Tuesday, July 29, 2014

How Microsoft Got $10 a Month from Me

Well, I finally did something I swore I would never do…I subscribed to Office 365 Home User Edition. So, now I pay $10 a month for the privileges of using all Microsoft Office products…some of which I will never use.

So why did I do it? A couple of reasons. One: my son needed it for his two new computers and I bought it for him as a birthday present. Two: I wanted both of us to each have the one Terabyte of OneDrive cloud storage comes with the subscription. That alone is worth $10 a month when you compare cloud storage prices in other places. I don’t know about you, but I have become of big fan (and user) of cloud storage.

For my $10, I also get continuous Office upgrades without having to do a thing. And I get 5 user licenses, two of which went to my son. As for the products, there are more there than I need. These days, I only use Word and Excel on an occasional basis and these new versions are just fine. If I ever need them, I also get Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint.

But I did get a nice surprise when I downloaded Office 365: Outlook has been greatly improved over the last time I used it. In fact, it is so good, I made it my program of choice for e-mails, calendars, and to-do lists. It is fast and efficient and gives me additional features that no other program in its class can offer.

Over the years, I have had a love-hate relationship with Outlook. For now, it is all love and kisses. It is fast and extremely useful. So, I feel vindicated that I was willing to spent the $10 and am getting plenty for my money…and I made my son happy, which is everything.

As I said, the five license home edition is $10 a month. There is also a one license version for $6 that also gives you the one terabyte OneDrive cloud storage. You can also try some or all of the Office 365 products for free for 30 days. You might want to check it out.

It is time now to get to the business at hand. As you many know, there is very little happening this time of year as far as technology news goes. But, I think I have put together a pretty good newsletter this time full of tips and tricks…so have at it. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft explains quantum computing so even you can understand

Quantum computing may someday blow away today's smartest machines. It's weird and heavy on the physics, but Microsoft thinks you can handle it

Google granting majority of 'right to be forgotten' requests

The Internet search-engine giant unveils updated statistics on "right to be forgotten" requests in Europe, showing it has approved more than half the requests.

How Apple and Google plan to reinvent healthcare

The tech titans are about to throw their muscle behind big platforms for digital health and fitness

Apple refreshes MacBook Pro line with minor upgrades, no price rise

Apple has updated its Pro laptop line -- all 15-inch models will come with 16GB RAM but with no price increase, and the old 13-inch has even got cheaper.

Hilton Hotel To Let You Use Your Smartphone As Room Key

The Hilton Hotel chain, which already allows those staying to check in using their mobile devices, will soon permit guests to use them for purpose of entering and exiting a room during their stay, promoting the kind of seamlessness that already ought to be a feature at such a high-end chain.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

When your computer won't turn on

A lot of problems can keep a computer from booting Windows (or any other operating system). Fortunately, you can get a pretty good idea by noting how and when the PC fails

Free Windows 8.1 Apps To Work Smarter

While you can still install regular Windows software that runs with a more conventional keyboard and mouse, the Windows Store is slowly building up a great repository of Windows 8.1 apps.

Six clicks: Microsoft Word tricks to make you an instant expert

There's much more to Word than just pointing, clicking, typing, and spell-checking. In this gallery, I present six of my favorite hidden features to make you more productive when creating and editing Word documents.

See who is using your Wi-Fi on Windows

Whether it's a problem, or just a preventative measure, it's always a good idea to be aware of what devices are connecting to your home network.

This Site Lets You Check If A Hotel’s WiFi Sucks Before It’s Too Late

Bad WiFi might as well not exist, but most hotels don’t really seem to care about connectivity quality. As long as they can check that little “WiFi Available” box on the amenities list, they’re happy.

 

Mobile Computing

How to Shoot, Edit & Publish Videos From Your Android Phone

Here, we take a look at some of the tools and techniques beginners can use to shoot, edit and upload videos from their Android smartphone.

How to use Camera for iPhone and iPad: The ultimate guide

If the iPhone — or iPod touch or iPad — is the best camera you have with you, the the Camera app has to be one of the best, and most important apps on your device. It has a ton of functionality and perhaps you should spend a little time to learn how to use it.

Flight Tonight App Finds Last-Minute Airfare Deals

The best airfare prices are usually found more than three weeks before a flight departs. But travelers who have some flexibility could take advantage of falling prices the day of departure. iOS only for now

5 reasons my phablet is fabulous

The author of this article has been living with an awfully big phone for just over four months. His conclusion? Size really does matter."

The best new features coming in Apple's iOS 8 iPhone Camera

Apple’s iOS 8 update for iPhone, iPad will be a great plus for photographers – here's why.

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