accounts

Microsoft swaps Outlook.com linked accounts for aliases

"It's a new world" out there in terms of digital identity and security, Microsoft said Monday. And, this world is far more dangerous than it used to be.

In order to mitigate e-mail infiltration by hackers and wrongdoers, Microsoft has announced that it's tossing linked accounts for its Outlook.com service and instead will be using aliases.

"There are a number of people who have more than one email address and want to manage these multiple email addresses from Outlook.com," Microsoft account group program manager Eric Doerr wrote in a blog post Monday. &… Read more

The perils of a generic Gmail address

Gmail's addressing scheme has created a new, potentially dangerous twist on the old telephone party line. Not only could some people with common names receive the personal messages of like-named strangers, but a Gmail alias of their account name could be used to sign them up for an unsavory service.

Since establishing the "doreilly@gmail.com" account in April 2004, I have received hundreds of e-mails intended for other "D. O'Reilly"s. The misdirected messages include receipts for computers, vacation rentals, and various services, complete with addresses, telephone numbers, and other personal information.

My … Read more

How to migrate a user account to another OS X system

If you are using more than one Mac, or have replaced your Mac with a new one, there are several ways you can migrate your account to the new system.

Conventionally, when you get a new system you are presented with the OS X Setup Assistant, which will guide you through migrating your data from an existing system or a backup.

In addition to Setup Assistant, you can use Apple's Migration Assistant tool at any time to transfer data from one Mac to another. This tool is especially useful for establishing your current user account on another system. Simply … Read more

How to manage automatic log-in in OS X

OS X is a multi-user platform, where each user account has its own settings and documents separate from those of other accounts, allowing for both customization differences but also for security and privacy. Not only do password requirements prevent other computer users from accessing one another's account data, but it can help deter unauthorized users from accessing the system.

While keeping the system secured with a log-in password is highly recommended for most cases, sometimes this password requirement can be a burden. For example, if you have a Mac set up as a kiosk presentation system or as a … Read more

The 404 1,255: Where we don't know what to do with our hands (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Order a slice of 'za from Da Hut with your Xbox.

- Is it possible to lose weight playing video games?

- Has anyone ever taken a good photo of a live band?

- Michael Bay apologizes for Armageddon.

Bathroom break video: Dodgeball: White Goodman's necklace does magic.… Read more

Express Accounts Free for Mac 4.67 Review

Those who run small or home-based businesses need a method to track their business accounts. Express Accounts Free for Mac performs all expected accounting functions well and is simple enough for average users to operate.

Download and installation of Express Accounts Free for Mac finished quickly. The initial menu is one for additional programs that the user can download for additional functions, such as invoicing and point-of-sale applications. While it is not clear if there is technical support, tutorials are available through a link to the developer's Web site. The main menu is basic, but the major functions are … Read more

How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account

Microsoft started rolling out its two-step verification process on April 17. Also known as two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, the process strengthens your account security by requiring you to enter your password (step 1), then a security code (step 2). The security code can be sent to you by e-mail, SMS, or phone call, or you can use an authenticator app on your mobile device.

Enabling two-step verification on your Microsoft account will enable it across all Microsoft services that currently support two-step verification, like Windows, Outlook.com, Office, and SkyDrive. If you're interested in trying it out, here'… Read more

How to manage accounts in the BlackBerry 10 Hub

Before I started using BlackBerry 10 I had already written off the Hub feature. The Hub basically consolidates your e-mail, text messaging, BBM, Facebook, Twitter, alerts phone calls, and voice mail into one central place. It allows you to quickly and easily read, compose, and manage all of your messages across multiple platforms and accounts.

Presenting a lot of information in once place can feel overwhelming -- if not chaotic. Thankfully, BlackBerry built in controls to manage which accounts show up in the Hub. If you'd rather not have every Facebook like and comment show up next to your … Read more

Microsoft rolling out two-factor authentication

There have been hints for the past week-plus -- courtesy of Liveside.net -- that Microsoft was poised to roll out two-factor authentication for its Microsoft Accounts. On April 17, Microsoft did just that.

The company is calling this security process "two-step verification." Microsoft is making available two-step verification across all products and services accessible via a Microsoft Account. This includes Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Office, and more. The rollout will be happening over the "next couple of days," according to the company.

(Microsoft Account is the new name for Microsoft's Live … Read more