Thursday, February 20, 2014

Microsoft Admits Windows 8 Metro is for Tech Dummies

I am encouraged that the FCC is looking to rewrite the Net Neutrality Rules (see story #1). As you may recall, a court struck down their last set of regulations on a legal technicality. So now, companies like Verizon and Comcast can set their own regulations about which Web sites run at what speeds (like Netflix). I hope the FCC has the courage to complete this task as they will be fought every step of the way by the aforementioned companies as well as the lobbyists and Congressmen they control.

In our second story, Microsoft now says that Windows 8 was forced on us to satisfy the needs of non-tech savvy people and admitted it was not for power users or other folks who know how to run a computer. That is fine…but they did such a poor job implementing this system for dummies that it is virtually worthless for almost everybody. And the Metro part of Windows is for tablets, not for desktops. If you want to see how a tablet should work, just look at the iPad. It works for techies and dummies.

We do have some other interesting stories which should peak your interest…or at least I hope so. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

FCC to rewrite Net neutrality rules

The FCC's chairman says the agency won't challenge a federal appeals court decision to throw out its Open Internet rules and will instead take another crack at writing new regulations.

Windows 8 designer: Why Microsoft forced Metro on us all

Microsoft designed its Metro, aka Modern, interface for "your computer-illiterate little sister, for grandpas who don't know how to use that computer 'dofangle' thingy, and for mom who just wants to look up apple pie recipes."

Google Fiber chooses nine metro areas for possible expansion

Google is "hitting the road" to meet with these cities, and "conducting detailed studies of factors that affect construction plans in each place, like topography (e.g. hills, flood zones), housing density, and the condition of local infrastructure.

OneDrive Goes Live

A rebranding and expansion of SkyDrive, OneDrive provides some additional new features, and storage and payment options. But the bigger message here, perhaps, is the service's new stated focus on cross platform interoperability.

Microsoft relaunches Office Web Apps as Office Online

The rebranded online suite now offers its own startup Web page, a lineup of new templates, and easier ways to jump from one app to another.

Asus router vulnerabilities go unfixed despite reports

You may not think of your Wi-Fi router as a wide-open barn door between your computer and the Internet, but for many Asus router owners, it is.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Sorting out the revolution in PC backups: Part 2

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I gave an overview of the five major types of backup technologies available today for Windows PCs. Part 2 shows the enormous speed differences in backup methods; it also includes some real-life scenarios to help you pick the best method for your needs.

OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box: Which cloud storage service is right for you?

If you're ready to take the plunge into storing your files, photos, and more in the cloud, but need help deciding which service is right for your needs and wallet, we've got you covered.

Tips for Printing and Hanging Photos

"Why is decorating your walls with photos and artwork so difficult? It may tax your creative design abilities, but a few tech tips can make the project easier to accomplish. "

7 Secret Gmail Features You Didn't Know Existed

Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Gmail, the email service near and dear to our hearts, there's always a trick or two you may not have heard of.

How to Send Gmail Attachments to Google Drive

You neither have to install any browser extensions (the program uses Google Scripts) nor do you have to grant access to your Gmail or Google Drive accounts to a third-party.

 

Mobile Computing

Get more done with these 10 great Android business apps

Thanks to a lot of business-friendly smartphone apps, it’s becoming quite possible to make your primary computing device a smartphone.

Enable Private Browsing for Safari in iOS 7

Here is a refresher on how to enable this convenient little iPad surfing feature.

26 ways to improve your iPhone's battery life

Apple's latest iPhones still don't pack as much battery life as some of their nearest competitors. But by applying a few system tweaks, you can improve your iPhone's battery life considerably. Here's how you can conserve your mobile's power.

How to get your iTunes music onto Android

If you've been a long time user of an iPod, iPhone or iPad there's a good chance that the majority of your digital music collection is in iTunes. While there is no iTunes for Android, there are actually a few different ways for you to get your groove on.

Apple's smart magnet tech could spawn new class of connected iPad accessories

An Apple patent application describes an intelligent magnetic attachment system that provides an interface for an iPad to connect and communicate with a variety of accessory devices

No comments: