Thursday, April 24, 2014

Microsoft Was Once a Turtle…Now It’s a Roadrunner

Last year, former Windows chief Steven Sinofsky said a three year turnaround for a new Windows was just right. He’s gone…and that tuned changed…its more like three to four months now. The new leadership in Redmond has turned on the afterburners to keep their products fresh.

Two weeks ago, we told you how a new Start Menu will return next year in Windows 9. Wrong! That will probably happen in August with what will be called either Update 2 or Windows 8.2. According to Microsoft specialist Mary Jo Foley, the Windows folks are turning out new features as fast as they can…and whatever is ready to go every 3-4 months is shipped. And the same is true in the Office and Windows Phone divisions.

It appears that the new leadership wants to keep Microsoft on top of the markets they serve…and at first glance it is working. The Microsoft earnings report issued today was very good. If they keep doing what they are doing, all Microsoft customers, big or small, will benefit. I am delighted the new leadership woke the company up.

OK, I will shut up now and let you read anything here you might find interesting. I hope your weekend is a good one. -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Windows 8.2 could bring back the Start Menu this August

Microsoft has already shown off what the Start Menu might look like if the company brought it back to Windows 8, but it now it looks like we'll actually be able to use it soon. According to leaked information, it's due to arrive this August as part of the Windows 8.2 update.

Microsoft confuses Windows 7 users with sudden release of KB 2952664

With no fanfare or warning -- and scarce details from Microsoft -- an 'important' update has appeared on fully patched Windows 7 machines.

Tech titans join forces to stop the next Heartbleed

The Linux Foundation's new Core Infrastructure Initiative creates a virtual Justice League of the biggest tech firms to ensure that open-source code gets the cryptographic scrutiny that it desperately needs.

Michaels confirms breaches exposed nearly 3M credit cards

Arts and crafts retail chain says malware at its point-of-sale terminals impacted 2.6 million cards, as well as another 400,000 at Aaron Brothers subsidiary.

So long, net neutrality? FCC to propose new pay-for-preferential treatment rules

The FCC will release a proposal soon to reinstate net neutrality rules that would allow broadband providers to negotiate with content providers for preferential treatment, an agency official confirmed Wednesday.

How to Recycle Your Technology

For Earth Day, we want to point out the places you can take your old or even dead electronics, so they can end up either being used by someone in need or safely recycled.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

The Best Security Suites for 2014

PC Magazine tested each component in more than three dozen security suites to help you choose the right software to keep your PC safe. These are complete security suites, not the limited free versions

Get Organized: Wine Note-Taking for Beginners

Look, swirl, sniff, and sip. Now, what are you going to write down about that wine, and will it be helpful to you in the future? Here are some tips and solutions for getting started with your wine-tasting notes.

Opinion: Now is the time to switch back to Firefox

Firefox is the only major browser that is written to serve users and the open web, and it's now more than a match for Google Chrome. And the new Australis version, due later this month, could be a good time to make the switch

Everything You Need to Know About Optimizing Your Wi-Fi in One Video

Getting crappy Wi-Fi reception on one side of your house? This video details a number of ways to boost your reception, both simple and complex—in only 5 minutes.

12 Surprising Ways to Use Evernote You Might Not Have Considered

Evernote is one of those rare apps I can’t seem to outgrow. I am always finding new uses for it. In this post, I want to share twelve ways to use Evernote you might find useful, and perhaps, even surprising.

 

Mobile Computing

Acompli is the powerhouse email app for iPhone that Outlook users have been waiting for

Acompli, a new free email app launching today on iPhone, represents the next step in unchaining email from the desktop. But right now it only works for Gmail and Exchange.

How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop for Android

Google released its remote desktop solution for Android devices this week, making it possible to control a PC or Mac from anywhere.

40+ Apps for new Android users

If you’re a grizzled veteran Android user you’re well aware of the best apps, but new users have no clue. The Play Store can seem like a giant ocean of choices. Consider this your lifeboat.

Refurbished Retina iPad mini Available Now at Apple Online Store

There are just two models available – the 32GB WiFi only model at $419 ($80 off the new price) and the 64GB Wifi only model at $509 ($90 off new).

Opinion: I Hate Today's Smartphones

They are all too damn big. Bigger, bigger, bigger. Bigger is better. Bigger means more value. Bigger means more will buy them. Bigger. BIGGER.

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