Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Is Microsoft Forcing Windows 10 Down Our Throats?

20160224 stock mwc microsoft windows 10 signs

This week, Microsoft is making more news than anyone else (next week is Apple’s Turn). Our first story, entitled Microsoft’s Year of Living Dangerously, author Paul Thurrott makes the case that the company is skating on a thin line by forcing Windows 10 aggressively on Windows 7 and 8 users…and he may be right.

Many folks have reported their computers were upgraded to Windows 10 when they weren’t looking and didn’t ask for it. Others are being nagged on a regular basis to upgrade. Some of these claims may be slightly exaggerated, but there is definitely some truth to them.

Microsoft admits they are being very aggressive in pushing Windows 10…perhaps too aggressive. They may be damaging their reputation at the very least…and pissing off a whole lot of people. And some people’s computers may be not working well anymore because of the upgrade. It is a dangerous thing to upgrade an operating system without some proper planning such as making backups before doing it.

I have no complaints as I could not wait to get Windows 10 on all my PC’s. I was an early tester...and long-time readers know how angry I was when it took months to get the upgrade on my Samsung laptop. There is no doubt that Windows 10 is a much better operating system than past versions. But many people are just too scared to make the move…even though it is a free upgrade. I understand that.

As you know I recommend that most everyone make the move to Windows 10. But if you don’t want to, that is OK. But the fact remains that it is your decision, not Microsoft’s.

I will let you read the rest of the news and tech tips for yourself. Be sure and peruse the headlines carefully as I would not want you to miss something that could be useful to your computing needs. -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft's Year of Living Dangerously

Three-quarters of the way through Windows 10’s first year, Microsoft is in danger of subverting its reputation, as well as the reputation of its flagship PC product. Microsoft is too-aggressively pushing Windows 10 on upgraders.

Windows 10 growth hits the brakes

After an explosive January, Windows 10's gains slow dramatically -- even though Microsoft has switched on upgrade auto-delivery.

 

Ballmer: I may have called Linux a cancer but now I love it

Former Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer once considered Linux users a bunch of communist thieves and saw open source itself as a cancer on Microsoft's intellectual property. But no more.

 

Microsoft takes another step toward Eclipse of proprietary software

Microsoft's membership in the Eclipse Foundation represents the company's commitment to transforming from a company fixated on proprietary software to one that embraces open source.

 

The feds want to keep your broadband provider's nose out of your online life

Companies say they're just trying to deliver more relevant ads, but consumer advocates contend we need stricter rules about what Internet providers can see.

 

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Microsoft's new tool makes it easy for Evernote users to switch to OneNote

Over they last few years, Microsoft has worked to transition OneNote from its initial lecture-hall focus into more of a note-taking app for your everyday needs. It’s latest move: pulling users away from competitor Evernote.

 

18 Things You May Not Have Known Google Photos Can Do

Google Photos bridges the gap between cloud storage, image hosting, and image sharing services, giving stiff competition to Flickr, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

 

Flickr, Google Photos, Photobucket and iCloud: Which photo storage app is right for you?

Find out which photo-sharing and storage site best suits your needs with this deep dive into the top online photo services.

 

How to Add Safe Mode to the Windows 8 and 10 Boot Menu

For some reason, Windows 8 and 10 make Safe Mode hard to get to. Here’s a fix for that.

 

The Best Online Tax Preparation Software for 2016

If you're doing your own taxes, picking the right tax prep program is essential. Here's how the top services stack up.

 

Mobile Computing

Outlook for iOS now lets you protect your emails with Touch ID

In its latest update, the Microsoft Outlook app for iOS adds new support for Apple’s Touch ID sensor — meaning that you can set the app to let you read your messages only if you scan your fingerprint first.

 

App the vote: 9 mobile tools for election junkies

It's going to be an exciting election season. We've nominated several Android and iOS apps that can help you follow the races.

 

Avoid a phone bill shocker when going country-hopping

Everyone knows that using local SIM cards while traveling abroad is the cheapest option, but what if you're hitting multiple countries on your trip? CNET's Marguerite Reardon lays out your options.

 

Get Gmail features for Yahoo and Outlook accounts on Android

Want the spam protection and the powerful search powers of Gmail for your other email accounts? Here's how to get it.

 

Protect your Android phone from loss or theft

Every mugger and pickpocket in the world knows that your smartphone represents hundreds of dollars in hardware and information. Here's how to protect that asset.

 

How Android’s “Doze” Improves Your Battery Life, and How to Tweak It

Android phones and tablets will “sleep” when you leave them alone, conserving battery life for later. Doze is designed to get out of your way and just work, but you can tweak it and make it even better.

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