The idea that employers perform Internet searches on job candidates is nothing new -- and the frequency of these searches is climbing. Some experts report that up to 85% of hiring managers "Google" a candidate before or after an interview.

An Internet that gives people the information they want virtually as soon as it's created is getting closer, according to Internet professionals. But before real-time Web becomes a reality, developers say they need to figure out how to protect people's privacy while blasting out as much information as they can, as fast as they can.

The "magical and revolutionary" moment is finally here. Apple is allowing fans the opportunity to pre-order the new iPad starting today. Even though you can order today, the iPad won’t be in the customer's hands until April 3rd.

With its new iPad, Apple is taking aim at Amazon's core business and its Kindle book reader. Can the 'e-tail' pioneer keep up as books, music and movies go all-download?

The social networking site plans to return to its roots by pushing entertainment content and jettisoning portal-like features.

Studies that accuse social networks of reducing productivity assume that time spent microblogging is time strictly wasted. But that betrays an ignorance of the creative process. Humans weren’t designed to maintain a constant focus on assigned tasks. We need periodic breaks to relieve our conscious minds of the pressure to perform — pressure that can lock us into a single mode of thinking.

With popularity comes trouble. Ask any Windows user, or the Notorious BIG. As Twitter's popularity has skyrocketed, it's become the target for various scams, and the Twitter team is now taking action to stop the abuse.

Learning the ropes of social media can be intimidating, but it's crucial for pastors and churches who want to connect to all those people. That's where Pastors' Social Media Bootcamps can help. These are local events held across the country to help pastors and churches sort out social media. The events are put on by Jopa Productions, a company started by pastors Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones. One is being held tomorrow in San Diego and there are five more coming this spring to Durham/Raleigh, N.C., Nashville, Tenn., Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis.

As we become increasingly dependent on technology, occasional wake-up calls give us opportunities to reflect on whether that technology makes us more or less secure against the forces of nature. The recent earthquake in Haiti is one such opportunity. It got me thinking about the relationship between technology and disaster. How vulnerable is our technology in the face of "acts of God"? Are rich and poor nations affected differently? What role does technology play in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts?

Apple finally gave us the date the first iPads will hit store shelves: April 3. We've been closely following the touch-screen tablet since Apple first announced it in late January, but here's a quick guide for your most essential questions about the device.