Best Thing I’ve Read In A Month

Folks, here is an article I consider the best “tech read” I have come across in a long, long while. Every single computer owner (which is, what, every adult and most children?) should read it (and get “mad as *heck*) but of course, maybe only 10,000 actually will..

* Why does crapware still exist? Follow the Silicon Valley money trail

“If you followed security experts’ advice and manually updated Java this week to fix a critical vulnerability, you might have gotten more than you asked for. Oracle probably makes tens of millions of dollars a year from crapware, and big venture capitalists see it as a growth business. Read more..

… “monetize” …

And, I suggested removing Java altogether, (see, Remove Java (+ A Friday Fun Video )) but you should be aware of the general idea spelled out here: Why you shouldn’t always listen to security advice

“You should update Java. Or uninstall it. Or not completely uninstall it, but disable it. Or not do anything at all because it’s not a problem. Whoever’s advice you take, the chances are it’s wrong.” Read more..

(.. but it’s kind of implied that you get savvy, too, and learn how computers function.)

.. Another busy day here. Have a good one everybody.

Bonus reading: Microsoft’s Surface needs a reboot: Here’s how

“The mobile market needs a third player to keep iOS and Android on its toes, but as it stands Microsoft’s Surface tablets don’t cut it. But with a few tweaks the platform has a chance of being a serious player.” Read more..

.. sexy ..

Today’s quote: “One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.” ~G.M. Weilacher

Copyright 2007-2013 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

The Sun Is Out

Have you seen the television ads for Microsoft’s Windows 8 and.. the “Surface” tablets?

According to them, we can be dancing in the streets (as shown on TV!) and getting a group together to do the robot, as we touch, touch, touch the screens of our wonder devices.

I hope these people got paid to do that…
And it took ’em just three days to film!
{click on image to read how the ad scored with the public. Source: socialbarrel.com}

Granted, the fact that Microdoft’s iPad competitor has a keyboard, and will run productivity software (like Office), has me thinking a Surface might be the first “tablet PC” I buy, but.

I won’t buy the first edition of anything: I would buy a “Pro”, not an “RT”: and I will not buy a tablet until I already have the best/up-to-date-est Desktop for my office and laptop for my mobile needs (aka, I’ve run out of other toys to buy).

Apparently, though, many have already bought their Surface devices.. some, a long time ago (“pre-order”). And some of those are dancing in City Plaza now, as we speak, as they have one. Others who pre-ordered, haven’t received theirs yet, I understand. Where is my Microsoft Surface? Here’s what we know

“Microsoft’s Surface RT has launched, but most have yet to receive their tablet, despite promises from the software giant. From a ZDNet crowdsourced effort, here’s what we know.” Read more..

Which means there’s some disappointed people out there, I guess..

And I guess I will repeat: the ONLY way I’ll touch Windows 8 would be on a Surface tablet. (Despite how wonderful the ads make it sound..) If you think you might want/need a new Desktop or Laptop/Notebook.. might want to buy today – while there’s still Windows 7 units on the store’s shelf. (And, yes. My “Don’t Buy The First One Rule’ also applies to Windows 8. Even if I thought it was the neatest thing since sliced bread, [and let’s be clear – I do not] there’s a reason for the “wait for the Service Pack” axiom.)

Because Windows 8 has arrived.

For better or worse.

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It has been a great week for Bay Area sports fans. People are actually smiling here.. Thank you, S.F. Giants! (World Series Champions 2012)

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Apres pos of nuttin at all: Loved Google’s art today.

… I never did master his technique…

Today’s quote: “What the country needs is dirtier fingernails and cleaner minds.” ~ Will Rogers

Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<

---

All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.