You may already have all the PC or Mac you need, but the lure of a Media Center PC always draws you in. What to do? Use some free software and some slight hardware changes to transform practically any machine into a full-functioning Media Center. It may be easier than you think.
The internet raises undeniable privacy concerns on several fronts, from malware and spyware to trojan horses and key loggers, no one is truly safe from the harm we put ourselves in while surfing the net. Some free downloads for both XP and Vista can protect you and your computer from such harm, if you know where to find them that is.
Seems Vista laced with 64-bit technology is making more headway than previously thought. Now that PC manufacturers are opting to pre-install it over the 32-bit version, adoption numbers are actually on the rise. Consumers with high-memory demands and gaming requirements appreciate the added power boost.
The slow enterprise adoption for Vista has created an opportunity for competing business-level OSs to shine. Solutions for IBM and Linux-based systems will start to be pre-loaded on packaged PC sales along with Linux-based word processing and collaboration tools. Or, so they hope. Their idea is to show enterprise that there are suitable alternatives to Windows. Can they do it?
Though Microsoft is still tight-lipped on the project they call "Midori," some new details have emerged recently that indicate a strong push towards the concept of "cloud computing" and virtualization, that have been making inroads in the industry for some time now. The key concept is to "un-tie" the OS from the PC and hardware it runs on. In other words, an OS that relies solely on an internet connection to operate, instead of any hardware dependencies.
While Microsoft recently reported it has collectively shipped some 180 million units licensed with Windows Vista, the numbers might not exactly ring true thanks to reports from HP, Dell, and others that say they’ve been opting to ship PCs downgraded to XP instead. Microsoft’s 180 million units-sold figure is therefore misleading since it includes these units that don’t truly include Vista.
Microsoft recently filed its annual 10-K report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, citing several new competitors in several markets. One of which was FireFox believe or not, along with several software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications that are rising in popularity. While it’s unclear why Microsoft would deem FireFox a threat to Windows Vista, it’s likely the latest push for so-called “cloud computing” would be to blame.
For those that are frustrated that Vista won’t do what you want it to do, don’t write it off just yet. With some simple system tweaks and some free software downloads, you can change almost every aspect of your OS to better suit your needs.
Compliments are far and few between these days for Vista, besides the kudos it receives for its user interface. When something does come along, it’s well worth sharing. Compliments are due for the fact that Vista is by far the most robust and hardest to break than any previous Microsoft operating system.
Microsoft has been keeping the raps on a non-Windows-based operating system known as Midori, which is being built from the ground up to become the predecessor to Windows Vista. Microsoft realized it’s going to take more than simply improving on its existing technology to turn itself around.
I’m always interested to hear out anyone that has the opinion that Vista lives up to all that was hyped during its introduction. Not that I’m for the side that thinks Vista is not up to par, but anytime you hear good things about the OS it’s worth a mention. There’s been some opinions as of late that Vista is actually better for basic home computing than almost anything else, especially now that SP1 has fixed many of the problems.
This year has been particularly hard for Vista in regards to getting developers on board who actually want to develop applications for the OS. With Linux the clear choice in today’s open environment, it doesn’t make things easier for the struggling OS. Throw in the fact that it can’t seem to shake its reputation for dissatisfaction, and it spells disaster for the future of Vista application development overall.
At Microsoft’s recent Financial Analyst Meeting Steve Ballmer, among other things, blamed Vista’s misconception woes on PC manufacturers who are shipping mediocre, "crapware-infested" installations, as he calls it. Since the manufacturers have every right to do so, it’s up to Microsoft to form a game plan to combat it.
By releasing SP1 for Vista, Microsoft was hoping it would boost deployment of the OS in enterprise environments. A recent survey conducted of IT professionals found that it indeed has not, and actually has had the opposite effect, showing a 7% drop over a similar survey conducted last year.
Avanquest connection management software for Windows has dropped its $29.95 price tag to be offered free-O-charge to frustrated Windows users that are tired of struggling with connection settings every time they move locations or connection type.
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