Sharon Machlis on Computerworld.com

Lousy vacation photos no more?

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:59:15 +0000

Google says it's rolling out some highly sophisticated auto-photo editing for Google+ users, from correcting exposure (and skin wrinkles) to creating group shots where everyone's smiling.

More data isn't always better, says Nate Silver

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:43:00 +0000

Big data may seem to promise big insights to users, but more isn't always better, cautions statistician Nate Silver.

Turn data into charts and dashboards with Jolicharts

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:47:00 +0000

This cloud service allows you to create and share visualization dashboards.

Facebook loses millions of users, Guardian claims. True?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:10:41 +0000

'Independent data suggests' that Facebook is hemorrhaging, the story says. But the source of that data disagrees.

eSpatial launches free version of its mapping service

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:21:50 +0000

If you missed it: Irish mapping software company eSpatial released a free version of its mapping software for converting data from CSV files into maps. Those maps can then be embedded on an external website.

Google slashes Nik photo software prices

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:09:04 +0000

Photo editing software that used to cost a total of $499 is now priced at $149. And if you bought even one of the plug-ins in the past, you'll get an even better deal.

Tableau Public dataviz software updates to version 8

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:51:53 +0000

Tableau's free data visualization software has an updated interface and new JavaScript API

Google Fusion Tables adds auto-generated map legends

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:17:08 +0000

Google's tool for joining and visualizing multiple data tables has finally added auto-generated legends to its maps.

Chart and image gallery: 30+ free tools for data visualization and analysis

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:45:00 +0000

This sortable chart lets you compare dozens of tools for functionality, skill level and more.

New Excel Data Explorer add-in bolsters data analysis

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:38:51 +0000

Microsoft has beefed up Excel's data acquisition and manipulation capabilities with a free beta plug-in.

Quandl: Wikipedia for data?

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:29:22 +0000

This startup and Datamarket competitor aims to make it easy to find analysis-ready data.

Cool data tools and resources from NICAR13

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:30:19 +0000

Data analysis with R, SQL-like map queries with Fusion Tables, tracking Congress with JavaScript and more.

Top users of H-1B visas are offshore outsourcers, Computerworld study finds

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

The biggest users of H-1B visas are offshore outsourcers, many based in India, or U.S.-based companies whose employees are mostly located overseas, according to government data obtained and analyzed by Computerworld.

The data shows: Top H-1B users are offshore outsourcers

(Patrick Thibodeau and Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:28:00 +0000

The largest single users of H-1B visas are offshore outsourcers, many of which are based in India, or, if U.S. based, have most employees located overseas, according to government data obtained and analyzed by Computerworld.

60-minute security makeover: Prevent your own 'epic hack'

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:02:00 +0000

Here are some ways to beef up security on your digital life -- before someone seeking to duplicate the hack that seized control of a Wired reporter's Apple, Amazon and Google accounts finds similar vulnerabilities in yours.

11 mobile apps to enhance your travel experience

(Isabel Eva Bohrer and Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:00:00 +0000

We showcase 11 apps for iPhone, Android and other devices that can help travelers with flights, hotels and sightseeing around the world.

Q&A: Esri's Jack Dangermond on cloud, big data and Apple-vs-Google map wars

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:17:00 +0000

GIS pioneer Jack Dangermond founded Esri in 1969 and has steered the company since the mainframe era. With today's announcement of ArcGIS Online organizational subscriptions, he sees Esri's evolution into the era of cloud and mobile computing. (Insider, registration required.)

Esri rolls out ArcGIS map services for the cloud

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Esri today rolled out an ambitious cloud offering for government and enterprise customers that allows users to create data-driven maps and map services without ArcGIS servers or desktop software.

How's broadband use in your neighborhood? Interactive map

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:10:00 +0000

Do you live in a highly connected neighborhood? Or is broadband home use rare, either because high-speed Internet access isn't available or people choose not to subscribe? Use this interactive map to find out about your area.

IT jobs will grow 22% through 2020, says U.S.

pthibodeau@computerworld.com (Patrick Thibodeau) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:11:00 +0000

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says offshoring will hurt the growth of programming jobs in this decade, but the expansion of healthcare IT and mobile networks will increase demand for software developers, support technicians and systems analysts.

Charting H-1B users, as attention shifts to L-1

pthibodeau@computerworld.com (Patrick Thibodeau) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Offshore outsourcing firms rely heavily on H-1B visas, and the chart here provides comprehensive data on the top H-1B users from 2009-2011 -- though it doesn't tell the whole story.

8 cool tools for data analysis, visualization and presentation

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Data crunching can be useful for a wide range of analyses; we look at 8 tools that can make it easier to sort your numbers and show them off to their best advantage.

The top 10 H-1B visa users in the U.S.

pthibodeau@computerworld.com (Patrick Thibodeau) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:53:00 +0000

Offshore outsourcing companies continued to make up the majority of the top 10 H-1B visa users in 2011, according to new U.S. government data. These offshore firms have been adding employees by the thousands as revenues increase.

Top CES products in handy chart format

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

From slender smartphones to coffee-table-sized touch screens, all the hot tech products from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Where the tech workers are (map)

(Sharon Machlis and Patrick Thibodeau) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

A state-by-state look at concentration of technical workers in the civilian workforce.

Siri for Android -- sort of

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Are you an Android user but longing for the functionality of Siri's voice recognition? We look at a variety of interesting apps.

High-end smartphones compared: interactive database

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:46:00 +0000

View and compare mobile phone models by size, weight, OS, carrier, screen and more.

Hands-on: Zaggfolio Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad 2

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000

The Zaggfolio wireless keyboard/case combination offers iPad 2 users the ability to protect their tablets and type comfortably as well.

Interactive graphic: iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iCloud reaction roundup

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:50:00 +0000

Want to know how some top tech journalists were responding on Twitter to Apple's new mobile announcements this week? Check out our data visualization.

Hands-on: 5 wireless keyboards for the iPad

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Some typists can't make do with the iPad 2's on-screen keypad. Here are 5 wireless keyboards that could make for faster, more accurate typing.

Google vs. Facebook by the numbers

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:00:00 +0000

As the two Internet heavyweights are poised to battle it out in the social networking arena, how do the companies stack up? A look at some data.

Android vs. iPhone and iPad by the numbers

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 +0000

How does Google's mobile operating system stack up against Apple's in the smartphone and tablet markets? We look at the data.

What's your cell phone's maximum radiation level? Interactive database

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Find out the maximum radiation absorption levels from various mobile phone handsets, using this searchable database. Or view and sort the full table of 1300+ models.

22 free tools for data visualization and analysis

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Make your data sing. We look at 22 free tools that will help you use visualization and analysis to turn your data into informative, engaging graphics.

Apple vs. Microsoft by the numbers

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0000

It's a matter of opinion which company makes the better operating system or is likely to grow its smartphone market share. But numbers don't lie -- or exaggerate.

Tech unemployment higher than white-collar average

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0000

While computer and math unemployment remained flat in 2010 compared with '09, it's substantially more than prior years and for other professional jobs.

Downturn hits older tech workers hardest

(Patrick Thibodeau and Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Older IT workers have been more likely than younger ones to lose their jobs -- and stay unemployed -- since the latest economic recession began in 2008, according to new U.S. government data.

Recession hit older tech workers harder, labor data shows

(Patrick Thibodeau and Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:58:00 +0000

Unemployment rates for older IT workers increased during the recession faster than they did for younger employees, according to new government labor data obtained by Computerworld.

H-1B visa data: Visual and interactive tools

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0000

See maps and a searchable database of H-1B Labor Condition Applications (LCA) filed in 2009 for computer-related jobs (LCAs are used by employers as supporting evidence for the petition for an H-1B visa). Plus view, sort and search the complete list of all Optical Practical Training extension applications filed since the program began, allowing foreign students to work for employers for up to 29 months without a work visa.

3 photo tools for power users

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Photo enthusiast Sharon Machlis shares three great tools for sharing and showing digital images at their best.

Former Diebold e-voting unit settles Ohio lawsuit

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Premier Election Solutions has agreed to pay $470,000 in cash, as well as offer free equipment and discounts to settle a lawsuit over dropped votes in Ohio's 2008 primary elections.

Image gallery: Google App Inventor for Android

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0000

It's still a bit rough around the edges, but the beta of Google's App Inventor lets you create mobile apps with a drag-and-drop graphical user interface.

Hands on: Google App Inventor for Android

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0000

It's still a bit rough around the edges, but the beta of Google's App Inventor lets you create mobile apps with a drag-and-drop graphical user interface.

Review: FileMaker Pro 11 adds new features to a popular database

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

This latest version of the popular database app adds charting, auto-recurring imports and a quick-search box. Is it worth an upgrade?

Review: 2 free must-have keyboard shortcut apps for Windows

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0000

One way to work faster is to keep your hands on the keyboard. These two Windows apps will help.

Free Web apps to help organize your holidays

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Trying to plan a big holiday meal, send out greeting cards, buy and ship presents for everyone on your gift list all at once? Help is a click away.

Opinion: I've looked at code from both sides now

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Sharon Machlis has developed a new perspective, now that she's wearing a developer's hat after years of being a power user.

Hands on: Posterous simplifies posting to multiple online services

(Sharon Machlis) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The Posterous blogging/social "lifestream" networking service got a big boost when a popular blogger said he was moving there. Is it worth setting up shop at yet another Web 2.0 destination?

10 AppleScripts to make you love your Mac (even more)

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:01:00 +0000

AppleScript can let you automate tedious tasks and add a slew of useful features. We offer 10 ways you can use it to make your life easier.

Opinion: When head counts are low, take time to save time

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

In this Not Quite a Depression (Yet), take some time now to find ways for you and your colleagues to save some time later.

Opinion: Innovation and the 20% solution

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Sharon Machlis sees a way to keep innovation alive even as IT budgets get sliced.

Ruby on Rails rolls into the enterprise

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

At the Professional Ruby Conference in Boston this week, Ruby on Rails users explained how the open-source Web application framework can be used in a number of ways.

Database: Voting technology problem reports

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Search and sort election technology incidents by vendor, location, machine model, problem type, impact and more.

Opinion: Will your vote count tomorrow?

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:49:00 +0000

Sharon Machlis isn't optimistic about how well voting technology will work on Election Day.

Opinion: Let's impeach e-voting

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:48:00 +0000

Sharon Machlis isn't willing to entrust democracy to electronic systems that lack a paper-based backup.

Coming soon: A laptop in your pocket

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:00:00 +0000

The computing power in smart phones is growing faster than it is in laptops, computer architecture enthusiast Adrian Cockcroft said at the Usenix '08 technical conference today.

Review: 4 online databases let you structure and share your data

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000

If you want to create a solid relational database that includes the ability to easily share and collaborate, you might want to try one of these four Web-based database services.

America's techiest cities: Silicon Valley No. 1, but who's No. 2?

trwhouse@comcast.net (Todd R. Weiss) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:00:00 +0000

It may come as no surprise that government data shows that the highest concentration of IT professionals in the U.S. is in Silicon Valley. But the runner-up might surprise you.

Map: 2006 Computer Employment by Metro Area

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:00:00 +0000

Based on annual data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, here are the percentages of computer professionals in the workforce by metro area.

Five free Web apps we can't live without

sharon_machlis@computerworld.com (Sharon Machlis) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:00:00 +0000

From collaboration tools to database apps and more, these next-gen Web applications keep the Computerworld newsroom humming.