Please realize that I have been a Microsoft Windows user (and DOS before that), long before I started this blog. I think it was the mid-80’s when I became a regular Microsoft customer. I’ve liked most of their products all the way through Windows 7 and Office 2010. Long time readers know I loved Windows 7 before it even hit the shelves. They put out some marvelous products for years and years (with a few misses along the way).
But lately, they have lost their way…some of their current products and plans for the future are a travesty. Just look at our first few stories and see what I mean. Nobody wants Windows 8, nobody wants Windows Surface RT, and few want Office 2013 or Windows Surface Pro.
Their prized security software, Windows Security Essentials is failing test after test at independent testing labs. Just today a friend called me with a computer problem. After hearing the symptoms, I knew something got into his machine. Two WSE scans yielded nothing. I had him uninstall WSE and install Avast anti-virus. It found 3 dangerous pieces of malware almost immediately.
This is just one example of product failure. Frankly, the Microsoft organization is a mess. Know one knows what anyone else is doing. Their only answer is to put out propaganda about how good their products are…and few are buying into it. You are what your sales and customers say you are!
I realize this is a bit of oversimplification. Other smarter people have offered greater detail as to Microsoft’s recent failures. Even some of their strongest supporters in the tech press are shaking their heads.
But it comes down to this: it is time to fire Steve Ballmer and other Microsoft key executives for letting this happen. It is time to start bringing order back to the chaos that is Microsoft. If they started today it would probably take a few years for the ship to be righted. Things are that bad.
Microsoft needs to learn that we want operating systems, software and hardware that get things done, not crap that gets in our way. The Apple method is to offer simple tools that get the job done. Simplicity is an unknown commodity in Redmond. Dear Microsoft: WAKE UP!!
Thanks for letting me rant. You know the name of this blog is Rants and Raves. Now you know what a rant is. But there are some good things included here that I rave about.
For instance, I have included details of the new Roku 3 box. I’ve owned a Roku 2 for a couple of years now and it is the best product of its kind. I love mine, but the new one looks even better and I will probably get one shortly.
I’ve also included some important articles on security issues. Make sure you look at them. And of course, there are some app recommendations. So, once again, thanks for letting me beat up on Microsoft…but let’s get on with the business at hand. – JRC.
Microsoft Cuts Windows, Office Prices For Manufacturers - Is Windows 8 In Trouble?
Unable to light a fire under Windows 8, Microsoft is holding a fire sale instead. Microsoft is offering significant additional discounts on both Windows 8 and Microsoft Office to PC makers that will include the software in small laptops that include touchscreens.
Samsung confirms it will stop selling its Windows RT tablet in Germany
The sales of the tablet will also be halted in other European countries. A halt of Samsung Windows RT tablets does not bode well for Microsoft and is another sign of the lackluster uptake of RT devices that market observers have already noted.
Surviving your first hour with Office 2013
If you’ve looked into Office 2013′s “improvements,” they might have struck you — as they did me — as largely gratuitous, cumbersome, and designed more to add to Microsoft’s coffers than to improve Office productivity. Fortunately, there are ways rid yourself of Office 2013′s worst changes — if you know the tricks.
Microsoft restores transfer rights for retail Office 2013 copies
As part of its shift to a subscription model, Microsoft introduced a controversial "no transfer" restriction with Office 2013. Now, after an intense outcry from customers, the company has reversed course and agreed to allow users to transfer retail Office licenses between devices.
The New Roku 3
The new streaming-video box clearly has its sights set on the Apple TV ($99), addressing many of Roku's earlier shortcomings with an overhauled user interface, refreshed design, and faster processor, while maintaining its unmatched content selection of more than 700 channels.
You Got Hacked! What Now?
Somebody has taken over your email or maybe your social media accounts. All your friends are mad at you. How can you recover—and keep the problem from happening again?
Ghostery for Firefox Freeware
Ghostery is a browser add-on for Firefox that enables you to see what kind of tracking techniques are used by the current website, including tags, web bugs, pixels and beacons. Also available for IE and Chrome browsers.
Are you leaking too much of your real life online?
Thieves and predators constantly search Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for telltale information. Think before you post!
Test Your PC's Security From The Outside
If you haven't tried out the Shields Up service, from Gibson Research's web site, give it a try. It does just that. It attempts to "hack" your PC, by remotely connecting to your computer over a number of internet communication channels (known as ports).
Must-have apps for photography nuts
Want to get more out of your photography? Your tablet can be a valuable tool in the pursuit of picture perfection. A variety of apps are now available that can expand your camera's featuresy, making it easier to shoot and edit.
Get Organized: Planning for Your Next Phone Upgrade
Don't get rushed into buying a new phone, or you could lose a lot of money and wind up terribly dissatisfied. These tips will help you prepare a plan for your next phone upgrade.
SyncFolders Freeware download and reviews
SyncFolders enables you to synchronize or backup your files and folders. You can create multiple sync profiles (rules) for different folder locations, each with it's own synchronization or backup settings.
No comments:
Post a Comment