As August roles on, about the only exciting things happening are the release of Windows 10 and Google splitting into two separate companies. Since we have covered Windows 10 in depth the last couple of weeks, let’s now take a look at Alphabet, the new company created by Google.
The move by Google is a classic business stratagem…when a company becomes involved in multiple enterprises, it may be smart to reorganize into separate business divisions. Here is how this will work…Google will continue to focus on the business that brings in the majority of the company’s income…like search and advertising. The other experimental efforts that are not so profitable yet will be handled by Alphabet.
Much of this strategy is being done to placate investors and stockholders who are a bit miffed about the way Google spends tons of money on experimental R&D projects. This new split has sent Google stock value upward in the current down market While the details of this move is currently unclear, our first story should help explain some of it you.
While the rest of the news is not all that exciting, our series of tutorials on Windows 10 continues. Be sure and read the article on the new Firefox 40 made specifically for Windows 10. While Microsoft’s new browser Edge is far from finished, Firefox may have preempted Edge by being a full-fledged browser for the New Operating System.
Anyway, enjoy this edition of Rants and Raves and have a great weekend. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Why Did Google Create Alphabet?
Rather than having Google and its various projects under one Google umbrella, Google will create a new company, dubbed Alphabet, which will handle all efforts not tied to Google's core mission.
Firefox version 40 set to roll with new Windows 10 features
Firefox has hit a new landmark today with the release of version 40. The biggest change is improved Windows 10 compatibility, though previous versions of Firefox certainly work fine with Microsoft's new OS.
Microsoft fixes four critical security flaws in August's Patch Tuesday
Even Windows 10 wasn't left out of this month's bumper round of security updates.
Samsung's New 16 Terabyte SSD Is the World's Largest Hard Drive
At the Flash Memory Summit in California, Samsung just revealed a new 2.5-inch SSD drive with an incredible 16 terabytes of storage. It’s not only the world’s largest SSD—it’s actually now the world’s largest hard drive, period.
Apple updates Boot Camp to support Windows 10
Now you can run Windows 10 on a Mac, if you really want to. JRC: I have been doing it for months with Parallels.
Computer Tips and Tricks
Windows 10 Tip: Configure Cortana to Work For You
Like any digital assistant, Cortana needs to get to know you a bit before she can be truly useful to you. Here's how to get started.
How To: Manage Email Folders in the Windows 10 Mail App
By default the Mail app that comes with Windows 10 shows only the Inbox, Sent Items, and Drafts folder in the mail account view. If you want access to any additional folders you have created for organization purposes, you can tap or click the More option in the app to expose the other folders.
How to customize the left side of the Windows 10 Start menu
Hate those "Most used" and "Recently added" sections of the Windows 10 Start menu? Here's how to get rid of them and add items that are actually useful.
How to Use Your Google Calendar in the Windows 10 Calendar App
One of the new additions is the revamped Calendar app, which is more functional than its predecessor...it’s actually downright pleasurable to use. But what if you want your classic Google Calendar synced up with Microsoft’s internal app ecosystem?
If you installed Windows 10 and like privacy, you checked the defaults, right? Oh dear
Here's a quick FYI: if you installed Windows 10, and in a rush to try out Microsoft's new operating system, you clicked through the default settings without looking, you may want to look again.
Mobile Computing
How to make lithium-ion batteries last for years
Proper care of a Li-ion battery can result in as much as 15 times longer service life than with an improperly cared-for battery. Here’s how to make sure that your expensive Li-ion batteries last as long as possible in all your portable devices.
How to check your data plan usage on your iPhone
Limited data plans suck, but getting dinged because you went over your cap sucks even more. Here's how to keep tabs on your data plan so you can avoid getting penalized.
Biggest difference between Android and iPhone
Although there are plenty of differences between Android and the iPhone, there's one main discrepancy that stands out the most - with Android you get choice, while the iPhone is one uniform platform.
Android Facing a Huge Security Crisis
Stagefright, a vulnerability in practically all Android devices that can be exploited with a simple text message. The affected user doesn't even need to open the message. Receiving it does the trick.
Best VPN Services
All the services reviewed here are subscription based though some offer both free and paid services. If you are only interested in free software we suggest you consult our separate review of the Best Free Anonymous Surfing Services.
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