syncing

How to clear Google Chrome sync data

Google's Chrome Web browser allows you to sync data between Chrome browsers on different computers and devices. Some of this data, like passwords, autofills (form data), and preferences, may be personal and worth securing. You can encrypt your data in Chrome's browser settings, but to clear it, you'll have to visit your Google Dashboard.

To clear your sync data from the Google Dashboard, scroll to the Chrome sync section and click the link to "Stop sync and delete data from Google." You'll then be prompted to confirm the deletion.

You can also go directly … Read more

Facebook quietly tests Photo Syncing on Android, report says

Facebook's Photo Syncing is being tested on Android-based devices, according to a new report.

The feature, which automatically uploads images that Android users snap with their devices to their Facebook profiles, is being tested on a small number of users, The Verge is reporting, citing comments from Facebook.

Upon snapping a photo with an Android-based handset, Facbeook's Photo Syncing automatically sends it to a private folder in the user's account. Those images can then be removed from Facebook or shared publicly, depending on the user's preference.

Photo Syncing isn't quite a secret. Facebook currently has … Read more

Microsoft SkyDrive vs. Google Drive on Android

With Microsoft SkyDrive recently touching down on Google Drive's territory, it's only fitting we take a look at how the two cloud storage and file-syncing Android apps fare against one another. On the one hand, we have Google Drive: the incumbent and the darling of the Android platform. And on the other hand, we have SkyDrive: Microsoft's offering and somewhat unexpectedly, the new kid on the block. Each app has its strengths and weaknesses, and we take a look at how they compare.

Microsoft SkyDrive (free) Similar to Google Drive, Microsoft's SkyDrive lets you store files … Read more

Google Drive stores files -- and not much else

The Google Drive app lets you view and store files, spreadsheets, and videos, with 5GB of storage space for free, and more if you're willing to pay a subscription fee. The app only requires that you log in to your Google account to quickly access files and media stored on your Google Drive.

Upon launch, the app gives you a list of items to let you quickly get to files on My Drive, files shared with you, files you have "starred," recently opened files, and those you have made available offline. In my testing I opened and … Read more

Firefox 15 clamps down on memory leaks

Please note that the First Look video below is still applicable to Firefox 15, as is this Firefox How To collection, even though it features Firefox 4. A new video will be posted soon.

Review: Mozilla Firefox has undergone an enormous rebirth over the past two years. Since Firefox 4 debuted in March 2011, the browser has been hell-bent on improvements. These have come in large part on the rapid-release cycle, which sees a new version of Firefox every six weeks. Many people like them, but a vocal minority has pooh-poohed the increase in version numbers. That's hardly a … Read more

Fifteen tips and tricks for OS X Mountain Lion you need to know

Whether you have been using Apple's latest operating system for the Mac, OS X Mountain Lion, for a while now, or you are just installing it, you'll benefit from reading through some of the tips below. Some of them are ways to improve on the overall experience, while others will bring back past functionality. Let's get started, shall we?

Preparing your Mac When upgrading the operating system, no matter your platform of choice, it's always a great idea to not go into it blindly. Be prepared, and more importantly, make sure you computer is prepared. Some … Read more

Three Web services worth paying for

People who know me know I don't like paying for anything. If there's a free (or at least cheaper) alternative, you can bet I'll take it. I am, after all, a cheapskate.

That said, there are a handful of Web services I consider to be great values -- so great, in fact, that I actually don't mind paying for them. Well, OK, I'd rather get them for free, but they don't make me cringe the way I do when paying for, say, phone service and cable TV.

My three worth-the-money picks:

1. Followupthen

I'… Read more

Restore contacts on Android after the Facebook e-mail sync

Still sorting out the Facebook e-mail sync kerfuffle that happened upon your defenseless contacts list? Luckily, Gmail will allow you to restore your contacts within 30 days of changes made to them. Google is known for having handy tools like this, but sometimes they're not in the most obvious place.

Here's how to get your contact e-mail addresses back from the cyber abyss:

Step 1: Make sure Facebook contact sync is now off!In the app, it will be under Menu > Settings > Sync Contacts. If you don't see the option, go back to your Home … Read more

Get a beta invitation to Cubby file-syncing service

Happy Friday the 13th. Let's celebrate this no-different-than-any-other-day-on-the-calendar day with a great freebie!

Cubby, the new file-syncing and -sharing service from LogMeIn, has been running a closed, invitation-only beta for the past few months. It's still closed, still invitation-only -- but I've got invites just for you, Cheapskate readers.

In other words, you can now get a free 5GB Cubby account. Just type in your e-mail address and presto, you've got access. (Watch your inbox for an activation e-mail. Mine arrived almost instantly.)

Quick caveat: This is capped at 5,000 users. If the limit is … Read more

How to sync your iCloud calendar with an Android device

Android makes it very easy to add nearly any Google service to the platform, but when it comes to adding various other third-party services, such as an iCloud calendar, there really isn't an easy way of doing it.

If you're already entrenched in iCloud and sharing calendars with family members and colleagues who are using iOS and/or OS X, switching to Google Calendar may not be the easiest thing to do, for all involved. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but it won't be seamless for those who aren't switching devices. Thankfully, there'… Read more