As the world of technology evolves, so does money. People are paying for things using their smartphones and shunning cash. However, while services like Google Wallet use standard currencies, a new type has emerged from the depths of the internet -- Bitcoin.

This relatively new virtual currency is all the rage, being accepted at many businesses, including the Sacramento Kings -- an NBA franchise. If that isn't mainstream, I do not know what is. Today, Microsoft announces that it too is getting cozy with Bitcoin, by way of Bing.

Linux is everywhere; from mobile phones to web servers. Even Chromebooks run Linux. Ironically, Chrome OS is a poor platform for actually learning about the open-source kernel. This is because Google's OS is limited by design. And so, it does not behave like a typical Linux distribution.

Instead, students would be better served by using a true Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, Fedora or Mageia. With that said, a forward thinking school in Pennsylvania has done just that. Penn Manor High School has purchased 1,700 laptops running Ubuntu.

Traveling on an airplane used to be quite the archaic experience. Sure, soaring above the clouds is great, but for many, using electronic devices for things like Flappy Bird is much more exciting. Sadly, for many years, electronic devices were banned from certain phases of flight, such as take-off. Luckily, last year, the FAA allowed electronic devices during all phases.

While that was great for passengers, what about the pilots? Surely these air-based navigators want to take advantage of cutting-edge technology too. Well, today is their lucky day, as the FAA grants authorization to Microsoft's Surface 2.

Firefox is my favorite browser, but I don't use it. While that sounds crazy, and it sort of is, there is a method to my madness. You see, Google Chrome utilizes Google accounts, which makes my life easier.

By utilizing Google accounts, Chrome can sync across multiple devices -- that includes things like bookmarks and passwords. And so, the convenience of Chrome caused me to abandon my trusty Firefox. Luckily, Mozilla is looking to bring parity with all-new Firefox Accounts.

A couple days ago, Asus unveiled its Chromebox. At the time, I called it sexy. While it is still attractive, it has already been upstaged.

Yes, today, Hewlett Packard releases a sexier, rounder device that arguably makes Acer's look plain and tired. Sadly, price and full specs are not yet known.

For someone looking to begin a Linux journey, quite often, the first leg of it involves Ubuntu. Sure, there are many other distributions, but none can match it in popularity or ease of use. While my personal preference is Fedora, I concede that Ubuntu is probably more suitable for the majority of desktop users.

Last year, despite its failed crowd funding campaign, Canonical managed to make waves by introducing the concept for an Ubuntu smartphone. Of course, no matter how great the device is on paper, if carriers don't support it, it is pretty much dead in the water. Today, the Ubuntu phone project gains an important ally in Vodafone.

While some people simply live in a country, others actually love it too. Love of one's country is a noble thing and there are many ways to express it -- waving flags, singing songs and so on. The impending Olympics will likely produce an increase in patriotic gestures, as people root for their country in the games.

Logitech announces a new way to express patriotism -- with a mouse. No, the company doesn't want you to dress up a furry critter to look like Ben Franklin -- we are talking computer mice. The manufacturer unveils some flag-designed input devices that allow you to represent your country.

The Olympic games are a very special time, where the top athletes from around the world compete on behalf of their respective country. Sadly, this year, the winter games are tainted by terrorist threats and an anti-equality stance by the host country. Also, some visitors to Sochi, Russia are finding that the living conditions in the hotels are abhorrent -- undrinkable water, dirty rooms and more.

But enough about the bad stuff, Microsoft wants to help you focus on the positive things -- the actual sporting events, with the help of Bing. It may get the silver medal when it comes to search-engine market share, but that won't stop it from going for the gold in this respect.

Paying a bounty for vulnerabilities has become more commonplace. Last month, Google announced it was offering millions of dollars as a reward for Chrome OS vulnerability discoveries.

However, around the same time, rogue extensions began making waves in the Chrome community. Lately, it has become a popular problem, causing Chrome users to question the safety and security of Google's browser. Today, Google seems to have possibly recognized the severity of the problem, as the company will pay reward money for discovered vulnerabilities in both Chrome apps and extensions.

The home computer landscape is constantly undergoing transformations. For a while, tablets were seen as the future, but Google's Chrome OS and associated Chromebooks threw a wrench into that idea. While tablets are still wildly popular and will continue to be, many people are finding them not ideal for content creation. I love my iPad Air with all my heart but given the option, a Chromebook would be my choice for writing.

However, when I am home, I still prefer my desktop computer. Maybe I am just stuck in my ways, but I like sitting at a desk with a very large monitor. With that said I have longed for a quality Chrome OS desktop. While the Chrome desktop concept, called Chromeboxes, were previously realized by other manufacturers, those models never really rung my bell. Well, ding, ding, today my bell is ringing as Asus announces its new Chromebox and it is sexy.

As technology advances, so does the potential for its misuse. As smartphones gain better cameras and higher speed data connections, the likelihood of sharing naughty photos and videos increases. Sadly, this can end up harming both parties if it leaks online. The person in the photo or video can be embarrassed and the person that shares the content can possibly be charged with new "revenge porn" laws.

This risky behavior is becoming an epidemic, not only regarding sexual content, but other things too. With that said, McAfee announces the results of a recent survey, and they are quite troubling.

When Steve Ballmer announced his impending retirement, the technology community was abuzz with excitement. After all, for Microsoft loyalists, picking a replacement CEO is like picking a new Pope. When the proverbial white smoke comes pouring from the chimney, a new leader will be appointed.

Many hoped that Bill Gates would return, but apparently he is too busy saving the world with his philanthropic endeavors. Ford's Alan Mulally was rumored to be in the running, but he denied any interest. Today, Microsoft announces that it has found its new leader, Satya Nadella. Let's take a look at Microsoft's choice.

According to Steve Jobs, Android is the best mobile OS -- for porn. He infamously declared that people who want porn should buy Android, because iOS would be porn-free. With that said, porn can be accessed on both iOS and Android by using a web browser (so I've heard).

Despite what Steve Jobs says, and despite the fact that Android is based on the free and open Linux, Google's Play Developer Program Policy specifically bans porn. Unfortunately for fans of sexually explicit material, this appears to now apply to the Chromecast too.

Whenever I go to the pet store, I am amazed by the diverse selection of animals. Other than the typical cats and dogs, there are hermit crabs, chinchillas and snakes. Even more amazing is the amount of toys, clothes and treats for the pets. Some of the dog clothes cost more than mine!

While catnip and squeaky toys are still the standard purchases, isn't that a bit old school? I mean, come on, this is 2014 -- it is time to buy your pet a webcam. While this may sound crazy, Microsoft actually wants to see your pets on Skype.

When I was a young man, there were only a handful of holidays that we celebrated. They were based on your faith, your country or to celebrate an exemplary figure like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, the internet has made it so that every day can be a holiday, as anyone can proclaim it to be so. Quite frankly, it is a bit silly to celebrate something like "Talk Like a Pirate Day", but apparently people like to do it. According to www.daysoftheyear.com, today is Carrot Cake Day. I love carrot cake, but come on now...

Google apparently wants to get in on the fun, but with real holidays -- based on national holidays from around the world. Yes, Google announces it is expanding the available holidays for Gmail users.