New Technology : Why Do People Contribute to Open Source Projects?

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Open source development is the future of software. It’s great for users like you and me because open source software is usually free (not always) and often safer to use because malicious code is less likely to be implemented. But what compels developers to contribute code for free? After all, writing code requires time, effort, and expertise. And while it’s true that open source developers can make money, it’s certainly easier through proprietary channels. In fact, many proprietary businesses are jumping on the train. For example, Microsoft recently decided to open source their .NET Framework. Quite a surprise, if you...

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New Technology : Heads Up, Americans: Here’s How Credit Cards Are Changing in 2015

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Credit cards are nothing new in the United States or elsewhere in the world (there’s even a format to the numbers!), but this year, a big change is coming to the plastic payment form that will make its transactions more secure. Curiously, the USA is behind Europe and other countries that have already adopted the new credit card standard. Before you start seeing new terminals deployed in stores and get a weird new card sent to your house, let us explain what’s changing. What’s Wrong with my Current Card? As they are now, US credit cards have a magnetic strip...

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New Technology : How to Troubleshoot If Windows 8.1 Apps Won’t Open or Install

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The Windows 8.1 upgrade created several issues for many users, myself included. One problem was Windows Apps becoming unresponsive, not opening or not even installing. This included PC Settings and the Windows App Store. Users have reported various symptoms, but the most common was the app “flashing” open and then immediately closing. The app remained “open”, but would never load past the initial “flash screen”. Some have even reported error messages saying the app can’t open. The following are the steps I took to solve my problem. Some helped while others didn’t. They are listed in the recommended troubleshooting order, starting from very basic to slightly...

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New Technology : 6 Things Hollywood Always Gets Wrong About Technology

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Ignorance is bliss, and Hollywood is always blissfully unaware when it comes to technology. Movies and TV shows never quite get it right, being either out of date or way ahead of their time. From the depiction of detectives doing things that just can’t be done yet, to showing us last century’s gadgets being the standard for the future, Hollywood often gets technology wrong. You’re Getting Ahead of Yourself DNA to Go! Forensic dramas and detective shows are the worst for this. They have a way of taking something so time consuming and reducing it down to a two minute process. It...

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New Technology : 5 Tips for Using OneNote as Your To-Do List

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Is making a to-do list on your to-do list? Set it up in OneNote to make getting things done as straightforward as possible. A to-do list can be a great way of ensuring you’re making progress — but it’ll only serve that purpose if its set up correctly. Building a to-do list inside OneNote offers a host of advantages over pen and paper. Use these tips to make an actionable list that makes sure the important things in life get done on time. Use Shortcuts to Make Checklists a Breeze It’s easier to stick to a to-do list when you have the option...

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New Technology : Borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, and More for Free with OverDrive for Android

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I love libraries, but I get why they aren’t for everyone. The selection varies by area, and other people have already checked out the best books. Maybe you’ve even lost all interest in physical forms of media. CDs, DVDs, and magazines may not sound all that exciting in a world where you can get anything online. The thing is, you can check out stuff from the library online as well, and it’s just as free as making a trip in person. All you need is the Overdrive app and a library card. Make a virtual trip to the Play Store...

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New Technology : The Pirate Bay Hydra Lives On, Taking Selfies While Driving, & More… [Tech News Digest]

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The Pirate Hydra, idiotic smartphone driving, BlackBerry keeps on keeping on, Apple gets greedy, transfer funds with MasterCard Send, and how Transformers ruin everything. The Pirate Bay Is Indefatigable The Pirate Bay lives on to fight another day, despite copyright owners scoring a minor victory over the site. After two years spent building a case, the Swedish authorities has seized both thepiratebay.se and piratebay.se, but the many-headed monster that is The Pirate Bay lives on thanks to six new domains. The Pirate Bay will now simply redirect visitors to GS, LA, VG, AM, MN, and GD domains. This was all...

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New Technology : How to Use Your Smartphone Like a Professional

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It’s a safe to assume that everyone in your office has a smartphone. Many jobs require employees to use a smartphone. For those that don’t, everyone probably has a personal device that they bring to work with them. What’s my point? Just because everyone uses a smartphone, it doesn’t mean they can’t remain professional. Some of this might seem like common sense, but there are professional ways to use a smartphone. When in a place of business, you don’t want to use your phone the same way you would when out with your friends. Via Business Insider Click to Enlarge

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New Technology : Nerdy Nostalgia: 8 Classic Games That Need Sequels

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The games industry seems to think we want a new Call of Duty title every single year, and, to be fair, sales suggest many people do want the same old stuff year after year. Who are these people? We don’t quite get it, apart from knowing they’re mostly idiots, obviously. However, what about those classic games from yesteryear that never got the sequels they so richly deserved? It’s a travesty that games which people adored to the point of addiction were abandoned after one solitary outing. It’s time someone did something about this. Namely, us. Desperately Seeking Sequels We have,...

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New Technology : Instagram Music: What’s It All About?

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You might have heard that Instagram recently launched a dedicated music account. But what does this actually mean for you, other than a new account to follow? According to Instagram’s founder and CEO Kevin Systrom, the account is going to feature music from around the world, both showcasing the talent they find and the community around the act. “Each week, we’ll take a look at the musical experience on Instagram. That means showing you a different side of artists you know and love, like Questlove (@questlove), and introducing you to up-and-coming talents from around the world, like Tricot (@ikkyu193). It...

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