Surprise! I Already Had Windows 10…Now Its on 2 Machines

Yesterday morning, after coffee, I opened up my Windows 10 Technical Preview window to see how the new version of Windows 10 looked. And what did I see? Nothing new. No messages, no pop-up Windows, no notifications…nothing. It was Windows 10 as usual. Turns out that the build I received last week was Windows 10 RTM (release to manufacturing). They added a couple of security updates before yesterday, but that was all. I was a little disappointed.

But then came the big surprise. I turned on my PC running Windows 7 and I noticed the little Windows 10 icon in the lower right corner was gone. That was strange. So I clicked on the Windows Update icon in the Control Panel…and there was a message…Windows 10 was ready to load into this machine. WOW! I immediately started the process, without backing up my PC first. Dumb, but it turned out OK.

It took about an hour to do the entire upgrade. I didn’t have to do a thing, except sweat that everything would be alright. After an hour, my home screen popped on. It looked exactly like my Windows 7 screen with a couple of small changes. Everything was exactly where it should be. But, as soon as I clicked on the new start button icon, I knew I had Windows 10.

I played around a bit and found that all my programs worked just fine. No problems at all. I even found that it had included a couple of Windows programs that I had previously downloaded on my test machine. I assumed it recognized me because I used my Microsoft ID. I must admit I was completely impressed with the process and the results. PS: This blog is being written on my Windows 10 PC.

I do suggest you do your backups before you do the upgrade…just to be safe. You can also wait to upgrade to see if there are any problems reported in the media. This Windows 10 is just the beginning. In October, there will some massive updates and additions to it so it will be the Windows 10 that Microsoft first envisioned a couple of years ago.

There is a lot about Windows 10 in this edition, especially in the Computer Tips section. I included some of the basic tips to help you get started. In the next few editions there will be many more. I hope if you do the upgrade, it goes as well for you as it did for me. -JRC  

 

Tech News and Opinions

Scientists have finally discovered massless particles, and they could revolutionize electronics

They can theoretically carry charge 1,000 times faster than ordinary electrons.

 

Critical security flaws patched in latest Chrome release

Google has fixed a number of critical bugs in the new Chrome 44 update across multiple operating systems

 

Wikipedia Encyclopedia as a Printed Book

If someone were to print the entire Wikipedia encyclopedia into a book, the size of the printed book would roughly be equivalent to 2000+ volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Well, its been done.

 

Reported attack on United Airlines shows everyone has valuable data to protect

No longer focused on stealing credit card numbers alone, hackers are flexing seriously dangerous muscle, security experts say.

 

Review: Goodbye, Windows 8; hello, Windows 10

Mary Jo Foley is a reporter covering Microsoft, but no computer nerd. Here is her 'non-reviewer's review' of Windows 10 after using it for a week. Spoiler alert: Her laptop has gone Windows 10 and isn't going back.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Getting to Know the New Start Menu in Windows 10

The Start menu in Windows 10 is a blend of the old menu found in Windows 7 and the oft-reviled Start screen in Windows 8. The result is something more useful to desktop and tablet users alike. Here’s a basic primer on what you need to know.

 

How to Get a Windows 7 Start Menu in Windows 10

If you want to try Windows 10 but wish you could have the old Start Menu, your wish has been granted with the just-released version 4.2.2 of Classic Shell.

 

10 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Windows 10

Windows 10 builds on the best of Windows 7. Here's how to bend Microsoft's next OS to your will.

 

Windows 10 Feature Focus: Calendar

The Calendar app in Windows connects to multiple accounts and helps you manage your work and personal schedules. Indeed, it only works with online accounts.

 

How to Use Windows 10 Action Center

Action Center is a very useful notification and quick settings sidebar; here's how it works

 

10 new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10

Most of Windows 10's keyboard shortcuts are the same, but here are a few new ones you'll need to learn.

 

How to downgrade Windows 10 in a few easy steps

If you’ve already taken the plunge, but feel that you would prefer to return to a previous version of Windows, then there is a fast and easy way built into the OS that can restore your old system. In this feature we’ll show you how.

Mobile Computing

Angry Birds 2 is the 'sequel' you've been waiting for

Well it’s about time. Nearly six years after the original Angry Birds burst onto the mobile gaming scene Rovio is back with its official sequel, Angry Birds 2.

 

6 gotta-know sound settings for Android and iOS

Clicking the volume rocker isn't the only way to control the sound on your Android phone or iPhone.

 

How to set-up iCloud on your iPad

One of the more useful ways to get the most out of your iPad is to set-up iCloud during the initial set-up process. Although if, for whatever reason you don't, you can always come back to the set-up procedure at anytime in the Settings app on your iPad.

 

AT&T wants your smartphone to get FM radio

There's an FM radio hidden inside of most smartphones, even though most phones in the US don't actually allow you to use it. But soon, they may start working if you're on AT&T.

 

Two-Factor Authentication: Who Has It and How to Set It Up

Everyone is concerned about online safety these days. Keep your services secure with two-factor authentication.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

The release of Windows 10 is upon us! Starting tomorrow at midnight, the first release version of Windows 10 will be sent out into the wild. Notice I did not say the final version. That’s because there may never be a final version. Microsoft will be adding more new features all the time…almost like the release of a new version of Windows…but it is the same Windows 10 with all new features.

I know it is difficult to grasp as this is a whole new direction for the boys and girls in Redmond. Don’t be surprised if someday soon they rename Windows 10 to just Windows. I personally am excited about this new Windows as I have been using it now for a few months. I currently do the majority of my computing in the Apple World, but Windows 10 is running on my MAC via Parallels. Kind of ironic isn’t it? Windows on my MAC? However, I also have a PC currently running Windows 7 on the desk right next to my MAC…and it will shortly be running Windows 10 (am I a nerd, or what?). I can’t go all MAC because some of my favorite apps are only made for Windows.

Tomorrow, I will wake up with the latest Windows 10 on my MAC via Parallels as I was an early tester and we are getting it first. Then, Microsoft will be rolling it out to Windows 7 and 8.1 users who have reserved a copy…on a gradual basis (see story #1 for the details). If you haven’t reserved a copy yet, you may do so by clicking the small Windows icon in the lower right corner of your machine. Just because you reserve a copy doesn’t mean you have to install it right away. You have a year to do that. 

One thing you should know is that Windows 10 will install right over your current version of Windows. It is an upgrade rather than a clean install like Windows 8.1 was. If you don’t like it, you have one month to rollback your computer to your current version. The upgrade process saves all your setting and files, according to Microsoft.

Windows 10 is the future of PC computing, so sooner or later you will have to install and use it. I personally think you will like it. It is nothing like Windows 8 much more like Windows 7…but much improved in so many ways. In this edition, I have included a very in-depth review of Windows 10 (Story #2 – 11 pages in length). I strongly suggest you read it and see what this new Windows is all about.

Over the next few editions of this blog, I will be including in-depth stories and tutorials about the various features of the Windows 10 and how to use them effectively. You should collect those stories and put them into a OneNote or EverNote folder for future reference. They will come in very handy.

There is more going on in the tech world besides Windows so this edition is full of useful stories, tips and tricks for all your devices. Next time I will tell you about my experiences with the Windows 10 installations. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Windows 10 release week: what to expect and how to download

First thing's first: how do you get it? Microsoft is sending out Windows 10 in waves, starting with Windows Insiders and then moving through preorders gradually. The waves are designed to make the release more stable.

 

Windows 10 review: It's familiar, it's powerful, but the Edge browser falls short

Microsoft has listened, and Windows 10 debuts with compelling new features—Cortana, Task View, a familiar Start menu—well worth the upgrade.

 

Google is dropping its Google+ requirement across all products, starting with YouTube

Your Google+ profile will no longer be your identity in all Google products. This change will be trickling out “in the coming months,” and the first product to enjoy the change will be the one that was most negatively affected by Google’s Google+ obsession: YouTube.

 

Where can Microsoft's Windows Phone go from here?

With its biggest hardware gamble a failure and Windows 10 about to arrive, the software maker is pressed to prove what it can achieve in the phone business.

 

Government Hacked Yet Again. It's About Time Federal Cybersecurity Became a National Issue

The group of hacktivists, Anonymous, claimed in a tweet on Wednesday they hacked the Census Bureau and leaked employee details online.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

What’s the Difference Between 2.4 and 5-Ghz Wi-Fi? (and Which Should You Use)

Upon unpacking your new wireless router, you’re puzzled about why there are two networks, a 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. Is the 5Ghz network more powerful? Does it make any difference?

 

Make Chrome and Firefox faster with just one click

The solution: OneTab. Available for Chrome and Firefox, this extension performs one simple -- but essential -- task: It shoehorns all your open tabs into a single tab, thereby vastly reducing the amount of memory consumed by the browser.

 

How to prepare your PC for Windows 10

Before you jump right in and install Windows 10, you should take a few moments and prepare your PC to ensure the upgrade process goes off without a hitch. This article will guide you through the steps of checking for updates, backing up your personal information and creating an all important system image.

 

AV testing: Is your antivirus app doing its job?

Using savvy security software is an important part of staying safe online. But just how effective is it? You can’t depend on your experience — or mine. The best source for information on the competency of anti-malware apps comes from a handful of independent, virus-testing organizations.

 

Automatic Warning If You're About To Install Unwanted Software

The program sits silently in the background on your PC, waiting until you install new software. At which point it springs into action to check that you're not inadvertently about to install an additional unwanted module. If it thinks that you are, it pops up a warning.

 

Mobile Computing

Most Android phones at risk from simple text hack, researcher says

Last year, more than 1 billion Android devices shipped around the globe. Security firm Zimperium says this vulnerability could affect 95 percent of them.

 

AT&T makes it more expensive to upgrade your smartphone

The carrier that’s built up quite an army of discontent from its customers over the years probably didn’t win over anyone with its latest announcement. AT&T is raising its upgrade fees for postpaid customers and tacking on a weird, unnecessary activation fee for new AT&T Next customers.

 

The 100 Best Android Apps of 2015

Beat the heat with some cool new apps for your Android. These are our favorites in a wide variety of categories.

The Best Unlocked Phone for $20

All it does is call and text, but for just $20, the Blu Tank II is the perfect disposable, extra, travel, or safety phone.

 

How to Lock Down Your Android Tablet or Smartphone for Kids

Google has added more and more parental control-style features to Android over the years. You can give a kid his or her own restricted user account, lock access to a specific app, or restrict what websites kids are allowed to use.

Amazon Now Bigger than Wal-Mart…WOW!

With Wal-Marts now on every other street corner, this story is difficult to believe. But when you think about it, it really isn’t.

Amazon offers so much more merchandise to choose from and it can be in your hands in one or two days…much of it with no shipping charges. Although Wal-Mart does have an on-line service, it has nowhere near the amount of stuff found on Amazon…and the stores have even less!

I now do most of my shopping on-line at Amazon (not groceries, of course). To go to a Wal-Mart store requires time, energy and gasoline to get there and back…and there is a good possibility they won’t have what I am looking for. Recently I found a perfect wooden charging station for all my devices at Amazon. I had it in two days with no shipping charges.There is no way Wal-Mart carries anything like that.

Sometimes I search for items that I want, but not necessarily at that moment. On Amazon, I just add it to my wish list and get it when I want.  Shopping at Amazon is so much less stressful than going to a Wal-Mart. So, it is no surprise that Amazon is now king of retailers.

Less you think I am an Amazon fan-boy, I was very disappointed in their Prime Wednesday promotion last week. It just looked like any other day on Amazon with special deals going on and off every hour. They supposedly were offering thousands of items at great prices, but as one columnist pointed out, it looked like they were just clearing their warehouse of overstocked goods. In fairness, there were other bloggers who were impressed with the sale…I was not.

OK, I am done with my comments…its time for you to see if I have found any stories that might be of interest to you. Enjoy your weekend. -JRC  

Tech News and Opinions

Amazon is now bigger than Walmart

Amazon.com’s market value whizzed past that of Walmart in after-hours trading Thursday, as investors increased their bets that the future of the US retail sector will be dominated by Jeff Bezos’ online behemoth.

 

Senators: We Want FCC Investigation Of "Ridiculous" Cable And Internet Prices

The legislators are demanding the FCC investigate cable companies for unfair pricing and poor customer service

 

Microsoft reaffirms commitment to Windows Mobile: new flagships on the way

To reaffirm that the company is committed to Windows Phone, at its Worldwide Partner Conference today, Terry Myerson restated that the company will be releasing "premium Lumias" for Windows 10 Mobile in the near future.

 

Flickr brings back Flickr Pro

Flickr is bringing back Flickr Pro, its premium service for serious photographers, letting new users sign up for the added features for the first time since 2013.

 

Microsoft releases emergency patch for all versions of Windows

The flaw, which also affects Windows 10, allows a hacker to take over a machine.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Google Maps' new 'Your Timeline' feature helps you track your travel history

Your Timeline shows you where you've been on any given day if you're storing your location history with Google.

 

20 Google Search Tips You Need to Learn

While you probably use it just about every day, there may still be a lot you still don't know about the old dependable Google search.

 

The Best Free Software for 2015

Your phone is full of free apps. But don't neglect the desktop. These free programs can make your life better.

 

10 Photoshop alternatives that offer powerful editing and photo management controls

We poked around and found 10 good prospects spanning Mac, Windows and Linux platforms, and suitable for amateurs and enthusiasts seeking a Photoshop alternative.

 

Google Drive Microsoft Office Plugin Now Available

Google has today launched a new Google Drive plugin for Microsoft Office, enabling users to link their Office software to the Drive cloud storage service offered by Google.

 

Mobil Computing

Find open hotspots with WifiMapper

Need hotspot access right now? This app will help you find reliable connections all over your city, or elsewhere.

 

Smartphones aren't selling like they used to (it's an Android thing)

Samsung is just the latest smartphone vendor to offer bad news as demand slows around the world.

 

How to breathe new life and increased performance back into an iPad that has become slow and sluggish

There are some additional methods available to you to bring your iPad back to life and make it feel like it’s a newer device once again. In no particular order.

 

Microsoft Updates Office Apps for iOS

Microsoft issued updates to the Office apps—Word, Excel and PowerPoint—for both iPhone and iPad this morning, adding support for new languages, simpler sharing, and other features.

 

Which wireless carrier has the best airport data coverage?

Stuck in an airport with an extra-long layover? One wireless-testing firm weighs in on which carrier will keep you going on your smartphone.

Good News and Bad News for Windows Users

I am back from the big move to a new place and I am tired as hell! You try moving in 105 degree heat over 3 days, complete with humidity and some monsoon rain. Thanks to my son Eric, we got it done and I am in the process of settling in the new abode. Lots of more organization to do, but I sure like this place much better than the old one.

Anyway, back to business. The good news is that Microsoft continues to make news with the release of Windows 10…now just 9 days away. I look forward to that day, although I understand the test build I have now is the final version less a couple of things. I should never call it the final version as it will be receiving continuous updates and new features from here to the end of time.

I can tell you that the new Edge Browser is not finished. I like it and I think you will too, but if you upgrade to Windows 10 anytime soon, I would continue to use Firefox, Chrome, or even IE. But do give it a try. Microsoft says Edge simplifies the browser experience, but I still had to go on-line to find out how to tell it my home page address. So it ain’t that simple, McGee!

But overall, I think it will be a good update. You might wait a week or so before installing it, which for most of you would be around the first week of August. See if there are any major problems before you make the leap. I will keep you informed.

The bad news is for Windows XP users. Starting now, there will no longer be any security updates from Microsoft. If you use a 3rd party virus catcher, you will probably be fine. But still, you should think seriously about moving to Windows 7 ASAP, or even Windows 10. Remember, Windows XP users do not get the free upgrade to Windows 10.

Things are strangely quiet at Apple and Google right now. Apple is pushing its Apple music program, but for adults over 25, you might want to avoid it. I am not using it at all, even though it is free for the next 2.5 months.

Well, time for you to get busy and start reading so I will slide on out of here and let you get to work. Take care and enjoy. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft no longer providing any form of security for XP

Bad news, yet again, for those Windows users stubbornly refusing to leave XP. Microsoft was still providing the Malicious Software Removal Tool and updates to Microsoft Security Essentials, offering a modicum of security. However, as of this week, XP users will no longer receive those updates, leaving them exposed to more threats.

 

Microsoft commits to 10-year support lifecycle for Windows 10

It's been a bad week for conspiracy theorists. As the Windows 10 launch nears, Microsoft is clearing up loose ends. The announcement of a 10-year support commitment for Windows 10 should remove one persistent bit of FUD from the discussion.

 

Office for Windows 10 will require Office 365 subscription on PCs, larger tablets

Microsoft will soon strip the preview label off its Office for Windows 10 apps -- Excel, PowerPoint and Word -- and require an Office 365 subscription to use them on PCs, 2-in-1s and larger tablets running the new OS. But there is much more to it than that.

 

Microsoft releases new license terms for Windows 10: Biggest surprise? No gotchas

Sorry, conspiracy theorists: The new documents are simple and straightforward, with absolutely no gotchas.

 

Head of federal personnel agency resigns in wake of hacked databases

On the heels of the announcement that 22 million Social Security numbers were compromised, Katherine Archuleta steps down as director of the Office of Personnel Management.

 

Opinion: Just give up on mobile already, Microsoft

With no market share and everyone who was connected with Nokia laid off, it’s hard for anyone to take Windows Phone seriously

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Are system/Registry cleaners worthwhile?

The current versions of Windows have many more built-in tuning and self-repair options. So do third-party cleaners still deliver any real-world benefit? Do they live up to their impressive claims?

 

Firefox now blocks Flash automatically

It may have been the best way to deliver video in the early days of the internet, but the rise of standards compliant technologies make Flash look obsolete. More importantly, however, Flash is riddled with holes, and it's often used as a beachhead for hackers to get comfortable inside your computer.

 

5 ways to get more out of Google Drive storage

Drive can transform the way you share documents, email files, collect web content, and more.

 

These 4 email managers can sort, organize, and delete for you

Weed out junk mail, triage messages, and turn them into tasks with these powerful tools.

 

How to beef up your browser security

When you're looking at the Web, don't let the Web look back at you. These quick tips will help you plug privacy and security holes in your browser.

 

Mobile Computing

Microsoft updates universal apps for iOS, Android, Windows 10

Microsoft is combining its formerly separate OneNote for iPhone and iPad apps, updating its OneNote for Android app and removing the preview tag from Office Universal for Windows 10.

 

Phone Tricks: How to save a draft with a single swipe

It’s been a long time since the iPhone was first introduced though, and Apple’s mobile software has continued to grow more complex each year. The world has grown accustomed to iOS, of course, so adding new features and flushing out existing functionality is a necessity.

 

Apple upgrades iPod Touch with iPhone 6-level camera, chip

The long overdue refresh is the device's first major refresh since 2012. Priced from $199 to $399.

 

Pocket on iOS Finally Lets You Listen to Articles with Text-to-Speech

With Text-to-Speech, you can listen to any of your saved articles, and even start wherever you like in the article. You can even skip paragraphs and change the reading speed if you want to get through your backlog faster.

 

Enough, already! Why we all share the blame for notification overload

Might as well face it -- you're addicted to your smartphone's constant alerts. It may be time for an intervention.

 

How to get free WI-FI in any airport

There are quick and easy hacks to bypass paywalls and surf the web – no hi-tech programming necessary. We don’t really want to advocate cheating the system, but as the UN declared, internet access is a human right.

All Quiet after the Holiday

To say July and August are quiet months in the tech world would be an understatement. About the only thing happening of note is the release of Windows 10 on July 29th…less than a month away now. But that is a really big deal for a great many of us and I will cover it more in depth as the date approaches.

But for now, you will have to be satisfied with less bombastic stories that are happening now. Still, there are some good articles here that will help improve your daily computing life.

Other than that, I don’t have much to say…except I will not be publishing anything for the next 10 days or so. I am moving in a couple of days to a new place and that will take up most of my time….organizing the move, the actual move, and setting up the new place all takes a great deal of my time. Heck, I don’t even have the Internet set up yet at the new place. So please bear with me.

I will be back before you know it with lots of good info. So until then, wish me well with the move. Not something I am looking forward to in the heat and humidity that is Tucson right now. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft rebrands Xbox Music as 'Groove'

Microsoft is rebranding its Xbox Music service to 'Groove," and its Xbox Video service to 'Movies & TV' as part of its upcoming Windows 10 launch.

 

'It's a graveyard': The software devs leaving Greece for good

The economical turmoil affecting the country is luring its tech staff away, and many don't plan to come back.

 

No, Windows 10 Won’t Require a Subscription: Here’s How Microsoft Plans on Making Money Instead

Yes, Microsoft is losing upgrade revenue — people won’t pay to upgrade Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs to Windows 10. But very few people actually go out and buy a boxed copy of Windows to upgrade those old computers, anyway.

 

Apple Purges Confederate Flags, But Leaves Swastikas And Nazis Alone

Apple's inconsistent App Store rules are hard for developers to follow. History is not an easy thing to alter.

 

Cut the cord and leave cable TV behind

Millions of consumers are now cutting the cord that provides television services while keeping the one that provides broadband internet. The idea: Replace traditional broadcasting with video streaming and so you can access the same television programs you love via the web.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Best Free Firewall Protection

Firewalls help monitor your system's communications between your network and the Internet, to help detect and prevent intrusions and attacks. They are particularly useful for controlling the activities of Internet facing applications.

 

Steer clear of low-tech hacks: How to keep your information safe

It doesn't take a coding genius to steal your Social Security number, but you can be smarter than identity thieves.

 

Amazon says 20th birthday celebration will be bigger than Black Friday

To celebrate its 20th birthday, Amazon is introducing Prime Day, a "global shopping event" that the retail giant says will offer more deals than Black Friday. The deals will become available at midnight ET on July 15th, but will only be available to Amazon Prime customers

 

Mozilla Patches Critical Vulnerabilities With Release of Firefox 39

Firefox 39 was released on Thursday, and the latest version of Mozilla’s web browser addresses two-dozen vulnerabilities, including several issues that have been rated as critical.

 

Opinion: Why I switched from Google to DuckDuckGo

While its main draw is privacy, DuckDuckGo has another killer feature you may not have heard of. In fact, it should cause you to consider ditching your existing search engine for DuckDuckGo — yes, even Google. I’m talking about bangs.

 

Mobile Computing

Best Free Live Wallpapers for Android

The best collection of free live wallpapers to make your homescreens
alive and interesting on your Android device

 

The 10 Best Tablets of 2015

Looking for something to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone? Here's what to consider, whether you're looking for Android, Apple, or Windows options, along with ten top-rated tablets that fit the bill.

 

5 apps to help you save water

Learn about water conservation, figure out how much water you're using...and how to stop using so much.

 

The best fitness app for iPhone

The best activity tracking apps use the motion detectors built into your phone and don’t rely on any additional hardware. They make it easy to set and monitor goals that work for you, and motivate you along the way with timely information about your progress.

 

25 Best Android Games from June 2015

June is officially over, which means it’s time to take a look back at what goodies it brought. The summer months are usually a hot time for new games. June was no exception. We saw a bunch of awesome new games launch last month

And the Microsoft Hits Just Keep on Coming!

In the last edition, only two days ago, I said the Windows 10 test build I just installed was probably the last before July 29. Boy was I wrong! Just this week, I received two more test builds…the last of which I am installing as I write these words. That’s three new test builds in one week…and the week isn’t over!

The second update fixed over 300 bugs from the Monday edition. Of course I can’t report on the one that just came in today as it is still installing. But Windows 10 is looking better and better. It seems to work quite smoothly and mostly well.

Here is an update on the July 29 release date for Windows 10: According to Microsoft, about the only people who will get it on that date will be those folks like me who signed up to test it. If you signed up to get the free update on your current Windows 7 or 8.1 computer, they will start rolling out in the days that follow.

I haven’t played much on Windows this week, but I have been able to get Cortana working reasonably well. Cortana is the voice activated search mechanism, similar to Apple’s Siri. In past builds, I almost gave up on it. Another new feature for Windows 10 is the Edge Browser. I think they cannot be done with it as so many features seem to be missing like downloading files, adding add-on’s, and even designating a home page. Adding bookmarks is only partially done and seems a bit clumsy. I would recommend that you still use your current favorite browser like Firefox or Chrome, or even IE. But do play with Edge as I think someday soon it will be great.

I also learned that Windows 10 will ship with its own version of Office. It may not come when you get your upgrade, but you can add it for free from the Windows Store. You can read more about it in story #2.

Another interesting note…a recent survey of businesses shows that 78% of them plan to upgrade to Windows 10 sometime in the next two years. Now that is saying something as 99.9% of them stayed far away from Windows 8. I do recommend that most of you upgrade to Windows 10, but you might want to wait a month before you active it, just to make sure. If you have Windows 8, upgrade right away!

Lots more news and information below so be sure you take a look at all our stories here. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft delivers the third Windows 10 preview build released this week

Today's build, Build No. 10162, is the third preview build for Windows 10 for PCs that Microsoft has rolled out this week alone. Build 10162 follows by a couple of days Build 10159, which provided 300 new bug fixes, plus the new Windows 10 wallpaper. On Monday, Microsoft rolled out Build 10158.

 

Major iTunes 12.2 bug is ruining music libraries

A day after the launch of Apple Music, users are reporting an iTunes bug that is wrecking music libraries by scrambling artists, albums and tracks.

 

Appeals court rules Apple conspired with e-book publishers

An appeals court has ruled that Apple did in fact conspire with book publishers to gain a foothold in the e-book space and ultimately hurt competition.

 

M-Disc optical media reviewed: Your data, good for a thousand years

Want your data to outlive you by a few centuries? M-Disc optical media, with its super-stable data layer, is what you're looking for

 

How to Choose a Digital Camera

You could easily fill five articles of this length with the ins and outs of camera technology. With that in mind, this acts as a handy overview for the average shopper looking for a camera.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft goes public with more details on its Windows 10 rollout plan

Windows 10 Enterprise and Education will be available starting August 1. Starting July 29, those who want Windows 10 under the first-year-free deal will get the OS in waves.

 

5 things you should know about Office for Windows 10

When Windows 10 arrives, it will include its own version of Office, which Microsoft calls Office for Windows, or sometimes Universal Office, to distinguish it from the familiar desktop version of Office. It only works with Windows 10, but it is free!

 

What's new in iTunes 12.2

Apple Music, obviously. But there are several other changes you may have missed

 

Update 2 for Office 2016 Preview Released

The Office 2016 Preview Program, which was launched in early May, allows you to try out the new programs ahead of its release and now the second update to this preview is available for public download and installation.

 

Turn multi-page web articles into a single, scrolling page with this extension

Autopagerize is an add-on for Chrome and Firefox that automatically loads the next page as you scroll.

 

Mobile Computing

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015) review

The new Paperwhite has a 300-ppi screen without raising the price a single dollar. It was already our pick for the best e-reader you can buy, and now it's doubly so.

 

Smartphone 'kill switch' law takes effect in California

Starting July 1, smartphones sold in the state must come with software that lets users lock a stolen phone so it can't be used, making it harder to resell. Crime statistics show the tech is already working.

Google Cardboard: Virtual Reality on the Cheap, but is it Any Good?

Cardboard is an initiative launched by Google in 2014 to encourage development of virtual reality (VR) and VR apps. It’s called Cardboard because anyone can purchase or construct their own headset using simple materials such as velcro, tape adhesive, and most importantly, cardboard.

 

The best fitness app for Android

The best activity tracking apps use the motion detectors built into your phone and don’t rely on any additional hardware. They make it easy to set and monitor goals that work for you, and motivate you along the way with timely information about your progress.

 

Top iPhone apps gone free

The headline says it all. There are also some free apps listed from yesterday. Enjoy!