Last week on Computer Corner, we showed you how to use the camera in your cell phone in a couple of unexpected ways. This week, we'll focus on two Web sites that can help you be more creative with any digital camera.

This week, Computer Corner focuses on two clever ways to harness the power of that camera in your cell phone.

This week, Computer Corner focuses on two clever ways to expand the utility of your cell phone.

Richardson PD

A surveillance camera got a close-up of the suspect.

A surveillance camera captured a sharp image of an armed man who robbed a Wells Fargo bank branch in Richardson last night. Police said the suspect entered the store, inside a Tom Thumb supermarket in the 3400 block of Custer Parkway, shortly after 6 p.m.

That digital TV deadline is now less than 200 days away. This week on Computer Corner, we'll look at options for your old VCR. Does it really have any use after February 17? (Answer: 'Yes') Plus: the ominous outbreak of cyber-warfare on the Internet.

Walt Zwirko / WFAA-TV

Fire caused heavy damage to a model home in West Frisco Thursday evening. Thick, black smoke could be seen from more than 10 miles away as Frisco firefighters battled the blaze in 100-degree temperatures.

There's a big (and mostly hidden) problem with the Internet that you should be aware of. It can let hackers guide you to bogus Web sites unless you have the right tools to protect yourself.

This week, Computer Corner tackles earthquakes, but from the safety of a computer screen. Plus: an interesting new gizmo that could just establish its own category of amorphous Internet device.

AP

Hillary Clinton poses for a photo with supporters in Laredo today.

The Democratic candidate has scheduled two outdoor rallies tomorrow. The first one is in Oak Cliff at the Bank of America tower parking lot; the other is in downtown Fort Worth. The latest forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures.

This week, Computer Corner has an important update on the availability of digital TV converter boxes. Plus: talk all you want with new (but pricey) unlimited cell phone plans; and Microsoft has an unprecedented free offer that gives students a head start in digital engineering.

WFAA-TV

I did go someplace warm to write and edit this story.

Yahoo (you know, the company that Microsoft is keen to take over) is doing something that I think is very smart: It's trying to cement its own brand on cell phones to establish itself as a leader in the field—while making it easier for ordinary folks to do more than yak on their mobile handset.

WFAA-TV

This budget-priced TV can receive digital signals

Are you ready for the digital TV revolution? If you're thinking about replacing an older set, you can find a replacement for well under $200. But some people just want to hook up a converter box to their existing TV, and that's a great solution, too. But we wanted to find out: just where are all these DTV converter boxes?

WFAA-TV

This story came to you via a cell phone attached to a notebook computer.

On a recent trip, I observed a lot of people popping open their notebook computers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and more than ever are now able to connect to the Internet while waiting for the boarding announcement. And while most people use a wireless Wi-Fi connection to link to the World Wide Web, you may now want to consider the option of a speedy link from your cell phone.

WFAA-TV

Walt holds an old hard drive in his left hand and an external enclosure in the other.

I received an e-mail the other day from a viewer who generously wanted to donate an old computer to someone, but was worried about clearing the contents of the hard drive before parting with it. One way to get around the whole issue is the most secure solution of all: toss the computer, but keep the hard drive.

AP

Apple CEO Steve Jobs demonstrates the MacBook Air.

While the blockbuster announcement at this year's Macworld Expo was a notch or two down from last year's iPhone, I still think I want one. Who wouldn't lust after a full-featured notebook computer that weighs just three pounds, has a widescreen display and is about the size of a padded envelope?

Every year around this time, gizmo-oriented Americans rejoice—it's time for the annual Consumer Electronics Show, bursting with exotic new products we may (or may not) soon be seeing in our homes and cars. Plus: How to update your old TV to see new digital broadcasts for free.

The world of digital television is tempting you with up to two $40 coupons to upgrade your old analog sets.You may have to be patient, though; I had some trouble trying to connect to the government Web site now accepting coupon applications.

Thousands of people poured into AT&T Plaza in front of the American Airlines Center tonight to take part in the first Big D NYE event to ring in the New Year. Live bands played under clear but chilly skies as the crowd awaited a big fireworks display at midnight. It's the city's first real attempt to centralize a New Year's Eve celebration. "It's just a matter of putting it on the map, and I think this year we've done a pretty good job of doing that," said event organizer Wade Hampton.
•  Watch LIVE coverage of Big D NYE '08

WFAA-TV

A converter box like this is your gateway to DTV.

DTV: It's the biggest change in television since color TV. But it's a technology switch that could keep you from seeing Channel 8 and other local stations—unless you take action before February, 2009.

NORAD Tracks Santa

Santa's getting a technology upgrade this year. The NORAD Tracks Santa 2007 Web site and a similar venture from DFW International Airport will let you keep tabs on the travels of jolly old Saint Nick on Christmas Eve.

RuinRomo.com

RuinRomo.com is also selling T-shirts and caps.

Can the face of a 27-year-old singer/actress bring down the mighty Dallas Cowboys? A new Web site is offering a mask designed to distract quarterback Tony Romo. "After Dallas beat the Packers and [quarterback Brett] Favre got hurt, Romo just seemed to be a little too big for his britches," said Matthew Sorenson, a Green Bay fan who launched the site.

The Transportation Security Administration offers a number of helpful Web sites for air travelers during the holiday season. At the TSA's comprehensive SimpliFLY page, you'll find packing tips along with an online video to help point you in the right diection.

Here's an update on magicJack, a small gizmo that promises a full year of unlimited phone calls for just $40. It uses an Internet connection to route calls from your PC to traditional land line or cellular phone numbers. I first told you about magicJack in October, after a buzz developed when there was a brief item about the technology on our Daybreak program.

This animated Santa e-greeting is from AudioCard.

According to the Greeting Card Association, most Americans still say they prefer "the old-fashioned handwritten card or letter to make someone feel truly special." But there's no question that more people are taking advantage of the Internet to deliver personalized greetings that can go far beyond the printed card you pick up at the drug store.

This week on Computer Corner: A number of Web sites provide curious shoppers with a sneak peek at discount prices on Black Friday—one of the biggest retail days of the year. Plus: A way for prospective students to pay a virtual visit to their choice of college; and comic books go online.

What's Oprah been up to lately? You don't have to watch her show. You don't even have to buy her magazine. Just tune in to her new online video blog. Plus: Forget about sharing pictures of your kids, pets or cars online. It's all about refrigerators.

King Tut is coming to Dallas. And to get you ready for next year's blockbuster, Computer Corner has unearthed some choice Web sites for you to explore using nothing more than a keyboard and an Internet connection. Plus: Web sites on license plates—an idea that really hasn't caught on.

Cell phones have tiny screens and minuscule buttons. But clever software makers are coming up with new ways to harness a handheld device to access the power of the Internet. Wait until you see what vTap can do. Plus: Unlimited phone service for $40 a year?

A Web site that pinpoints world trouble spots.

This week, Computer Corner dishes up a potpourri: A fresh option for music lovers on the go; an interesting new twist on the most basic of Internet tasks; Microsoft's ploy to put an Office on every desktop; and a Web site that warns you about potential dangers around the world.

Microsoft

LifeCam VX-7000 boasts a 2 megapixel image sensor.

We all know Microsoft as the company behind Windows. But there's more to Microsoft than software, as anybody who owns an Xbox or one of Microsoft's popular mice or keyboards can attest. The company is now launching its second generation of Webcams, and the VX-7000 flagship model boasts an image sensor capable of high definition video and still images.

Walt Zwirko / WFAA-TV

Vudu's simple five-button remote is all you need to call up its online library.

Couch potatoes, rejoice! There's finally a gizmo that brings the movie rental store right to your media room. Vudu helps establish a brand new category in home entertainment, because all of its content comes directly from the Internet.

Millions of Americans participate in the same ritual week after week: going through the newspaper (or those endless ads stuffed in your mailbox) in quest of valuable coupons. But I'm going to show you how technology can save time and money by introducing you to printable coupons.