Thursday, June 23, 2016

Sticking with Windows 7? Here is What You Need to Know

windows  refuse to upgrade wallpaper

Check out our first article in the Computer Tips and Tricks section. It is for all you stubborn Windows 7 users who don’t want to upgrade to Windows 10. While I don’t necessarily agree with your decision, I completely understand. Why change when what you have works just fine. Upgrades can be scary. Will it all go well, or will there be problems? I upgraded 3 computers and one mobile device and I can tell you all four went well and they all still work perfectly.

If you decide to make the jump, be sure and do a complete backup…preferably a clone of your hard drive. That way, if you do have problems, you can wipe out the Windows 10 drive and restore your clone copy. I would also run a complete virus scan and clean out all the stuff you don’t want to keep prior to making the clone. I suggest using the Windows 7 Built-in Backup…its free since it already on your computer. I used it for years without any problems.

Many of you know I switched to a MAC as my main computer and mostly love it. Like Windows, it too has some issues that drive me a little crazy. But I also use Windows 10. I estimate that I use my MAC about 70% of the time and Windows 10 about 30%. I use Windows 10 mainly because there are some programs that are not available for the MAC.

For instance, I write this blog using a new version of Windows Live Writer on my desktop computer (last week I used it on my laptop as I was not home). There is not one blog application for the MAC that works this well. Another example: The Office 365 version of OneNote is far superior to the Office 365 OneNote application for the MAC. So I will happily keep using Windows for these two apps and a few others.

I bring all this up as there is only 36 days left in the free Windows 10 upgrade program. After that, it will cost $119 to upgrade. Of course, you can wait until you get a new computer sometime in the future. But be aware that Windows 7 is no longer available on new computers. So you are going to get Windows 10, one way or another. Personally, I think Windows 10 is the best Windows ever made. So I advise you to think strongly about upgrading for free before July 29.

PS: around the same time, there will be a major upgrade to Windows 10 with lots of new features, so keep that in mind also.

Plenty of other good tips and some interesting news in this edition see keep on reading…please. Thanks. -JRC

 

Tech News and Opinions

Senate rejects FBI bid for warrantless access to internet browsing histories

An amendment designed to allow the government warrantless access to internet browsing histories has been narrowly defeated in the Senate.

 

Opinion: Is It Time For Microsoft To Rebrand?

CEO Satya Nadella has been creating a new Microsoft...maybe its time for a new brand.

 

Being open source is killing Android

Once Google has released a new version, the OEMs and carriers are free to tinker with it to their heart's ontent. That results in fragmentation.

 

5G technology  gets a shot in the arm from the FCC

Chairman Tom Wheeler wants to make sure the US stays No. 1 in wireless. He's got a plan to free up additional spectrum for 5G wireless technology.

 

Amazon unveils all-new Kindle

Amazon's all-new Kindle is now 11 percent thinner and 16 percent lighter than the previous generation Kindle, making it easier to hold for longer. Priced at $79.95

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

Sticking with Windows 7? 5 Things Every Stubborn Windows 7 User Should Do

Whatever your reason, you need to keep your security in mind if you’re sticking with Windows 7. Here are a few tips for anyone who hopes to stick with Microsoft’s most popular operating system.

 

The best paid VPN for Windows

Virtual private networks offer a number of advantages: secure Internet access, greater privacy when you're Web browsing, and access to geo-restricted content. We've tested paid VPN services to find out which one is worth your money.

 

Useful hidden features in Office 365

As you or your company keeps paying for it, Microsoft automatically adds cool new features. Here is a list of the best, little-known things you could do with the software.

 

Windows 10 tip: Look up your IP address quickly

You don't need to dig deep into Control Panel or use a command line to find your IP address. That information (IPv4 and IPv6) is in Task Manager, if you know where to look.

 

How to Run Any Program as a Background Service in Windows

If you’re like most Windows users, you have lots of great little utilities that run when you start Windows. While this works great for most apps, there are some that would be nice to start even before a user logs in to the PC.

 

Mobil Computing

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans You've Never Heard Of

There are a lot of smartphone options beyond the big four carriers in the US. If you're looking to save money, these lesser-known plans might be the ticket.

How to choose an Android VPN

How do you pick the trustworthy and useful VPNs out of a lineup of possibly shady characters?

 

The Best Android Phones of 2016

Apple's iPhone not up your alley? Here's how to find the right Google-powered alternative, along with our top-rated Android phones.

 

Snapseed 2.6 is rolling out now to iOS & Android

Often called the best photo editor for mobil devices, Google has announced that the latest version of its photo editor Snapseed is now rolling out to iOS and Android users. The latest version packs a slew of useful features.

 

Which iPhone lens is best? The Zeiss ExoLens looks like a winner.

The iPhone has one of the best smartphone cameras out there. The only thing holding it back? Its fixed lens.

 

12 Tips to Master Email on iOS

Sticking with the original Mail app isn't a bad thing, however. Whatever you use, take a look at what is unique—it may help you decide on exactly what app you want serving up your inbox.

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