trick

These 10 videos from CNET TV cover a range of useful tips for Windows 7 users, including how to make a system repair disc, how to customize the Start menu, what some of the best hot keys for the operating system are, and more.

There's also advice on how to upgrade from either Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7, how to fix Ethernet driver problems in VMWare, how to burn an ISO directly from the newly enhanced Windows Explorer, and how to get to the jump list from your left mouse button.

Some of my personal faves we … Read more

Halloween Haunting Screensaver is a fun and creepy program that is sure to get you into the Halloween spirit (no pun intended). Although it is a fairly basic program, it's not bad for a seasonal screensaver.

The program really just consists of various creepy characters, including skulls, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, bats, and bloody eyeballs, flying around on a black background. Users can optionally have a large full moon displayed as well. In the program's interface, users select how fast they want the characters to move and which character they want to use; there is a Random option, but be … Read more

Remember that crazy little thing called 8-track? We didn't know you could still order albums in the format, but apparently you still can--at least when it comes to Cheap Trick's latest, which also happens to be called The Latest.

Going retro will cost you, however. The 8-track tape version costs $30 (it's available for pre-order) while the CD is going for $12.99 on Amazon. The record is $20 and the digital download is $8.99.

According to the site 8-Track Heaven, the 8-track tape is mostly dead--but not totally. The site says major labels quit producing … Read more

Sometimes computing feels like a dog and pony show, a long parade of glitzy apps with glossy coats, that do it all. However, the time and place for that level of pedigree is balanced by moments that call for the sometimes scruffy, often free, one-trick ponies of the app world that perform a single function very well. We rounded up nine no-frills applications that consistently perform. If your favorite single-minded apps aren't on this list, feel free to shout them out in the comments.

I'll admit that I'm more into puzzles and brain games than I am into, say, poker. Don't get me wrong. iPhone poker is cool, but the word game Wurdle is the one I can't put down as I nearly miss my bus stop.

In Wurdle ($1.99), you drag your finger in any direction over adjacent letters in a grid to form as many words as you can before time runs out. The grid size, word length, game duration, dictionary, and even tile color are all customizable. Wurdle keeps track of high scores and the longest … Read more

This country is in a bad way. Stocks are plummeting, people love Sarah Palin and The 404 made it to 200 episodes. We celebrate this momentous occasion with the beautiful and talented Natali Del Conte. Between the poisonous Chinese candy and steamy Calls from the Public, we're sure you'll laugh, chortle, chuckle, or otherwise plotz.

REMINDER: The 200th episode celebration continues this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at GSTAAD located on 26th Street and 6th Avenue. Be there or Dan the Mantern will beat you down!

On today's show, we made a startling discovery about NDC, this poor, poor chile has never participated in a great American tradition: Trick or treating. Because we love her, and we know you do too (so stop drooling), we're going to make sure she has a great Halloween experience. We invite you to enter the Choose Conte's Costume Contest. We're not sure what the prize will be, but there are a number of fantastic video games strewn across Jeff's desk. Ground rules: Nothing you wouldn't want to see your mother/sister wear. Also, the geekier the better (cuz that's how NDC roles). Good luck!

Earlier today, Rafe and I hosted a lively Ask the Editors chat about Google Chrome. As is often the case, we both learned a bit while we were answering your questions. Here's a round-up of some of the more interesting answers.

Once you've imported bookmarks, it turns out there is a way to manage them. It's not readily apparent, though. Hit CTRL+B to show and hide the Bookmarks bar. When the bar is showing, at the right end there's a folder icon that you can use to manage those bookmarks.

One reader pointed out that … Read more

There are times when I encounter an issue as I'm producing a podcast that can either make or break the feed. Being that I've received some requests to share these tidbits of knowledge with some of the loyal Buzz Out Loud fans, I'll go ahead and throw a few pointers into the blog as they arise. I don't plan on assaulting this blog with millions of posts, but if I encounter something that might be valuable to budding podcasters out there, I'd love to help out. Having said that, welcome to my first "no-duh" tip.… Read more

Can your computer do magic?

This prototype design can. The Illusion PC is one of thousands of entries into the Next-Gen PC Design competition sponsored by Microsoft. Gizmodo spotted it, and I have to agree that it pulls off a pretty nifty visual trick.

The design makes the PC appear to have no inner components. The designer says the aim was to make the computer not look like a computer, and when turned off to look just like a household decorative object.

The cube measures 8.25 inches on each side and uses a Mini-ITX mainboard, 200-watt mini-PSU, and slot-loading … Read more