TechBytes: HP Buys Palm

April 29, 2010— -- Hewlett-Packard is buying the struggling phone maker Palm for $1.2 billion. The world's largest computer maker is hoping to become a major player in the phone business. HP plans to sell phones and tablet computers that run on Palm's software.

A week after Facebook launched the "Like" button and other new features, 50,000 websites have added the tools. The features have created a political backlash with four U.S. senators asking the company to make it easier for members to protect their privacy. Turning off the features can be difficult to figure out but it can be done.

"The first thing that you really want to do is look at "Applications and Websites" which has been updated since Facebook's new launch last week," said Nick Bilton of the New York Times. "At the bottom of the page, there's an Instant Personalization Pilot Program button. If you click the 'Edit Settings' for this button, you'll be taken to a page where you can say if you want to allow partners to be able to access your personal information.

"To turn it off, you actually de-select the button that says, 'allow select partners' and that's that."

The Federal Trade Commission said it's examining the way Facebook and other social networks collect data about their users.

Could the iPad keep you up at night? Researchers suggest that reading the iPad before going to bed could cause insomnia. Any kind of artificial light inhibits the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps induce sleep. But sleep researchers are particularly worried about the iPad because readers hold it so close to their faces. That could mean the device affects the body more than a TV across the room might.

Boy Scouts can earn merit badges in carpentry, citizenship and now video games. Scouts can earn the new awards by completing tasks such as learning to play a new game approved by a parent, learning about the video game rating system and installing a console. Scouts must also create a schedule that includes gaming, chores and homework, and "be prepared" to stick to it.