How To

How to take screenshots on the Kindle Fire

Screenshots can be a very useful educational and support tool. Android tablets like the Asus Transformer and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, have native screenshot functions, but unfortunately Amazon's Kindle Fire does not.

If you want to take screenshots of the Kindle Fire, you still can. It's a fairly involved process, but once it's set up, taking screenshots is a breeze. You don't even have to root your Kindle Fire to do it. Here's how:

Install JDK and Android SDK

Step 1: Download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Oracle.

Step 2: Download and install the latest Android Software Development Kit. … Read more

How to sell your old gadgets

Score some new gadgets this holiday season? Great! What happens to your old gadgets now?

Keeping up with the latest and greatest tech gadgets doesn't come cheap. To offset the cost of your new acquisition(s), consider selling your old gadgets. You might be surprised at the interest your old gadgets receive. Other benefits of selling your old gadgets include decluttering your home and keeping waste out of landfills.

Here are some tips on selling your used gadgets and what to do with them if you can't sell them:

Removing personal data from your gadgets Before you get … Read more

How to use an Android device as an extra monitor

Having extra monitors is always nice, but can be costly when you need a pair or more of them to complete your desktop. 

This guide may offer a temporary solution to your problem if you're on a Windows PC and have a spare Android device (or one you don't mind tying up for a while).

What you'll need:

WindowsAn Android deviceWi-Fi connection

Begin by purchasing and downloading ScreenSlider from the Android market. Once that's complete, request a download link for the ScreenSlider desktop client by providing a valid e-mail … Read more

How to turn off cloud-accelerated browsing on the Kindle Fire

When the Amazon Silk browser was revealed during the Kindle Fire announcement, digital privacy groups went into overdrive with concerns.

The idea that Amazon's servers would store users' browsing data was disconcerting. But the Electronic Frontier Foundation signed off on Silk, in part, because you can turn off the cloud-accelerated browsing feature. Here's how, in two easy steps:

Step 1: With the browser open, tap the menu button and select "Settings."

Step 2: Scroll down to the Advanced section at the bottom and uncheck "Accelerate page loading."

That's it. Keep in mind that … Read more

How to set up your tablet

A few weeks ago at CNET Gotham, I gave a quick live presentation called Tech Boot Camp: Tablet setup.

It consisted of a look at some of my favorite bits of advice for new tablet owners.

My focus was mainly on the iPad, but much of what I discussed could apply to Android owners, too.

So, here's a video we shot at CNET that recaps what I said then. Topics covered:

Picking a case that makes senseUnderstanding the cloud, and using itGet your "free" content! (Or, how to find things you've already paid for and get … Read more

Four great ways to track Santa this Christmas

Christmas Eve is full of suspense and mystery as children spend the day wondering when Santa will arrive at their home.… Read more

Customize iOS 5's Notification Center with Quickpick

I don't use the Notification Center that iOS 5 ushered in nearly as much as I thought I would when I first saw it. With the 99-cent Quickpick--The Universal iOS Launcher app, however, I am pulling down the Notification Center on my iPhone with greater frequency.

Really, the only things I've done with the Notification Center since its debut is delete the occasional alert and remove the stock ticker so I no longer have to watch prices scroll by for stocks I don't own. With Quickpick, however, I can call, text, and e-mail my favorite contacts with a swipe and a tap, and I can access commonly frequented apps and Web sites. The design of the app leaves a bit to be desired, but the added functionality it brings to the Notification Center is much appreciated.

Note: the Quickpick app disappeared from the App Store this morning. I'll add a link to its page in iTunes should it make a return.… Read more

How to access your music library from your Kindle Fire

Your Kindle Fire can do more than just play games. No, really, it can. One of its many functions is the capability to stream or download music from your Amazon Cloud Drive, and I'm here to show you exactly how to do that.

First, your PC If you have an Amazon account, then you already own five gigabytes of free space on its Cloud Drive. If you're having trouble accessing your Cloud Drive, go here to get things started.

Next, on your PC, go to the Amazon MP3 page and click the Cloud Player banner in the upper-right corner.

Sign in with your Amazon account and click "Upload your music" from the upper-left corner and then click "Download Now" to download the MP3 Uploader. Once downloaded, open the Uploader and follow the default instructions to install it.… Read more

How to Androidify yourself for the holidays

Google released a fun little Android app called Androidify earlier this year, that lets you create your very own Android robot caricature. The recent update to Androidify adds a few holiday-themed items to provide some holiday cheer to your Android robot-loving ways.

Here's how to Androidify yourself for the holidays:

1. After installing Androidify to your Android smartphone or tablet, you'll be presented with the basic Android robot. To customize it, click on the hanger icon on the lower left corner.

2. A column of items is on the left and a row of categories like pants, shoes, … Read more