Software extras ease do-it-yourself taxes

It's never been easier to prepare your own tax return.

The software available for the 2012 tax season has been both expanded and made easier to use, making the annual chore quicker and reducing the chance of missing big deductions and tax credits.

Whether you're an old hand or trying e-filing for the first time, you'll find an array of software choices:

TurboTax

The iPhone's Siri doesn't seem so smart in Scotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland -D'ye want me tae spaek more clearly, Siri?

Aye, ye would.

iPhone, iPad app rewards being a couch potato

LOS ANGELES - Want to earn stuff by watching TV? There's a free app for that.

When you tap the screen, Viggle's software for iPhones and iPads listens to what's on, recognizes what you're watching and gives you credit at roughly two points per minute. It even works for shows you've saved on a digital video recorder.

Scrutinizing your presence on Facebook

By Anick Jesdanun AP Technology Writer

Here's one way to sum up 2011: I added 71 people as Facebook friends, shared 26 links and commented on 98 of my friends' status updates. I was tagged in 33 photos and added 18 of my own to the site.

Popular file-sharing website Megaupload shut down

McLEAN, Va. - One of the world's most popular file-sharing sites was shuttered Thursday, and its founder and several company officials were accused of facilitating millions of illegal downloads of films, music and other content.

Google Docs, the perfect bridesmaid

For do-most-of-it-yourself brides, wedding planning means lists, lists and more lists, with some spreadsheets thrown in for good measure.

There are also the long, endlessly pored-over documents of vows, readings, even toasts.

Did I mention lists?

Protest exposes rivalry between Silicon Valley and Hollywood

LOS ANGELES - In a move that heightens the growing tension between Silicon Valley and Hollywood, Wikipedia and other websites went dark Wednesday in protest of two congressional proposals intended to thwart the online piracy of copyrighted movies and TV programs.