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Whether it's a social-networking site, your banking site, or just a forum, you always have log-in information to remember. Most people start to use the same log-in names and passwords for everything, but clearly this is not a secure practice. Fortunately there are programs that remember your log-in information for you. This week we have the latest update to 1Password, possibly the best in its class for the Mac. Download this app to find out how easy it can be to always be safe and secure with your log-ins while you surf.

Also this week, we have the latest … Read more

The Mac Finder is pretty good on its own for managing and finding the files and folders you need. But if you want more options than what comes on your Mac, try TotalFinder. With this app installed on your Mac, you'll get added extras to the Finder to make it even easier to use. You can use tabs to move around Finder windows quickly, or use dual mode, which lets you view two Finder windows side by side.

Also this week, we have the latest version of ForkLift, one of the best FTP/SFTP clients and file management programs … Read more

Microsoft made Windows 7's first service pack available to consumers last week. The service pack doesn't bring any new whiz-bang features for consumers, but it includes two important back-end additions that promise to improve performance in Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2. Also included in SP1 are a number of fixes for bugs and security holes, which may be useful for those who don't use the auto-update feature.

On the security side, with Avast 6 fresh out of the gate and CNET's opinion on record, it's time to ask you which of … Read more

Are you the type who likes to tinker around with your Mac? MacPilot is a great option for fiddling around with your Mac, optimizing it to run better and unlocking the hidden potential of OS X and many applications--all without having to use the command line. MacPilot's graphic interface and file browser give you access to an almost staggering number of customizations, commands, key combos, and more, all organized around specific applications.

Also this week, we have the latest version of AppDelete, the utility that lets you completely uninstall programs and all their associated files. Our game this week … Read more

We've all heard the famous quote before: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. And while you could try to avoid your taxes, Uncle Sam is probably going to make your life even more miserable if you do.

Rather than suffer the consequences of illegal action, we suggest you get a jump on your taxes with one of the four tax prep solutions we have thoroughly tested out for you.

Looking for something a little more exciting from your Windows news? Well, you're in luck, because we've got just that in the form of an … Read more

HyperDock is a System Preferences pane that lets you add some time-saving functionality to your Dock that is similar to the Aero Peek feature found in recent versions of Windows. With HyperDock installed, you can mouse over applications in the Dock and see thumbnail previews of all windows open in that app--which can make switching between different apps and windows faster and easier. This latest version adds improved graphics performance and fixes bugs.

Also this week, we have the latest version of PhotoStyler, a utility that lets you add cool-looking effects, frames, and more to your images. Our game this … Read more

Over the past week, both Microsoft and Mozilla got some attention for their respective browsers with new "do not track" features. For its part, Microsoft announced the release candidate of Internet Explorer 9 at the Hang Art Gallery in San Francisco's Union Square. A massive list of improvements debuted in the new RC. Among the most notable enhancements are the new ActiveX filter, expanded support for HTML5 and "future-tech" standards, and advertiser tracking protection.

Meanwhile, Firefox 4 beta 11 has landed a useful security feature for people who are sick of "stalkertizements," those … Read more

We can all probably agree that Mac OS X gets a lot of things right as an operating system, but sometimes we'll stumble upon software that makes OS X even better. This week we have a simple utility that adds functionality to the OS X screenshot tool. With Sharpshooter installed on your Mac, hitting the usual key commands (CMD-Shift-3 or CMD-Shift-4) will bring up a window where you can quickly name the image, discard it, or save it exactly where you want. If you process a lot of images, you should definitely check out Sharpshooter.

Also this week, we … Read more

What does Google have going for it that Mozilla does not? A faster rev cycle for its browser, according to some. Mozilla's aiming to change that this coming year, though. The developer has a new plan for Firefox in 2011: Turn the crank faster. Mozilla is set to deliver Firefox 4 in coming weeks. And according to a draft Firefox roadmap, the director of Firefox, proposed releasing versions 5, 6, and 7 in 2011, too. This fast-release ethos, pioneered in the browser world by Google's Chrome, means smaller changes arrive more frequently.

Speaking of Chrome, we took a … Read more