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Walt Zwirko

10/29/2009

Windows 7? How about Mac for PC?

There's one sure way that Apple could prove once and for all that Macintosh is a superior operating system: Develop a version that could replace Windows on any PC computer.

10/22/2009

Computer Corner Blog: Should you switch to Windows 7?
Windows 7
Microsoft

If you're buying a new Windows computer, it will likely have Microsoft's newest operating system pre-installed. But should you consider Windows 7 for an older PC?

10/15/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for October 15

Users of T-Mobile's popular Sidekick cell phone had been trusting their contacts, photos and personal information to a computer in a "cloud." Now that data is gone.

10/12/2009

Computer Corner Blog: Here today, gone tomorrow
sidekick
AP

Users of T-Mobile's popular Sidekick cell phone had been trusting their contacts, photos and personal information to a computer in a "cloud." Now that data is gone.

10/07/2009

An experiment in pocket-size photo viewing
key chain photo viewer
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

A wallet is a terrible place to keep a photo collection. Perhaps a pocket-sized digital photo frame that doubles as a flashlight and a key chain would be better.

09/30/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for October 1
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

After combing through computer stores to find something to replace the gizmo I'd been using for years to shield my lap from my laptop, I found the replacement on a shelf at home.

09/23/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for September 24

Pandora is a little bit hard to pigeonhole. Yes, it's another Internet music radio station, but it doesn't play the same songs for everybody. That's because it's truly interactive.

09/15/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for Sept. 17

Google Labs has just introduced a simple hybrid page design that lets you quickly scan a wide variety of content while maintaining the familiarity of the Web browser.

09/09/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for September 10

Apple's Steve Jobs is back with a new lineup of iPod models; and a consumer group issues an alert for cell phone users.

Computer Corner Blog: Steve Jobs is back with new iPods
Steve Jobs
AP

After spending nearly a year out of the limelight, Steve Jobs has returned as the face of Apple, helping to launch a new lineup of iPod music players at an invitation-only event in San Francisco today.

Computer Corner Blog: How safe is your cell phone?
BlackBerry Bold
Research in Motion

A new study raises a red flag about the potential danger of radiation from the cell phone you use every day.

09/03/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for September 3
This week, a popular smartphone gets some new software and we look back at the beginnings of the Internet.

09/01/2009

Grease-o-Meter off the charts with new State Fair treats

Last year, Chicken Fried Bacon and a Fried Banana Split took top honors at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards.

08/26/2009

'Crowdsourcing' could give you a traffic advantage
crowdsourcing
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

Google's latest online innovation uses real-time data from cell phone users to help everyone avoid traffic problems.

08/24/2009

Computer Corner Blog: Nokia's new netbook
Nokia Booklet 3G
Nokia

One of the biggest names in mobile phones is getting ready to marry 3G technology with a netbook-size computer.

08/19/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for August 20
Memor-Ease film and slide scanner
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

Let's take a look at a reasonably-priced way to convert old envelopes filled with negatives and trays of slides to a digital format that can be shared online.

08/12/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for August 13

I've been overwhelmed with helpful suggestions from Computer Corner Blog and Newsletter readers after detailing problems with my home computer.

08/05/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for August 6

A couple of weeks ago, my home computer started acting strangely. It would spontaneously reboot itself without warning.

07/29/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for July 30

The radio that now sits on the table next to my bed connects to the Internet. Will all radios do this soon? I sure hope so!

07/22/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for July 23

You can keep more than 13,000 radio stations on your keychain with a new gizmo that makes it easier to tune in on your PC.

07/15/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for July 16

Since the Internet is free, did you ever wonder why you are subjected to advertising just about everywhere you click? Here's the explanation.

07/08/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for July 9

The company best known for the world's favorite Internet search engine is about to go after the company with the world's most popular computer operating system.

07/01/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for July 2

Ordinary people, armed with cell phones, are at the vanguard of a revolution in journalism — one that has positive implications for democracy as Americans celebrate their independence.

06/25/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for June 25

In some ways, the new Flip UltraHD pocket camcorder is a throwback to the company's original model; but that's not entirely a bad thing.

06/17/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for June 18

06/16/2009

Blog: 'Double-rescanning' may help digital TV reception
WFAA-TV

The FCC today issued a Consumer Alert aimed at helping viewers who are frustrated trying to find their favorite digital TV stations.

06/12/2009

Today's the day: TV goes all-digital
WFAA-TV

WFAA switched its analog transmitter off at noon after nearly 60 years of broadcasting on Channel 8. We're now all digital.
MORE: On our DTV page

06/02/2009

Driver rescued after truck plunges into creek
WFAA-TV

The dramatic rescue of a motorist whose pickup slipped from a Haltom City spillway was broadcast live on Channel 8.

06/01/2009

Computer Corner Blog: Bing bids for your search requests

Bing is the new online tool from Microsoft that puts a 21st century spin on Internet searches.

05/14/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for May 14

Stamp prices are going up again -- a great reason to stop writing checks and to start using your bank's online bill paying option.

05/06/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for May 7

The next generation of Microsoft Windows is yours for the downloading; and Amazon gives us a peek at what could represent the future of publishing.

Blog: Amazon's new Kindle: A revolution for readers?
Amazon.com

Amazon today unveiled a new model of its popular Kindle electronic reading device with a screen that's two-and-a-half times larger than the current version.

Worker killed in Arlington trench collapse
WFAA-TV

Rescue teams were working to free the victim's body from a muddy trench at a water tower at Arkansas Lane and Ozark Drive.

05/03/2009

Richardson school extends swine flu shutdown

Canyon Creek Elementary Shcool will be closed for at least an additional two days this week.

04/29/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for April 30

Dear Electronic Gadget Manufacturer: I salivate over cool new cell phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. But what's up with the battery thing?

Dallas County: 'This is not overkill'
WFAA-TV

Health officials say there have been no new confirmed cases of swine flu in the past 24 hours, and they defended their agressive approach to the crisis.

04/27/2009

Swine flu forces shutdown of 2 Richardson schools
WFAA-TV
Dr. John Carlo speaks with reporters.

Canyon Creek Elementary School will be closed for the rest of the week after one student tested positive for the fast-spreading illness.

04/22/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for April 23
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

Kodak has just introduced the second generation of its Z-series camcorders, the Zx1. It maintains most of the benefits of its predecessor — including the ability to shoot both HD video and still photos, but with a few tweaks and changes.

04/17/2009

Dallas police arrest son of slain woman
Dallas PD
Eric Cunningham

Eric Cunningham was nabbed Friday afternoon driving his mother's stolen SUV. Police said Christine Robertson had been bludgeoned.

Blog: YouTube adds full-length movies, TV shows

YouTube has now entered the battle for the hearts, minds and eyeballs of Web surfers who thirst for TV and movie entertainment.

04/16/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for April 16

Today's tiny netbook does have its limitations, but for most users those are small tradeoffs when compared with the affordability and utility of these Lilliputian laptops.

04/15/2009

Blog: Get something back for used gear
RadioShack

Recycling your old electronics gear is great for the environment, but it doesn't necessarily put any cash back in your pocket. Now RadioShack has a program for you to get something back for that unused cell phone or outdated MP3 player.

04/13/2009

Blog: Last-minute tax filing options

You may qualify to file a free electronic tax return, but time is running out.

04/12/2009

Driver rescued after truck plunges into Dallas creek
Robert Flagg / WFAA-TV

Police said the driver may have been drinking before his pickup went into the water at Singleton Boulevard and Pluto Street.

Teen killed when car hits Dallas utility pole
Robert Flagg / WFAA-TV

Slick streets and an impaired driver could be contributing factors in the Easter morning wreck.

Rain brings relief to parched North Texas
WFAA-TV

Loud overnight thunderstorms dumped more than an inch of rain in many parts of the region after a week of horrific wildfires.

04/08/2009

Blog: Recycle your electronic junk Thursday

The Dallas Mavericks are sponsoring an event Thursday that will let you clear out all that unwanted

Computer Corner Newsletter for April 9

This week, Walt clues you in to a great way to get rid of unwanted electronic junk.

04/07/2009

Blog: Some songs now 69 cents on iTunes

But only a limited selection of iTunes music is available at the bargain price; the most popular songs are now more than a dollar each.

03/31/2009

Blog: Should I worry about the Conficker worm?

Windows users are now confronted with the scourge of the Conficker worm, a lurking computer virus that is timed to go off on April Fool's Day.

03/25/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for March 26

This week, Walt discusses some "hidden" stations on the FM dial; will you ever be able to listen to them?

03/18/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for March 19
AP
Apple is adding streaming video and audio to the iPhone.

Apple developers on Tuesday unveiled a number of added capabilities that will be part of the next update to the iPhone's operating system, due to be released this summer.

03/17/2009

New features coming for iPhone users
AP
Apple is adding streaming video and audio to the iPhone.

Apple developers on Tuesday unveiled a number of added capabilities that will be part of the next update to the iPhone's operating system, due to be released this summer.

03/16/2009

Making your digital photos last
WFAA.com

Digital photos are great, right? But will a disc full of JPG files still be viable in 10, 25 or 50 years? Take steps now to make sure your treasured memories will endure.

03/11/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for March 12

The shutdown of Circuit City triggers a chain reaction of memories as Walt reflects on his earliest days of computing.

03/05/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for March 5

Digital photos are great, right? But have you thought about what happens to those pictures in 10, 25 or 50 years?

02/26/2009

Turning back the clock; Apple's new browser
WFAA.com
Something's different about Apple's new browser.

This week, Walt goes back in time via the Wayback Machine and also takes a first look at Apple's up-to-the-minute browser for Windows.

Computer Corner Newsletter for February 26

This week, Walt goes back in time via the Wayback Machine and takes a first look at Apple's up-to-the-minute browser.

The confusing world of smartphones

There's lots of interesting news coming out of Madrid this week at the Mobile World Conference, including increased competition for the software that powers your pocket-size phone.

02/19/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for Thursday, February 19

There's lots of interesting news coming out of Madrid this week at the Mobile World Conference, including increased competition for the software that powers your pocket-size phone.

02/16/2009

Computer Corner readers help eradicate virus

Part II: After describing a nasty virus problem last week, Walt receives some helpful suggestions in his e-mail and gets his daughter's computer working again.

02/12/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for February 12

Part II: After describing a nasty virus problem in last week's newsletter, Walt gets some helpful suggestions in his e-mail and gets his daughter's computer working again.

02/05/2009

Doing battle with a nasty virus

My daughter's computer was hit by a devilish intruder this week, and I've been having a difficult time evicting it from her hard drive.

Computer Corner Newsletter for February 5

My daughter's computer was hit by a nasty intruder this week, one which I've been having a hard time evicting from her hard drive.

01/29/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for January 29

Walt offers an apology to a reader who followed his advice regarding a new Web browser.

01/26/2009

Turn your cell phone into a Web cam
WFAA.com
Qik has a simple interface for the phone user.

I've just been watching a brief snippet of live video on my computer from someone named Adamson, somewhere in Russia. He is using Qik to wirelessly broadcast his image around the world on the Internet.

01/21/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for January 22

I've just been watching a brief snippet of live video on my computer from someone named Adamson, somewhere in Russia.

01/08/2009

Computer Corner Newsletter for January 8

Should you lug your laptop along with you on your vacation? Walt thinks it's a good idea.

12/19/2008

Last-minute (and inexpensive) tech gifts
microSD
SanDisk
A microSD card with a standard SD card adapter.

Got some computer users on your holiday list but not a lot of cash to spend? Walt Zwirko has some helpful gift suggestions in the under-$30 category.

12/16/2008

Computer Corner Newsletter for December 18

Walt serves up some more inexpensive holiday gift suggestions and has some surprising news about a piviotal publicatoin of the personal computer age.

12/09/2008

Computer Corner Newsletter for Dec. 11

An iPhone for 99 bucks? That's just a rumor at this point. But if your gift-giving budget doesn't go that far, never fear — we've got some solid suggestions for under-$25 stocking stuffers.

Forty years of mousing around
first mouse
SRI
The first mouse was made from a block of wood.

We take it for granted today, but imagine what people were thinking when they saw a computer mouse for the first time.

Computer Corner Newsletter for December 4

This week: The pros and cons of antivirus software on Apple's Mac products; and a look way, way back at the first computer mouse.

11/28/2008

Have an HD holiday with pocket-size camcorders
camcorders
Walt Zwirko / WFAA-TV

If you just can't get enough high definition content on your big screen TV, how about your child's birthday party? A new generation of tiny camcorders now makes that an affordable reality.

11/26/2008

Computer Corner Newsletter for Nov. 27

The Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera packs a lot of function into its diminutive chassis.

11/25/2008

Fire at Frisco high school construction site
school fire
Walt Zwirko / WFAA.com

The fire started in a stack of roofing material at the new Lone Star High School.

 

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