In the last edition, we reported the story of how HP is bringing back Windows 7 “by popular demand.” Well, that isn’t exactly the whole story. Windows 7 has never left us…and according to our third story, it is doing better than ever. What HP did was start marketing Windows 7 in a big way. No one has done that since Windows 8 appeared on the scene. But HP is doing it now! I am sure Microsoft is not happy about it.
In another surprising story, Microsoft, in its latest earnings report, said the Surface tablets did extremely well during the holiday season, racking up nearly $900 million in sales. But, don’t forget, Microsoft wrote off nearly $950 million dollars in Surface tablets earlier this year. So technically they did make money, but one can do almost anything with magical accounting tricks. When viewed as a single item over the last 6 months, Microsoft lost their behinds on the Surface.
At first when I read about the sales success of the Surface, I was surprised as I would not spend a dime on one. But, upon further review, I realize that Windows 8 and Windows RT were designed for tablets, so they could do better in that market. Where Microsoft ran into difficulty was trying to jam it down our throats in Windows 8 for the desktop and laptop. Metro is designed for touch, like the iPad. Since 99% of us don’t use touchable computers, it is a waste.
The moral of this story is if you are looking for a new desktop or laptop computer, you can still find lots of computers running Windows 7…and that is great news.
There are lots of good tips and tricks in this edition for computers, tablets and phones, so be sure and pay close attention. Onward and upward! - JRC
News and Opinions
Microsoft reportedly planning Windows 9 release in April 2015
Windows "Threshold" plans will involve a release of Windows 9 around April 2015. Microsoft will allegedly unveil its vision for Windows 9 at the company’s Build 2014 developer conference in April, with a release planned for a year later.
Google poised to shake up airline ticket biz
RyanAir CEO says Google's project "blows the competition out of the water." This new project could go live in March.
Where can you still find a PC running Windows 7?
If you want a PC running Windows 7, where do you look? Skip your local office superstore or big-box retailer and go where the business buyers go. In those channels, you'll find that Windows 7 never went away. In fact, it's not just alive, it's thriving.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 Preview: Now with More Integration
A newly leaked set of shots from a prerelease version of Windows 8.1 Update 1 suggests that Microsoft is going to further integrate the Metro and desktop worlds in this important coming update.
Believe It: Microsoft Surface Is Turning Out to Be a Moneymaker
Those reports of Microsoft's Surface 2 being in short supply during the holiday season weren't apocryphal. The Surface sold well in the calendar fourth-quarter, racking up $893 million in revenues, according to Microsoft.
Computer Tips and Tricks
Make Your Laptop Easier to Use with Windows Mobility Center
Did you know that Windows 7 and 8.x have a special feature just for laptops and other portable platforms? It provides quick access to settings for brightness, volume, power, and other useful features. Here is how to use it
Five free Chrome tools for faster, easier searches
These free tools from the Chrome Web Store work with the Chrome browser to make searching easier, or help you tweak your search queries to minimize unwanted results.
Five Steps to Take Immediately If You're the Victim of Identity Theft
If you know or suspect that you are the victim of identity theft, there are steps you should take immediately to stop the theft and minimize the damage.
Keep a healthy PC: A routine-maintenance guide
As with all devices, regular maintenance will keep your Windows PC operating smoothly through the years. Here are the essential tasks that can help PC users — of all levels — maintain strong, secure, and stable systems
Download Over 250 Free Art Books From the Getty Museum
Getty Publications just announced the launch of its Virtual Library, where readers can freely browse and download over 250 art books from the publisher’s backlist catalogue.
Portable Computing
Thinnest (and lightest) large tablets
Thin tablets are usually sleeker, sexier, and easier to handle. Also, their relative girth does not necessarily preclude them from including plenty of useful connections. Being so thin, all the tablets listed here are also the lightest on the market.
T-Mobile Gets Into Mobile Banking With The New Mobile Money Service
T-Mobile is doing a lot of unconventional things for the mobile industry, and now it's branching out to banking as well
Watch the Super Bowl from Your iPad Thanks to Fox Sports Go
This year will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be available through an app. Fox Sports Go will include an English-language stream and a Spanish-language stream. According to Broadcasting Cable, Spanish simulating of the Super Bowl is another first.
The Best iPad Tips and Tricks
A virtual plethora of tips and tricks to help you use your iPad better. Whether you are new user or an iPad veteran, there is much to make your day.
How to Print from Your Android Tablet or Smartphone
Smartphones and tablets are very handy but what if you want to print something? What to do then? Printing from a mobile device is not as straightforward as from a standard PC but here is one method for Android platforms
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