New process yields high-energy-density, plant-based transportation fuel

"The simple process preserves about 95 percent of the energy from the original biomass, requires little hydrogen input, and captures carbon dioxide under high pressure for future beneficial use."

ProConLists Helps Weigh Decisions Before You Make Them

"Sometimes the best way to make a tough decision is the tried-and-true pros and cons list. Web site ProConLists does the same pro versus con listing, but with item weighting based on rational and emotional considerations."

Create Your Own XP Mode for Any Version of Windows

"Windows 7's XP Mode feature seamlessly runs your older applications in a virtualized Windows XP behind the scenes, but if you're using the Home edition, you're out of luck. Here's how to create your own XP Mode for any version."

CCTVs don't make us safer

"Bruce Schneier has written an outstanding essay for CNN on why sticking CCTV cameras on every corner doesn't make us safer, and can make us less safe by opening us up to abuse, and by causing police resources to be misallocated. "

Secure the Windows 7 Administrator Account

" Although it doesn’t show up in the list of available accounts when Windows 7 boots up, every installation of Microsoft’s newest operating system by default has an administrator account built in.Unfortunately, this administrator account can be a major security risk for users of Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions. Learn how to take control and secure the administrator account in Windows 7."

Restore Previous Versions of Files in Every Edition of Windows 7

"Have you ever accidently deleted a file, or removed a crucial part of a document only to realize it no longer makes sense? Windows 7 is smart enough to protect you from yourself, and here we’ll see how you can restore files in any edition of Windows 7."

Backup and Move Your iTunes Library to Another Computer

Wiimote-Controlled Robot Drum Circle Makes Human Hippies Obsolete

No Good DVDeed Goes Unpunished [Movies]

"Both pirating (and legal streaming) offer a seamless viewing experience. DVDs and Blu-rays take the liberty of making you watch extra/unrelated crap. Oh, and like an airline safety briefing, one FBI warning is enough to cover me for life."

PleaseRobMe website reveals dangers of social networks

"'The website is not a tool for burglary,' he said. 'The point we're getting at is that not long ago it was questionable to share your full name on the internet. We've gone past that point by 1000 miles.'"

FillerItemFinder Helps You Secure Free Amazon Shipping

"We've all been here: you pick out a few items from Amazon.com, you're about finish your order, and Amazon informs you that you're a mere $3.72 away from free shipping. FillerItemFinder finds a cheap item you actually want to meet the cutoff."

Run XP Mode on Windows 7 Machines Without Hardware Virtualization

Digital Books and Your Rights: A Checklist for Readers

LookInMyPC Is a Must-Have Tool for Computer Troubleshooting

VPN error

If you're using the AT&T Network Client to VPN somewhere, and you get the message "VPN server list could not be obtained from the server (RIG0420E)", quadruple-check that you're using the right password.

I'm not only the president of Durrrr Incorporated, I'm also a client.

(But it's not all my fault: when they force us to have passwords of at least 8 characters, using only digits, bad things are bound to happen).

FollowUpThen Automates Email Follow Ups

"CC twodays@followupthen.com, and if that person hasn't responded yet, they'll be automatically re-pinged 48 hours from now. It's a neat service, and it's free."

SI Tablet

Wait for the video to load at the top, it's cool stuff. If we can get even halfway there, tablet computing will be great. But the one thing they never mention: how to deal with greasy/dirty finger streaks all over your screen. Yechh.

The 4 Big Myths of Profile Pictures

"In looking closely at the astonishingly wide variety of ways our users have chosen to represent themselves, we discovered much of the collective wisdom about profile pictures was wrong."