Windows 10
Windows 10 is on its way and as noted before it's FREE for anyone with a legitimate copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1. You can download a beta copy now, but the official release date is 7/29. It would appear that Microsoft is following in Apple's footsteps. Apple does give away upgrade copies of its MAC O/S for free. Microsoft is limiting the upgrade to one year from release date (offer expires 7/29/16) but that just might change.
Windows 10 has a new browser, Microsoft Edge, the replacement for Internet Explorer. The older browser, as we all know, was subject to stalls, freezes and constant page recoveries. Edge purports to put a stop to all of that. In addition Edge allows you to write on a web page, share it and even save it for reading later, presumably off line.
Windows 10 features "Cortana", your personal digital assistant. Cortana is named after the Artificial Assistant in Microsoft's Halo game series. Cortana is Microsoft's answer to Apple's Siri and Google Now. Cortana is the search engine of Window 10. She organizes local searches and keeps track of your web searches as well. You talk to her and she talks back.
If you're on Windows 8 or 7, you will feel at home with 10. This new release keeps the best parts of 8 and adds them to 7. You get that touch interface that came with 8 without those ridiculous "chicklets" that kept appearing and disappearing. The start button is back too.
Windows 10 includes a "Virtual Desktop" feature. You start off with a clean desktop and open as many apps in that desktop as you want. You might start MS Word, Excel and say Outlook. Now press the clearly visible add desktop plus key and you get a brand new clean desktop. Whatever you open in this second desktop remains independent of any other desktops you might have already opened. It's like having multiple computers open at the same time. There's a new desktop toolbar below the familiar open apps toolbar displaying all of your running desktops.
Want to read about it? You can HERE in Microsoft's own information page, HERE for the CNET evaluation and finally HERE for TECH-Advisor's hands on report.
|
By now most of you have seen the Windows 10 free update notification in the system tray, that little Windows 10 icon pictured above. It runs an application named "GWX.Exe". Surprisingly, even if you try and hide the notification it comes right back after a Windows update or a computer restart. If you've had enough then you can do one of two things. You can uninstall the update that brings the notification to your desktop, see this article.
Or you can rename and if you wish, after a restart, subsequently delete the entire GWX directory. Browse to C:\Windows\System32\GWX, rename it anything you like, perhaps GWX-Hold, and after a restart, the notification will have disappeared.
|
Recycle that Technology
 As of January 1, 2015 we here in Westchester County are not permitted to dispose of electronic technology (computers, printers, TVs, etc.). Read about it. We are required to recycle. I checked with my town, Cortlandt Manor, only to find out that the window of opportunity for bringing in recyclable tech is just two hours on Thursday. I've been carrying on a one-person conversation with the powers that be, trying to convince the town to be more flexible, widening the window and even to pick up these items along with the monthly bulk pickup that they do; All, to no avail.
I did find though that the County does have a technology recycling depot in Valhalla that will take your technology recycling anytime and every day, Monday to Friday. They even take it out of the car for you. You're technically supposed to make an appointment, and I do, but when I arrive no one asks me about anything, they just roll their cart up to my car and take away what it is I am bringing.
|
Cell Phone Data Plans Usage Going Up?
 If you're sending text messages from I-phone to I-phone, then you're doing it over your data plan and not your cell carrier's network. It's also only a matter of time before Android phones follow in the same path as carriers move away from what is labeled as "SMS" messaging and move on to newer and faster technologies for message transfer. If you've seen your data usage going up without reason, that is why. It's prudent to always attach to whatever Wi-Fi is available to you at home, work and if you're an Optimum user then in the street as well. Don't be bashful when visiting friends about asking to connect to their wireless network. Wireless security is meant to keep strangers out and not friends. This will keep your data costs down.
To use Optimum's public Wi-Fi you will need to sign in the first time from each device, phone, laptop or tablet, with your Optimum email address and password, after which your device should automatically connect to their Wi-Fi network whenever it's available. As you travel the county you will be able to see your device connecting the the nearest Optimum Hotspot. Optimum allows their internet customers to connect up to 5 devices ( phones, tablets, laptops) with basic internet service, 10 with Ultra 50, 50 mps up and down for an additional $5 a month (my favorite), 12 with Ultra 75 and 15 with Ultra 100. Here's a helpful link for connecting your device to the Optimum free Wi-fi network.
|
Of Interest
 Facebook has developed technology that can identify people in photos by analyzing clothing, body shape and hair style. So if you've not posted a picture on your Facebook account but have other pictures on the web, maybe from a school shot or a family event that has been posted, Facebook's algorithm can identify the picture as being you with an 83% accuracy rate. Scary!
 Sneaky Java is up to its old tricks again. Java is notorious for putting a pre-checked box on its update screen pushing you to install MacAfee security, Google Chrome and a variety of other apps that you really might not want. I've alerted you to this scam and to similar scams perpetrated by Adobe Flash and Acrobat updates. Well here's a new one, Yahoo is paying Java to get you to switch your search engine default to Yahoo search. The check box is small and easily missed. As about 90% of computers out there use Java, that's a great opportunity for Yahoo to move their search engine from last place to first.
 Your job may be at risk right now without your knowing it. 66% of US companies monitor internet use, 45% log keystrokes (every key you type) and almost as many read your every email. Computers search emails for anything the company considers inappropriate. Companies also use algorithms to look and see if you might be looking for another job, not by what you say but more by how you say it. BTW, don't be surprised if there's a hidden microphone at the water cooler or in the break room backed by a computer program that can discern the same type of information via speech recognition.
 The NSA has planned and might still be planning to hack Smartphones. The government agency was planning to use Google and Samsung app stores to invade American owned phones. The NSA would then be able, via these malware apps, to capture phone calls, text messages and emails. All this information comes from the never ending list of Snowden Revelations.
|
How about a website that collects special deals, coupons and links to short term promotions on the web? That's Brad's Deals. I find it worthwhile to stop by the site once a week or so, even if I'm not looking for anything. It's a quick time, window shopping experience you can make without leaving your seat. Through a link on Bradsdeals.com I connected with the Wall Street Journal's wine club and bought a 15 bottle case of quality red wines for $6 apiece including shipping and tax. I saved a hundred dollars off the price I would have paid in any of the local stores.
Now if your interested in a totally eclectic site, then Pintrest. Want a recpie for something, sweater knitting instructions or a do it yourself projects? Then it's Pintrest. Take a one time ride to their front page and I'm sure you will be back for more. You "pin" your "interests" to the web page.
Do you know CPR? Here's an opportunity to help someone someday. Put Pulse Point on your phone. The app for IOS and Android will notify you if and when you are in the vicinity of someone in cardiac arrest.
Emnet Finder helps you locate the nearest Emergency Room facility. For IOS and Android.
|
If you're an "Angie's List" subscriber, would you add me to their list of favored service providers. Thanx.
|
I make DVD, BluRay, Chromecast and Roku connections for that Netflix account or to watch web content on your TV.
I also connect your Homelink and your garage door.
|
|
