Ten Scariest Tech Events of the Decade

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I'm not a fan of horror movies. They're generally too far-fetched to interest me. But real-world scares--the kind with the potential to do actual damage--get my attention and hold it tight. Take the Y2K bug, which regular PCWorld contributor Sarah Jacobsson Purewal ranks as no. 1 among the "Top 10 Tech Scares of the Decade." I remember staying up into the wee hours of 2000, checking news reports and waiting to hear if the digital apocalypse was upon us. What a relief it was to learn otherwise. If that kind of high-tech horror story intrigues you as well, take a few minutes to look over and recall these ten potentially catastrophic scenarios--and be thankful that most of them turned out to be more fizzle than fiasco. --Editorial Director Steve Fox Top Stories Top 10 Tech Scares of the Decade The past ten years saw some terrifying technology--and we haven't even faced the Death Star yet. The Best of CES 2011 Great-looking tablets, superfast phones and the return of the boom box. Here's what we loved at this year's show. Family Data Plans Likely Coming From Wireless Carriers As households acquire more and more connected devices, separate data contracts for each may become an expensive and onerous prospect for consumers. For more phone news and reviewsvisit PCWorld.com. News First 4G Apps Are Visual, Real-Time HD video streaming, video calling, and multiplayer gaming will likely become the first hit apps for 4G networks. HDTVs at CES: Small Steps In The Big Picture The theme for 2011's HDTVs is clear--subtle, but substantial improvements over last year's sets. Verizon iPhone Data Plans Could Hit $120/Month Verizon Wireless hasn't announced the price of its monthly iPhone data plan, igniting speculation that it plans to charge up to $120 monthly for unlimited data. For the latest reports, visit our News page . PCW Business Center Mobile Internet Survival Guide: 10 Tips to Stay Connected Anywhere Just because you have a smartphone and a USB 3G dongle doesn't mean you're prepared to hit the road. Here are 10 tips for weathering worst-case scenarios and getting your work done. Visit the PCW Business Center. Blogs What's the Difference Between the Verizon and AT&T iPhone? Verizon and AT&T now offer the same iPhone 4, but that doesn't mean features will be the same. Verizon iPhone Arrives: Is Android In Trouble? The Verizon iPhone is finally a reality--so will its arrival spell certain doom for Google's Android platform? Sony Attempt to 'Restrain' PlayStation 3 Hackers Doomed? The company filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against groups who authored comprehensive security-stripping PS3 hack. For the latest news and opinion, visit our Blogs page . Reviews HP Envy 17 3D: 3D Movies on the Go HP's Envy 17 3D offers robust 3D Blu-ray, but limited 3D gaming. While it's a solid addition to HP's line, problems with 3D gaming and battery life are a concern. Gateway ZX6951-53: An All-in-One That Flaunts Its Curves From its looks and sounds to its HD support and speed, Gateway's 23-inch all-in-one desktop rarely stops delivering. Compare prices on all-in-one PCs. For more reviews, visit PCWorld.com. How-To Hardware Q&A: Connect PC to TV, Add a Monitor Rick answers reader questions on connecting a PC to TV (and offers better alternatives) and hooking up additional monitors. Learn Some Photography Tricks for the New Year Start the year off right by learning some exciting photo editing techniques. For more tips, visit PCWorld.com. Videos Apple's iPhone Finally Comes to the Verizon Network Verizon announces its own version of Apple's popular smartphone, available for preorder or in Verizon stores in February. For more videos, visit PCWorld.com. Downloads LIBOX Beta This fascinating beta is player, organizer, media-sharing with a rather unique approach. For more free and trial software, visit PCWorld.com. PC World Community Some Weird Virus Join the discussion. Visit the PC World Community Top 5 Products of the Year Readers choice! Take our Facebook poll and tell us your top 5. Vote here. Advertisement Get BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Express for Free The power behind the world-class BlackBerry experience is now free. 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Officejet 6500 All-in-One Inkjet Printer Price: $109.00 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Artisan 810 Multifunction Photo Printer Price: $129.00 Avg User Rating 3 User Reviews Browse more Best Prices on Printers, Ink & Toner, Paper, Graphics & Publishing Software Top News on PCWorld.com Porn Worm Extorts Money From 2,500 Victims A fast-spreading Russian ransom worm that locks people out of their files has found at least 2,500 victims willing to pay up to get back control of their PCs Share: T-Mobile Mocks iPhone 4 On Verizon, AT&T in Ad T-Mobile ups the ante in the iPhone 4 trash talk between wireless carriers. Share: Top Reviews on PCWorld.com Android Overlays: How Do They Compare? Not all Android phones are created equal. Manufacturer-created overlays change the look and feel of Android--sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Share: Venetica: Venice Meets Death, Death Goes Stone-Carving Deck13's medieval fantasy adventure folds wooden combat and crude visual design into a mildly interesting tale of necromancy gone wild. Share: Freebie Help By Leo Walks You Through Software Help This free tech support doesn't just tell you what to do; Help By Leo shows you how to do it, too. Share: Optimize Your PC With 360Amigo System Speedup Free Although it overcalls some issues, 360Amigo System Speedup Free does clean up many system problems&and it is free. Share: Downloads: Editor's Collection PCWorld Reviewers' Favorite Files: December 2010Our reviewers wrapped up the year with an eclectic assortment of favorites: recovery software, video helpers, security utilities, a game, and more. Freemake Video Downloader   11690 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Download Managers Rip and convert Flash video from popular sites like and YouTube and Comedy Central. 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