Chrome and Google TV: I recently discovered that Google TV is actually pretty great, and ever since I've been hearing about cool stuff people are doing with the platform. One such example is Chromemote, a Chrome extension that can control your Google TV. More »

Chrome: Over the weekend, Google unveiled Chrome Remote Desktop, a new Chrome extension that allows you to remotely control and manage another Mac, Windows, or Linux system through Google Chrome, as long as you have the extension installed on both systems. More »

It isn't particularly difficult to start a torrent download, but if you're not at your main computer, starting a download and controlling your queue from afar can be a pain. Install one of these browser extensions in Chrome or Firefox to streamline your BitTorrent downloads, letting you monitor your torrents from any computer and start new ones with one click. More »

Q:

Is there a way to convert cassette tapes to CDs through the computer?

A:

Yes, there are a variety of hardware gadgets, that, with accompanying software, can plug into computers to convert the contents of cassettes to digital files, which can then be burned to CDs.

I can’t recommend any specific products, since I haven’t tested any. But you can find some by searching for “cassette to CD.”

Note that such conversions, like conversions of records, can be very time-consuming.

Q:

I will be on the road this summer and I don’t want a large laptop. I’m wondering what your opinion is on a tablet vs. netbook. My main purpose is to retrieve/send email, access the Internet and download important files. If I bought a tablet, it’d be an iPad.

A:

Most of what you want to do is easy on the iPad. But downloading of files is a bit trickier.

The iPad makes it easy to view — and with extra apps, to edit — files received as email attachments. And it has some apps that allow file retrieval from the cloud.

If you are not using one of the desktop applications that can tune into Grooveshark’s vast music database you are stuck with the web interface which can in some situations become quite bothersome. Most users run Grooveshark in a tab in the browser. If they want to stop the music or change the type of music that is played they need to do that on the Grooveshark tab.

SharkZapper for Google Chrome changes as it provides remote control functionality for the music streaming service. While it does not change the fact that Grooveshark needs to be open in a tab in the background, it offers direct access to much needed controls.

The extension places an icon in the Chrome address bar that expands on a click. The interface displays the song that is currently playing along with cover art if available.

Controls allow to mute the song, change the volume, pause it or load the previous or next song. Users who are logged in can furthermore rate the song (smile or frown) and add it to their music or favorites.

A search is available as well to quickly search for songs on Grooveshark. The search activates the Grooveshark window that displays the search results from where the songs can be played or added to playlists.

A mouse over on the extension icon displays the artist and song that are currently playing on Grooveshark.

Options are available to change the behavior of the extension slightly. It is for instance possible to activate notifications on song change, or to remove the album art from the remote control window.

SharkZapper is available for direct installation at the Chrome extension gallery. The remote has been designed for Grooveshark’s HTML-based interface.