Windows 8 (and 8.1) just sucks! You have heard me repeat that phrase many times over the last 20 months. I said it for the first several months of its existence before I owned a copy. I said it even louder after I bought a new laptop with it installed on it.
Apparently enough other people said it too…so much so that it has been a sales disaster for Microsoft. Now, Microsoft finally awoke to the truth of it all and is now trumpeting Windows 9…even though it is at least 15 months away from release. Very little is known about it, although the first article here will give you a little insight. Microsoft will tell us all of its “Vision” for Windows 9 in April. Stay tuned for that.
Good news for all you XP users: Microsoft has reversed itself and will continue to provide security updates for it. However, that is all they will do for it. I still recommend you update your computers to Windows 7.
I am sure many of you are aware of Google’s Chrome Operating System (as opposed to the Chrome Web browser). It is available on many cheap laptops and has had some success in the market place. Its major problem is that it only works with an Internet connection…no local storage is available. Without a Net connection, it is a brick.
Well, Google has snuck the operating system into its latest version of the Chrome Web browser. If you use Windows 8 and make Chrome your default Web browser, you can see how it works. Who knows…you may like it better than the Metro interface. I will be trying it out on my laptop soon and will let you know.
OK, time for me to get on with other things, so I will let you read the rest of the stories on your own. Happy Computing to all!! -JRC
News and Opinions
"Threshold" to be Called Windows 9, Ship in April 2015
Microsoft tries to put Windows 8 in the rear-view mirror. Here is what we know so far. We will learn more about it at the "Build Conference" in April.
Microsoft extends security updates for XP
Microsoft has pledged to continue updating Windows XP's antivirus protection after the OS hits end of life in April. The ageing OS will no longer be officially supported by Microsoft from 8 April, despite hundreds of millions of people still running XP.
Google's latest Chrome release tries to replace the Windows 8 desktop
This week's Google Chrome update added some significant new features to its Windows 8 mode, effectively turning the browser into a stripped-down version of Chrome OS, with its own taskbar and window-management tools. But who's it for, really?
Light Patch Tuesday for Microsoft
There's only one interesting patch from Microsoft on the first Patch Tuesday of 2014: MS14-002. This patch from Microsoft should be at the top of everyone's priority list.
Why you should care about Net neutrality (FAQ)
Last time, we told you that a federal appeals court has thrown out the FCC's Net neutrality rules. CNET explains what the ruling means to the average consumer -- and why it really, really matters.
Computer Tips and Tricks
Five Places to Learn How to Use Windows 8.1 Better
Upgrading from an even older version of Windows? Then you have a truck-load of new features to learn. Either way, here are some places to go that will help make the transition to Windows 8.1 easier.
The Best Tuneup Utilities
Has your PC gotten slow, sluggish, buggy? Chances are, it's gotten gunked up through use; clean it up with these effective, ease-to-use tuneup utilities. PS: The winner of the Editor's Choice Award is free!
Get Organized: Scan Your Old Photos
If you have boxes of old photos you'd like to digitize, here are some tips for managing the project and preserving your memories the right way.
Outlook.com Gets Improved Sweep, Search and More
Microsoft announced some interesting changes coming to its Outlook.com email service, including a simpler version of the popular Sweep tool and improved Search. These features will begin rolling out to user inboxes over the next few weeks.
Everything You Didn't Know You Could Do with Google's Voice Commands
Voice search is one of those features that seems silly, but is awesome once you start using it. Not convinced? Here are a few ways to turn voice search from a silly gimmick into a useful productivity tool.
Portable Computing
The 10 Best Android Games
The advent of smartphones has changed the game, and now phones compete against consoles and PCs for your dollars and attention. The mobile game scene has exploded.
7 Tips for Better iPhone Photography
With all the benefits and fun that come with these new smartphones, people everywhere are starting to play with iPhone photography. Here are just a few tips to help make the most of your iPhone photos.
So who has the superior wireless network, anyway?
Verizon Wireless and AT&T both claim victory after the release of a recent study. This article breaks down who actually won. Or did they all?
BBB Warning: Smart Phone Apps May Share Your Information
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to make sure the apps they download don’t take more information than they need to do the job.
Apple settles with FTC over in-app purchases, offering $32 million in refunds
As a result of insufficient parental controls, the company is required to refund customers who have been billed for faulty charges, paying out a total of $32.5 million to 37,000 different customers.
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