Consumer Reports

NEW YORK: Consumer confidence rose for the second straight month, up 2% from November, but overall it remains at historic lows, according to the monthly survey by The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

The Federal Communications Commission has added to its consumer outreach effort for the (delayed) June 12 digital TV transition, redesigning its transition Web site and creating a new guide in partnership with Consumers Union. Called DTV Made Easy, the guide will be distributed at walk-in centers and by local broadcasters. Barnes & Noble will also give it away at more than 700 stores, and Consumer Reports will include it in its June issue.

New York Times’ technology columnist David Pogue disclosed a few ideas for making the Web 2.0 world a more friendly, and factually accurate, environment for...