Tuesday, July 28, 2015

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.

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