Make the most of your shiny new tech gift

Apps, advice and more for devices running Android, iOS, Windows 8 and Mac OS X.

Did you get a new smartphone, tablet or computer for the holidays? Lucky you!

These Computerworld stories will give you tips for new OS versions, help you find great apps and key accessories, and teach you how to safely dispose of your old devices. If you provide informal tech support to family or friends who've received new devices, some of these links could be useful to share.

Click a link below to skip directly to your chosen topic.

Android phone or tablet

Android 4.0: The ultimate guide (plus cheat sheet)

If your device has Android 4.0, 4.1 or 4.2, this in-depth guide can help you find your way around the OS and make the most of its features.

Android 4.1, Jelly Bean: The complete FAQ

Many devices are currently shipping with Android 4.1, nicknamed Jelly Bean. Find out what it adds to the mix.

Android 4.2: A visual guide to what's new

If you're among the lucky few, your new device will have the most recent version of Android. Get specifics about the new features in Android 4.2 (also called Jelly Bean).

16 top apps for your Google Nexus 7, all free

CIO.com's Al Sacco shares his favorite apps for remote-PC access, instant messaging, sports and more. Although they truly shine on the Nexus 7, many are compatible with other Android tablets as well.

15 useful Android widgets

Looking to spruce up your Android home screen? Check out this collection of widgets for device control, data-use monitoring, news, weather, sports and more.

Android tethering apps: 6 excellent options

Want to use your Android phone to get your tablet or PC online? Here are six apps that'll let you share your data connection in no time.

5 free Android security apps: Keep your smartphone safe

Worried that your smartphone may be vulnerable to malware or thieves? We look at five apps that can help.

iPhone or iPad

Apple iOS 6 review: A worthwhile upgrade

Columnist Michael deAgonia details what's new, what's changed and what still needs work in the latest version of iOS.

iOS 6 arrives: 16 key new features

Here's a visual tour of the new OS's highlights.

Best iPad office apps

From office suite apps such as spreadsheets and word processors to file managers and cloud services, these iPad apps will help boost your mobile productivity.

10 apps every iPad user should own

Some apps are simply must-haves, whether for their functionality, interface brilliance, or sheer entertainment factor. Macworld's Lex Friedman shares his faves.

Smartphones and tablets -- general

Get things done: 10 to-do apps for iOS and Android

Start the new year right: These 10 task managers for Android and iOS can help keep your to-do list reasonable and achievable.

10 smartphone apps that can help track your expenses

Start the new year right, part 2: If you need to record your business expenditures for your company or the IRS, these iPhone and Android apps can make it easier.

10 mobile apps for better health

Start the new year right, part 3: If you're one of the growing number of people who carries a smartphone everywhere, why not take advantage of mobile apps that can help you eat right, exercise or sleep better?

11 mobile apps to enhance your travel experience

These apps for iPhone, Android and other devices make your trips simpler, safer and more fun.

On-the-go power: Mobile chargers keep your devices alive

If you depend on your smartphone or tablet to keep up with a full day's activities, one of these mobile chargers will make sure you have a recharge handy, even with no power outlets in sight.

4 security suites that protect all your devices

Security suites from McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro and Webroot offer protection for all your devices along with Web-based management.

Wi-Fi tethering 101: Use a smartphone as a mobile hotspot

Which smartphones can be used as mobile hotspots? How do you get started and what should you expect? Here's everything you need to know.

Windows 8

Windows 8 cheat sheet

Windows 8 presents a radically new interface to users, but never fear: Our comprehensive guide will help you find your way around the new OS and make the most of its features.

Windows 8: The diehard's guide

You may need to break old habits to get the most out of Windows 8, but it doesn't have to be a cataclysmic event. You may need to break old habits to get the most out of Windows 8, but it doesn't have to be a cataclysmic event.

Mac

OS X Mountain Lion arrives: The top 25 features

Apple's latest OS X version amps up the iOS integration, but offers much more for business and personal use. We tour the most noteworthy new features.

Laptops -- general

6 USB 3.0 docking stations: Fully connect your laptop

Need a docking station to consolidate the connections to your monitor, mouse, keyboard, external drive and more? The latest crop of universal docks can connect your laptop to a variety of devices via speedy USB 3.0.

7 laptop bags: How well do they really protect?

Need a bag to hold and protect your new notebook? We drop-tested 7 laptop bags to find out whether they can keep your laptop in one operating piece -- and we have the videos to prove it.

Safely disposing of your old devices

How to recycle your phone, PC and other tech gear

Now that recycling is mandatory in many states, it's become even easier to sell, recycle or give away your unwanted hardware.

How to clear your data off a device

Before you ditch a smartphone, tablet or computer, you need to make sure none of your data is retrievable. Here's how to do it.

Read more about mobile/wireless in Computerworld's Mobile/Wireless Topic Center.

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Tags mobilesmartphonestabletswirelessAndroidNetworkingiosapplicationstelecommunicationhardware systemsconsumer electronicsMobile OSesMobile/Wireless

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