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Logic dictates that if you're reading this article on CNET, you're probably quite tech savvy. Indeed, our research indicates that your close friends and family often turn to you specifically for advice on all things gadget-related. Though some of these people may have a general understanding of tech, others are no doubt complete Luddites, which for our intents refers to the more general description of a person who is resistant to or lacks an understanding of modern technology.

If you're a technophile, dealing with a Luddite can be a frustrating business. Whether you're just trying to … Read more

So we've discussed how it's possible to spark love with some help from Facebook, as well as the ins and outs of maintaining the love by not thrusting it into the spotlight. It's high time to come full circle on this whole Facebooking-for-love business. As previously noted, the sad fact in today's world is that nothing's permanent.

However, dealing with breakup turmoil on Facebook should be easy as pie if you've followed the tips from the first two segments in this series. Namely: there should be no breakup turmoil on Facebook. But I suppose it might be inevitable for some, which is where this last bit of advice comes into play.

Part III: Saving face

So much of this advice seems completely obvious to me--and likely to most of you as well--but it clearly bears repeating for some. For example, DON'T get into flame wars with your ex or soon-to-be ex on Facebook. It's quite childish, wouldn't you agree? Plus, once you start airing all that dirty laundry for every one of your "friends" to see, you open yourself up to criticism, which can be quite the dose of salt on the wounds of the recently separated.

And since we're on the subject of maturity (or the lack of it), please DON'T hack into another user's Facebook account and spew on his or her page. After all, the goal here is to save face, not make yourself look bad. The best way to protect your own feelings and come off looking like a reasonable person is to actually act like one. Reasonable people also aren't blatantly spiteful, so DO consider your ex's feelings. Obviously, taking care of yourself is top priority, but there's no need to post purposefully mean and hurtful things about another person. Even if he or she has chosen this route, take the high road and DON'T sink to their level.

While we're at it, DON'T attempt to make a former partner jealous via Facebook. A status update stating "just spent two hours at the gym and flirted with the hot new yoga instructor" is a bit obvious, don't you think?… Read more

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this column lead to content with adult language.

With the large amount of time people spend online these days, it's no surprise that many of us have found aspects of our love lives playing out there as well. And social sites such as Facebook can make maintaining romantic relationships even more complicated than it already is. Last week, I offered some guidelines on looking for love on the site. Well, now it's time for some tips on dealing with the repercussions of actually finding it.

Part II: Maintaining the love

This may … Read more

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this column lead to content with adult language.

Thanks to the digital age, nothing is sacred anymore. If you need some proof for this statement, just consider Facebook. The social networking site is a veritable cesspool of vulgar content, unintelligible pseudo English, and TMI. That's not to say the site doesn't have value, because it most certainly does. It's great for reconnecting with old friends, planning gatherings, and sharing amusing media bits from around the Web, among other things.

But as a tool in matters of the heart, Facebook decidedly falls into the gray area between super useful and downright shady. With that in mind, I've put together some tips to navigate the choppy waters of romantic relationships via social networking.

Part I: Finding love First things first: DO look for love on Facebook. Why not, really? For one thing, it works. I have two close friends who met significant others through the site, and one is now engaged as a result. For many people, it's easier than asking someone out in person, whether for reasons of shyness or propriety. Further, it's not much different than meeting through a dedicated dating site such as Match.com or OKCupid--in fact, some might be even more comfortable admitting to meeting through Facebook since it's not a dedicated dating site. … Read more

We've all seen their handy work. Some of us have even had nasty personal encounters with them. And a handful of us have turned into one at one time or another. This not-so-mythical creature to which I refer is the dreaded Web troll.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a troll, in Internet speak, is a person who posts "inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community." Such individuals are generally rude, unpleasant, and highly irrational. What follows are some guidelines that will help you avoid troll-like behavior, as well as some pointers on what to do if you find yourself drawn into a skirmish with one of these hideous beasts, though the short answer is DON'T bother.

As always, I like to start with the obvious: when you're commenting on an online article or participating in a Web forum, DO remember to stick to the topic at hand. Readers of a blog dedicated to cute puppies probably have no interest in a rodomontade about your Norwegian Forest Cat, and commenting on a writer's physical appearance on a blog about tech/food/news/cars is probably not the most appropriate course of action either (not that we don't appreciate the compliments). Also, DO be sure to read the entire article (or all of the available information) before offering an opinion or critique. If not, you risk coming across as confused, ignorant, and possibly slightly illiterate.… Read more

GPS devices, cell phones, and MP3 players have been coexisting with cars for years, so one might think that people would know by now how to use car tech without irritating and endangering the lives of others. One would be wrong. To that end, several states (six for handheld calling and 22 for texting, to be exact) have passed laws banning various types of cell phone activity while driving.

But tech in the car isn't all bad. Gadgets can provide much-needed directions for exploring a new city or hours of entertainment on lengthy road trips. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how we ever lived without such niceties in our vehicles, though I'm sure many of you remember it as clearly as I do (I went on a lot of road trips when I was young...and played a lot of I SPY*). I would never suggest we ditch car tech, but I can provide tips to keep yourself safe, sane, and entertained on the road.

First, let's get a no-brainer out of the way: DON'T text while driving! No matter what the law in your state says, it's never a good idea to text and drive. In fact, one Car & Driver study found that it's safer to drive drunk, not that I recommend that, either. If you must check a text from someone or shoot off a note of your own, either pull over or wait until you're at a red light. And speaking of obvious: how about you put down that hamburger/cigarette/mascara/infant (!!!) and focus on the freakin' road already.

Also, DO consider purchasing a Bluetooth headset for talking while driving, though I'm not convinced that this necessarily safer than talking on the handset. However, it is the legal route in some states (including CNET's home state), and--hey--at least it comes in handy for other situations, such as yammering on the phone while you prepare dinner or fold the laundry. And while we're still on the topic of cell phones, DO make sure you brush up on the laws of whatever state you're driving in so that you'll avoid tickets--and the unnecessary delays and humiliation caused by local police pulling you over and doling out a lecture.

Of course, phones aren't the only things that can distract you while behind the wheel. Make sure you DON'T input GPS coordinates while driving; instead, have a passenger do it, or program destinations before your trip or while stopped. Also, make sure the GPS is mounted on the windshield or dash at eye-level or, when prohibited, set loud enough that you can hear audio directions. In other words, limit taking your eyes off the road as much as possible.… Read more

I know what you're thinking: another iPad article, Jasmine? Really? Must you? The answer is: "Yes, I must." Clearly, it is necessary for me to cash in on the buzz, too--I'm not letting Donald have all the fun! Honestly, though, if you think you're sick of hearing about Apple's latest wonder gadget, take a moment to consider how those in the tech media field must feel.

However, far be it from me to overlook the advantages of my position. Namely, I've already had my hands all over an iPad and I didn't have to shell out a cent for the privilege. This combined with easy access to dozens of people who've had personal time with the device has provided rich fodder for addressing the question on everyone's mind: what--and who--on earth is such a unique gadget good for? As it turns out, I do have a few thoughts on the matter.

First of all, the iPad is really much more suitable for the living room or bedroom than for true on-the-go use, so DON'T bother shelling out for the 3G version. Not only will you have to plunk down an additional $130 for the integrated tech, you'll also be bleeding $30 per month for unlimited data. For the majority of users, this is not going to be a day-to-day multimedia device that you cart around on your person. In the event that you travel with it--because let's face it, flying with this thing is a huge DO--you wouldn't be able to use the cell service in the air anyway, and most likely, your hotel (or someplace nearby) will have some Wi-Fi for you to hop onto. Heck, even planes have Wi-Fi now. Just make sure you pick up some headphones, since none come with the iPad.

Before we stray too far from the topic of using the iPad as an in-home entertainment device, DON'T underestimate the will of third-party accessory manufacturers. Currently, you can turn the iPad into an mini entertainment system by picking up the Apple dock for $29 and connecting some speakers to the back, or get a kickstand for around $50 and stream wirelessly to a set of Bluetooth speakers. But my money's on a speaker dock that seamlessly integrates the iPad and turns it into a totable AV system--surely that's in the near future. (Although the built-in speakers get plenty loud, it would be nice to have an all-in-one solution that props the player up and improves the sound.) And with apps for Netflix, ABC, and more already available, who even needs a regular old TV in the bedroom anymore?… Read more

My sixth sense tells me I'm not going to make many friends with this article, but I'm just going to say it: if you carry a bag over or across one shoulder, it's a purse. That means all those messenger bags you fellows are carrying around are man purses. I don't care how big it is: it's still a murse. And I've already earned the ire of one coworker by calling it that (I believe his exact words were: "I'll murse you"), so if you want to bombard my comment section … Read more