Thursday, July 05, 2012

Ciao…for Now

Not a lot of super hot tech news today, except that the European Parliament vetoed the ACTA treaty, which is really great news for all of us. Once again, an all-intrusive government plan has been stopped in its tracks by the people. Hooray for us.

For those of you excited about upgrading your computers to Windows 8, Microsoft has put together one heck of a deal…$40 to upgrade your Windows 7, XP, or Vista systems to Windows 8 Pro. I can feel your joy from here.

As always you will find some terribly helpful thoughts and tips here. So scan today’s stories carefully. Please note that this will be the last Rants and Raves for about a month. I am going on an extended vacation and photo expedition, mostly in California. I shall leave the heat and the monsoons of Tucson in my rear view mirror. But not to worry, I will be back in August sometime. If something big happens, I will let you know with an emergency broadcast. So keep one eye open when I am gone. -JRC

The European Parliament Rejects ACTA

Back in January, 22 European Union states, and the EU itself, signed the controversial ACTA treaty, which many argued could lead to severe restrictions on freedom and civil liberties on the Internet.. Now, the European Parliament has soundly rejected it. Thank God for protesters.

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade to Cost Just $40 During Special Promotion

Microsoft announced on Monday that it will allow users of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $40 as part of a special promotion when the new OS becomes generally available later this year. This is, by far, the lowest upgrade pricing Microsoft has ever offered for Windows, and an exceptional value.

Bring on the Pablet: Why I am bullish about Microsoft's Surface

Call it a tablet, a PC, a Pablet or a TC: All I can say is so far, the Microsoft Surface is my best hope for something that may make Windows 8 more palatable.

Wall Street Journal Reports iPad Mini is On Its Way

Unnamed sources told the WSJ that the smaller-screened tablet, dubbed “iPad mini,” will likely be smaller than 8 inches, which sounds about right since previous rumors have claimed that the smaller iPad will be 7.85 inches.

When Will Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) Get to Your Smartphone?

It may take a while because the biggest obstacle to smartphone upgrades is the handset makers and cell phone carriers.

Wait for the iPhone 5 or go Google Android?

The latest Google Android devices on the market are impressive. And with Google's latest software release, it's hard to imagine that Apple will come up with anything to top it. But should you wait for the new iPhone anyway? Here's some advice.

Some ugliness installing an after-market SSD

If you are thinking about installing a solid state drive in your existing computer, you might want to read this article first so you know what to expect. It can be done, of course, but it may not be easy.

Create A Collage From Your Own Photos

Here's a great way to turn 2 or more of your favorite digital photos into a collage. You can also use the free program Picasa, which I use to create collages of my work.

TSR Watermark Image Software Download

TSR Watermark Image Software is watermark image program software that can add digital Watermarks to all your images, photos and pictures in the background with the transparency you decide.

Windows Firewall Control - Free

Windows Firewall Control is a simple bit of freeware that extends the capabilities of the built-in Windows firewall controls. It adds icons and entries to the system tray, desktop, and other locations; adds shell integration in Explorer menus; and other options.

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