Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Microsoft Shocker: The End of the Desktop

My favorite writer/commentator on the Windows scene is Paul Thurrott. He has written several books on Windows, a couple of which are in my library. You have seen his stories about Windows and other things here before.

Our first article is his attempt to make sense for us where Microsoft is headed with Windows 8 and beyond. Many of us, including me, have wondered what is Microsoft thinking? Some of their moves lately make no sense. Well, read this article and all will be clear.

To sum it up, Microsoft will eventually kill off Windows as we know it. Want to know what it will look like in the future? Just look at Windows 8 RT. That is the separate operating system that will run the Windows tablets using ARM chips. These tablets have no desktop…only Metro-style apps are allowed. And they must run under very strict Microsoft guidelines. If you are a Windows user, you will eventually have no choice.

Microsoft believes the future of computing lies in portable devices like tablets and phones…in other words, the PC is dead. I certainly don’t believe that and the number of computers sold this year supports my conclusion. And while I really like my iPad, my serious work is done on the PC sitting on (and under) my desk. If you have the time, be sure and read Paul Thurrott’s article. It is an eye-opener.

Normally I don’t cover football or any other sport in this blog, but I couldn’t resist throwing in a bonus story about the reaction on social media of players and coaches concerning last night’s controversial ending. So who was the real winner of last night’s game? Twitter. 

Lots of other really good things here, so let’s go!!! –JRC

Welcome to Windows 8

This is the best article that explains why Microsoft is going down the Windows 8 path. The key to everything is Windows RT, the system without a desktop. In the near future, Microsoft will leave the desktop behind. It's a scary thought, but it is reality.

Why Do Not Track is worse than a miserable failure

As a consumer, you'd think that the meaning of "Do Not Track" is pretty clear. But the big data-collecting companies that are behind this standard seem intent on making sure it does nothing at all.

Adobe launches Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11

Adobe has announced version 11 of its Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements desktop software for Mac and Windows. This photo and video editing duo—joined by a free helper app called the Organizer—lets users manage, edit, create, and share photos and videos in a variety of ways.

iPhone 5 Camera Battle: Is It the Best Smartphone Shooter?

For many of the people scooping up an iPhone 5, its 8-megapixel camera will be their go-to shooter. But how much of an improvement is it over the iPhone 4S? And how does it compare to the smartphone—and point and shoot—competition?

Apple can replace broken iPhone 5 screens in the store, says report

iPhone 5 users who suffer a broken or scratched screen may be able to get a replacement directly in the store, according to a report from iMore. This move means that Apple store reps could outfit an iPhone 5 with a new screen on the spot rather than switching the entire phone for a new or refurbished model.

Firefox Health Report Gives Your Browser a Check-Up

Internet users will soon be able to play doctor to their computer browser, with Mozilla's integration of Firefox Health Report (FHR).

Barnes & Noble Nook Launches Digital Video Service

Barnes & Noble, looking to capitalize on its fast-growing digital business, is launching a Nook-branded video store that, at first glance, looks a lot like Amazon’s and Google’s online video services.

Create a book from Wikipedia articles using new Wikimedia tool

Earlier this week, Wikimedia launched a new web tool to make e-books and regular books out of Wikipedia articles.

Bing vs. Google

Can't choose default search engine? Want to compare Bing & Google results? This Web site will let you see the results of a search for both, then you decide.

Actual Booster Download (Free Download)

With Actual Booster, Windows utility speed up your Windows PC. It works by changing the priority of the currently active (foreground) application, program, or game.

NFL players tweet to bosses: Are you blind?

The sheer embarrassment of last night's Seattle-Green Bay game, where replacement refs needed their eyes replaced, causes players to express open hostility to their bosses on Twitter.

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