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Walt Zwirko

Your Health Matters
08/27/2008

Photos come alive with online tools

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.

08/22/2008

Teach your cell phone to read

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

08/20/2008

Computer Corner Newsletter for August 21

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

08/19/2008

Man with gun robs Richardson bank
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.

08/13/2008

Cyber-warfare; Analog VCRs in a digital age

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.

08/07/2008

Fire damages model home in Frisco
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.

08/06/2008

Scrambling to fix an Internet security hole

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.

07/30/2008

New search engine has promise, needs work

This week from Computer Corner, Walt Zwirko tells us about a new search engine that claims to index more pages than Google. Is it the Nirvana of Web quests? Not quite; at least not yet. Plus: new ways for WFAA.com users to get interactive.

07/29/2008

Video may show Governor's Mansion arsonist

Texas DPS
This shadowy figure may be linked to the fire.

The Texas Department of Public Safety today released surveillance video and photos that may show a man or men linked to the June 8 arson fire at the Governor's Mansion in Austin. The fire caused extensive damage to the 152-year-old residence, which was undergoing renovations.
See photos | View video

07/23/2008

Mobile mouse lives inside notebook

WFAA-TV
The MoGo Mouse stores in a card slot of your notebook computer.

Your mouse has become an extension of your right (or left) hand and an essential part of modern computing. But using a mouse while on the road always seems to be a compromise. The MoGo Mouse is no exception, but it sure is an interesting concept that is genuinely useful while taking a novel approach to pointing and clicking. Also this week: We look at a Web site with special appeal to creative thinkers.

07/16/2008

A feature-packed digital TV converter box

WFAA-TV

If you're in the market for a digital TV converter box, here's one that really delivers: DTVPal from Dish Network. Yes, the same folks who offer satellite TV service are now selling a box that's strictly for off-air viewing.

07/10/2008

Solving digital TV reception problems

Walt Zwirko / WFAA-TV

You should all know by now that the existing system of analog TV transmission will end next February 17. Starting then — unless you already watch your local channels via cable or satellite subscription — you will need to receive digital TV off the air. Many of our viewers continue to have questions about the big switch to digital television, and we address some of them in this week's Computer Corner.

07/02/2008

Free ringtones; free music; free TV on the Web
It's a multimedia extravaganza in this week's edition of Computer Corner. First, we check out some software that lets you bypass those pricey ringtone services to personalize your phone. Then it's an amazing software program that magically builds a music library from Internet radio stations. Plus: a gizmo that lets you watch YouTube videos and other online clips on a regular TV set.

06/28/2008

Computer Corner: Fly, search and charge

WFAA-TV
Dead batteries in your iPod? PowerPort Mini to the rescue!

This week from Midday's Computer Corner: A clever new way to look at Internet searching, and a gadget that keeps your mobile gear from powering down. Plus: There's something special in the air — especially if you can't bear to leave the Internet behind.

06/23/2008

Digital TV update: Answering your questions

WFAA-TV
This Zenith digital TV converter box and others like it can keep your set from becoming obsolete.

The end of analog TV is coming, and it's something we'll be talking about a lot between now and next February 17. For many of you, it means the TV set you're now using will become instantly obsolete. But there is a simple and inexpensive way to make sure your old analog television will make the transition to the digital age.

06/11/2008

Pocket-sized camcorder focused on simplicity

WFAA-TV

A year ago, we first showed you the Flip Video camcorder, a small device that positioned itself as the "instamatic" camera for a new generation. In the ensuing months, the brand has grown to be a major force in the consumer camera market, claiming 13 percent of video camera sales since its introduction. Now there's a new and smaller model to check out: the Flip Mino.

05/28/2008

A versatile digital picture frame

WFAA-TV
The Image Moments 8 frame has a remote control.

It only makes sense. If you're going to take digital pictures, why not display them in a digital frame? OK, so they're not as portable (most don't run on batteries) or as pocketable as a small photo album, but digital picture frames are a great way to show off your treasured snapshots.

05/21/2008

$99 box offers instant movie downloads

Roku

With gas prices heading toward $4 a gallon, who wants to hop in the car to go rent a movie? Netflix had that figured out from the start by eliminating stores and mailing DVDs to customers. But now, Netflix has a new option: a small box that connects to your TV and downloads movies whenever you want to see them.

05/20/2008

Put the universe on your desktop

Microsoft

Have you ever wanted to boldly go where no man has gone before (but not been too keen to ride a rocket into space)? We have the answer to your space quest this week in Computer Corner. It's a new, free software program that turns your computer screen into the world's most powerful telescope.

05/19/2008

On the way to a new record high

WFAA-TV

The National Weather Service reporting station at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reached 98 degrees just before 5 o'clock Monday, equaling the record for May 19.

05/09/2008

Free software mimics Microsoft Office

IBM

While some people get a computer to play games, most folks use their machine for useful but mundane things like writing letters, preparing presentations and creating budgets. But if your budget doesn't accomodate an all-purpose suite of office software, you now have another option for a very useful (and free) alternative.

05/08/2008

The joys of iMac
Twenty-eight years after it was introduced with great fanfare, I'm finally using a Macintosh computer on a daily basis.

05/01/2008

Cell phone could be your ticket to Hollywood
In this week's Computer Corner, we've got some helpful information for all our viewers who still have questions about the TV transition to digital broadcasting. But first, some news about how you can get into show business by using something you probably already have — a mobile phone.

04/23/2008

New tools to manage money online

Quicken Online lets you know the state of your financial situation.

It's a frustrating time to be an American consumer. Every time you turn around, it seems prices are going up — from gasoline to groceries. With the buying power of your paycheck shrinking daily, you've got to make the most of your financial resources. And there's nothing more powerful than a computer to help.

04/17/2008

A Mac clone; the petition to save XP; musical Windows

Psystar
The Open Computer is a desktop chameleon

How would you like to get your hands on a powerful Macintosh computer — without the Apple brand or legendary styling (but with a price tag less than $600)? That's just what one Florida company now has on offer. Plus: the petition to save Windows XP and a look at some music makers who use their PC for inspiration.

04/10/2008

Eliminate manual labor; Tell it to Starbucks
Grab your cup of coffee and get ready to gripe! You now have an online pipeline to your local barista. But first in this week's edition of Computer Corner, we'll examine an elegant solution to a frustrating problem: What happens when you need the long-lost manual for complicated electronic gear?

04/02/2008

Photoshop for free? Well, sort of...

WFAA-TV
Cropping photos is easy with Photoshop Express.

The digital photo revolution presents picture-takers with a real dilemma. Snapshots that once occupied albums and shoeboxes are now just digital bits somewhere on a hard drive, a CD or even a memory chip.

03/26/2008

Kidzui: The Internet for kids

Kidzui.com

It's hard to keep kids away from the Internet, but parents understandably worry about the potential danger of connecting with the wrong person or seeing the wrong Web site. This week in Computer Corner, we hear from the CEO of a company that may have just what moms and dads have been looking for.

03/19/2008

Hands-on with a digital TV converter box

DTV converter box
WFAA-TV

On February 17 of next year, Channel 8 (and every other full-power TV station in the USA) will switch off traditional analog transmissions. If you use an indoor antenna ("rabbit ears") or an attic antenna, or an outdoor antenna to watch Channel 8 on an analog TV (and that's about one out of three viewers) you are going to need to either buy a new TV or get a digital TV converter box. So I tested an inexpensive box that will let you watch sparkling digital transmissions on your old TV.

03/13/2008

More TV for your PC

Chances are very good that your primary home entertainment device is a TV set in a living room or a family room. But studies now show that fans of sitcoms, medical dramas and lawyer shows are rapidly embracing the growing number of alternative viewing options online. This week, Hulu.com launched with a deep catalog of current and classic TV shows, movies and video clips..

03/10/2008

A new stadium, a new tradition

Evans Risher / WFAA-TV
Jerry Jones called it the start of a "great tradition."

Speaking over the din of construction equipment and wearing a hard hat and safety glasses, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones today announced that the team's new stadium in Arlington will host a new annual football competition between Texas A&M and the University of Arkansas starting next year. "We hope it goes on for as long as we can see in the future at our new stadium," Jones said.

02/28/2008

Tracking quakes online; something called chumby

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.

02/21/2008

Clinton sets Dallas, Fort Worth events
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.

Digital TV update; Talk all you want; Free software for students

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.

02/13/2008

Yahoo's idea to unleash your cell phone
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.

02/07/2008

Digital TV on a budget; Where are the converter boxes?
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?

01/30/2008

Computer Corner on the road
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.

01/23/2008

Don't toss that hard drive; Bloggers mourn Ledger
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.

01/17/2008

'World's thinnest notebook' has few compromises
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?

01/10/2008

A world of gadgets; Get DTV for free

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.

01/02/2008

Digital TV coupon Web site is busy

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.

12/31/2007

Dallas rings in the New Year

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

12/26/2007

DTV deadline looms for viewers
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.

12/24/2007

Computer Corner: Tracking Santa on the Web
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.

12/21/2007

Web site aims to 'Ruin Romo'
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.

12/17/2007

Travel tips for the holidays

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.

12/12/2007

Dirt cheap phone calls; Wi-Fi in the sky

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.

11/30/2007

Season's Greetings using your computer
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.

11/14/2007

Web sites offer sneak peek at holiday ads

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.

11/08/2007

Oprah's video blog; The big chill 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.

10/24/2007

A taste of Tut online; Web-enabled license plates

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.

10/19/2007

Bargain phone calls; The omnipotent cell phone

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?

10/11/2007

Computer Corner: A 'neighborhood' for favorite stuff
If you're a blogger, you'll want to know about a new online service that unchains you from your keyboard. Also this week from Computer Corner: The world's biggest online auction is has a new way to engage buyers and sellers, and Amazon.com adds MP3 music to its catalog.

10/04/2007

Terror on a map; Searching made easier
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.

09/27/2007

Desktop HD from tiny Webcam
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.

09/21/2007

Vudu: Blockbuster in a box?
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.

09/12/2007

Saving money with computerized coupons

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.