7 posts and columns on data card

Verizon Now Sells Subsidized Netbook With Cell Service

in Personal Technology on May 13, 2009 at 6:12 pm PT

Verizon’s H-P Mini netbook is an adequate light-duty computer for a low price, but the charge for Internet service is high if used as a main online connection.

New Safari Browser Succeeds at Speed, Flops on Features

in Personal Technology on March 4, 2009 at 6:02 pm PT

Walt reviews the latest version of Apple’s Safari browser, which hopes to overtake rival browsers Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

Using Publisher Documents on a Mac

in Mossberg’s Mailbox on February 18, 2009 at 2:52 pm PT

Walt’s advice on working with Microsoft Publisher documents on a Mac, improving searches with Surf Canyon (even the beta version) and using a smartphone as a modem.

Wi-Fi on Wheels Is Steady, but Has a Speed Bump

in Personal Technology on November 12, 2008 at 6:04 pm PT

Wi-Fi wireless Internet connectivity has become nearly ubiquitous. Whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or even on some commercial airliners, you can get online with a Wi-Fi-equipped laptop, smart phone or portable game machine. Now, Wi-Fi is making its way into your car.

Installing Microsoft’s ‘SP3′ Upgrade to Windows XP

in Mossberg’s Mailbox on November 5, 2008 at 5:26 pm PT

Here are a few questions I’ve received recently from people like you, and my answers. I have edited and restated the questions a bit, for readability. Should I install Microsoft’s “SP3″ upgrade to Windows XP? I hear opinions on both sides. In general, I recommend this upgrade, officially called Service Pack 3, because it beefs [...]

Defragmenting a Hard Disk

in Mossberg’s Mailbox on September 24, 2008 at 5:46 pm PT

Here are a few questions I’ve received recently from people like you, and my answers. I have edited and restated the questions a bit, for readability. A friend of mine suggested that I “defragment” my computer every once in a while. He says it will boost performance, but he also said it will move my [...]

Cellphone Data Cards and the iPod Touch

in Mossberg’s Mailbox on January 3, 2008 at 12:01 am PT

Walt answers questions about cellphone data cards, cellphone service that works in Europe and tutorials on switching to Macs.