New tech products: USB 3.0, messaging for Macs

Jun 12, 2011, 16:01 GMT

Hub multiplies number of USB 3.0 portsthe connected device does not need a lot of power. If, for example, two or more external hard drives are connected to the hub, then a power

Hamburg (dpa) - USB 3.0 may be fast but it's not very widespread as even new laptops and PCs with numerous USB 2.0 connections often have only one port which supports the new standard. Relief is on the way in form of hubs that turn one port into many.

There are excellent four-port hubs for USB 3.0 available for as little as 30 euros (44 dollars), according to German magazine Computerbild. Of the 14 devices tested, 11 received the overall grade 'Good.' And the difference in the data transfer speed within the test market was very marginal, according to the testers.

Most of the USB hubs do not need a power pack - as long pack would be needed. All hubs are backward compatible, supporting older USB standards as well.

Cheat sheet with short cuts for Googlemail

Berlin (dpa) - Just a few keyboard combinations make using Googlemail even more comfortable than with a mouse. But what was that shortcut to bring drafts to the inbox? And how do you delete emails? Those who cannot remember them just need to type in a question mark. Google's web-based email program opens an overview with the most important short cuts - for example '#' to delete a message or 'r' to reply to sender. Up in the header is a link to allow or prevent the usage of short cuts.

Secure PC with BIOS password

Berlin (dpa) - A simple way to protect PCs from unauthorized access is safeguarding it with the basic PC firmware BIOS with a password. To do so, the BIOS settings must be accessed during booting. The necessary keyboard command will be shown on the screen. A password can be entered under 'User Password' or a similar identification. After that, the password will be requested every time before starting the operating system. But the protection is not 100 per cent certain - it can be cancelled when the BIOS settings are restored by the PC being opened and the CMOS battery on the motherboard being removed and then reinstalled.

ICQ with new version for Mac

Munich (dpa/tmn) - After a nearly 10-year break, there is a new official version of the ICQ messaging service available for Mac computers. The software had previously only been offered in beta version. The developers have also introduced a version for Linux. The new versions will have a number of new functions.