: branding

Voicemail etiquette: Sending the right message

Yes, people do still make telephone calls. They probably shouldn't, but they do. Here are five rules--some new and some of long standing--for dealing with the perils of voicemail.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:42

Tags: voicemail

Twitter etiquette: How to tweet politely

Because it's just a messaging platform, Twitter is far less complex than Facebook. Nevertheless, misuse and abuse seem at least as common on the former as on the latter. Some of our favorite Twitter etiquette rules follow.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:38

Tags: social networking, twitter

Instant messaging etiquette: Five simple rules

The popularity of instant messaging has grown exponentially in the past decade, but the communication platform's immediacy presents users with endless opportunities to come off the wrong way. These tips will help you stay in the good graces of your IM buddies.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:34

Tags: instant messaging

Facebook etiquette: 10 rules for better socialising

What's okay on Facebook? On sites like MySpace, anything goes (or seems to), but the rules of etiquette on Facebook seem to be a little more refined--not a lot, mind you, but a little. Keep these tips in mind, whether you're making your first friend or your 1000th.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:30

Tags: Facebook, social networking

E-mail etiquette: Tips for home and work

The rules for handling e-mail messages properly and considerately may be old hat to you, but it doesn't hurt to examine some of the newer and lesser-known tenets of polite e-mailing.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:26

Tags: email etiquette

Text messaging etiquette: To text or not to text

Perhaps the wildest, most unpredictable area in the realm of high-tech etiquette, text messaging is fraught with pitfalls that can turn otherwise sensible people into rude and thoughtless jerks. Try these simple tips to ensure that you'll never annoy others or embarrass yourself with your cell phone.

By Christopher Null | 12 August, 2009 14:18

Tags: mobile phones, sms

Avoid Twitter disasters

The use, and uses, of Twitter seems to grow daily. Its role as a source of news on Iran during that country's current unrest has been widely reported, for example. For most people, however, Twitter is simply a convenient social networking tool, but as such, it is even more open than Facebook--which is all the more reason to employ what safeguards you can on its network. (Note: This article doesn't cover such issues as the growing problem of spam on Twitter or reports of its use in phishing-like attacks.)

By Christopher Null | 25 June, 2009 00:49

Tags: social networking, twitter, Twitter Tips