More Web 2.0 and Web Apps In Depth

The timeline's time has come

Facebook's Timeline feature will soon be imposed on all the social network's users. Columnist Mike Elgan expects to see an increased use of timeline-like interfaces in all kinds of applications because they work the way people think -- and people like them.

Flexing NoSQL: MongoDB in review

MongoDB shines with broad programming language support, SQL-like queries, and out-of-the-box scaling

5 ways to secure your Facebook profile in a post-Timeline world

The new Timeline layout introduces some changes that may mean you're suddenly sharing more than you should. Here's how to lock down Facebook without going overboard.

Image gallery: 5 online backup services keep your data safe

Backing up can be easier if you send your data to the cloud. We look at 5 of the most well-known online backup services to see how they compare.

5 online backup services keep your data safe

Backing up can be easier if you send your data to the cloud. We look at five of the best-known online backup services to see how they compare.

Social makes the Super Bowl more super

The Super Bowl has always been a social event. What's different now is that social media and the Internet have turned geography and proximity into nonfactors.

Send Faxes From the Web: Three Services Tested

Though you might be tempted to ditch your office fax machine, you probably have to send out at least a few faxes every year. Windows lets you fax from the OS itself; but it requires you to use a landline that your small business may not want tied up, and it lacks security and mobile features that your business may need.

Ira Winkler: Is Google evil? The jury is out

Google's changes to its privacy policy should have been expected. It's what any corporation intent on maximizing value would do. But does that make it right?

Software That Does It All

A computer is only as useful as the software you run on it, so you should keep your PC's software current--and not necessarily with the latest version of a program that's getting long in the tooth. Sometimes, switching to a new application can help you speed up your work or make your system more efficient.

In civil litigation, 'private' social media data isn't private

The rules governing e-discovery apply to social media and trump both a social media website's privacy guidelines and an individual user's privacy preferences.

How to cope with HTML5's dueling standards bodies

Pay no attention to those chattering consortia -- when it comes to charting a course for HTML adoption, the browser is the new standard.

Infor CEO Charles Phillips discusses software vendor's remaking

Infor CEO Charles Phillips mostly kept out of the limelight after landing the job in October 2010, following a high-profile stint as co-president of Oracle.

Ira Winkler: Facebook is giving hacking a good name again

Its Hacker Cup celebrates creative computer talent instead of rewarding the destroyers.

Three HTML5 animation tools: Adobe Edge, Sencha Animator, Tumult Hype

HTML5 developers might want some help in dealing with a steep learning curve. We review three applications that can help. Insider (registration required)

Bart Perkins: Is social connectivity friend or foe to corporations?

Corporations need to carefully consider how they will use social networking. One certainty: They can't ignore it. Insider (registration required

Patents and the lessons learned from Web 2.0

Reduced natural barriers to entry, like development time and cost, should have entrepreneurs considering artificial barriers to entry, like patents and other intellectual property rights. Insider (registration required)

Why enterprise software will never be the same

It's a stretch to call 2011 a truly transformative year for enterprise software, given all the old warts that remain, from large-scale IT project failures to creaky legacy systems that will take years and great expense to replace with the latest-and-greatest.

Who's above average?

The most business-savvy CIOs tend to report to the CEO, lead a non-IT area, and make more money than average CIOs Insider (registration required)

5 resolutions to change the world in 2012

Steve Jobs, who was obsessed with changing the world, died this year. But he left behind a world we can all change.

'Tis the season for 'ambient hangouts'

This holiday season, you can use Google's free and easy Hangout feature to hold virtual celebrations with family and friends.