computer

With unemployment high, wages stagnant and costs rising, a growing number of Americans are working a part time job -- or more than one -- to make ends meet. 24/7 Wall St. dug through the data to see which industries are the best bets for those seeking part-time work -- and some may surprise you.

Since hitting an all-time high several weeks ago, Apple's stock has gone through a turbulent patch. Investors meanwhile, are considering several issues that could dramatically impact the tech giant's future direction.

Samsung is out to boost its laptop sales by 80% this year, and key to that effort will be its supersvelte 9 Series notebook. Aimed directly at Apple's MacBook Air, the new machine is a move to refocus on high-end gear -- with a high-end price to match.

No wonder President Obama is visiting an Intel plant as he stumps for U.S. innovation and high-tech jobs. After all, Intel is a clear industry leader. Indeed, some analysts argue that for investors seeking entry in the global growth of technology, Intel is the one-stop answer.

Be careful of public hot spots. Turn off your wireless router when not in use. And don't forget to change your router's pre-set password and "NETGEAR" identifier. Officials say these tips and others are part of "Data Privacy Day," created to remind people about how to keep their personal data...

Tech layoffs came to just under 47,000 last year, according to employment-services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Better still, during the next 10 years, the sector is forecast to have one of the fastest paces of job creation of any industry.

IBM beat Wall Street expectations with its fourth-quarter earnings released Thursday, growing profit 9% and sales 7%. The company has gained from increased corporate spending on computer upgrades and on outsourcing.

The outlook for IT spending this year is looking up. Research firm Gartner said Thursday it expects revenue to grow 5.1% from 2010, an increase from a previous forecast of 3.5% growth.

U.S. consumers spent 5% less on consumer electronics during the last holiday season compared to a year earlier, according to a new report from NPD Group. Even at discounted prices, Americans bought fewer flat-screen televisions and desktop computers, as well as lower-end digital cameras and MP3 players, according to the report.

Hewlett-Packard has won a contract worth up to $2.5 billion to supply computer equipment -- including hardware and software -- and information-technology services to NASA. HP's gain is Lockheed Martin's loss: Lockheed had been NASA's IT supplier until now.