Tools Toys and Technology

About the Tools You Use and the Toys That Make Life Interesting

Tools Toys and Technology - About the Tools You Use and the Toys That Make Life Interesting

The Hazards of Being First in Line

Apple computer fans have become accustomed to frequent free revisions of the operating systems for their electronic companions. In fact, OS X El Capitan is expected to arrive this October. Android, Chromebook and Linux variations periodically produce free continuing revisions. The free upgrade to Windows 10 for current home users of Windows 7 and 8.1 has come as a welcome but puzzling surprise.

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Ready or Not, Here comes Windows 10

Microsoft has finally officially announced that the release date for Windows 10 will be July 29th. This is a few months earlier than the previous vaguely stated “before the end of summer” announcement, but months later than a flurry of rumors had wistfully predicted. Over a billion Windows 7 and 8.1 owners will soon be able to claim their free upgrade. For those not eligible for the free upgrade, new retail copies of Windows 10 and new computers with Windows 10 will also be available on July 29th.

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Windows 10: Hail Mary or Hallelujah?

“We are focused on making Windows 10 the most loved version of Windows ever,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has repeatedly stated over the past year. “Within two to three years of Windows 10’s release, there will be 1 billion devices running Windows 10,” Microsoft VP Terry Myerson said on April 29, 2015 during the Microsoft Build conference keynote address.

These are ambitious goals for a product expected to launch this summer, especially following the painfully disappointing introduction of Windows 8 in 2012. Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for current individual users of Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1 for the first 12 months of availability. Microsoft will support upgraded computers with security and system updates for the lifetime of those devices. Corporate computer systems and older versions of Windows are not eligible for this offer.

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Windows WHAT!!!

What’s in a Name?

The name of the eagerly awaited followup to Windows 8.1, code named Windows Threshold, has caught everyone off guard.

It’s been widely assumed and referred to as “Windows 9.” That would make sense. Another report from a Microsoft representative said it might just be called “Windows.” Are you kidding me?

Well the official announcement is out and it caught everyone off guard. It’s moniker will be … and this is official …

“Windows 10”

So the last major versions of Windows are: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10. Bazaar!

I didn’t know whether to post this under the category of “Software” or “Humor.” So I posted it in both.

Windows 8 is Here

Copyright © 2012 Richard Beaty

Last month’s big thing was the formal introduction of Windows 8. It’s been around awhile now in Consumer Preview form, so quite a few people have gotten their hands on it and formed opinions. And there seems to be no middle ground in those opinions. Some people love it; some hate it. Personally, I am kind of in that lonely middle ground. In this issue of T3, I’ll tell you why.

What’s Different?

Well, how about EVERYTHING. That’s part of why everyone is so emotional about Windows 8. It is a complete departure from everything that has characterized the operating system since the introduction of Windows 95.

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Windows 7 Tips: Make It Easier to Read the Screen

Have you ever had to squint or put your nose up to the screen to read text? Of course, you can reduce the screen resolution to enlarge everything on the screen. But it’s a shame to have to sacrifice resolution to be able to read the screen.

I just ran across a couple of Control Panel configurations that can make it easier to read text while keeping the high resolution capabilities of your screen. Continue reading

Saddlebrooke – Get the Inside Scoop on Windows 8

Here’s your best chance to learn all about Windows 8 before it is officiallly launched.

A few months ago, Microsoft made available a Consumer Preview of Windows 8. Dennis Korger, a.k.a.  “The Computer Curmudgeon,” was undoubtedly one of the first people in SaddleBrooke to get a look at it. Since then he’s put it through its paces. He knows the good, the bad, and the ugly. Attend Dennis’ upcoming talk, and you will know it too.

If you’ve ever taken one of Dennis Korger’s Windows classes, you know just how knowledgeable he is. Dennis will demonstrate Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 8, at the May meeting of the SaddleBrooke Computer Club User Group. You don’t have to be a member of the Computer Club to attend.

Most people who’ve had a chance to play with Windows 8 either love it or hate it. No one seems to be neutral. What will you think of it? Here’s your chance to find out.

Date: Monday, May 21

Time: 1:00 pm

Place: Mountain View Club House – West Ballroom

I’ll be there, probably in or near the front row. Come up and introduce yourself.