TechBytes Weekly

Things are starting to heat up. For quite a while now, whenever CPUs are discussed, Intel has been the go-to chip, while AMD has been considered an also-ran. But, as both chipmakers release their newest offerings, it looks like the CPU wars of yesteryear may be roaring back to life. Mark Hachman of PCWorld compares Intel's Core i9 chip to AMD's Ryzen Threadripper chip in this article. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/3198476/computers/amd-threadripper-vs-intel-core-i9-the-best-cpu-for-enthusiasts.html) Intel's chips have been prized for their performance, while AMD's chips are often selected when cost is an issue. But, Hachman reports that AMD's newest chip compares quite favorably to Intel's product in performance tests, while still being more affordable. Hachman looks at the features and benefits of each chip and declares a winner, but he also has some caveats that may surprise you. Supporting Web Links Leaked Intel 8th-gen CPU packaging confirms you’ll

If you're buying a new computer, check this out. It's a situation everyone faces at some point. The computer you've got is old, hopelessly outdated, and simply has to go. But, what will you replace it with? And, more importantly, how will you decide what to get? If you're starting to ask yourself these questions, Mark Knapp of Gear & Style's CheatSheet has some advice for you. No, he doesn't tell you what to buy. Instead, he talks about 15 mistakes too many people make when buying a new computer and discusses how to avoid making these same mistakes yourself. Knapp points out the importance of knowing what you want and not buying items or features that you really don't need. He also talks about how to make sure the computer you're looking at really does have the features that you want and that it will do what you expect it to do. Following Knapp's advice and doing your homework will help ensure you have a better buying experience.   Support

Getting the most from your operating system. Many people don't think twice about their operating system (OS) unless something goes wrong. But, if you want to get the most out of your OS, there are plenty of power users ready to share some of their best practices. The OSXDaily website shows you how to create your own keyboard shortcuts for Macs, while Windows Central helps you disable some of the distractions found in Windows 10 so you can be more productive ! When you're done, check the Supporting Web Links section for even more helpful ideas. Supporting Web Links 24 tips and tricks you should know to navigate iOS 11 with ease Video: Watch 6 Great How-To Videos for iPad with iOS 11 Mac power user tips and hidden tricks iOS 11: All the new features, tips and guides Mac tips for Windows switchers 19 Tips And Tricks To Make Android Faster And Improve Performance Video: Windows 10 Deployment: tips and tricks from Microsoft IT 20 Cool Command Line Tricks for Win

Getting the big picture isn't that hard.   Whether you're using a mobile device or sitting in front of your laptop or desktop computer, there are times when it can be difficult to read whatever is on the screen. Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. Eric Griffith of PCMag explains how to use the Magnifier Tool that comes with every operating system. Griffith provides detailed steps for turning on the magnifying tools for Windows and Apple. He also discusses how to do the same thing with Android and iOS devices. Supporting Web Links 8 Assistive Technology Devices for Seniors Living at Home For People Who Can’t Use Their Hands, Windows’ New Eye-Tracking Feature Is a Game Changer Eye Tracking In Windows 10 Is Available Now As Beta Function Video: The eyes have it: Windows 10 Eye Control extends PC accessibility Turn on Chromebook accessibility features Video: How to Customize Ease of Access Settings in Windows 10 Apple Has teamed Up With Cochlear T

The serious side of social media. Most social media apps can seem rather lighthearted or inconsequential. But Jimmy Chen of Propel looked at apps like SnapChat and Tinder and saw a way to help people in need. In this TEDx Talk , Chen explains how the concepts behind some not so serious apps may be making a serious difference to some families. Chen starts out talking about the origins of SnapChat and discusses how technology is being used to solve problems we understand. But, rather than creating an app for a superficial need, Chen is trying to help people fight poverty and hunger. The app his company created, Fresh EBT, is designed to help families monitor and manage their use of the funds provided through the food stamp program. The goal is to help these families use their benefits wisely and ensure that their monthly benefits last throughout the month. Supporting Web Links Helping Recipients of Food Assistance Use Their Benefits Wisely Propel raises $4M to make

A roundup of interesting software articles.  From cool innovations to tips and tricks to new ways to use older software, sometimes there are just too many good articles available to focus on just one. This week is one of those weeks! So, we'll mention a couple of noteworthy items here and include the others in the Supporting Web Links section. First up is an interesting article on Gizmodo from Alex Cranz. He starts out lamenting a recent change to Ulysses, a writing app he's used for a number of years. Like many other software applications, Ulysses is following Adobe's lead and switching to a subscription model . While Cranz is not happy about it (and neither are many others that use the app), he does explore the reasons why many software developers are switching to subscription models and grudgingly admits that they may have a valid point. Next, this article by DJ Pangburn looks at how a combination of innovative software and hardware may allow skate

Will the solar eclipse break the Internet? They've been called harbingers of doom, often believed to be portents of great change. Throughout history, solar eclipses have attracted attention and stirred up fears. Many early populations feared that the sun would never return and that the eclipse signaled the end of the world. As our understanding of astronomy grew, our perceptions of eclipses changed too. On August 21, a total solar eclipse is scheduled to be seen in many parts of North America. Those areas that won't have a total eclipse will still be treated to a partial one. We know now that the world won't come to an end, but there are still fears that surround eclipses. In this case, some are concerned that the eclipse will break the Internet. However, if it happens, it won't be because of something the sun did, it will be because of all the pictures and videos people are expected to be uploading and sharing! Nashville, Tennessee is right in the p

UV protection goes high-tech . Years ago, if people wanted to get a really good tan, they would slather on baby oil! Nowadays, we know that's a recipe for disaster. In an attempt to prevent skin cancer, many people now use sunscreen with UV (ultraviolet) protection. But, how do you know you've used enough or that it hasn't worn off? That's what the My UV Patch was created to help with. CBS News reports on a new type of wearable technology designed to help you stay safe in the sun. The patch, from L'Oréal, contains photosensitive dyes that react when exposed to the sun. It's accompanied by a special app. Users simply apply the patch, preferably to the back of the hand or wrist, and then periodically scan the patch with a smartphone app. The app can assess the amount of UV rays you've been exposed to and offers useful tips to stay safe. The patch is waterproof, can remain on the body for several days, and is designed to encourage children