Thursday, May 21, 2015

Would Someone Besides Microsoft Please Make Some Interesting News?

Microsoft seems to be the only company making news that is of interest to users like you and me. Late yesterday, they released the latest build of Windows 10. I downloaded it early this morning. It seems to be OK, although I tried to install the Microsoft blogging software I use to write this blogs and it would not install. It didn’t install in the last build either.

I think in the end, all will be fine with this new Windows, but we will all have to wait until sometime later this summer before we know for sure. Right now it is feature incomplete with programs like Edge missing many features. You can read all the gory details, good and bad (and ugly), in story #2, written by Paul Thurrott.

And speaking of Paul, he has a message for the handful of you using Windows Phone. If you have been tempted to download the beta version of the new Microsoft Windows 10 Phone OS…DON’T! It is an unmitigated disaster. Paul installed it on four different Windows phones and it did not work on any of them. He now has 4 worthless phones. Not only that, you cannot backtrack to the previous OS. It wipes it out. You have been warned!

The only other interesting news came from Apple who released a 15” MacBook Pro with Force Touch…and lowered the price $200 on the 27” iMac Retina 5K (the one I own). But I am not upset as I got a great deal on mine that was even cheaper than the new regular price. Oh yes, they also introduced a cheaper iMac Retina with less power for under $2,000.

So that is the big news for this day. You can read more below…and I hope you do. So until next week, stay well. -JCR 

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft Announces Major Changes Coming to Outlook.com

It should come as no surprise that the software giant is moving Outlook.com ever closer to Office 365. And today, Microsoft announced the first steps it will take toward this consolidation.

Hands-On with Windows 10 Build 10122

Having now actually gotten real work done in this build, I feel like I have an understanding of where we’re at as Windows 10 barrels towards completion. It’s mostly good news, but many bugs remain.

Apple polishes desktop, laptop Macs

The company adds the Force Touch trackpad to its 15-inch MacBook Pro and unveils a new, lower-cost version of its Retina-display-sporting iMac.

Five Best Streaming Music Services

If you’re looking for something good to listen to, you have tons of services, both free and paid (and both) to choose from. With Grooveshark now sadly departed, it’s time to take a fresh look at the world of streaming music, and see who comes out on top.

7 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success

Whether you just got a Roku or you've had one for years, there's more to know beyond the basics of watching Netflix and catching up with "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" on Crackle.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Five precautions for avoiding malware when you download and install software

Downloading a program—especially one from an obscure publisher without a positive reputation—is something of a leap of faith. It’s a bit like letting a total stranger into your home. But if you follow these five steps, you should be okay.

Windows 10 upgrades won't be free for everyone: Do you qualify?

Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 10 comes with an asterisk and some fine print. Most modern PCs qualify, but beware if you build or buy custom PCs or you want to run Windows 10 in a virtual machine. I've got the details.

When the time comes, you'll be able to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7

If you can’t recreate the Windows 7 menu in the final release, and that’s what you truly want, go with Classic Shell.

30 Tips Every Evernote User Must Know

Evernote is, quite simply, an online spot to store anything and everything you might find of interest, to read or utilize later. The more you add, the more useful it becomes.

Why I'm breaking up with Google Chrome

Using Safari on my 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, I can get five hours of usage. With Chrome, I can only squeeze out around two hours. That’s ridiculous.

 

Mobile Computing

Make the most of Mail for iOS with these 8 powerful tips

Nope, you don’t have to settle for plain text when you’re composing Mail messages on your iOS device, nor must you archive your Gmail messages when you’d really rather trash ‘em.

You can now view and create Wunderlist tasks in Sunrise Calendar

It’s nice to see two quality apps playing well together. The integration means you can also change due dates for Wunderlist tasks in your calendar by dragging and dropping.

The Best Cheap Prepaid Phone Plans You've Never Heard Of

Not willing to sign a cell phone contract? All of the major carriers offer prepaid plans, but so do some of the little guys, and you can find some serious bargains if you know where to look.

How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Plan

Does shopping around for mobile phone service have your head spinning? We've got you covered with this handy guide for choosing the right carrier and plan.

How to Delete Photos, Messages, and Songs on iPhone

iOS 8 is really great about helping you keep your device clean and free from unwanted data. Instead of packing your device to the brim, use these tips on how to clean up your photos, messages, and songs in iOS.

No comments: