EverNote Thanks Me While Microsoft Bores Me

I got a nice e-mail from the folks at EverNote, celebrating their  5th Anniversary. They thanked me for being with them from almost the beginning. To prove it, the showed me my member number…46,668…sounds high but when they have over 65 million registered users, that means I am one of their very early users…actually in the top 99.9%. Wow, I didn’t realize I have been with them that long. I am still a very active user of their excellent service and use it almost every day. And while they thank me, I thank them for their great program.

On to Microsoft. Yesterday I watched their BUILD Conference keynote address. And while the first portion of the program was on Windows 8.1 and was interesting, the majority of the address was for developers and I found it somewhat boring. But that is OK, I realize it is developers conference so they really needed to appeal to the 6,000 developers who showed up to help build apps for the Windows 8 infrastructure.

I was looking forward to learning about some of the new innovations in Bing, but about the time of that presentation, the feed from Microsoft crapped out, telling me my video would begin shortly. What? I had been watching it for the last 1.5 hours! It took a while for the video to come back, but by then I had missed so much I gave up. Good job Microsoft!

Putting all that aside, my preliminary opinion of Windows 8.1 is good. They have made a lot of much-needed improvements. I was impressed that they kept emphasizing that the desktop is here to stay, which is a 180 degree turnaround from previous pronouncements. But I withhold final judgment till I see the final version sometime later this summer.

I am impressed with the improvements in the XBox music program…much more intuitive now. The camera app is better, but still not great; their deep SkyDrive innovation is wonderful, and their Bing search improvements look good (even though I had to read about it later). Our first three stories will help you understand some of the new innovations.

If you would like to get a good look at all the major innovations in Windows 8.1, jump over to Paul Thurrott’s excellent Web site. He has done several hands-on articles about all the major innovations. Well worth it.

I think Microsoft is on the right track, but they will just not let go of the Metro interface. Windows 8 was built under the auspices of an egomaniac who would not listen to any criticisms or advise. He is gone now and folks with common sense are taking over. So I think it will be better in the long run, but I still see little use for the Metro-style applications for the PC.

I spent $5 on Start8 app that makes my computer work exactly the way I want it. I am still of the opinion that if Microsoft would have left the Start Button and Start Menu in place, people would have accepted Windows 8 and their sales wouldn’t be so miserable. That’s what happens when you let an egomaniac run the show. I know Steve Jobs over at Apple was also an egomaniac in many ways, but he was smarter than the Microsoft guy and at least listened and often adopted good advice.

Will Windows 8 succeed in bringing people back to Microsoft and the desktop? Yes and no. History shows us that once a program gets a bad reputation right out of the gate, it never recovers. But Windows does have a unique position…they are nearly the only game in town for most people. So when you go to buy a new PC or laptop like I just did, you will get Windows 8…and you will learn how to get around the crap you don’t want and put together a system that works well.

As usual, there is more here than just Windows info. There is a new Firefox in town, and DuckDuckGo is really doing well, thanks to the NSA. And we have some wonderful free replacements for Google Reader. So let’s go! -JRC

Windows 8.1 fixes problems, adds new features, but touch screen is still the focus

It's important to note that if you were hoping for a return to a Windows 7 layout, you're going to be disappointed; Microsoft is sticking to its guns on the Modern UI, and you'll still be using it as your main launching point. With that said, Microsoft has added a few features that make it a bit more palatable to keyboard-and-mouse Windows desktop users."

What does Windows 8.1 offer to desktop die-hards?

Many parts of the Windows 8 user interface have been given some love in Windows 8.1. Some of these changes focus on the Metro side of the fence. But that doesn't mean that Microsoft forgot about desktop users-Windows 8.1 includes a number of small tweaks that should make them more comfortable.

With Windows 8.1, can Microsoft get its mojo back?

Microsoft has something to prove with Windows 8.1 and some very important questions to answer. Can the company turn around a slow PC market, convince consumers it's cool, and pry businesses away from Windows 7?

Suffer not: 10 Windows Start menus for Windows 8.1

Although Windows 8's Start menu is still MIA in Windows 'Blue,' a smorgasbord of replacements can fill the void. Some are free, some are paid, but all will get back to the environment you are used to.

Firefox 22 Launches With New Features

The big new feature in Firefox 22 is full support for the WebRTC, which allows browser-to-browser Web applications like videochat and VoIP. It also allows computer-to-computer file-sharing , which a new free service called Sharefest already utilizes to let users distributes files from one to many.

Why Tablets Keep Eating Away at PC Share

The touchscreen and the thinness overall of tablets provides enough power to do word processing and it gives a different approach to games and other applications. The tablet market is eating right into the $300 to $600 laptop market because you get more usability with a tablet.

NSA fears spark traffic surge on DuckDuckGo search engine

The site, which promises not to send users' searches to other sites or store any personal information, generated just under 3.1m direct queries on Monday (17 June), compared to its daily average of 1.8m direct queries in the month of May.

Android invades the desktop

Computer makers are suddenly obsessed with putting a smartphone operating system on PCs. Here’s why it may not be such a crazy idea.

Top Free Picks: RSS Readers

If you're looking for a replacement for Google Reader, you've come to the right collection of free desktop software.

The One Google Reader Feature Nobody’s Figured Out How To Replace

As the demise of Google Reader gets closer, users are finding that most of the new RSS feed readers lack a seemingly simple feature: search. Is it technically feasible for anyone to fill Google’s shoes?

DIY services for creating simple websites

There are many good reasons to build a website yourself, including avoiding the substantial costs of hiring designers and developers. Here are two services that make the process of creating a custom site relatively quick and easy; and if your needs are modest, they’re free."

Five Fun Photography Techniques

Tired of getting the same old images out of your camera? Give these different techniques a try and see if they invigorate your creativity.

It’s Time to Fish or Cut Bait–Google Style

In a few days, the very popular Goggle Reader will be history. Google warned us a couple of months ago they were pulling the plug. Of course, their announcement raised quite a ruckus of protests. Millions of people, including yours truly, used this RSS service to gather all the interesting news of the day and put it in one place. We were all very unhappy campers. Did Google listen? Nope.

So what are we Google Reader users to do? When this first happened I started looking immediately for a replacement and in a couple of blogs here, I mentioned some possible choices. But, now, the experimenting is over. We all must make a decision.

I experimented with a few possibilities, but fell happily in love with one of them…I refer of course to Feedly. This Web-based program took over from the Google Reader services with their own servers and kept on improving the interface. Feedly gives me multiple choices as to how I want to look at the incoming data. I stopped using Google Reader quite some time ago because I found Feedly met my needs better than Google Reader.

But, you don’t have to take my word for it. Article #8 talks about Feedly and eight other choices. So read what it has to say than you can make your own choice.

Microsoft and Windows 8 are back in the news. They are about to release a public preview of the new upgrade, Windows 8.1 tomorrow at the annual BUILD conference. We have a couple of stories here, but will have more after the keynote address, also tomorrow.

PS: If you use Windows 8 and want to try out the 8.1 preview, I strongly advise against it. When the final version comes out later this summer, you will have to reinstall every one of your apps…almost like starting all over. You have been warned. Wait till the final version.

This is a big news edition, but there is still some good info that might be of use to you. So let’s go! -JRC

Barnes & Noble bails out on Nook tablet biz

B&N will shift manufacturing of its Nook tablet lineup to third-party partners to design co-branded tablets

What you need to know about Windows 8.1 Preview

The Windows 8.1 Milestone Preview (MP), due to hit Wednesday on the first day of the Build conference, comes with a host of gotchas in tow

Microsoft hopes for second chance with Windows 8.1

As Microsoft's BUILD developer conference kicks off this Wednesday, the company faces a daunting task: To convince developers and tech enthusiasts that it remains on the cutting edge.

Microsoft hopes to win over students with cheap Surface RTs

Microsoft may be trying to dump its stash of ARM-based systems in anticipation of Intel's 'Haswell' chip

Amazon is staffing up for its $600 million cloud for spooks

You can now add "spymaster" to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos's various titles. On Friday June 14, a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report elaborated on previous reports that Amazon had won a $600 million contract to build a "private cloud" for the CIA.

Facebook admits year-long data breach exposed 6 million users

Facebook blamed the data leaks, which began in 2012, on a technical glitch in its massive archive of contact information collected from its 1.1 billion users worldwide. As a result of the glitch, Facebook users who downloaded contact data for their list of friends obtained additional information that they were not supposed to have.

FAA looks to relax rules on using electronic devices during flights

"Draft recommendations call for the FAA to allow the use of some electronics during low altitudes, a news report says"

Life after Google Reader: GigaOM's guide to the best options

When Google Reader closes its doors for good on July 1, which news reader should you adopt? We broke down nine of the most interesting or useful apps to help you decide.

Telltale signs your ATM card has been hacked

ATM skimming schemes involve installing fraudulent equipment that criminals use to steal credit and debit card numbers and PINs. Here are a few things to look for the next time you need to hit the ATM.

Warner Bros: Pirates Show Us What Consumers Want

Movie studio Warner Bros. is among those who are starting to interpret piracy as a market signal. “We view piracy as a proxy of consumer demand.”

An Amazing App That Gives Your Browser A Photographic Memory

Are you the sort of person that likes to keep a permanent record of the most interesting web pages that you come across? If so, you'll be well aware that there's only a limited number of ways you can do so. One of the best is a Windows program called LWA, aka Local Web Archive.

Nothing Heavy Duty Here…But Still Quite Interesting

It’s been fairly quiet in the tech world the last couple of days…at least news-wise. Not much new in the NSA spying controversy…yet. But what can you add to the story that the NSA now knows everything you did on the Internet and with your phone.

I will be anxiously awaiting the judge’s decision in the Apple anti-trust e-book case. Since all of the other defendants in the case have settled out-of-court with the Justice Department, I expect that Apple may not fare too well here. Unlike a criminal court, the doctrine of reasonable doubt does not apply here.

If you are still using Java on your computer (not to be confused with JavaScript) I urge you to do an immediate update that was just released by Oracle to fix 40 huge security holes. Better yet, just get rid of Java all together. Most folks don’t need it.

There is more good stuff here, so why don’t I just get out of your way and let you have at it. -JRC

After closing arguments, Apple's fate in e-book antitrust case goes to judge

The DOJ brought the case against Apple and five of the largest book publishers in the U.S. for allegedly conspiring to limit price competition and raise prices in the e-book market in 2010 in an effort to stop Amazon from pricing their best-selling electronic books at US$9.99 each.

Stay Safe - Update Your Java Installation Now

Oracle released a patch for Java today which fixes no fewer than 40 serious security-related issues. If you still have Java on your computer, then it's important that you install the patch or that you're already running the most recent version (Java 7, Update 25).

And, action! Facebook brings video to Instagram

The social network plans to capture the next wave of sharing with a new video feature for posting bite-sized movies.

Is Microsoft's Metro UI the real problem?

Microsoft's phone and tablet market shares remain stuck in single digits, which suggests Windows 8's difficulties go beyond the mishmash of Metro and Desktop UI’s.

Fate of Microsoft's tablet OS in question -- again

Device makers based in Asia are not keen on Windows RT. That has become painfully clear.

Parvum Opus: Followers Flock To Pope's Latin Twitter Feed

Latin's economy of words makes it better suited for tweeting than many other languages. One can express thoughts as concisely and precisely as possible.

Tweet Becomes An 'Official Word' In Latest Oxford English Dictionary Update

It joins flash mob, fiscal cliff, and dad dancing in the English language dictionary, an academic piece of work that is always being updated and revised.

Forget Passwords, Use Passphrases for Extra Security

What we call a password doesn't have to be a word at all. A whole phrase or sentence, a passphrase, offers more security. A correctly chosen passphrase is easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone else to guess.

Use This Powerful Microsoft Tool to Provide Better Security for Windows Programs

It is called the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit or EMET. Microsoft has just released a new version EMET 4.0. EMET is a tool that hardens your system against various exploit techniques by making programs run in a restricted mode.

Fastest Mobile Networks 2013

For the fourth year running, we sent drivers out on the road to test our 4G nation and figure out which network is the fastest near you.

Get Organized: How to Start Becoming More Organized

This one tip for tackling any organizational project is crucial to success. Knowing how to do it can also help you achieve other life goals, too.

Evernote Web Clipper gets Gmail support to clip-save attachments and emails Software

Evernote Web Clipper for Chrome has expanded its functionality to include Gmail. This new feature will allow the user to save attachments as well as the chat conversation history from their Gmail accounts.

The NSA Surveillance: It’s Getting Scary!

The NSA surveillance controversy continues this week and I have been following the details as best I can. I can tell you for sure that the media got a great part of the story wrong…very wrong. They wrote that several of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Microsoft, Apple and others were cooperating with the NSA and providing secure portals for the Feds to access user data.

That was completely wrong. The NSA didn’t need them. They were tapping directly into the Internet backbone to harvest data. The program they used is called Prism…and for good reason. What does a prism in the real world do? It breaks down light into its basic elements. The NSA Prism taped into the light of fiber optic cables to divert the light signals to their own equipment, much like a phone wiretap.

And, according to our lead story today, NSA’s reach into the data streams of our world is far greater than Prism and phone programs are capable of doing. There is much, much more to this story.

I listened over the weekend to a fascinating podcast by noted security specialist Steve Gibson that pretty much explains the Prism operation, and how it was done. You can find the audio version and a transcript of the program on Steve’s Website…or you can watch the video or listen to the audio on the TWIT Website where the program originated. I found it quite compelling and highly recommend you give it a listen.

There is much more to this edition than NSA stuff. You might even find some good hints and tools to make your computing life better. So let’s get to it. -JRC

Secret to Prism program: Even bigger data seizure

The Associated Press in-depth article on US Government spying. A long article but well worth reading. Scary, too.

It's over: All private data is public

Enough about the NSA -- any hacker worthy of the name can snatch your 'private' data. Either stop entrusting it to anyone or chill out. If you're looking for an upbeat article with feel-good solutions, don't read this.

Google Is Building A New System That Will Make It Virtually Impossible To Find Child Porn On The Web

The new database, which is expected to be operational within a year, will allow child porn images which have been "flagged" by child protection organizations to be wiped from the web in one fell swoop.

How to Share Files Between your Mobile Phones and Computers

How do you easily transfer a file from the Android phone to your iPad? Or how do you copy-paste that long snippet of text from the computer to your iPhone? The following guide discusses apps that will help you exchanges files and everything else between your desktop computer and mobile devices easily and quickly.

How to Share Files Between your Mobile Phones and Computers

How do you easily transfer a file from the Android phone to your iPad? Or how do you copy-paste that long snippet of text from the computer to your iPhone? The following guide discusses apps that will help you exchanges files and everything else between your desktop computer and mobile devices easily and quickly.

Get Organized: Tips for Managing Your Ebook Library

Are your virtual bookshelves as disorganized as your real ones? Here are some tips for a smarter system for categorizing your ebooks.

How to Augment Your Computer with an iPad

You can do a ton of great things with just an iPad, but some of the best uses are using it as an external controller for your computer. From using your iPad as a second display to turning it into a remote, here are a bunch of ways to augment your computer using an iPad.

Google's Unified Storage, Now Available

You now get 15GB of free storage for Gmail, Google Drive and Google+ Photos and you can buy additional storage

Microsoft rolls out Office Mobile for iPhone

Microsoft is rolling out a small-screen optimized version of Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone users who subscribe to Office 365.

Microsoft: Want Office for iPad? You can't have it, but use Web Apps instead

Microsoft released Office for iPhone but left iPad users stranded. For iPhone users, the app is free but it is not free to use, requiring an Office 365 subscription, which runs for $99.99 per year, to take advantage of Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

Yahoo! Becomes Exclusive Partner Of 49ers Online Content

"Levi's stadium has been called the "smartest" stadium ever built. With a focus on mobile, the 49ers took into account that nearly everyone who attends a game will be bringing their own smartphone. The stadium will be able to provide Wi-Fi to nearly 70,000 people on any given Sunday. "

Decrap my Computer

Decrap my Computer is a tool designed to remove the bloatware that most manufacturers pre-install on new Windows computers. When you first run the software, it will scan your system and then present you with a list of all removable software, from which you can choose the items to remove.

Just the Facts, Jack

OK, I admit it. I don’t have one big story to knock your socks off. But there are some good things here. Lots of information and updates to keep you in the loop.

I promised a couple of weeks ago to tell you the story of how I bought my new Windows 8 laptop. To keep it short, here are the facts:

I’ve been looking for a new laptop for a few weeks and had a list of 3 or 4 possibilities. My old laptop was just that…old, 11 years old to be exact! It was heavy and slow, as you would expect for a piece of equipment that old. Believe it or not, one of the most important concerns for me was weight. I wanted something as light as possible for lugging around airports and hotels.

Of course I knew the weight of every laptop on my list, but they were only numbers. I wanted to feel what 4.8 lbs. felt like. So, on Memorial Day I suggested to my son Eric (remember I was in Yuma) that he and I go to the local Best Buy and check out laptops for weight. So we did.

While there I found one that I thought was pretty light and pretty much fit my needs…and it was on sale for 20% off as it was a demo model…and it was $200 less than the other laptops on my list. So, we left the store to think about it.

Later we went back to buy it, but the department manager would not sell it to us saying they had more in the back so he needed the demo. I asked him why it was on the counter for sale at the discounted price. He said it was a mistake. He actually didn’t seem to care very much. But he offered to sell it to me at full price. Yea…sure!

So we left…a little pissed off at being deceived. When I got back to Eric’s home, I did a quick search on my iPad for the computer we saw at Best Buy and couldn’t find it cheaper anywhere else, so I decided give up and keep on looking.

Now this is the interesting part. Within 45 minutes of my on-line search, I get an e-mail from CNET (yes, the tech news company) offering a few items from different companies at bargain prices. The lead item, was of course, the computer I saw at Best Buy. They showed it at $50 off the store price. I mean we are talking about the same exact model.

I click on the link and guess who had it on sale? You got it! Good old Best Buy. I could buy it online and pick it up in an hour at the local store. So, after some thought, I did. And I picked it up in Yuma and waived it in the manager’s face. Of course, he could still care less.

So you don’t think that Google is scanning our searches and e-mails? Of course they are. Its not the first time its happened to me. But, in this case, it worked out for my benefit. Despite having Windows 8, this new laptop works well for me. So that is my story and I’m sticking to it.

Lots of news, views, and information…some of it useful. So let’s get to it. Have a great weekend. -JRC

NSA chief drops hint about ISP Web, e-mail surveillance

A secret interpretation of the Patriot Act led to the National Security Agency vacuuming up all of Verizon's phone logs. The NSA may be doing the same for e-mail and Web logs too.

What is the NSA's PRISM program? (FAQ)

We now know that the NSA uses something called PRISM to monitor private Web data. Sounds like "1984." What does it really mean?

Patch Tuesday: 23 vulnerabilities fixed; IE, Windows, Office

One "critical" vulnerability and four "important" ones round out this week's software fixes from Microsoft

Apple, Microsoft, big tech push UI changes: Whining is futile

Given hardware is commoditized, software and experience are the best options to differentiate. The big hurdle is that these tech players are forcing changes that users may not necessarily want."

iOS 7 vs iOS 6 - Side By Side Visual Comparison

It’s clean, crisp, and certainly a great deal brighter than ever before, but, new features aside, does it actually look better, and how does it compare? An in-depth look at apps and menus.

Yahoo to issue inactive mail accounts to other users

The company said in a blog post that it was freeing up the dormant email IDs to give its current and new users the opportunity to sign up for “the Yahoo! ID they’ve always wanted.

9 Top Tech Myths Debunked

Does more bars really mean better mobile service? Are ones really gone forever once you empty the trash? Popular Mechanics tackles some of the most frustrating falsehoods of the digital age . A good read.

How to Customize Your Mobile Google Maps Experience

Your Google map is fully customizable, and will recommend locations and deals that may interest you, based on your search history. First, though, you need to figure out how to use it. To help, we've created this guide to the mobile Maps app.

8 Bizarre Social Networks You Won't Believe Exist

We browsed the web and compiled some of the strangest, most hobby-specific ones we could find. Some are geared toward a specific audience, while others are just plain — well, weird. Take a look at our collection.

Get a Discount Shopping Online by Abandoning Your Cart For a Day

When you're looking for an extra discount on an order you're placing online, try leaving your cart alone for a day. Companies sometimes email discounts to entice you back.

Get Organized: 7 Keyboard Shortcuts for More Efficient Browsing

Keyboard shortcuts can greatly increase your productivity on a computer, although research suggests that people often don't use them in part because they're difficult to learn and remember.

Opera Mail Brings Labels, Filters to Your Other Email on the Desktop

Opera released its own, cross-platform desktop email client. For Gmail users (and the Gmail envious), the feature set should look both familiar and welcome.

Apple Teases Us With the Future While NSA Spies on Us Now

Apple had its big Spring Fling on Monday with the keynote speech at the World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco. Apple always gives a show stopper address to open the conference…announcing new products and shocking us all with new innovations.

Well, not so much this time. As the owner of 3 Apple products (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) I was more than interested as I sat through the two hour show. There were no show stoppers this time…only an update of what they are going to release in the future. A couple of products are being released now, but the majority will not see the light of day until sometime in the fall. That means at least a three month wait for anyone interested in what we saw yesterday.

The biggest story from the show would have to be the forthcoming release of iOS 7, the operating system that runs iPhones and iPads. It is a radical change, both in appearance and features. Tim Cook called it the most important release since the iPhone. It is definitely different and for the most part it looks pretty good.

But so far, the reviews on it are a mixed bag…one reviewer congratulated Apple for inventing Windows 8. But others liked the changes. I am in a wait-and-see mode…after all it will be many months before I can get my hands on it.

Apple also introduced us to the latest incarnation of OS10, the operating system for its computers and laptops. Again, those users will also have to wait a few months. Then there is the new iTunes Radio, a forthcoming rival to Pandora and other music providers. Like Pandora, it will be free. Not sure when it will be released.    

Our first story gives a good overview of all the products and services announced yesterday…while the second story focuses on all the changes in iOS7.

But wait, there is more…we have some updates on the burgeoning NSA spying scandal that affects all Americans. Basically all of us who use computers have had their privacy violated by an arm of the government that is prohibited from spying on US citizens. Pus there is AT&T’s latest contract changes designed to screw its users even more. But, there is some good news and information also, so let’s get going. -JRC

Apple WWDC 2013: everything you need to know

A new Mac Pro, OS X 10.9, a completely redesigned iOS 7, iTunes Radio, and much more

Apple iOS 7: Everything You Need to Know

Jony Ive's first iOS—minimalist, elegant, devoid of the infantile artifice that infected its recent incarnations. It's pretty impressive. And here's everything you need to know about it.

Give Apple a solid 'B' to 'B+' at WWDC 2013

"The company set out to prove that it still has enough technological mojo to keep Samsung et al at bay -- and it proved the point even in the absence of a smash announcement."

Whistleblower reveals massive surveillance effort by NSA, FBI on consumer services

Do you use services from Microsoft, Google, Apple, or many other major Silicon Valley companies? If so, a long-running government program called PRISM may have been harvesting your photos and other user data.

86 Civil Liberties Groups and Internet Companies Demand an End to NSA Spying

They include the Electronic Frontier Foundation, reddit, Mozilla, FreedomWorks, and the American Civil Liberties Union - they demand swift action from Congress in light of the recent revelations about unchecked domestic surveillance.

Amid Data Controversy, NSA Builds Its Biggest Data Farm

The Utah Data Center is a data farm that will begin harvesting emails, phone records, text messages and other electronic data in September.

AT&T bumps up device upgrade wait time from 20 to 24 months

Following the lead of Verizon Wireless, AT&T has increased the period of time customers must wait to upgrade their devices.

Acer bets big on Android (yes, Android) PCs

Acer's "prototype" N3-220 Android all-in-one is more than than just a trial balloon, executives said Monday. It represents the first in a series of PCs that will use Google free mobile OS to carve out a new niche in the ultra-competitive PC market.

First mini-Windows 8 tablet to ship next weekend

Acer Iconia W3, shipping with Windows 8 Pro and a full-fledged copy of Office Home & Student 2013, is first mini-Win8 tablet out of the gate

Yahoo spruces up its search results display

The redesign, available now for all users, moves search results higher up the page by relocating search categories from underneath the search box to the left sidebar.

Internet Addresses, Protocols, and Ports Explained in Simple Terms

Here are three articles written in clear, straightforward language that will make it easy to understand the fundamental concepts behind connecting a computer to all those other computers on the Internet.

17 tips and tools to make Gmail better

Live your life in Gmail? These tricks and add-ons will make Google's email service more powerful, productive, and pleasant to use

Windows 8.1 Shows Some Promise

This week, Microsoft revealed many of the new features in Windows 8.1 that could make it more palatable to users. The Start Button is back, but not the Start Menu. That button will now take you to either the Metro Start Page or the “All Apps” start page. That is nice, but after watching the video, I think I still prefer the old fashioned Start Menu. But I am an old codger so decide for yourself.

Our story #1shows you the Microsoft 8.1 Video and a good explanation (with pictures) of all the features in the video by noted Windows Expert Paul Thurrott. Definitely worth a view.

Last time, I mentioned that I was having difficulty with the photo viewer in Windows 8.1. Every time I clicked on the photo’s name in Windows Explorer, it would take me to the Metro Photo app, which I did not like very much. It was easily solved. Like much of Windows 8, there are two applications for many things…one for the Metro mode, the other for the desktop. There is an excellent built-in photo viewer for the desktop. So I just changed my preferences and it worked!  One must always remember that Windows 8 is schizophrenic…meaning you are dealing with split personality.

I look forward to getting some of the updates planned for Windows 8.1 (sometime in August), provided they don’t mess around with the settings I have now. If you are a Windows user, you should keep up with all the changes, even though you may not be running Windows 8 now. Because when you buy your next computer, you will be. Make notes.

Another jam packed edition of Rants and Raves today. More news, views, information and tips to help make your computing lives better. Hope your weekend is going to be cooler than mine. -JRC

Windows 8.1 Preview … Visually

Microsoft shows off some new features in a video that are coming in the Windows 8.1 Preview. Very interesting.

Microsoft goes public with Windows 8.1 upgrade policies

Microsoft is sharing more on how existing Windows 8 and Windows RT users will be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 'Blue' preview and final.

NSA 'top secret' spying order affects millions of Americans

The U.S. government is vacuuming up millions of Verizon customer records on a daily basis, according to a leaked "top secret" court order. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Google Reader Really Got the Axe

The real reason is probably most of us simply consume news differently now than when Reader was launched.

Malware That Drains Your Bank Account Thrives on Facebook

Zeus, a global malware program, finds your machine through a phishing email and remains hidden away until you log into a bank site. From there, according to reports, the malware steals your passwords and drains your account.

Kindle app updated with line spacing options, multipage highlights and more

Perhaps the most prominent enhancement in today’s release is the new line spacing options. You can now adjust the page layout to display text in one of three different spacing settings: normal, loose and tight…

Kingsoft Office 2013: The best free Microsoft Office alternative?

Not only does it have the best interface around, it also brings innovations like tabbed document viewing and drag-and-drop paragraph adjustment.

A Desktop Email Client vs. Cloud-Based Email. Choose the Best Solution to Use Across All Your Devices

There's been a never-ending dilemma about whether to choose a desktop email client vs. web-based email, so let's explore the pros and cons of both.

5 Things You Have to See in the New Google Maps

Google Maps has a whole new look and several new features that are downright fun to explore.

Free Google Drive tools you're not using (but should be)

Like Google's Chrome browser, Google Drive becomes even more useful when you take advantage of third-party add-ons and services.

Skype for Windows Desktop Hits Version 6.5

Skype has released a new version of its Windows desktop application, bumping the version number up to 6.5 while improving video messaging and making it easier to add and send contact requests. Skype 6.5 also includes several important bug fixes.

12 Great Tips to Scan Your Family Pictures

"Get that shoebox of old photos from grandma's closet and turn them into digital files. We have 12 great tips to scan your family pictures. "

Adventures with Windows 8–Part 2

When I left you last time, I had spent a day with Windows 8 right out of the box and discovered I hated it more than I originally thought. I was left with a dilemma: Do I wipe the drive and install Windows 7, or do I try and figure out a way to use the desktop only in Windows 8 and completely ignore all that Metro crap?

I decided to try the Start8 application app from Stardoc. I’ve mentioned it before, but had not tried it as I never owned Windows 8. The company gives you a 30 day, full-featured trial to make up your mind. I downloaded it and installed it. I set up the options list and then let her rip! Wow! Problem solved…just like that!

My laptop now boots directly to the desktop and I have both a start button and a start menu almost identical to Windows 7. I never have to look at that damn Metro interface ever again. I have my Windows 7 layout in my Windows 8 computer. Start8 costs $5, but it may be the best $5 I will ever spend.

But there was something missing from my desktop that I consider very important. When Windows 7 first shipped, it came with a wonderful feature called “Gadgets.”  These were little tiles that sat on your desktop and gave you information like the weather, date, time, stock market activity, computer status, and much, much more. You could size them to fit your screen and place them wherever you want. On my desktop computer, I have the time, date, and local weather on my screen in the upper right hand corner.

I have come to rely on Gadgets as part of my daily computing life. Believe me, living in Tucson, you want to know the temp outside all the time. Well, of course because they were so useful, Microsoft did away with Gadgets. They made it impossible to even get them. I was never sure why until I saw Windows 8. The gadgets were competitors to Metro…and in my opinion, much more useful. So, Microsoft dictated they had to go.

So, no Gadgets. I did a little research and found a site that saved all the gadgets (95 of them) as well as the application that runs it. I downloaded it, and to make a long story short, my favorite gadgets are now running on my laptop (see the last story for the link).

The bottom line, as I hinted in the last episode, is that I have Windows 8 running the way I want. Well, almost. I discovered just yesterday when I click on a photo’s name in Windows Explorer to view it, it opens the Metro Photo App, which I think is terrible. I am still working to solve that problem.

But there is much more to today’s edition than my solving the Windows 8 Conundrum. We’ve got news, information and tips. Because its getting to be summer vacation time, included are two articles on planning your trip…one using Evernote, and one using OneNote. Take your pick.

Also, there is the latest on Yahoo’s new mail software, Obama’s new war on patent trolls, and how one of Chicago’s big-time newspapers fired all its photographers and teaching reporters how to take photos with their iPhones. All this and more…beginning right now! -JRC 

Yahoo Shuts Down Mail Classic, Forces Switch To New Version That Scans Your Emails To Target Ads

Yahoo launched the new version of Mail in December, and announced the discontinuation of Classic back in April. However, it didn't mention anything about the new terms of service and privacy policy.

Obama administration comes out swinging against patent trolls

The signs are clear that so-called "patent trolls," companies that do nothing but threaten and litigate over patents, are doing serious damage to the economy. After more than a decade in which patent abuse has shot up to new heights, the problem has finally reached the attention of President Obama.

US mobile wallet users spent $500M in 2012 - nearly all of it at Starbucks

That's just a drop in the ocean compared to the trillions of dollars in credit and debit card transactions every year, but what's most surprising is where those mobile payments took place.

Chicago Sun-Times fires its entire photo staff

The Sun-Times explains that jettisoning its professional photographers and having reporters take pictures with their iPhones will help the newspaper appeal to its "digitally savvy customers.

The Sisyphean Problem Of Email

Advice that should be given to modern people considering marriage: "Before you marry, consider this, 'Is this the person I'd like to watch stare at their phone for the rest of my and their life?

New Video Guides on How to Use Windows 8

Now there is a new offering from the Microsoft UK Higher Education Blog that users of Windows 8 should find helpful in learning about the strange new world of tiles and charms.

How to Choose the Best Mechanical Keyboard (and Why You'd Want To)

Mechanical keyboards, or keyboards with full, individual switches under every key, have exploded in popularity recently, although the technology inside is as old as the keyboard itself. There's really no substitute for that solid, clicking sensation under your fingers as you type, and the satisfying sound each key makes when you press it.

Intel's new fourth-gen 'Haswell' processors: What you need to know

New Intel processors are about to come to desktops, laptops, and tablets near you. Here's the full rundown on what it all means.

Using Evernote to Easily Capture and Share Your Vacation Memories

Here are some tips on using Evernote to plan and record your vacation memories.

Travel with OneNote: Staying organized on the road

Here's how to use OneNote to prepare for upcoming trips as well as keep you on track while on the go.

Tools for Capturing Your Ideas in Writing

Have you ever been overwhelmed with writing ideas, and you didn’t know what to do with all of them? How do you capture and keep track of your ideas?

8GadgetPack - Gadgets for Windows 8

8GadgetPack is an utility that installs the original Gadget program files on Windows 8 computers.