A Web API, or Web Application Programming Interface, is relative of the traditional computing Application Programming Interface (API). Just like an API helps different elements on a traditional computer talk to each other using common routines and tools, a Web API allows clear communication between a web-based service (and its data set) and a third party tool (like a desktop widget).
In our tutorial, Build an LED Indicator with a Raspberry Pi (for Email, Weather, or Anything), for example, we use the Web API of Weather Underground so that our weather station can poll the weather data contained on the Weather Underground servers and use that data in a meaningful way. Other Web APIs offer everything from access to Twitter data to real estate information to maps.
When you add an event to the Calendar app in iOS and OS X, it gets saved to a specific calendar by default, which may not be the calendar you use most often. However, if you have several calendars, you can choose which of those calendars is used as the default.
One of the beautiful things about Android is choice. If you don’t like the stock configuration of the handset you’re using, it’s simple to change most things out—there are plenty of choices on the Play Store for alternative SMS apps, cameras, and calendars, for example. Of all the options out there,
Windows 10 saves a list of Wi-Fi networks you connect to along with their passphrases and other settings. If you want to set your Wi-Fi network up from scratch–something that’s occasionally necessary to fix connection problems–you’ll need to make Windows “forget” the Wi-Fi network.
Many computers give you the option to set a “hard disk password” along with operating system passwords and BIOS passwords. This is different from encryption — a hard disk password doesn’t actually encrypt your files.
Some manufacturers ship PCs with their internal drives divided into multiple partitions — one for the Windows operating system, and an empty “data” partition for your personal files. You can combine these partitions into a single one, if you prefer.
For those of us who didn’t grow up with smartphones, typing on a touch keyboard can feel awfully slow. But there are tricks you can use to speed up typing on a touch keyboard, just like a physical one.
Windows 8 is designed to push Microsoft’s web services: Bing, Internet Explorer, Outlook.com, and more. However, Windows 8 isn’t limited to just Microsoft’s services. Google services like Gmail, Google Search, Chrome, and more can all be integrated with Windows 8.
These days, it seems like every Windows user has heard about CCleaner. It’s widely recommended, online and offline. But what exactly does CCleaner do, should you use it — and how often?
There is more to an Internet connection’s speed than just its bandwidth. This is especially true with satellite Internet connections, which can offer speeds of up to 15 Mbps – but will still feel slow.
Many people have the attitude that it doesn’t matter if their router is older because their phone, laptop, or other wireless gear isn’t cutting edge anyways. Even if you don’t have brand new tech toys you still benefit from upgrading a dated router.