More Applications 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.

Hands on: HP's Enterprise Database Consolidation Appliance

This new appliance from Microsoft and HP can bring in all database instances from around the network and host them in a fault-tolerant device with lots of features -- and a hefty pricetag. Insider (registration required)

Flexing NoSQL: MongoDB in review

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

Want to Build an App? Consider These 7 Points First

Smartphones and tablets are dominating technology, and apps are among the top selling points for each mobile OS. With Apple's and Google's app stores each having over 500,000 apps and tens of billions of downloads, the desire to be a part of this growing market is strong. Apps can be useful for internal use by your company, or as a way to collaborate with clients, vendors, customers, and the public. Before deciding to develop an app for your business, though, take these considerations into account.

Predator secures your PC with a USB drive...and some difficulty

Predator may not be as magical as BioTrust, which lets you unlock your computer using a webcam and your face, but it's still a nice idea.

Which Web Host Do You Need? Six Small-Business Plans Compared

Websites don't build themselves. They require a considerable investment of energy, expertise, and design know-how to construct and launch. But building a site is only half the story: Websites also have to be hosted on servers, ready for--you hope--the thousands of people who are dying to read your content, hire your firm, or pay for your services.

The rise of Node.js: JavaScript graduates to the server

Microsoft and others have already adopted this technology to extend JavaScript beyond the browser -- but it has limits developers must beware

OnLive's train wreck: Office on the iPad

The OnLive Desktop service shows just how wrong desktop virtualization can be

Make good spreadsheets for cheap with GS-Calc

GS-Calc 9.2 is an inexpensive spreadsheet program that isn't a simple Excel clone. It offers has a number of interesting features, including a large work area , pivot tables, fairly robust charting, and a nice interface for dealing with multiple worksheets in a single project.

Komodo Edit: Feature-packed free programmers' editor

If you're not perfectly content with the editor you're currently using, you might want to consider Komodo Edit (free). Komodo offers some compelling features at a price that can't be beat.

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.

Take Great Product Photos for Your Online Store

When you're selling items on shopping sites such as eBay and Etsy, presentation and marketing are just as important as producing a high-quality product. Customers are bombarded with images of goods of all shapes and sizes. Since they can't try things on or test them out, it's important for you to provide a clear, accurate, and appealing representation. Even if the cashmere scarf you knitted is beautiful in person, no one will want it if it appears out of focus, looks poorly lit, or sits wrapped around your unshaven friend's neck.

Goodbye e-books, hello apps

E-book sales are, surprisingly, flattening and Gibbs knows why: E-books don't really work very well.

8 CRM Trends You Need to Watch

Customer relationship management vendors and industry analysts discuss which CRM trends will continue to gain strength and what new trends IT professionals need to watch.

Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate: Easy and powerful, but not perfect

Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate converts video, rips DVDs, records and downloads online video, and even edits and processes video with special effects.

Smart hat monitors brain waves to watch fatigue levels

An Australian company plans to offer a system to check how alert drivers are by monitoring their brainwaves ...

Get the Most From Your Netflix Streaming Subscription

So you've decided to get Netflix. Smart move: Even with last year's notorious price hikes, the company's Unlimited Streaming service is a ridiculously good deal at $7.99 per month. You get commercial-free movies and TV shows, with no limits on viewing, streamed to just about any device you prefer--smartphone, tablet, game console, set-top box, and so on.