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Posts tagged Microsoft

Windows XP long death path

Apr25
2011 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Alan Henry at geek.com informs us that “[...] Even though it was only last week that news came out that Windows 7 has finally eclipsed Windows XP in market share, there are still a lot of people out there running Windows XP. That hasn’t stopped Microsoft from setting up a doomsday clock for those users, letting them know that Windows XP will no longer be supported after 2014: or according to the countdown clock, 1081 days from today. [...]” (full article here).

I understand Microsoft need for a move from XP to Win 7. Is a matter of support, compatibility, development.

But at same time is a demonstration of how much good was the idea and tech behind Windows XP. In 2014 will be more than a decade that the OS will be out.

I decided to move from XP to Win 7 in last days (for compatibility issues first of all) and I must admit that despite Win7 is really different from my source OS is a very good, fast and reliable OS.

But my heart is still there beating with xp…;-)

This post as a comment also here

 

Posted in Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , ,

IE9 upgrade blocker

Feb15
2011 1 Comment Written by hotrao

Microsoft has released (find it here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=a6169467-b793-4d17-837d-01776bf2bea4&pf=true) a download called Internet Explorer 9 blocker Toolkit aimed at blocking IE9 being downloaded.

Microsoft says “[...] To help our customers become more secure and up-to-date, Microsoft will distribute Windows Internet Explorer 9 as an important update through Automatic Updates for Windows Vista SP2 for x64 and x86, Windows Server 2008 SP2 for x64 and x86, Windows 7 x86 RTM and higher and Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM and higher for x64. This Blocker Toolkit is intended for organizations that would like to block automatic delivery of Internet Explorer 9 to machines in environments where Automatic Updates is enabled. The Blocker Toolkit will not expire.[...] ”

Thanks to Martin at ghacks.net for his post (full article at http://www.ghacks.net/2011/02/14/download-ie9-blocker-toolkit-to-prevent-automatic-internet-explorer-9-distribution/)

Posted in Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Breaking into Windows more or less complex, depends on you

Oct28
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Whitson Gordon at Lifehacker reports some different ways to break into windows or prevent others from doing so, ranging from using a Linux liveCD to access files to more complex passsword attacks (full article at http://lifehacker.com/5674972/how-to-break-into-a-windows-pc-and-prevent-it-from-happening-to-you).

Nicely written and usefull, at least to understand a little more.

Posted in Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , ,

Web alternatives to desktop software

Sep30
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Joel Falconer at Freelance switch (http://freelanceswitch.com/author/joel-falconer/) reports a Justin Stravarius Web.appstorm list on free web applications to use instead of desktop software (full article at http://freelanceswitch.com/general/50-great-web-alternatives-to-desktop-software-on-web-appstorm).

Really usefull and worth a look.

List includes, among the others:

Posted in Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

IE 9 not compatible with XP

Sep18
2010 1 Comment Written by hotrao

Ed Oswald at betaNews (http://www.betanews.com/author/eoswald) reports that Microsoft IE9 won’t be compatible with XP (full article at http://www.betanews.com/article/IE9-will-leave-a-significant-portion-of-Windows-users-behind/1284751432).

I understand innovation and I can understand products marketing support policies.

I also can understand that XP is not so new OS.

But is really worth for Microsoft to ignore or abandon nearly a half of his customers?

This post as a comment also at http://www.betanews.com/article/IE9-will-leave-a-significant-portion-of-Windows-users-behind/1284751432

Posted in Economy, Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

IE9 a wind of change

Sep16
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Austin Carr at Fast Company (http://www.fastcompany.com/user/219225) reports some of the characteristics of IE 9. Among them, one of the most interesting is “[...] Thanks to the power of HTML5, many of these partners from Amazon to CNN are taking advantage of IE9’s optimized platform to create immersive app-like experiences. Rather than opening IE9 and punching in an address, users may soon be pinning these “apps” to their taskbar. Redbull, for instance, will offer an interactive social media page complete with music and video. IMDB’s app will show off high-def trailers, only now possible in HTML5 with IE9. And Amazon has created a page that feels like a virtual bookstore, with access to daily deals and other features through Windows 7’s jump-lists. [...] ” (full article at http://www.fastcompany.com/1689097/microsoft-brings-apps-to-windows-7-with-internet-explorer-9).

Posted in communication, Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

How to clean giant context menus

Sep10
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Guys at how to geek write a good tutorial on how to clean a too much grown context menu (full article at http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28104/how-to-clean-up-your-messy-internet-explorer-context-menu/).

Simply the path is this:

“[...] The first thing you’ll notice is that there’s an “Accelerators” section of the context menu, and if you don’t use any of them, you can easily get rid of them all. Just head into Tools –> Manage Add-ons, click on Accelerators on the left-hand menu, and then disable any of the items that you don’t use. While you’re in here, you should also click on Toolbars and Extensions and get rid of anything else that you don’t actually need—it’ll make Internet Explorer run a whole lot faster. [...]  Next you’ll want to open up regedit.exe through the start menu search or run box, and then browse down to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMenuExt

Once you’re there, right-click on the key and choose Export, and then save out the file somewhere just in case you need to revert the changes—if you do, you can simply double-click on the exported file to put everything back. [...]”

Thanks guys for the hint.

Posted in Tech - Tagged , , , , ,

Paul Allen move a little bit out of time

Aug29
2010 1 Comment Written by hotrao

Austin Carr at Fast Company (http://www.fastcompany.com/user/219225) reports, among the others, that Microsoft co-fpouder Paul Allen has sued Apple, Google, Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, YouTube because of an infringement of patents he owns (full article at http://www.fastcompany.com/1685423/microsofts-paul-allen-sues-apple-google-facebook-yahoo-aol-youtube-and-more).

I don’t question on his supposed rights. I only say 20 years have passed (because patents are from the 90′s) and companies are well known and of same secto Mr. Allen is working form the beginning. Isn’t a bit surprising and late in acting at this time?

This post as a comment also at http://www.fastcompany.com/1685423/microsofts-paul-allen-sues-apple-google-facebook-yahoo-aol-youtube-and-more

Posted in Uncategorized - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Google again in the business of voice calls?

Aug25
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Dan Nosowitz at Fast Company, Arcamax, NPR, Kit Eaton from Fast Company, Michael Calore at Wired (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/author/howto_admin/) and Rosa Golijan at Gizmodo report a CNET source on “[...] an as yet unconfirmed rumor that Google is testing a voice calling service, to be embedded inside Gmail and thus a web-based VoIP product. The service will, according to the rumor, be launched from the Google Chat window where contacts reside, and will be a sort of combination of Google Talk and Google Voice.  Google Talk, launched a few years ago, is a combination of instant messaging and VoIP, while Google Voice consolidates various phone numbers into a single one, along with other services like voicemail transcription. But what CNET is reporting is a bit different: true web-based phone calls, for free (or very cheap). Users won’t even be required to have a Google Voice number to use the upcoming service. [...]” (full article at http://www.fastcompany.com/1684840/google-reportedly-taking-aim-at-skype-with-voice-calling-in-gmail and original at CNET at http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-20014617-265.html at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129440019&ft=1&f=1001 ,at http://www.fastcompany.com/1684961/googles-next-assault-on-the-phone-biz-call-phones-from-gmail and at http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/08/gmail-gets-dialed-up-a-notch-with-new-calling-feature/comment-page-1/#comment-55101).

I think Google will be a great competitor for Skype and MSN, because of some important factors:

a) Broadness of services offered

b) Potential integration of services

c) Reliability

d) Capability of service visioning

The hope is that they don’t go too far in imagination just like they did with Wave and do something simple and effective like they did with other service (Docs, Mail,…)

This post as a comment also at http://www.fastcompany.com/1684840/google-reportedly-taking-aim-at-skype-with-voice-calling-in-gmail , at http://gizmodo.com/5621146/soon-youll-be-able-to-make-phone-calls-from-your-gmail-inbox, at http://www.arcamax.com/businessnews/s-770638-840175#posts ,at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?verified=true&storyId=129440019&ft=1&f=1001#commentBlock and at http://www.fastcompany.com/1684961/googles-next-assault-on-the-phone-biz-call-phones-from-gmail

Posted in communication, Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft phones altering results?

Jul23
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Matthew Humpries (http://www.geek.com/users/Matthew/) at Geek.com Matt Hartley at Lockergnome and Matt Buchanan at Gizmodo reports that Microsoft is going to give for free to its own employees mobile phones with Windows 7 installed (full article at http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/microsoft-giving-90000-employees-windows-7-phone-20100722/ and at http://gizmodo.com/5593104/every-microsoft-employee-is-getting-a-windows-phone-7-uh-phone).

Distributing goods produced is a quite diffused practice in companies in order to push them (on marketing side) or to achieve results (e.g. emptying a wharehouse with unsold things, reaching a goal,…).

Having people using what they produce is something I find intelligent, because is an enabler for a lot of behaviours and processes.

What sounds strage to me is the number of 90.000 phones that risks to alter some (or most) of market results, if not in terms of money, at least in terms of volumes reporting.

This post as a comment also at http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/microsoft-giving-90000-employees-windows-7-phone-20100722/comment-page-1/#comment-3847287 and at http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2010/07/22/windows-phone-7-units-for-everyone/comment-page-1/#comment-215336 and at http://gizmodo.com/5593104/every-microsoft-employee-is-getting-a-windows-phone-7-uh-phone).

Posted in behaviour, communication, Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Apple to overtake Microsoft in profits

Jul23
2010 3 Comments Written by hotrao

Natania at geeks are sexy writes an article on which I agree and that would have been strange 10 years ago: CNN (http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/21/technology/apple_microsoft_earnings/index.htm) reportts that Apple is, at the moment, the most valuable tech company (more the Microsoft) (full article at http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2010/07/22/apple-poised-to-top-microsoft-this-quarter/).

Is very strange seen at the moment, but I think is the prize for the real breakthrough of Apple products.

I’m not a “taliban” of Apple products, but, I admit, that they brought great accelleration in my life (e.g. iphone succeded in making me paperless more tha all other smart phones and PDA in last decade).

This post as a comment also at http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2010/07/22/apple-poised-to-top-microsoft-this-quarter/#comment-258012

Posted in Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Some credit score definitions

Jun29
2010 2 Comments Written by hotrao

I came through a Liz Pulliam Weston article at Microsoft money central that is very clear and defines different kind of scores used by credit lenders (full article was supposed to be at http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/8SecretCreditScores.htm, but unfortunately I’m not able to check it at the moment :-( )

Liz reports, in extreme synthesis those scores:

  • Credit risk score: also known as FICO, ranges from 350 to 800 with good credit over 700
  • Response score: measures client responsiveness to a credit offer, tipically used from up and cross selling
  • Application score: summarizes the datas not included in credit risk score
  • Bankruptcy score: similar in some way to probability of default predicts the chances of missing a payment within the next two years
  • Revenue score: Measures how much you’re profitable for the money lender
  • Attrition-risk score: Measures client risk of abandon (means that stop using the card)
  • Behavior score: an indicator of how well the client is handling all credit accounts
  • Transaction score: an indicator referred to each transaction to determine the approval
  • Collection score: is used by collection agenciesto determine the likehood of being paid
Posted in Economy, Work - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The personal nuclear plant

Jun15
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Katie Fehrenbacher at earth2tech (http://earth2tech.com/author/katiefehren/), Ron Schenone at Lockergnome and Ariel Schwartz at Fastcompany (http://www.fastcompany.com/user/153941 ) report that “[...] TerraPower, the nuclear power startup backed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, has brought on another couple of high-profile investors for its second round of funding. According to the company this afternoon, TerraPower has raised another $35 million from Khosla Ventures — Vinod Khosla’s venture fund — and Charles River Ventures, in addition to being supported by Gates and the investors at Intellectual Ventures, which was founded by former Microsoft chief technology officer, Nathan Myhrvold [...]” (full article at http://earth2tech.com/2010/06/14/bill-gates-backed-nuclear-startup-terrapower-piles-on-investors, at http://www.fastcompany.com/1660316/bill-gates-backed-nuclear-power-startup-gets-35-million and at http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2010/06/16/bill-gates-wants-power-nuclear-power-for-green-energy/).

I think that, despite everyone fearing the “nuclear option”, this could be part of our future: A source of power non impacting at environmental level (at least in a reasonable amount of time).

On the other side, I don’t understand if this will create a problem of waste or at least of maintenance, but if benefits are obvious in the quite immediate timeframe, on the problems side we are moving the problem to future generations and this is nor fair nor smart.

Another possible problem could arise from those having access to this technology and, more in general to nuclear activities. This could be overrun by limiting the market by regulating it very strictly.

Overall I’m positive on this solution, while I think a set of measures should be put in place to ensure a sustainable and safe approach is guaranted.

This post as a comment also at http://earth2tech.com/2010/06/14/bill-gates-backed-nuclear-startup-terrapower-piles-on-investors/?go_commented=1 and at http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2010/06/16/bill-gates-wants-power-nuclear-power-for-green-energy/comment-page-1/#comment-217159 and at http://www.fastcompany.com/1660316/bill-gates-backed-nuclear-power-startup-gets-35-million?partner=rss#disqus_thread

Posted in Economy, Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft Office webapps vs Google docs

Jun11
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

Kevin Purdy at Lifehacker writes an article comparing Microsoft Office Webapps and Google Docs (full article at http://lifehacker.com/5560352/how-does-office-web-apps-compare-to-google-docs).

Kevin underlines as winning points for office:

  • Microsoft Office compatibility: that’s true, but I wouldn’t expect anything different
  • Font selection: this is true, but really depends on the use of the app. In some cases, those using webapps, use them for an “on the go access”, rather that working constantly on them. Especially if you use them in a business environment with strict policies on documents sharing/filing
  • Storage Space and Access: 25 GB is approaching the size of a small PC… :-)
  • One note integration: this also depends on how much are you using one note.

As winning points for Google docs:

  •  Interface and organization: true, because Google User Experience is mostly awesome.
  • Sharing and collaboration: again true, but depends a lot on who you are, becasue, again, corporation don’t like particularly the sharing and filing outside company’s walls.
  • Speed: Yes is important but is a tradeoff with User experience
  • Google interaction: as for Office, I give it as something obvious.

This posta as a comment also at http://lifehacker.com/5560352/how-does-office-web-apps-compare-to-google-docs

Posted in Tech - Tagged , , , , , ,

Windows web platform

Jun11
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

An anonymous at How to Geek writes a tutorial on using web applications locally through Microsoft Windows Web Platform (full article at http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19182/run-wordpress-and-other-web-apps-on-your-pc-the-easy-way/).

“[...] 

Many web apps today, such as WordPress, MediaWiki, and more, are open source and can be run for free from any computer with even a simple local web server.  They are often very difficult to install on your computer, since they require a number of dependencies such as PHP and MySQL.  Microsoft has worked to make this easier, releasing the Windows Web Platform Installer.  This lets you install many popular web apps and free tools in Windows with only a few clicks.

Here we’re going to look at how to install WordPress and the free Visual Web Developer 2010 Express to edit web code with the Web Platform Installer.  But, if you’d rather install a different web app or tool, feel free to choose those as the installations are generally similar. [...]”

Worth a read, given the trend of putting everything on the web.

This post also as a comment at http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19182/run-wordpress-and-other-web-apps-on-your-pc-the-easy-way/#comment-93847

Posted in Other, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Happy birthday Windows 3.0

May23
2010 Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

The windows club reminds us that today is the 20th anniversary of Microsoft Windows 3.0  (full story at http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-3-0-turns-20).

Those like me that remember those “good old times” also remind that sort of religious wars between thos owning a Mac, an Amiga and a PC.

And when we read the System requirments:

  • 8086/8088 processor or better
  • 640K conventional memory, though 1 MB of extended memory recommended.
  • Hard disk with 6-7MB of free space
  • CGA/EGA/VGA/Hercules/8514/A graphics and an appropriate and compatible monitor

    • a little proud smile comes in my mind, wondering how much we were cratives doing what everyone of us did with those resources.

    Now we think that Teras, Gigas and Internet are the “normal” world. Yesterday we had kilos and megas. No it’s not a century ago, just 20 years.

    This post as a comment also at http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-3-0-turns-20/comment-page-1#comment-5273

    Posted in Other, Tech, Thoughts - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

    Microsoft affected by inertia or by monopoly?

    Feb06
    2010     1 Comment Written by hotrao

    the oracle at Lockergnome writes an article on Microsoft reporting former employee impressions on different topics, including Redmond’s inability to produce a serious breahtrough in tablets (full story at http://www.lockergnome.com/theoracle/2010/02/05/microsoft-isn%e2%80%99t-going-anywhere-soon-%e2%80%93-it%e2%80%99s-called-inertia/).

    In my opinion, a couple of factors affect Microsoft:

    a) first of all, the “winner inertia” started when acquired (and is still maintaining) the “de facto” monopoly of os and offic applications. This situation doesn’t help people innovating and, in consequence, doesn’t bring a winning product (both software or hardware) to the market

    b) Microsoft not being able of introducing (and communicating) a style, a unique “flavour” that differentiates from competitors (such as Apple user interface)

    Posted in communication, Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Yahoo decadence

    Jan24
    2010     Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

    Nick Bilton at New York Times (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/author/nick-bilton/)makes a great parallel between the 4 majors (full article at http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/a-big-picture-look-at-google-microsoft-apple-and-yahoo/?src=twt&twt=nytimesbits, same story at http://gizmodo.com/5455267/empire-building-visualizing-google-microsoft-apple-and-yahoo?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29).

    This is the demonstration of a trend well established between the years.

    Microsoft has remained a top player, differentiated through markets and clusters of population.

    Google and Apple are getting more power as niche or mass players.

    Yahoo has remained in its original scope and is becoming a minor player with the fate of disappearingm eaten by one of the others.

    The difference for me stays in management and wise pursuing of opportunities (including differentiation in new markets).

    The winners and the looser…

    This  post also at http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/a-big-picture-look-at-google-microsoft-apple-and-yahoo/?src=twt&twt=nytimesbits#preview and at http://gizmodo.com/5455267/empire-building-visualizing-google-microsoft-apple-and-yahoo?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

    Posted in Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Internet Explorer exploit and popular belief

    Jan19
    2010     Leave a Comment Written by hotrao

    Jennifer LeClaire at CRM daily, just like many others on the net in different languages, recalls warnings issued in Germany and France regarding Internet Explorer security problem (full article at http://www.crm-daily.com/story.xhtml?story_id=71124).

    Jennifer is quite right in everything, including the doubt that some political manouvres are taking place in Europe against Microsoft.

    I’m quite curious about the number of customers actually affected by this IE weakness. Maybe will be a ridicuolus amount.

    What makes me think is that everybody is talking on this issue and most of the non techie people believe is a real problem.

    I’m european and I’m not for or against Microsoft (nor Google, and just to be clear, I’m not involved with both of them), but I think that in the supposed name of “freedom of choice” and freedom of speech great confusion is being put in the users arena and no advantage is given to end users.

    I think it’s a quite tricky situation: everybody goes for free things but wants the same advantages of the paid ones.

    At the same time, everyone approaches Microsoft as the main problem in the world just because is perceived as monopolistic, while not considering that Google has a bigger monopoly and strength than Microsoft.

    And at the same time users can choose the browser they like at least in Europe (but what prevented same users to switch let’s say to Chrome or Firefox?). But are they aware of the choice they’re are taking or are just pressing some icons in the name of freedom, without knowing how to manage, for instance, support when they have problems?

    At the end, I think that there are some more serious problems than choosing a browser or exploiting a weakness in a browser.

    And at same time, everyone that has the knowledge of the real weight of the problem has the due to explain it.

    Otherwise I think we are playing the game of those who are playing dirty, trying to make us believe that exist problems where there are not.

    Posted in behaviour, communication, Economy, Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Adobe more attractive than Microsoft for hackers

    Dec29
    2009     1 Comment Written by hotrao

    James Niccolai at Computerworld writes an article reporting that Adobe with Acrobat reader and flash will be the next target for hackers, overtaking Microsoft, for a Mcafee source (full story at http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9142829/Adobe_will_be_top_target_for_hackers_in_2010_report_says?source=rss_news).

    Doesn’t surprise me. Adobe is well spread among users (and less publicized). And especially for flash is a defacto standard and a prerequisite for many sites. And, maybe, is quite easier to hack than other platforms.

    Maybe Google OS will be the target in 2012 (when hopefully will reach a maturity and spread wide enough to make the effort meaningfull).

    This post as a comment also at http://www.computerworld.com/comments/node/9142829#comment-557465

    Posted in Tech - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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