Chromebooks are simple, secure, generally affordable and free of many of the hassles associated with Windows PCs. Most people will find they’re perfect for their needs. But there is one thing that continues to exasperate people new to Chromebooks as well as stop a lot of potential buyers in their tracks: Chromebooks can not natively install …
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Google backs Linux project to make Android, Chrome OS harder to hack
Google said Thursday it’s funding a project to increase Linux security by writing parts of the operating system’s core in the Rust programming language, a modernization effort that could bolster the security of the internet and smartphones. If the project succeeds, it’ll be possible to add new elements written in Rust into the heart of Linux, called the kernel. Such …
Read More »Intellivision Amico vs. Atari VCS: Comparing two baffling retro consoles
“Retro” can mean a lot of things if you’re a gamer. Retro game console sets, like plug-and-play mini Sega Genesis, SNES and Turbografx systems loaded with old games to play? Sure. Gaming compilations that play on fancy new systems? Of course. But what about fancy, mysterious reinventions of classic gaming brands? Meet Atari and Intellivision, the Bizarro Consoles. Intellivision Amico: …
Read More »Logitech’s new MX Master 3 mouse is driven by electromagnets
I’m writing this story using Logitech’s new MX Master 3mouse ($100, £100, AU$150) and new flagship low-profile keyboard, MX Keys($100, £100, AU$200). I can’t say they’re making my writing any better, but the experience of writing is slightly more pleasurable. Note that CNET may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site. Pre-order MX …
Read More »Atari VCS opens preorders at $249 for retro console featuring 4K gaming plus Linux and Windows support.
The classic Atari brand is making yet another return, this time as a retro-styled set-top box gaming console. Originally launched as a crowdfunding campaign in 2018 and raising more than $3 million, the Atari VCS console is available to preorder today from retailers Walmart and GameStop, as well as from the company website. Several models are being offered, with slightly …
Read More »Download this free Microsoft Office alternative, help charity
Unhappy with your current office suite? Need something for a new computer? Lots of folks turn to Microsoft Office out of pure habit, but there are loads of free — and surprisingly good — alternatives. You can try one of them and help a good cause at the same time. Between now and Dec. 24, SoftMaker will donate 0.10 euro (equivalent …
Read More »PC shipments just grew for the first time in six years
You know those iPad ads where some young whippersnapper asks, “What’s a computer?” as if the PC is long dead? According to market research firm Gartner, the death of PC sales hasn’t yet come to pass. According to market research firms Gartner and IDC, worldwide PC shipments just grew for the first time in six years. Gartner and IDC’s numbers …
Read More »Google’s Chrome OS gets new app muscle with built
Good news if you’re a Chrome OS power user: You’ll soon be able to run Linux software like programming tools, photo editors and word processors on the Google operating system. At its Google I/O show Tuesday, the company announced it’s released a test version of software that brings the Debian Stretch version of Linux to its personal computer software. Right …
Read More »How to install Linux
Nothing makes me happier than resurrecting an old, slow, useless Windows PC by installing Linux on it. The result is a system that will almost always run faster, with almost zero chance of malware infections, and that affords all the computing basics. (Many of the latest computing advances, too.) Before you begin, read my tips on choosing a Linux distro, …
Read More »How to choose a Linux distro for your old PC
Ready to give your old computer a new lease on life? Even if it’s several years old and slow as molasses, you don’t have to consign it to the junk heap. Instead, install a new operating system and put it back into the rotation. Forget Windows, though: Linux is an open-source (and free) OS that’s just as capable, but with …
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