WINDOWS 8.1

WILL IT BE GOOD, BAD, OR JUST PLAIN UGLY?

Microsoft has said that the 8.1 update is ready for RTM (release to manufacturers) even though it isn't finished, and may not until it's close to be ready for Windows 8 users to download [ed. - which was previously set for October 17th]. Unlike previous releases IT professionals and developers will not get access to 8.1 two weeks prior to it's release as they have had in the past. It seems like Windows 8 and now 8.1 has a perpetual cloud hovering over them.

From what I've read, Windows 8 users will get a "Start" button, but it will lead to the Metro interface rather than the typical Start/programs/show all programs and other features not available in Windows 8. That was several months ago, so it's possible this may have changed - we'll have to see.

XP-Z

About a week ago I read a serious (with some dark humor) article written by Gregg Keizer, entitled XP-Z with story content relating to Microsoft pitching Windows XP users off the cliff next March/April. He wrote:

"Call them the "walking dead" of vulnerabilities. Call it XP Z -- "Z" for zombies."

You can find the article HERE. While the reference to zombies was funny to me, the lack of further security patches or even one last Service Pack will make some people abandon XP for whatever is available, while other will take their chances. Perhaps some users should hedge their bets by purchasing Windows 7 now, before they stop selling it, then find a computer to put it on. Or you can keep reading further down the Blog...

NEW YORK TIMES - HIT AGAIN

Apparently the New York Times was hacked recently, by what some have called the "Syrian Electronic Army" (I didn't know there was one, did you?). You can read all about the exciting news from the article, HERE.

NSA STUFF

I'm sure you heard a lot about the NSA and other agencies snooping in on our phone calls, emails etc. and how many companies like Google and others are coming clean with information about this issue. Well Facebook said they had approximately 25,000 requests from the Government in just the first half of this year. Once again, whatever you post online will stay there forever, so watch those P's and Q's...

SPEAKING OF: Gregg Keizer

Well, I was several paragraphs ago, he has another article about XP and Microsoft, stating that Microsoft will continue to make patches for XP after the spring 2014 deadline - but it will be a pay-for-patch operation. On one hand they want XP to go away, yet on the other hand Microsoft will milk XP users for all $$$ they can. This article can be found HERE.

That's it for today -

'Nuff Said,
Brian
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