mac

Express Zip Free Mac Compression Software for Mac 2.14 Review

Users working with large files need applications to compress them for sending over the Internet. Express Zip Free Mac Compression Software for Mac performs this function well, and also has additional useful features.

Available as freeware, Express Zip Free Mac Compression Software for Mac requires no payments to use. After download and installation, the user must accept a lengthy licensing agreement. After this is completed, the program brings up a window that allows download of additional programs, such as file converters for audio and video. The main application menu has few design features, but is functional. A help option that … Read more

Express Accounts Free for Mac 4.67 Review

Those who run small or home-based businesses need a method to track their business accounts. Express Accounts Free for Mac performs all expected accounting functions well and is simple enough for average users to operate.

Download and installation of Express Accounts Free for Mac finished quickly. The initial menu is one for additional programs that the user can download for additional functions, such as invoicing and point-of-sale applications. While it is not clear if there is technical support, tutorials are available through a link to the developer's Web site. The main menu is basic, but the major functions are … Read more

DVDxDV Pro for Mac 3.6.1 Review

Users who work with personal DVD videos need a program capable of changing them to editable formats. DVDxDV Pro for Mac performs this function well, but its lack of other capabilities makes it less useful for average users.

DVDxDV Pro for Mac offers a free trial version that places a watermark on the output video. The full, unrestricted version requires payment of $39.99. Its download completed quickly, but the installation took longer than expected, despite the native installer. Upon startup, the program gives the user access to a number of tutorial videos, which walk the user through certain functions. … Read more

Confessions of a technology pack rat

I'm taking spring cleaning seriously this year. I've already Craigslisted a good chunk of my furniture and hosted a massive yard sale. Now, I'm breaching the depths of uncharted waters in my closets and desk drawer. I'm going after all those old gadgets I've been hanging onto for years. What wonders will I discover?

I have old cell phones. I have old computers. I have sickening piles of cords tangled about each other in knots that may never be unraveled. Why do I do this to myself? Do I really think I'm going to need to make a call on that 2002 LG VX-10 with the extended battery pack? It's time for it to go, along with all the other dusty old tech that hasn't felt a surge of electricity in years.… Read more

How to check Bluetooth connection strength in OS X

Bluetooth devices we attach to our Macs include everything from phones to mice, speakers, and printers. As with any connection there may be instances when the device will not connect, or continually drops its connection to the Mac. These issues can be frustrating to deal with, but should this happen there are a couple of things you can do to check the connection and hopefully increase its stability.

Similar to Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth uses a radio as a means of communication, so if you are experiencing drop-outs then the first thing to do is check the signal strength, which is … Read more

Home networking explained, part 6: Keep your network secure

Editors' note: This post is part of an ongoing series. For the other parts, check out the related stories section below.

If you were concerned after reading CNET's recent report that most home routers can be easily hacked, I don't blame you. The study did sound ominous, but the good news is that your network is likely far less susceptible than the report suggests. And more importantly, there are things you can do to make sure it's secure.

Two things are vital to keeping your network safe: proper settings and prudence. The first step is easy; you … Read more

World Clock for Mac 7.0 Review

Those who work or have family around the world have the need to track the current time across multiple countries. World Clock for Mac is easy to use and allows users to see the current time anywhere in the world.

While download took longer than expected on a high-speed connection, installation of World Clock for Mac completed quickly and without any necessary user interaction. The program is also very easy to use, making the lack of user instructions appropriate. Unfortunately, it did not appear that technical support was available. The program is essentially a map with different time zones. Moving … Read more

Citi goes sour on Apple, claims iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 delay

The expected iPhone 5S will see an extended delay in delivery, while iPad Mini demand is softening, according to a research note from Citigroup Capital Markets. The note also claimed a Retina MacBook Air is coming.

"We have previously written that iPhone5S, despite an accelerated design phase, was modestly delayed from June to July," wrote Citi's Glen Yeung in a research note Sunday. "With input from Citi's Taiwan-based technology research team...we now believe that a further 1- to 2-month delay (from July to August or September) is possible, likely stemming from volume production issues.&… Read more

Delivery Status for Mac 5.9.2 Review

Users who need to track multiple deliveries from several sources often need to check many Web sites for information. Delivery Status for Mac allows users to track many sources easily from one location, making it a useful app for those with many deliveries.

The program is available as a free widget for the Mac dashboard. Delivery Status for Mac installs quickly into the widget area, but the user does have to add it to the dashboard to operate. Once set up, the application's interface is easy to use, despite the lack of user instructions. Support for product updates is … Read more