It's no secret that Windows 8, with its radical new user interface, has not been a success for Microsoft. It's been so unpopular that many people have continued to seek out Windows 7 systems, and Microsoft is rushing a replacement, Windows 9, to the market. 

With so much flux in the Microsoft world I'm often asked what I recommend for people who are currently in need of a new system. The simple answer is that I recommend people get Windows 8 and allow me to set it up so that it works as similarly as possible to Windows 7.

Let me explain my reasoning. Windows 7 was released to consumers in October of 2009, making it 5 year old technology. Even though it works well and will be supported by Microsoft for years to come, Windows 7 is the past, not the future. The internet is a more dangerous place than it was 5 years ago, and technology has advanced. Unless you really have an application that will not run on a newer version of Windows, your bests interests are just not served staying on an older platform.

The part of Windows 8 that people don't like is the user interface - the way that you tell your computer what to do. The underpinnings of the operating system are invisible to you but are in fact a radical improvement to the underpinnings in Windows 7. So what I can do for you is make your Windows 8 user interface feel familiar and comfortable. You get the best of both worlds - a user interface you are comfortable with, and a more modern and advanced operating system.

So what about Windows 9? Well it's coming, and Microsoft is planning to fix many of the user interface issues with this new operating system. As of right now, it looks like Windows 9 will be in preview mode this fall, and released to consumers in the spring of 2015. Rumors are swirling about details, pricing, etc., but I am pretty sure about two things. One is that Windows 9 will be basically Windows 8 with the user interface "fixed".  The second is that Windows 9 will be offered to Windows 8 users at a very low cost, if not free.  

As you know I often post information and links on my Facebook page, but many of you don't use Facebook or don't follow me there. Here are a few items posted recently that might be of interest to you:

Cryptolocker Update - Almost a year ago I posted a warning about a new type of virus that encrypts your data and holds it for ransom. The criminals behind Cryptolocker were actually apprehended, and a PC security firm has created a method for victims to get their unlock code and decrypt their data. Unfortunately, however, there are now copy cat encryption viruses on the web. Keep alert!

Slow Netflix with Verizon FIOS -  I was asked to assist a Verizon FIOS client who was having difficult streaming Netflix, and in researching her problems it became clear that Verizon itself is throttling Netflix streaming on all devices due to a feud with Netflix. Unfortunately, until the corporations work out their problems Verizon FIOS customers might never be able to stream Netflix without constant buffering. 

Enhanced Browser Security - Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer updated their browsers with some enhanced security features last month. Google Chrome added a Safe Browsing Tool that should protect you from downloading software that will change your home page or search settings. Internet Explorer added a feature to disable old plug-ins, forcing you to update to the latest and safest versions. For optimal internet safety always make sure you are using the latest version of your favorite browser!

Saturday, September 20th is Medfield Day and for the second year I will have a booth there. Look for me on North Street right across from the Unitarian Church.

Please stop by and pay a visit between 9 am and 3 pm. I'll be answering questions, giving away some great stuff, and holding a drawing for free ComputerMom services for both new and existing clients.

Hope the weather is nice, and can't wait to see you there!