Wednesday 13 February 2013

Enable Windows 8 File History

Useful tutorial on Windows 8 File History ...
A "must read" if you want to use the Microsoft provided backup utility for all your personal data.

Enable Windows 8 File History to protect your data (revisited): Greg Shultz shows you how enable File History in Windows 8 and why it is important that you do.

12 Office 2013 flaws

Even more fun with MS Office 2013 ...
I have not yet played with Office 2013 but this looks like a valuable collection of necessary tweaks! It is a shame that experienced Office users have to spend time getting new software back into a usable state!

In Pictures: 12 enraging Office 2013 flaws -- and how to fix them - Slideshow - Computerworld:

10 Chrome tricks

Great collection of tricks for Chrome enthusiasts ...
Google Chrome has been my first choice browser for a while. It is almost a second "Operating System" within Windows XP, Vista , 7 or 8 but it is the same common platform for all Internet browsing activity. It syncs all my browser settings and bookmarks on my 3 x Window XPs, 1 x Windows 7 and 1 x Windows 8 PCs. It's even very similar to the Chrome on my HTC Android smartphone with all the bookmarks continuously synchronised. 

10 Chrome tricks to improve your browsing experience: No hacks, no registry tweaks, no add-ons: Just an arsenal of built-in tricks to make Chrome do your bidding.

Windows 8 apps slow

Windows 8 apps are essential to its success ...
This is not a pretty picture for Microsoft Surface or even Windows 8. It is the availability of hundreds of thousands of apps that make getting used to the new Windows User Interface (UI) worthwhile.

Windows 8 app releases grind to a near-complete halt - Windows 8, apps, Microsoft, Windows, Windows RT, software, operating systems, HP, Blackberry, Palm - PC World Business:

Review: Malwarebytes

A great companion to most resident Virus Scanners ...
I couldn't agree more with the recommendations in this article. I have been scanning with MalwareBytes on a monthly basis for years!

Review: Cover all the bases with Malwarebytes: To cover all your bases, anti-malware software is great to have running in conjunction with any anti-virus application.

Monday 11 February 2013

Keep Windows 7 on Windows 8

The ultimate conversion app back to Windows 7 ...
There have been a few already but this one is the best so far, allowing considerable configuration options to customise your Windows 8, sorry Windows 7 experience!

How to keep the look of Windows 7 on Windows 8: win-7-on-win-8-help-01
Not everyone is happy that Microsoft has ditched the Start Button, one of the main features of Windows for the past 15 years, but it’s ok, because you can bring it back. It’s a feature that many wish Microsoft hadn’t removed, or changed considerably so that it was vastly different from what it once was. With the release of Windows 8, the Start Menu and Start Button have now become something else, with the new grid-based interface – formerly known as “Metro” – taking its place.

This is great with a touchscreen or excellent trackpad... but it's not even close with a regular mouse.
If you have a touchscreen, it makes Windows more useable than ever, with slick gestures across the screen making the Windows experience flow well. If you have a decent trackpad, the experience is almost as good as a touchscreen, with gestures allowing you to scroll through your apps and quickly pull up multiple applications. But if you have neither, the new Start screen is hard to get your head around, with the whole thing not really designed for anything outside of the new technology Microsoft and other vendors want us to buy. The more we use Windows 8, the more we like it, but still, we’re often left wondering why Microsoft didn’t just leave the legacy interface in there for people that wanted to upgrade but lacked this new touch-friendly hardware.

The traditional look of Windows. How we've missed you.
Good news, though, because you don’t have to wait for Microsoft to realise that it should have left the functionality there in the first place, and you can make Windows 8 look and feel just like Windows 7, Vista, and yes, even XP. To do this, you’ll need to grab a program called “Classic Shell,” an application that is essentially free, though the developer does take donations.
The app is pretty simple to install and use, and features numerous options to change the interface of Windows 8 into one that’s a little more accommodating, especially for a user that really wants the touch-friendly stuff in Win 8 to just, well, go away.

One Windows 7 style interface coming up!
Classic Shell goes beyond the Start Button replacement, too, with the options menu including a nifty setting for skipping the Metro screen – what Microsoft’s new touchscreen grid-based Start Bar used to be called – and running the desktop mode from the get go, so that when you switch your Windows 8 machine on, the desktop and the old Start Bar will load.

Sick of the Windows 8 shortcuts appearing whenever you drag your mouse into the right corner? CHARMS BEGONE!
The applications can be seriously customised, too, and while many people will be content with the basic settings, once you switch “All Settings” on, you’ll find a way to remove the Windows 8 shortcut charms from the top right, the task manager from the top left, as well as switch the home button to any image you want, including the new Windows 8 logo or even – if you can find one – a Windows XP “Start Button”. If you have a Windows 8 machine and aren’t into this new look that Microsoft is essentially forcing on you, we’d check this out, as it essentially gives you the power of the new Windows, but with a more familiar look and feel.

iPhone falling behind?

Some interesting comments about Apple's competitors ...

Has the iPhone fallen behind the competition? Steve Wozniak thinks so: Has the iPhone fallen behind the competition? Steve Wozniak thinks so
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has put the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons again by claiming the iPhone is now playing catch-up in the smartphone game. Speaking to Germany's Wirtschafts Woche site, Woz said increased competition from Android manufacturers like Samsung has left Cupertino 'somewhat behind' when it comes to some features. The bearded tech icon said: "Currently we are in my opinion somewhat behind. "Others have caught up. Samsung is a great competitor. But precisely because they are currently making great products."

Against the grain

Given Apple's long-held assertions that Samsung was able to catch up purely because it 'blatantly copied' the iPhone's designs and user-interface, Wozniak's comments certainly go against the grain. But this is nothing new. In the past he has praised Microsoft's Windows Phone software as being more beautiful than iOS and recently said the Microsoft Surface tablet made him think "Steve Jobs had been reincarnated." In October he claimed that Apple would be wise to bring iTunes to the Android mobile platform, which practically no-one inside Infinite Loop would say is a good idea.

No slump

Despite his assertions that Apple is falling behind, Woz doesn't foresee Apple encountering problems due to its high profit margins and a customer loyalty fostered by the continued release of high-quality products. He also explained why he continues to line-up alongside the public at Apple launch events rather than simply have a new iPhone or iPad sent over. He added: "The launch of a new Apple product is for me like a big, major concert in which you absolutely must attend personally. It's history. Sure, I could order online or call the store manager... But that would be nothing. "No, I will have the experience like any normal customer. But one thing is certain. If Apple would make lousy products, I would not be in line."

Surface Pro Preview

Very interesting first look at MS Surface Pro ...

Surface Pro preview: Triple-play UI is its best innovation: As a hybrid tablet/laptop, Microsoft Surface Pro makes a bold pitch to reinvent the portable PC, but a few big caveats get in the way. Read TechRepublic's product preview.

Saturday 9 February 2013

Windows 8's falls further

Some very interesting statistics on current OS usage ...

Windows 8's usage uptake falls further behind Vista's: Windows 8 fell further behind the pace of Windows Vista's uptake last month, a metric company said today, even as usage share of the new operating system continued to slowly climb.

MS Surface Pro Storage

MS Surface Pro has limited storage for $1,000 tablet ...
That Windows 8 laptop at $600 is looking better all the time! At least you will probably end up with about 400 GB of storage available!

64GB Microsoft Surface Pro to ship with only 36 percent of storage available: 64GB Microsoft Surface Pro to ship with only 36 percent of storage available
On Feb. 9, Microsoft will finally be releasing the Surface Pro to the masses eagerly awaiting the company's more robust entry into the tablet battle. Unlike the Microsoft Surface RT, which uses Windows RT, the Surface Pro will include the full Windows 8 Pro operating system. That notion alone has been a key reason may supporters have chosen to wait for the more expensive, but more powerful, tablet. However, those devoted faithful may soon be a bit disappointed for another reason altogether, as the Surface Pro isn't going to come with storage as spacious as advertised.

Space invader

According to Microsoft, the base model Surface Pro with 64GB of storage will actually only come with 23GB of free storage. That means Windows 8 Pro and whatever other default programs and apps come loaded on the tablet will leave just 36 percent of the hard drive open for users. The 128GB model fares just a bit better, with 85GB (64.8 percent) of the storage space left open for consumers to use. Of course, this is par for the course, as the Surface RT also went through some similar memory troubles. The 32GB Surface RT included just 16GB of storage when it arrived, and the 64GB version allowed users to work with 46GB of space.
The Surface Pro is compatible with USB 3.0 and includes a microSDXC card slot for expandable memory, but that doesn't make the lack of on-board storage any easier to swallow.

MS ships Surface Pro tablet

Eventually true Windows 8 on a tablet ...
Microsoft's Surface RT is really Windows 8 "Lite" as it will not support the vast array of Windows software applications that have been around for years. However, I am not sure why you would go for a Microsoft Surface Pro at $900 when you can get a perfectly good Intel i5 laptop with a decent keyboard for $600!

Microsoft to ship Surface Pro tablet Feb. 9: Microsoft will ship the Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet with an Intel Core i5 processor on Feb. 9, with prices starting at US$899.

1M Surface RT tablets sold

Hardly a huge surprise ...
Some insights as to the reason for the low sales numbers for Microsoft's Surface RT.

1 million Surface RT tablets sold in last quarter, UBS says: Microsoft's Surface RT tablet sold 1 million units in the fourth quarter, fewer than expected, according to a UBS analyst.

What’s great about Windows 8?

Succinct and to the point ...
Note that from the 1st February the upgrade costs have increased substantially.

What’s so great about Windows 8?: Windows 8 screenshot 3

Many of us are pretty familiar with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, and have used it in various forms on our PCs for years. With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft’s bold new direction has left at least a few of us scratching our heads. So what’s different about Windows 8, and should you upgrade?

Google Now on Jelly Bean

For those with Jelly Bean on their Smartphones ...
My HTC smartphone has just been updated to Jelly Bean and this article helped me get started with Google Now. Not sure how useful Google Now is but for one appointment it told me to leave home earlier than I intended because there was a traffic problem on Showground Road that would delay me 6 minutes! Spooky!

Google Now on Android Jelly Bean is more than just a search feature: Jack Wallen takes a look at Google Now, a new feature that comes with Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean).

Thursday 7 February 2013

Buying a laptop

A great article for those considering a laptop purchase ...
I didn't see anything in this well written article that I disagreed with!

13 things you need to know to buy the perfect laptop:
In the changing world of laptops, knowing what to buy can be a complex process.
Everyone wants the best performance, but what about price? How big a screen can you get before you sacrifice portability? How many ports do you need, and what size hard drive will do the job? Do you want a hybrid? Do you need a touchscreen for Windows 8, or can you go without? Your best weapon before you go shopping is to be informed. To help, we've created this guide with a few pointers on what you'll need to consider before buying a laptop.

Belkin expands WeMo

Now a remote control light switch as well ...
As anticipated, Belkin has now announced availability of an Android app compatible with their remotely controlled power socket and light switch.

Belkin expands WeMo home automation range with light switch:
belkinlightBelkin has extended its WeMo home automation offerings with a new light switch that lets users to control their wired household lighting from anywhere. Revealed at CES in Las Vegas, the WeMo Light Switch takes the place of a regular light switch in your home and makes it possible to control that light switch remotely with the free dedicated WeMo app from across the room or across the world. The original WeMo Home Automation switch can be plugged into a regular power point and allows users to switch on or turn off any appliance that is plugged into the WeMo over a home wireless network or over 3G/4G.

iOS, Android, or Windows 8?

Summarises pros and cons of the competing Operating Systems ...
Quite a good summary, in my opinion, although the latest Android version (Jelly Bean) is starting to make iOS look a bit dated according to many technical writers. I think it is about time that Apple updated iOS' look and feel.

Which is the superior mobile OS: iOS, Android, or Windows 8?: Donovan Colbert believes that any of the three mobile OS platforms could be best for you, depending on your needs. Do you agree?

More new File Explorer features

More detail on the new Windows 8 File Explorer ...
Continuation of the article posted on 26th January entitled Windows 8: new File Explorer.

Windows 8: More new File Explorer features: Greg Shultz shows explores and explains the contextual tabs on the new Windows 8 File Explorer Ribbon.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Could Microsoft win a tablet war

This article sums up many Windows Surface RT articles ...
I am not convinced that the Microsoft Windows 8 RT will really win many supporters. 

Microsoft may still win the tablet war: Find out why Patrick Gray believes that Microsoft may still win the tablet war, even if its early efforts are unsuccessful.

Windows 8 Origin

So where did Windows 8 come from ...
This is for those that have nothing better to do than learn about the origins of Windows 8!
I have not yet read in detail the post referred to in this article but I have viewed the video at http://uxweek.com/2012/speakers/jensen-harris/ and can thoroughly recommend it if you have a spare hour! It does give some great insights into what Microsoft was trying to achieve with Windows 8. I just wish the Windows 8 dual interface was more intuitive.

Get the true story behind Windows 8

Sunday 3 February 2013

MS Office 365 Downside

Some further considerations with MS Office 365 ...
I wonder how many people will be caught out with this one just at the wrong time!

Pay-as-you-go Office 365 cripples apps if subscription expires: Microsoft's new pay-as-you-go Office 365 subscription plans differ from traditional buy-once software in one important aspect: When customers stop paying, the applications stop working.

MS Office 2013 & Office 365

MS Office takes the ultimate gamble with consumers ....
This is a great Computerworld article that answers a lot of questions concerning the difference between the "once off" purchase of MS Office 2013 and the "annual" payment for MS Office 365. I think the prices mentioned are in US dollars so we have yet to see the Australian prices..

FAQ: Microsoft rents out Office 365: Microsoft this week launched the first two of its new pay-as-you-go subscription plans for Office. Is this the way we'll get software from now on? Or is it a gamble that could easily go awry? We've got the answers.

Dealing with Windows 8 Mail

Vastly different from Outlook Express, Windows Mail or Live Mail ...
A major departure from its predecessors, this mail client is not going to please a lot of people! On top of this, if you want a POP Mail Client you are going to have to install your own on the Windows 8 desktop. Assuming you don't want to buy Outlook as part of MS Office, you could install a free POP Mail Client like Thunderbird or Eudora.

Dealing with Windows 8 Mail: The Mail app that arrives with Windows 8 is essentially a web mail system and has no tools to set mail rules or automate spam deletion. But can one man get by on that alone?