ups

While this program goes a long way in removing the intimidating elements from system maintenance, it simplifies the matter to the point that it hides important details. As a result, an uninformed novice could actually harm their system instead of enhancing its performance.

Smart PC Suite launches a colorfully designed palette of icons, each of which represents a tool for performing system maintenance and enhancement. Actually, the icons and color scheme look like something designed for a child's game site instead of for serious business like maintaining a PC system. The provided tools include the usual suspects for this … Read more

That's right! You too can own all of the best songs from the critically acclaimed podcast sensation, Gadgettes. Order yours today by calling 1-800-750-2638, or email us at gadgettes@cnet.com. We're waiting patiently for your call, so call NOW!

No links today... just a bunch of random clips.

Are My Sites Up is a free service that monitors Web sites to see if everything is up and running. You simply plug in the URLs of whatever sites you want to keep an eye on (they don't even have to be yours), and it will send you an alert if it notices one is down.

It does this by visiting each page on your list--up to 50 per user--every 15 minutes. If it can't load the page, you get an e-mail. You can also plug in your mobile phone number to get an SMS alert.

I very … Read more

Mad Catz has unveiled the latest in the company's line of PC flight sticks, the Cyborg X. While the new hardware showcases many new features, we're most impressed with the amount of customization it offers.

A total of of 11 buttons can be completely programmed (22 if you're holding down the shift button) allowing for complete control. Compatible with most air-combat and flight-simulation games, the Cyborg X should pacify even the most hardcore of PC gamers. As an added space-saving bonus, the Cyborg X can fold up for easy storage--a feature we've never seen before on … Read more

Using the best resources across the Web to find and interview for a new job is a big key to success. There are some sites that claim to offer the best service, but in reality, they offer generic help to unique people--not much help at all. There are some services that do a much better job of scouring the Web to help you find the perfect job.

Indeed

Although it competes with much larger sites like CareerBuilder and Monster.com, Indeed is one of the best job search sites on the Web.

With the help of a simple layout--two search … Read more

Spanish news site Expansion reported Tuesday that Google plans to launch GrandCentral, an online voice communications service, in Spain sometime during 2009. According to the report, Google will allow voice calls to be placed for free, but each will be linked to the voicemail service. Currently, GrandCentral is only available in the U.S.

UGO Entertainment and its parent company, Hearst Corp., announced late Tuesday that it will acquire 1UP.com and its associated sites, GameVideos.com, MyCheats.com, and GameTab.com. A release from UGO asserts that with 1UP and the affiliated sites joining its own network of gaming … Read more

ZigTag, a social bookmarking tool that has been in the works for years, has finally launched to the public. Competing with services like Delicious and Ma.gnolia, ZigTag categorizes bookmarks through the use of tags and allows users to share those bookmarks with friends. To set itself apart, ZigTag claims its service is "intelligent" and uses semantic technology to understand the meaning of tags. In essence, ZigTag tags have stated definitions, which the company uses to categorize bookmarks more effectively. ZigTag is available upon registration.

Times Square NYC announced its New Year's Eve footage schedule Monday for … Read more

American tech entrepreneurs would rather answer e-mails in the middle of the night than have sex. It is the reverse for Europeans.

At least that seems to be the conclusion of a very stimulating post by the splendidly populist Andrew Keen.

Mr. Keen, who, I am led to understand by the excellent Owen Thomas of Valleywag, is rather enthusiastic for the poor not to have Internet access, relayed a very interesting discussion between Michael Arrington of TechCrunch and Loic LeMeur, the CEO of Seesmic, a video social-networking company.

Apparently, there is a general lamentation in Europe that it has originated … Read more

If you're thinking about going green in 2009, the Baylis Revolution wind-up MP3 player may let you inch down your carbon footprint ever so slightly.

I know it's unforgiveably anachronistic to have a hand-crank slapped on the side of an MP3 player, but before you dismiss this as pure novelty, let me say that I was surprised to find that the Revolution isn't a half bad MP3 player. Sure, it's thicker than a bar of soap, but if you're ever trapped on a desert island the Revolution puts the iPod to shame.

The Baylis Revolution … Read more