There are many non-technical tools that can help your mom develop her creative side, of course but as more and more artistic expression is digital, giving the right gift means looking to technology. Here are some great ideas for creatives of all sorts–mom or not.

For the Photographer

While a digital SLR would be an ideal gift for someone who has moved beyond simply taking snapshots and wants to move to higher qualitiy photographs, the choice of a camera is often a very personal, and expensive, one. It would be like buying a car, with no one car being the best for all people. Concentrate instead on quality accessories.

Photographers know that lighting is the key to great photographs, perhaps an LED light ring or a flash designed to work with their camera. The other key to taking great photographs is to simply take lots of them so Class 10 SD memory cards are great affordable gifts as they provide speeds of up to 10 MB/ second when transferring files. Consider software such as Photoshop. While professional versions are quite price-y, many photographers would be smart to start with Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements which is available from many online retailers for under $100.

For the Moviemaker

What is a great movie without great sound? Perhaps a microphone that connects with your digital SLR to capture sound such as this one from Nikon or a pro model that is designed to work with high-end digital video cameras? Again software might be the right answer once movie makers have moved beyond the free options from Windows or Microsoft, consider Avid Studio for pro-level quality. If your mom is more of an animation aficionado, consider Anime Studio Debut or Pro that can open up the field of animation to even beginning filmmakers.

For the Artist

While paints, pencils and clay are still essential elements to artists, even the most accomplished traditional visual artists will want to explore the digital side of contemporary art. No longer does the term computer art mean working with mice and clunky input devices, as modern tablets use styluses and touch input technology recreating the experience of more traditional tools.

If your favorite artist has never used a tablet or has played with an iPad and wants to create with more control, consider an an inexpensive starter tablet such as the Monoprice 10 x 6.25 graphics tablet or something from the Bamboo line of entry-level tablets from industry-standard Wacom. If your mom is a professional designer or serious artist, the Intuos line includes essential software, offers greater sensitivity, programmable buttons and many other pro-level enhancements.

I was happy to hang out in the living room playing Draw Something or watch videos. With its sturdy construction I felt comfortable slipping it into my purse to take along for work or fun. It was a lifesaver, ok a boredom-killer, when a trip to the Woodbridge DMV was prolonged due to computer issues.

The camera (it has two) is easy to use and fairly sharp (5MP) and it captures HD video as well. The speakers are fine for solo listening. There have been complaints about the power and volume being in the back, but I found that it meant fewer mistaken throwing of these controls. I love the included stylus as virtual keyboards and touch entry often mean inexact input. This is an elegant, well-apportioned device.

The DC area is a robust 4G market with Verizon Wireless and this was the machine to take advantage of the much faster network. Downloading or streaming a video? No problem. Updates arrived in seconds, photos uploaded quickly–4G almost eliminates the feeling that you are using cellular data. I seriously never even noticed the difference in speed between my home computer network speeds over wifi and the speed of working with 4G.

People love Apple products for two reasons. One is the quality of the hardware. Motorola surely rivals the dominance of the iPad in the tablet market in this regard. It is a well-built, elegant machine. It has more features than the iPad–an infrared blaster that allows you to control your home theatre with the pre-installed Dijit app. It also has a mini HDMI output so you can output video to your larger screens.The iPad doesn’t have 4G and can’t serve as a hotspot.

The second reason is where the Xyboard suffers in comparison to the iPad, the OS that runs on it. Apple develops its hardware and software together, allowing for a streamlined experience. The Xyboard currently runs on a version of Google’s Android system that was designed for smartphones, not tablets. The update to the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android which is developed with tablets in mind is due in “Q3″ according to Motorola’s site. The software as is works well, but the experience using some of the apps designed for it is less enjoyable than the iPad versions. One counter to this is that there are two thriving app markets for Android (Google’s rebranded Play market and the Amazon Android market) as opposed to being tied to just the Apple app markets.

The Xyboard is $629 with a 2-year contract with Verizon wireless.

Last September, Oracle announced that their Java plug-in had a security flaw that needed to be patched. If left un-patched, users could inadvertently install malware such as the Flashback trojan and the-just discovered trojan, Backdoor.OSX.SabPub.a. Both of these seem to connect users to a botnet (a network of infected computers that can receive commands from a remote location, without the permission or knowledge of the computer owner).

The number of computers infected is quite large, well over 500,000 have been infected. Russian security firm Kapersky even reported 274 computers in Cupertino, Calif., the home of Apple, had checked into the botnet servers after infection with the malware.

Apple released an update for their two latest OS versions, OS X 10.6 aka Snow Leopard and OS X Lion to address the vulnerability. It doesn’t have a fix for earlier versions except for the advice to uninstall Java. A MacWorld article gives advice including other workarounds for earlier OS versions such as using Google Chrome which has an updated version of Java embedded in its browser. General Mac security tips are given in this blog post from Kapersky labs.

At this point, many Mac users may complain that this is why they went with Mac. They don’t want to worry about which version of an OS they are running or if their software has been patched. For years, Mac’s operating environment was seen as safe from viruses and malware. Unfortunately, these latest threats show that Mac users have to follow many of the same routines that those running Windows have long had to deal with.

My Advice: Keep Your Computer Updated

Don’t ignore the notices that software updates are needed and your computer needs to reboot. Update your other programs as well, pay attention to Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office and other non-Apple products and install any suggested updates.

Use Antivirus

The comments sections of articles about these new threats often include comments suggesting that these threats are overhyped by security firms to expand their sales by selling unneeded anti-virus software to Mac users. It is a good conspiracy theory, but even Mac suggests you use an anti-virus program to screen for malware if you find suspicious programs or detect unusual activity on your computer.

There are many versions of anti-virus programs available for Mac. MacWorld magazine is a great place to find reviews from a Mac point-of-view.

Watch for Performance Problems

If your computer is running slowly, running hot to the touch, your Internet connection speed drops or errors start to pop up, you may be facing hardware failure or a security problem. Just like with your car, strange noises and flashing lights shouldn’t be ignored. Either research the problem and look for fixes or take it to an expert. Or perhaps take it to a “genius.”

More Than Just Hardware

When Google announced changes to its privacy policies, people went online to say how much they “loved” Google and its products or how they felt “betrayed” by the business practices of a corporation that managed their interaction with the Internet, videos and email.

With the latest news of Facebook buying photo app Instagram, Twitter news feeds filled up with people saying they would delete their accounts to avoid Facebook integration. People were emotionally upset that their favorite indie app would now be part of the social media giant.

Is this rational? Is it just a matter of us developing a “relationship” with quality products and user experiences? Is something else going on? Think of people lining up around the block at an Apple store to buy the latest product that could have been ordered online or purchased without delay from a non-Apple retailer such as Best Buy, AT&T or Walmart. Why do some consumers feel the need to commune with other fans or to give their allegiance to a giant corporation? Isn’t it just a phone or computer?

The Digital Tie That Binds

Most of us realize that our emotions shouldn’t be involved to the point that we act against self-interest. But these seemingly simple tools are important because they represent our connection to our online selves. They help us find access to our favorite places, our self-expression and our friends. Much like naming our cars and projecting a personality upon it, the current generations of users attribute those same qualities that a car used to provide to their personal technology. In fact, recent research says that many teens would prefer a smartphone over a car if they had to choose.

One way to judge whether you are emotionally attached to your technology is to imagine packing your car to escape a fire or hurricane. Think of what you would bring that could fit in the backseat of your phone. A phone might be a practical choice for communication, what is stored on it and for the ability to access the Internet wirelessly. But what else would you bring? Your tablet computer? Your TV? Your PlayStation? These are all expensive items but are they more important than photos, clothes, food, sleeping bags?

They’re Just Machines

It is great to value our choices, but don’t forget that gadgets are just that, gadgets. You shouldn’t use them to ignore your family at gatherings, check your phone while driving, buy the latest versions when your current version is serving you well or make any other decision that is driven by emotion instead of your good sense.

Does it matter to you if your loveable indie app is bought by a large corporation? Or if your favorite website changes its layout? Don’t confuse the emotion with your good sense. Clever advertising is used to create a brand’s image and often that image is more heavily invested in than in improving the product. There is nothing inherently wrong in “loving” your gadgets. But do be aware of the effect that emotion can have in clouding your decision-making and learn to laugh a bit at your attachment to your tools.

Facebook will continue to have “Privacy Settings” but the change from Privacy Policy to Data Use Policy reemphasizes that they use your data as part of the user agreement. You use their product, they use your data. You can adjust how much data they use, but they are not in the business of protecting your privacy.

The Right To Privacy

Privacy, as set out by the Constitution, is a protection from government action, not a right between individuals and corporations. I have no right of privacy from gossip spread by my friends or colleagues. Doctors, pharmacies, hospitals have to follow laws ensuring medical information privacy but stores and websites are free to sell whatever data they have on my shopping patterns. They are only restricted by applicable laws and the user agreements (contracts) that I can choose to accept when I decide to shop there.

When Google announced their own changes to their policies, I made a choice to be more judicious in how I use their products. They gave clear instructions on how to clear data gathered on me and how to avoid sharing information. We all need to understand that these are businesses and the cost of using their “free” products is the sharing of my information.

On Security

You lock your house, you lock your car, and you don’t leave your wallet in plain sight while you step away. This doesn’t mean that you will never be robbed, but you don’t make it easy for thieves. When you apply these real world lesions to the virtual world, take a similar approach.

• Lock your door. Do have a firewall set up on your home network. Do have strong passwords. Do have anti-virus software installed.
• Know the neighborhood. When you are in unknown environments, don’t be as trusting. If you go looking for “free” software, “free” music or “free” adult entertainment, you are in the wrong side of town. If you are in a town of thieves, watch your step.
• Keep things in perspective. You aren’t likely to use a padlock to protect your lunch in the company refrigerator (though you might be tempted) but you also aren’t leaving cash on your desk when you head out to replace your lunch when it is stolen. Use easy to remember passwords at news sites or other low-security situations. If it is your bank, go hard-core on the secure passwords.
• Keep your senses about you. Phishing emails are looking to trick you into providing financial information by pretending to be someone else. Use the sniff test to see how legitimate financial emails smell. Don’t be afraid to contact the institution via phone or in person to ask questions. Never follow links in an email if you have suspicions.
• Have insurance. Cars are stolen, houses catch fire. Protect your data by having a backup. Use credit cards instead of your checkbook or debit cards when shopping online to limit your liability and to access more protections.
• Watch your property. Know your rights when your bank account is compromised. You should check your accounts frequently to ensure that there hasn’t been any fraud. Online thieves will often do test transactions in small amounts to see if the accounts are legitimate and frankly, to see if you notice. Financial institutions can help you stop the theft if you notify them in time. Don’t let theft go unnoticed.

“Twitter stands for everything I oppose… It’s hard to cite facts or create an argument in 140 characters,” Franzen said. “It’s like if Kafka had decided to make a video semaphoring ‘The Metamorphosis.’ Or it’s like writing a novel without the letter ‘P’… It’s the ultimate irresponsible medium. People I care about are readers—particularly serious readers and writers—these are my people. And we do not like to yak about ourselves.”

Since the speech, literary circles have been buzzing.

Is Franzen Right?

When the topic of Twitter comes up, I often hear people say: “I don’t care what some celebrity ate for breakfast.”

What they don’t understand is that Twitter is a tool that is used very differently depending on your own interests. Yes, you can simply follow lots of celebrities and read tweets about their favorite new cocktail or how much they hate Daylight Savings time. But you can also follow breaking news, whether that news is about technology, finance, politics or yes, even celebrity gossip.

It’s a Microphone

Like any public space, there is ignorant speech, gossip, unsubstantiated rumors, mindless chatter and sometimes intelligent or witty conversation. And unlike traditional public conversations, Twitter allows us the ability to amplify topics by gathering more voices from around the world. You may have a very specific interest and not know anyone locally who wants to discuss it with you, but with social media you can find others who can share your passion. There is no one way to use Twitter, nor can you simply write off all the speech found there as ignorant.

My advice to someone who is curious about Twitter is sign up. Follow a few people you either know or admire. See who they follow. As you follow along, unfollow those who don’t enhance your understanding or who offend you. Twitter will suggest people to follow based on how you use it. Engage with others and start your own conversations. I find it to be a great way to keep up to date, to find stories that I may have missed and have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of people I wouldn’t have “met” in any other way.

Before you criticize it and its millions of users, let the experiment run for a few weeks. You may find that the conversation is one you would rather ignore, or find that it trivializes communication like Mr. Franzen, but you may discover why so many people find it to be an essential part of their online life.

If you do join Twitter, be sure to follow me @DigiDaunted .

According to the FBI’s press release about Operation Ghostclick, “Six Estonian nationals have been arrested and charged with running a sophisticated Internet fraud ring that infected millions of computers worldwide with a virus and enabled the thieves to manipulate the multi-billion-dollar Internet advertising industry. Users of infected machines were unaware that their computers had been compromised—or that the malicious software rendered their machines vulnerable to a host of other viruses.”

The FBI has been operating the temporary servers under a court order that may expire as soon as March 8^th . The agency’s advice is to get professional advice to make sure that your computer is clean of the malware.  According to the watchdog group, DCWG, the number of victims has decreased significantly over this time period (a high point of about 825,000 was measured), but some 400,000 plus victims were still using the temporary servers put up in place of the rogue servers. A study reported by PCWorld explained that half of all Fortune 500 companies and some major US government agencies had at least some computers infected. The malware blocks software updates and patches that aim to protect the computers from the attack, so it has been a particularly difficult attack to overcome.

If you are concerned that your computer, or your company’s computers, might be infected there are methods you can use to check. The FBI has a PDF with detailed instructions on how to check your computer’s DNS settings. There is also a quick check available at http://dns-ok.us/ which will give you a green light if everything is in order. If you don’t get the all clear, do contact your computer support provider as a complete rebuild of your OS might be required.

There have always been two tiers of art supplies. Inexpensive crayons, paints, pastels and, since home PCs have been around, mouse-driven paint software all designed for beginning artists. These supplies are used to foster creativity in amateur artists. As students progress they move on to more sophisticated tools that give a much more polished edge. The pro tools are inevitably more expensive and sometimes their proper use requires training beyond intuitive self-instruction. This is especially true for digital art creation. For years, the gap between basic paint programs and graphics creators and the professional level tools have been separated by literally thousands of dollars. Pro tools required serious computing power, expensive input tools and software suites that even at student prices rivaled the cost of a reliable used car.

Times are changing, and the gap between what is accessible to those of modest means and access to training is closing rapidly. The most recent example of this is the teaming of hardware and software provided by Wacom’s Bamboo Capture multi-touch drawing tablet and Anime Studio Debut 8.

I’ve recommended Wacom’s tablets before, the Bamboo line is designed for all levels of users moving from pen and paper to digital art. From middle school students eager to explore their artistic expression on the computer screen or experienced artists looking for a new outlet for their talent, the high-quality but affordably priced tablets offer a professional experience for a very reasonable price. Parents can invest in a tool that costs less than 2 video games and give their child something that might inspire a career creating rather than simply consuming digital art. The frustrated designer can manipulate line and color intuitively and with greater control than previously available to them when resources are tight.

The Capture tablet ($99) allows the user to move beyond their mouse. They can use the multi-touch experience that has transformed our phones and tablet devices to navigate between photos or design files, to zoom in and out, select and navigate menus. It has all of the sensitivity, accuracy and flexibility of pen input plus the multi-touch option to make whichever style of interaction the user prefers accessible and easy-to-use. It also allow for wireless connectivity, to allow for flexibility in use.

Beyond hardware, the software is the key to artistic creation. The Bamboo line of tablets includes Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Autodesk® SketchBook Express. These tools alone will set the budding artist on their way, but adding Anime Studio Debut 8 ($49, Anime Studio Pro $199) opens a treasure box of functionality. My daughter created an animation using the character wizard within seconds; let me repeat that, she created a character and had it move across the screen in less time than it takes to pop a bag of microwave popcorn. With the Wacom tablet you can draw your own character, import it to Anime Studio Debut, add in the skeleton where appropriate and have your drawn image come to life. You can record your own dialog, and the software lip synchs it simply. You can import music and coordinate the movements easily using the Timeline to match sound and image. It really is easy, which makes it a powerful tool.

Even if you have no pretension of becoming a visual artist, or the next great animator, these tools combine to give you the ability to express your message, even if it is just a silly birthday greeting or an entertaining video for an otherwise boring slideshow presentation, simply and with professional looking effects.

Highly recommended, you simply have to try it for yourself.

Based on reports in the Wall Street Journal and followed up on by sites such as Wired.com, Google is under fire for playing fast and loose with privacy measures on the Safari browser. It installed third-party tracking cookies through ads on many popular sites, even if the user did not grant permission to allow cookies.

Cookies are bits of code that install in a browser’s memory that allow visitors browsing and searching habits to be communicated with the servers that place advertising on web sites and the owners of the sites themselves. In many ways cookies can save steps by remembering your info when you revisit a site or they may highlight items that may be of more interest based on your past behavior. A lot of users, however, do not like to have this information stored and shared.

The Safari browser, which is the Apple designed browser on Macs and iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad, became the target of an exploit of their code by companies such as Google and Facebook to bypass security settings on the browser. One of Safari’s unique features is that the standard setting is to not allow cookies by default. Software engineers at Google and some other advertising companies used a loophole in Safari’s code to work around the no-cookies rule and installed code that allowed users’ data to be shared no matter the intent of the user. It is used for approximately 5% of desktop computer searches but 55% of mobile searches.

The code was used to enable Google’s +1 capability which is Google’s answer to the Facebook Like vote on social search. The code cleared within 12 to 24 hours but in that time, Google was able to gather quite a bit of valuable data from web surfers.

Google is famously associated with the phrase “Don’t be evil” which is one of their ten point their corporate philosophy.  Much of the criticism of their recently announced privacy policy changes has alluded to this famous catchphrase. As a company that is competing aggressively with Facebook, Microsoft and yes, Apple, Google is under pressure to find an edge. Unfortunately, it shouldn’t be at the expense of our privacy.

The largish screen (4.3″ Super AMOLED advanced) is great for all types of computing but not too big to go into your pocket. It is bright and has pretty good contrast even in sunny situations.

The 4G LTE on the Verizon network makes this a superhot sportscar of a downloader or streamer. The 1.2GHz processor is peppy. It was able to load apps as fast as I could choose them, no hiccups on streamed audio or video. Uploading photos was fast and easy.

It just feels great in your hand. The Kevlar back and the smooth finish just begs to be touched. Of course, that results in quite the fingerprinty screen but the Gorilla glass stands up to the attention and didn’t scratch at all in the two months of testing.

It isn’t perfect however. It runs hot. I don’t know if the heat would be better in 3G situations but you could literally feel the battery’s energy being tapped in the heat radiated. The battery life isn’t too short, you just need to keep a car charger and be meticulous about plugging it in when you come home each evening or when you arrive at the office. The battery isn’t removable so swapping out a charged one isn’t an option. This isn’t too big of an issue for a suburbanite like myself who is usually in the car or near an outlet. While traveling or using public transportation, however, you might find yourself having to take conservation measures to keep you connected.

The complicatedness isn’t a function of its hardware, it is simply an Android phone that does some things terrifically but the user experience can be a bit hit or mess. The Motorola and VZW overlaid experiences are smooth and give you a good start in the introductory onboard videos. My advice–even if you are an experienced Android user, take advantage of the VZW workshops.

As of this writing, the RAZR is priced at $199 with contract at VZW.com. The forthcoming DROID RAZR MAXX takes the battery issue head-on, alleviating the only downside to this quite enviable phone.

The forthcoming DROID RAZR MAXX promises better battery life.

More info at the phone’s website.