This is the once-a-month Microsoft update day when they send out fixes for their various products…unless of course it’s an emergency fix for a severe problem like we had a couple of weeks ago. Today’s fix is a little different than past fixes…there are no updates for Windows XP. We have been warning you that this day was coming. What’s worse is that bad guys can use fixes to look for vulnerabilities in XP and take advantage of them (see Story #2). XP now sits out there all alone…undefended and vulnerable to attacks.
I must correct some misinformation I passed along last time: I reported that the next Apple event in June will likely see the introduction of new iPhones. That was a mistake. We probably won’t any new Apple Smartphones until August or September. My apologies.
More than likely the June event will talk about an upgraded OS-X operating system for Apple computers. There are rumors that Apple will also introduce iOS8 for its phones and tablets and possibly some other hardware. But no new phones or tablets. But Apple is so secretive that all we can report are rumors from credible sources.
OK, that is all for me in this edition. From here on in, you are on your own…but I believe I have some special nuggets of information here that might serve you well. –JRC
News and Opinions
Microsoft patches Office, SharePoint and Windows, leaves XP behind
Microsoft issued eight security updates today addressing a total of 14 vulnerabilities in Windows, Office and SharePoint Server. Three are already being exploited in the wild.
Hackers look to Microsoft patches for clues to XP vulnerabilities
At least one of today's updates looks like an excellent candidate to hackers as they sniff for bugs in the now-retired Windows XP.
Users Say Firefox 29 Not So Great
Firefox 29 users are not at all happy with the updated browser they say Mozilla has forced on them. What Firefox users want is a robust browser with numerous customization features, but that is not what they feel Mozilla's Firefox 29 browser is providing.
Microsoft Extends Windows 8.1 Update 1 Install Deadline by 30 Days
You may recall that Microsoft had previously made the recently released Update 1 for Windows 8.1 a requirement for receiving future security updates. Because Update 1 has not rolled out as quickly as expected, however, Microsoft has now extended this deadline another 30 days.
Apple and the cloud: A magnificent missed opportunity
More than three years ago, in his last year as Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs laid out a vision for Apple to move aggressively into cloud services. What went wrong?
Computer Tips and Tricks
Create Reminders On Your Desktop. No Software Required
When you think about it for more than 20 seconds, you realize that Windows has had the ability to put reminders on your desktop built into the operating system ever since it allowed support for long file names.
26 Google Drive Tips You Can't Afford to Miss
Google's online office suite of tools has done nothing but grow. Now under the umbrella of Google Drive (formerly Google Docs), you'll find a file management and storage service as well as the various apps-which still get collectively called Google Docs, even by Google.
How to Use Voice Search and Google Now in Chrome on Your Desktop
Chrome is gradually becoming more of a platform, and some of the best features of Android are making their way to Windows. With voice search and Google Now support, Google beat Microsoft’s own Cortana service to Windows.
Some Powerful Chrome Extensions 2013
There are some new awesome chrome plugins released in 2013 which every chrome user should try. These plug-ins can enhance efficiency and usability of chrome.
Outlook.com updated with improved mail filtering and in-line replies
Alongside the rules and UI changes, Microsoft is also adding an undo button that works just like its Word or Excel apps.
Mobile Computing
How to disable Android bloatware without rooting your phone
There are only a scant few things in our digital lives worse than the extraneous apps that come bundled with new Android devices. Carriers and manufacturers install the bulk of this bloatware, and make it all but impossible to remove the apps from your devices. But here is how to do it.
Microsoft Office for iPad bags 27M downloads in short order
Microsoft's Julia White says Office for iPad apps have been downloaded 27 million times to date. That's more than double the number announced last month.
Five Android apps that prolong your smartphone's battery life
This collection of apps will not only extend the life of your handset, but could also improve its overall performance.
How to make Google Now your best travel buddy
Google's read-your-mind predictive service, Google Now, can be an incredible tool for managing travel details by serving up the right itinerary information just when you need it.
How to Buy a Cell Phone
With hundreds of handsets to choose from, it can be tough to find the right one. Our ultimate guide gives you all you need to know to dial up the perfect mobile phone.
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