Google adds new unfriendly features to Gmail


One person's spam is another's feast, depending on who is giver or receiver. That's one way to read new capabilities coming to Gmail on Android and the web. The first, available starting today on PCs and arriving on Android devices over the next week, lets users block designated email addresses. Google describes "block", but the feature is more of an easy-and-quick filter that dumps unfriendly senders into the spam folder.
For either platform, you click the dropdown options menu to the right of the email address, and block appears as an option. Unsubscribe already is available from personal computers but is new to Android. For example, in the desktop browser, marking listserver messages as spam solicits the user to unsubscribe. The feature also will roll out over the next week to Android.
Griffin Guide Cable Management System stops wires from falling behind furniture


Has this ever happened to you? You go to charge your iPhone or Android device and your cable has fallen behind your desk or dresser. You then have to get on your knees and reach behind the furniture to try and fish it out. It is totally annoying and inconvenient -- especially when you just want to get to bed.
Well, Griffin wants to end this maddening experience. Its Guide Cable Management System will keep everything in place, meaning you never have to search behind your furniture for a fallen cable again. Hallelujah.
Apple sweeps aside App Store malware mess


In the aftermath of the big App Store security breach, today Apple reminds developers where they should obtain Xcode. It's not rocket science—from sanctioned distribution sources. I received an email this morning from the company, dispatched to members of its developer program.
To recap: As the new week dawned, Apple rushed to remove content from its Chinese App Store loaded with XcodeGhost malware. Developers using a counterfeit version of Xcode caused the first, major, widespread security crisis for the seven year-old App Store.
UK businesses warned of growing cyber risk


We reported back in July on the UK government's plans to help small businesses boost their cyber security. Today enterprises across the country are being urged to protect themselves by taking up the government's Cyber Essentials scheme.
Whilst £1 in every £5 earned by UK businesses now comes from the Internet, cyber attacks are considered a serious threat. The latest figures reveal that 74 percent of small businesses and 90 percent of major businesses have had a cyber breach of some sort in the last year.
Skype calls will work in Microsoft Edge without a plugin


Skype has announced that Microsoft’s new web browser, Edge, will soon support Skype voice and video calls without the need for a plugin.
This will work for new versions of both Skype for Web and Skype for Outlook.com, and should be implemented "later this year". Considering that this year has just over three months to go, it’s safe to assume it will come pretty fast.
Gamers lack confidence in developers' security safeguards


Despite the number of high-profile data breaches over the last year, many businesses and consumers are still not taking appropriate measures to ensure proper security online. The games industry is no exception, with several major game companies having been hit by significant breaches.
A survey by gaming industry backend service PlayFab of more than 500 users who play video games for more than four hours per week, reveals that 83 percent of respondents believe game developers should be responsible for securing players' personal data. However fewer than 40 percent say they feel confident in current safeguards.
Australia's primary schools to teach coding


Australia is preparing for the jobs of the future by having children learn coding and programming at a very young age.
According to a report by Mashable, 21st century computer coding will be taught in primary schools from Year 5, and programming will be taught from Year 7. The curriculum was approved by Education Minister Christopher Pyne in one of his last acts before being sworn in as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.
Simplifying analytics with a building block approach


Data is the lifeblood of business, but getting the answers to key questions from it can be time consuming and costly as it needs specialist tools and expert analysis.
Analytics specialist Looker is trying to simplify the process of gaining insights from data with the release of a new product called Looker Blocks.
Fedora 23 Beta is here, Linux fans


If you are thinking of making the switch to Linux from Windows, there are many good beginner-friendly distributions from which to choose. I highlight two such operating systems here. But what if you are a bit more advanced in the ways of Linux?
Fedora is the top choice of many Linux experts, including the father of the kernel, Linus Torvalds. Today, version 23 of the operating system reaches beta status. Will you try it?
Surveying the survey makers -- Capterra reveals the top 20 packages


Many companies rely on the use of survey software to stay in touch with and get feedback from their customers.
But there are lots of options available for conducting surveys, so which are the most popular? Software finding service Capterra has produced an infographic revealing the top 20 survey tools.
Don't like Skype? Here are 5 great alternatives


Communication is absolutely vital to businesses and consumers, particularly in the always-on world that we inhabit. Increasingly, it is digital communication tools that enable us to stay connected and Skype is one of the most popular across the globe.
With an estimated 300 million users, Skype has enabled family members to remain in touch, long-distance relationships to endure and businesses to strengthen global ties, but it shouldn’t necessarily be the go-to video messaging app for you. There are a number of alternatives to Skype that offer great features in their own right and we’ve listed five of the best below.
Nero 2016 ships with new streaming app


Nero has shipped its 2016 range of multimedia applications, including Nero Burning ROM 2016 ($49.99), Nero Video 2016 ($49.99), and the suites Nero 2016 Classic ($99.99) and Nero 2016 Platinum ($129.99).
A new Nero Streaming Player app can play pictures, music or videos from iOS or Android devices directly to your TV, or other DLNA/ UPnP media players.
Your mother should know (how you use your computer at college)


A new report by internet security specialist Webroot on the eve of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) asked over 500 mothers with kids leaving for college this year about the security of their offspring's computers.
Among the findings are that a worrying 24.45 percent of moms report that their child does not have a security solution installed on their laptop or computer. The reasons for this are interesting, with 37.4 percent not having thought about it, 34.15 percent because they said the machine came with security already, and 17.07 percent who don't believe security is necessary.
Toshiba refreshes Chromebook 2 with Intel Broadwell and backlit keyboard


Chromebooks are amazing web surfing machines, offering great battery life, focused computing and affordable pricing. While they aren't for everyone, they are a smart choice for many. Do you know someone that spends all their time in the web browser? Chromebooks are designed for them.
Toshiba makes particularly great Chrome OS laptops, and its Chromebook 2 was quite a hit with fans of Google's web-focused operating system. Today, the company refreshes it with Broadwell processors and backlit keyboards.
Apple releases OS X 10.11.1 El Capitan public beta 1 -- here's what's new


With OS X 10.11 El Capitan set to launch at the end of the month, Apple has already started working on the first update for its latest Mac operating system. The early OS X 10.11.1 build was released last week for developers, and is now also available to those of us who are enrolled in the public beta program.
Given that it is a relatively minor update, OS X 10.11.1 El Capitan is not expected to introduce any major changes. Nonetheless, let's take a look at what's new.
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