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.
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