account

How to manage automatic log-in in OS X

OS X is a multi-user platform, where each user account has its own settings and documents separate from those of other accounts, allowing for both customization differences but also for security and privacy. Not only do password requirements prevent other computer users from accessing one another's account data, but it can help deter unauthorized users from accessing the system.

While keeping the system secured with a log-in password is highly recommended for most cases, sometimes this password requirement can be a burden. For example, if you have a Mac set up as a kiosk presentation system or as a … Read more

The 404 1,255: Where we don't know what to do with our hands (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Order a slice of 'za from Da Hut with your Xbox.

- Is it possible to lose weight playing video games?

- Has anyone ever taken a good photo of a live band?

- Michael Bay apologizes for Armageddon.

Bathroom break video: Dodgeball: White Goodman's necklace does magic.… 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

How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account

Microsoft started rolling out its two-step verification process on April 17. Also known as two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, the process strengthens your account security by requiring you to enter your password (step 1), then a security code (step 2). The security code can be sent to you by e-mail, SMS, or phone call, or you can use an authenticator app on your mobile device.

Enabling two-step verification on your Microsoft account will enable it across all Microsoft services that currently support two-step verification, like Windows, Outlook.com, Office, and SkyDrive. If you're interested in trying it out, here'… Read more

How to manage accounts in the BlackBerry 10 Hub

Before I started using BlackBerry 10 I had already written off the Hub feature. The Hub basically consolidates your e-mail, text messaging, BBM, Facebook, Twitter, alerts phone calls, and voice mail into one central place. It allows you to quickly and easily read, compose, and manage all of your messages across multiple platforms and accounts.

Presenting a lot of information in once place can feel overwhelming -- if not chaotic. Thankfully, BlackBerry built in controls to manage which accounts show up in the Hub. If you'd rather not have every Facebook like and comment show up next to your … Read more

Microsoft rolling out two-factor authentication

There have been hints for the past week-plus -- courtesy of Liveside.net -- that Microsoft was poised to roll out two-factor authentication for its Microsoft Accounts. On April 17, Microsoft did just that.

The company is calling this security process "two-step verification." Microsoft is making available two-step verification across all products and services accessible via a Microsoft Account. This includes Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Office, and more. The rollout will be happening over the "next couple of days," according to the company.

(Microsoft Account is the new name for Microsoft's Live … Read more

The 404 1,248: Where we take a staycation in the dead zone (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Electrosensitive community moving to a secluded town in Green Bank, Va.

- Facebook fixes comment threads for Pages and public figure.

- A promising 'Home' for the Facebook obsessed.

- Five ways to get more out of Facebook Home.

- Prepare a digital will for your Google accounts.

- Roger Ebert's Twitter lives on.

- Microsoft exec reportedly leaves job following testy Xbox tweets.… Read more

How to set up Google's Inactive Account Manager

What happens to your Gmail account, Google Drive documents, Picasa photos, and the other data you have stored with Google when you head to that big cloud drive in the sky? Google introduced a feature today called Inactive Account Manager that lets you tell Google what to do with your data after you're gone, whether you want to share it with family and friends or delete it altogether.

The new Inactive Account Manager can be accessed from the Accounts page. You'll find a link to it under the Account Management section.

After reading the brief introduction to the … Read more

As Galaxy screen grows, Surface may shrink

CNET Update believes all Google accounts go to Heaven:

There's quite a bit of movement in Thursday's tech news roundup. Samsung pushes pocket limits with a new smartphone that boasts a 6.3-inch screen. Microsoft is expected to shrink the Surface for the popular 7-inch mini-tablet market. And the poor PC market has fallen to a record low, and the fingers point to Windows 8.

And what about wearable computers? The first units of Google Glass will be shipping within the next month. A group of investment firms -- called the Glass Collective -- are funding companies that … Read more

OS X not accepting your screensaver password? Try this

In the OS X Security system preferences you can set the system to require a password when the system wakes from sleep or after the screensaver has been active for a period of time. However, you may run into a few cases in which entering your account password then does not work.

One cause can be if you have recently changed the name of your user account. For authentication, OS X will use either the short or long username, along with any aliases that you have associated with your account. However, if you have changed the long username for your … Read more