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Proxy ports showing formatted text in Mountain Lion

In OS X, Apple supports the configuration of various network proxy servers for individual ports in its Network system preferences. In some instances users have been reporting odd formatting issues in which entered proxy port settings either adopt commas or decimal points, though the proxy settings still work just fine.

As with most network services, proxy settings require a specific communications port to be set so network traffic can be directed to the appropriate background tasks that require it. In many cases such as Web browsing (port 80) or FTP access (port 21) these ports are fairly well established and … Read more

Home networking explained, Part 2: Optimizing your Wi-Fi network

Editors' note: This post is part of an ongoing series. For the other parts, check out the related stories.

Since my last post on the basics of home networking, which is Part 1 of this series, I've been flooded with even more e-mails than I had been before (which explains why some of you haven't heard back from me). The good news is that nobody is asking about what a router is anymore. I guess I did an OK job explaining that in my previous post.

Most of the e-mails this time asked about how to have the … Read more

Home networking explained, Part 1: Here's the URL for you

Editors' note: This post is part of an ongoing series and was updated on June 12, 2013, to add information about the quad-stream setup of the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. For the other parts in the series, check out the related stories.

As the guy who reviews networking products, I generally receive a couple of e-mails from readers a day, and most of them, in one way or another, are asking about the basics of networking (as in computer to computer, I am not talking about social networks here.)

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate e-mails because, at the very least, it gives me the impression that there are real people out there amid the sea of spam. But I'd rather not keep repeating myself. So instead of saying the same thing over and over again in individual e-mails, I'll talk all about home networking basics, in layman's terms, in this post.… Read more

How tech protects the world's busiest border crossing

SAN YSIDRO, Calif.--They were hidden in the gas tank -- 17 tightly-wrapped packages of marijuana weighing in at 38.44 pounds.

The car was nondescript, a green 1999 Mazda 626. The driver was a male 50-year-old Mexican national, a resident of Tijuana who had presumably been hoping to make it into California without being stopped.

Instead, the man got caught with the massive haul of pot, snared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers here at the world's busiest border crossing using several tools in their arsenal -- some high-tech, some very low-tech -- to find … Read more

Scan your PC for open ports with Free Port Scanner

Hackers are like unruly sailors on liberty when it comes to open ports: You can't keep them out, and they leave disaster in their wake. Protecting your ports is essential to keeping your system safe, and that starts with knowledge of your system's ports and whether they're Wide Open or Closed for the Duration. Free Port Scanner is just the tool for the job. This simple freeware from Network Security Audit Software (Nsasoft) thoroughly scans and tests your system's ports. It can reveal vulnerable access points so you can take action to close them to attackers.… Read more

How to power four simultaneous screens with the Retina MacBook Pro

The new MacBook Pro with Retina display has many noteworthy features, from a unique 2,880x1,800-pixel screen to new Nvidia graphics to large SSD storage options. But, the most surprising may be the multiple video outputs -- something not seen on a MacBook before now.

The last several generations of MacBook have had either a mini-DisplayPort or combo Thunderbolt/DisplayPort jack. HDMI has been on our most-wished-for lists for years, so Apple finally adding HDMI (which is found on pretty every other current laptop) is a big move, especially when combined with a second Thunderbolt port.

The initial review of the Retina Pro … Read more

iPhone 5 said to have half-the-size dock connector

Rumors leaked last month that the iPhone 5 will have a new Dock connector with only 19 pins, as opposed to the rectangular 30-pin port found on the mobile today.

This rumor is said to be confirmed today by TechCrunch, which wrote that three independent manufacturers affirmed that the 19-pin port is in the works.

"Although the form factor and actual size are still unknown, TechCrunch has independently verified that Apple is working on adding a 19-pin port, replacing the current 30-pin port, to the new iPhone," the tech news site writes.

In addition to TechCrunch's confirmation … Read more

Microsoft Surface shows Apple could be wrong

In one sense, Microsoft has succeeded already, by demonstrating that there is a third paradigm: a transformable tablet.

That alone strikes me as a very intentional rebuttal of the Apple argument that a laptop and tablet is a "forced" convergence. (Tim Cook).

And Steve Jobs knocked the idea before that, saying it was "ergonomically terrible" and "we've done tons of user testing on this, and it turns out it doesn't work."

Well, Microsoft showed us Monday that it could work. That's all I (and consumers) need to see. (I had been … Read more

Microsoft Surface tablet, iPad spec check

Microsoft did not skimp on specs for its new tablets.

More than any single feature, the 3mm-thick Touch Cover (see photos below) stands out. Using pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, allowing faster touch typing than is possible with on-screen keyboards, Microsoft claims.

The Touch Cover attaches to the tablet with a built-in magnetic connector, "forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover," Microsoft said.

There is also an option for a slightly thicker 5 mm Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing experience. … Read more

Get the Galaxy S III experience on your S II right now

Interest in Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S III is so far out of this world it's forcing me to pull out all my most revolting puns.

The flagship Android phone has already smashed preorder records in the U.K., and is causing global pangs of jealousy today with word that it's apparently gone on sale early in Dubai.

If you just can't wait any longer, or your personal jet is in the shop and you can't make the trip to the UAE right away, there's still a way to get your hands on the Galaxy S III experience. Kind of. … Read more