6.1

Users who keep contact lists between multiple programs need a way to sync them. AddressBookSync for Mac is designed for this purpose alone, but its lack of user guidance and poor performance detract from its usefulness.

Download of this freeware program completed quickly with no problems or user agreements required. There were no user instructions either, which, despite the easy-to-use program features, made AddressBookSync for Mac difficult to operate, initially. The menus appeared dated with few options or features that were identifiable. Two buttons allowed the user to look at matched and unmatched contacts between Facebook and the computer. There … Read more

Users who have audio files spread across multiple computers and operating systems may have trouble compiling them using traditional programs. Tomahawk for Mac works well to search for and list music, and it's easy to use despite its lack of instructions.

Tomahawk for Mac is available as freeware with no advertisements or payments required. Installation completed quickly without the need for acceptance of a user agreement. Upon startup, a menu allows the user to link the program to outside accounts for music services as well as Google, among others. The program, itself, does not have any user instructions, but … Read more

Apple released an iOS update on Thursday, though it's a tiny change.

iOS 6.1.4, which appears to be available only for the iPhone 5, updates the "audio profile for speakerphone."

The software weighs in at 11.5MB and is available by way of the over-the-air iOS software update tool, and in iTunes.

Apple's last iOS update was 6.1.3, back in March. That update fixed a lock screen security bug and improved some Apple Maps features for users in Japan.

Users who work with personal DVD videos need a program capable of changing them to editable formats. DVDxDV Pro for Mac performs this function well, but its lack of other capabilities makes it less useful for average users.

DVDxDV Pro for Mac offers a free trial version that places a watermark on the output video. The full, unrestricted version requires payment of $39.99. Its download completed quickly, but the installation took longer than expected, despite the native installer. Upon startup, the program gives the user access to a number of tutorial videos, which walk the user through certain functions. … Read more

Suryl Guardian can restore your suddenly wonky or malfunctioning Windows PC to a previously created stable "environment" with the click of a button. If that sounds a lot like the System Restore tool already built into your copy of Windows, you're right. Suryl Guardian basically does what System Restore does; namely, rolls your system back when something's messed up. So what do you get with Suryl Guardian? Two things: 1) It offers lots more than System Restore, like easy scheduling, kiosk mode, password protection, and other options; and 2) it's way easier to use. Suryl … Read more

Another iOS update, another round of complaints.

Released last week, Apple's iOS 6.1.3 was designed to fix a security hole that let someone access the iPhone by sneaking past the lock screen. But the update also seems to have plagued some users with other problems, according to blog site Gotta Be Mobile.

The persistent battery drain rears its ugly head again with iOS 6.1.3. Several people posting on Apple's Support Communities forum say the battery drains faster after installing the new update. Some have tried the usual fixes, such as turning off notifications and … Read more

Apple has finally managed to contain the Evasi0n jailbreak.

Released yesterday, iOS 6.1.3 fixes a security bug that allowed someone to sneak past the lock screen and make phone calls, listen to voice mail, and view contact photos.

But the update also patched several holes that Evasi0n exploited to perform an untethered jailbreak on all iOS devices, including the latest iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. People who upgrade to iOS 6.1.3 will no longer be able to use Evasi0n to jailbreak their devices. And once on 6.1.3, newer Apple devices cannot be downgraded to … Read more

Apple today launched iOS version 6.1.3 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users.

The latest update fixes a security flaw that allowed someone to gain access to an iPhone by getting past the lock screen.

By following a specific series of steps, including making an emergency call, a person could get around the passcode and make phone calls, listen to voice mail, or check contact photos.

iOS 6.1.3 also adds improvements to Apple's Maps app for users in Japan.

iOS users can update their devices over the air by opening the Settings screen, tapping on … Read more

For advanced users of video files, finding quality programs for Mac to work with MKV files can be difficult. MKVToolnix for Mac has multiple features for working with these files, but only advanced users are likely to be able to interpret the program.

Available as freeware, MKVToolnix for Mac has no restrictions or payment required for its full use. Download and installation were fairly easy and only required the user to locate and initiate the program to load it for the first time. No user agreements were required to complete the setup. There is a Read Me file that comes … Read more