Preston Gralla

Preston Gralla: Microsoft's smartwatch: Been there, didn't do that

Vendors are falling all over themselves to develop smartwatches. Will this be yet one more example of Microsoft getting to a market first and then failing to cash in?

Limiting the feds' snooping

Recent developments could portend the demise of National Security Letters, which allow the FBI to get private customer information without a judge's approval.

Preston Gralla: iPad vs. PC: Sometimes the accepted wisdom is right

It's clear that hardware makers are experimenting far more with Windows devices than Apple is with the iPad. But that does that herald a revival of the PC?

Fear of Facebook: 7 free apps that guard your privacy

Facebook users are constantly being told that their privacy is under siege. Here are seven apps that can help secure your personal data.

Preston Gralla: Does hardware matter anymore?

Today hardware is often an afterthought in the enterprise, and user preferences count more than IT planning. This all means there will be winners and losers among today's big vendors.

10 Windows 8 tips, tricks and hacks

Starting to get comfortable with Windows 8? Don't stop now: From invoking 'God Mode' to hacking the lock screen, here are 10 ways to make Windows 8 act the way you want.

Office 2010 Cheat Sheets: Find your way around Word, Excel and more

Whether you're upgrading from Office 2007 or an earlier version, we've got the goods on how to find your way around Microsoft Office 2010 and make the most of its new features.

Office 365 Home Premium review: Is Office better by subscription?

Office 365 Home Premium, Microsoft's new subscription-based version of Office 2013, lets you use your applications anywhere. But does it really cost less than the client version?

Preston Gralla: Is your fridge an IRS snitch?

Neither federal and state law nor the courts have come close to catching up with the privacy implications of so much of our data existing in a realm beyond our complete control.

Dell XPS 12 review: Does it succeed as both an ultrabook and a tablet?

Dell's new XPS 12 convertible is one of the first Windows 8 computer to work both as an ultrabook and a tablet. But despite a nice design and great display, it may not succeed.

Will Google go the way of Microsoft? Ask the FTC.

The antitrust suit that the Justice Department filed against Microsoft in the 1990s left the company distracted and unable to plan for the future. Could the same thing be in store for Google?

Nook HD review: A faster, brighter and better e-reader/tablet

Barnes & Noble's new Nook HD and Nook HD+ ereader/tablets have great displays, improved software and a new video service -- worthy competitors for Amazon's Kindle Fire.

HTC's Windows Phone 8X review: Fast, bright and sleek

HTC's fast and well-designed Windows Phone 8X is one of the first to use Microsoft's new Windows Phone 8 smartphone operating system.

Windows 8 cheat sheet

Windows 8 presents a radically new interface to users, but never fear: Our comprehensive guide will help you find your way around the new OS and make the most of its features.

Preston Gralla: Tech talk seems to be taboo on the campaign trail

Discussions about technology issues are complex and not amenable to sound bites. But they are quite important nonetheless.

Preston Gralla: Is Microsoft out to kill online advertising? Let's get real

Do Not Track in Internet Explorer 10 won't kill online advertising. Microsoft, as much as anyone else, has its eye on that multibillion-dollar prize.

Kindle Fire HD review: A better Kindle, but not a better tablet

Amazon's newest Kindle, the 7-in. Kindle Fire HD, is a great buy if you're an Amazon customer, but it falls short as a general-purpose tablet.

4 security suites that protect all your devices

Security suites from McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro and Webroot offer protection for all your devices along with Web-based management.

PowerPoint 2010 cheat sheet

Whether you're upgrading from PowerPoint 2007 or an earlier version, we've got the goods on how to find your way around Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 and make the most of its features. Insider (registration required)

Preston Gralla: Lawyers are taking the tech crown from engineers

Billions of dollars are at stake as tech companies use their patents to seek competitive advantage.