RIGUY

There have been 4 Million Windows 8 download sales so far since initial release, according to Mashable.

But what about the Surface Tablet? It is not selling super well. Or is it?

“Both Windows 8 and Microsoft Surface have been on sale for more than two weeks, and the big question is: How are they doing? Although Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has already revealed the company sold 4 million downloads of Windows 8 in its first weekend, the only thing he has said about sales of the Surface is that they’re “modest.” “

But then this clarification a little later:

“Update: Microsoft contacted us after this story was published and offered the following statement: When asked about Surface, Steve’s use of the term “modest” was in relation to the company’s approach in ramping up supply and distribution of Surface with Windows RT, which has only been available via our online store and Microsoft retail and holiday stores in the U.S. and Canada. While our approach has been modest, Steve notes the reception to the device has been “fantastic” which is why he also stated that “soon, it will be available in more countries and in more stores.” “

The Mashable Surface Tablet article

Wow, take a look at these Windows 8 Tablet images. Makes me want to buy one!

Interesting … new image reconstruction under way for Microsoft. I see how Windows 8 on the phone and on hybrid tablets/laptops can integrate into their many Server systems and applications nicely, especially considering their huge Cloud services offerings. Also, throw in the impressive Dynamics CRM, and you have a winner.

I like this Microsoft blog.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/next/archive/2012/11/01/the-reimagining-at-microsoft-continues_2c00_-this-time-with-crm.aspx

The new line of Windows 8 Phones are capable of being charged wirelessly. Some manufacturers are about to release these models. That is correct: the battery can be charged wirelessly. I know, I know, you are going to miss locating those USB cables, and buying replacements all the time.
AT&T has already released the Lumia 920, which can charge wirelessly.

Verizon is about to do the same.

Verizon’s HTC Windows Phone 8X to support wireless charging

“In today’s smartphone world especially in the Windows Phone ecosystem, the smartphone-buying population has a lot to look forward to. After all, Microsoft has already made the big announcement regarding the bevy of new Windows Phone 8-powered devices that are scheduled to hit the market. For the high-end category, we have the Nokia Lumia 920 which will be an exclusive with AT&T while Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer boasts of the HTC Windows Phone 8X which will be released by Verizon in US shores …

When talking about wireless charging, it is only right that the Verizon version of the HTC Windows Phone 8X should offer the feature. After all, the Nokia Lumia 920 from AT&T will also have the feature. Though Big Red is also slated to launch the Nokia Lumia 822 which has that functionality, the handset is from the midrange category and it is only expected that its high-end offering to have this feature as well.”

The home PC offerings for new WIndows 8 machines look awesome. They are sleek looking, and for those who insist on pointing to and indeed touching their monitors …. these are touch enabled.

Windows 8 Product Line

Microsoft is really working on integration of all devices into a new server and cloud ecosystem. Heavy stuff!

“Microsoft’s MDOP 2012, Windows Server 2012 Essentials available for download”

“On November 1, Microsoft made generally available both its Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2012 tool bundle and its Windows Server 2012 Essentials small-business server.
MDOP 2012 is a bundle of six virtualization and management products aimed at business customers who have Software Assurance licensing contracts or Windows Intune subscriptions. Microsoft officials say they’ve sold 44 million licenses of MDOP to date.

New to this version of MDOP is User Experience Virtualization (UE-V). UE-V allows users switch up their devices but retain their settings without needing to reconfigure their applications or desktop settings each time they login to Windows 7 or Windows 8.”

Good ZDNET overview

Windows 8 arrived today, and there’s lots of hype about the latest operating system from Microsoft. The interface has changed dramatically, using tabs instead of the typical GUI view of WIndows XP or Windows 7.

But one of the coolest uses of Windows 8 I’m reading about so far is the dual screen on certain notebooks or tablets! I am not referring to 2 monitors. This is actually using BOTH sides of the screen!

Check it out!

Read about it!

I just took a long road trip, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and back again. I love my Magellan RoadMate 1440 GPS. However, there were at least 2 occasions when the maps and directions were incorrect. I am guessing that is due to all the changes with roads and freeways and all those highway funds flowing from Washington DC!

What to do? What if the CD that came with the product is lost? What if there was no CD? Use the USB connector that came with the GPS to connect to your Windows Vista or later system – ignore any of the plug and play type prompts so you can do it right by going through the software.

Download the Magellan software, it is called Content Manager. Try this page:
http://www.magellangps.com/Content-Manager-Software-for-Windows

You install the software, register (yes, another registration), plug in your Magellan and voila: you are interconnected between PC (or laptop, or Mac) and GPS.
The software is very simple, but it works well. There is a big link to “Check for Updates”. That is exactly what is needed. It turns out that there are many software and road map updates! I had software version 1.12 on my GPS, and the latest update is version 2.22! I also had a 1.5 GIGABYTE road map upgrade available! Note this is an upgrade, not an update. So I am proceeding slowly on this one …

I have only installed the software so far. I will try to check back later about the mammoth maps upgrade!

Oh, and there is no charge for these updates. Happy GPS -ing!

I have been trying the MS Security Essentials for some time now. I am not sure how astute it is in finding computer viruses (as apposed to the competition, i.e. Norton, McAfee, Sophos), but so far, so good. I am very conservative in my searches and general web browsing, so maybe I am not the best tester. However, the interface for the free Microsoft anti virus software is very nice and simple to use, so if you are on a tight budget, it may be worth a look.

Microsoft Security Essentials
“The anti-annoying, anti-expensive, anti-virus program”
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What is going on with all the innocent search results ending in horror? Internet users continue to put their trust in Google, Yahoo, or Bing search results for all types of information, and instead are being led astray to spyware sites located in far away lands, like China, Russia, or Romania (where there are no rules againts spammers and phishers). These web sites infect systems and then engage in a pop up window party letting you know you are infected. For the low, low, low cost of $___ …. well, let’s just say – enter your credit card and the problem will go away! Sure it will. Seriously, if you are thinking of giving these bastards your credit card, before having your head examined, take your system o best Buy or similar, at least keep your ‘business’ local.

Interestingly, you get hundreds of results from Google search on this very topic! Indeed, it is widespread.

Be careful where you visit on the web. be conservative: stck mainly (if not entirely) to web sites you are familiar with, and never give yourself administrator privileges on a Windows PC or laptop!

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