Apple's New iPad Mini

Apple Unveils Star of the Show: iPad Mini

In a much-anticipated event, Apple today released a spread of new devices, highlighting and improving the smallest form factors that the company has become well-known for. Two of the devices were additions to their iPad line of tablets.

With the first viewing, our inner Nerd died a little… The iPad 4 is relatively unremarkable. Except for the fact that they have ditched the "new iPad" branding in favor of numbers again, there is little to differentiate this device from its predecessors.

So how do they get away with calling it new and improved? They did add a faster A6X processor, HD front-facing camera for “Facetime”, and a Lightning connector, which made its first appearance on the newest iPhone. Other than these minor changes, which come as a sort of slap in the face to new iPad owners, there are few improvements. So unless you just have to have the latest or are in the market anyways, experts say – wait.
However, the event finally caught our eye with the new addition to their tablet line. The iPad mini is the star of today's show. The iPad mini has a 7.9 inch screen, down from the 9.7 inch screen of its big brother. The spin, this smaller screen has the same number of pixels as the iPad 2, which makes for a higher pixel density, and therefore crisper display. The device can be held in one hand, and contains all the features of the other iPads, down to the processing speed.

With the decent and competitive price of just $329, the iPad mini promises to pose a serious competition to the other 7-inch tablets, such as the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire. Its construction is of more solid materials and has a smaller bezel, which translates to a higher device to screen ratio. Early reports are mostly positive. Both devices become available on November 2, just in time for the holiday gadget gifting season.

Apple's New iMac

iMac: “Sleek” Makeovers Unveiled: Apple’s Newest Additions

Topping today's announcements, Apple unveiled a number of new and sleek devices, including a major update to both their laptop and desktop lines.

Popularity gets a makeover: The first device is an addition to the MacBook Pro line. The "world's most popular notebook" now comes in a 13-inch size with retina display for crisp and highly detailed graphics, which also reduce eye strain. Coming in at a resolution of 1680x1050, the laptop is able to handle an impressive amount of computing, including HD video while rending audio and photo graphics. The device adheres to the same rigorous design standards as previous iterations, and is constructed out of aluminum and glass.


“Hybrid” is the New Vogue: Speaking of storage, Apple also introduced their new "Fusion Drive," which is a hybrid drive that contains both a solid-state drive for increased speed and a traditional hard drive for maximum storage. All new iMacs can be configured to contain the new Fusion Drive.

Can’t wait for the new line of sleek Apple products? The 21.5-inch iMac will be available in November, and the 27-inch version in December, just in time for the holidays.

Nerds On Call Reviews Windows 8

Windows 8: Finally, Microsoft ahead of the Curve

It's been a few years since Microsoft came out with their last operating system, and in those years there have been some big changes to computing technologies. Windows 8, scheduled to release on October 26, attempts to evolve software in a direction that is compatible with the changes that have come to the hardware world since then. So how well did they do? Even more importantly, how well does it introduce users familiar with the old methods of computing to the future that Microsoft is looking to build?

Touch screen Trends:

Windows 8 attempts to capitalize on the current trend towards touchscreen computing. The entire feel of the operating system has been redefined. The first example that users will immediately notice upon starting Windows 8 for the first time is the tutorial video that explains how to use the new operating system. When you create an account, the video explains how to "swipe in," making a gesture from the edge of the screen to trigger certain actions. Touch interactions like this have replaced many of the obtrusive buttons in previous versions, and for the first time in almost 20 years, Windows no longer has a start button.

Gone Metro:

This new design aesthetic is referred to as "Metro." Instead of the familiar desktop, with the start bar and icons, there is now a grid of colored, changing tiles. If you've set up a Microsoft account with Windows 8, your email, calendar, and contacts will be automatically added, a welcome feature. If your Microsoft account is linked with your Facebook, your brand-new computer will seem almost eerily familiar, with friends' statuses and photos already scrolling across one of the tiles on your screen.

Navigation:

Most of the navigation is obviously meant for touch devices, but translates well to the mouse, as long as you can familiarize yourself with the new gestures. Fortunately, most commands have touch, mouse, as well as keyboard commands, so that no matter what you're familiar with, you can learn quickly. Swiping from the right will bring up the "Charms," five icons for a number of basic tasks. It will also show the standard time and date, as well as battery life and network status. Unlike previous versions, the date and time are not constantly displayed on screen, which can get frustrating if you're used to it.

There’s a Store:

What is arguably the biggest change to Windows 8 is the Windows Store. Similar to the app store born on the iPhone and bred in the Android marketplace and Mac App Store, this is a centralized location from which users can download verified apps directly from the publisher. Microsoft is attempting to create a unified source for apps that look, feel, and behave the same across all devices. The reason for this is that once purchased with your Microsoft account, apps will be available on all computers that you use, including some that carry between Windows Phone 8 and the desktop counterpart. The selection is limited for the time being, but will certainly explode in the future.

Internet Explorer now Intuitive:

There are thousands of new features in Windows 8 - and it will no doubt take a while to get used to them. A few of the downsides like limited Windows Store availability will be ironed out in time. For the number of new directions that Windows 8 has gone in, it succeeds remarkably in them, and will certainly improve as Microsoft responds to consumer demands. For those who have no need of the newest technology, it's probably not worth an immediate upgrade - at least wait until "that guy who's good with computers" gives it a shot and can help you use it. But Windows 8 it certainly ushering in a new trend in computing, and does it with style.

Photo used by permission Ceo1O17

Windows 8: Worth the $40 Upgrade?

Do We Need Windows 8?

In just a few days, Microsoft will release the newest version of its flagship product: the Windows operating system. Named Windows 8, this piece of software promises to completely overhaul the PC computing experience, while adding functionality, security, and efficiency.

Didn't Windows 7 Just Come Out?

Windows 8 has been in development for three years. Earlier this year, Microsoft released the Consumer Preview to registered Microsoft users, which allowed the public to see the direction that the operating system was heading in, and allowed them to give their feedback.

On August 1, it was finalized and shipped to the manufacturing plants to be physically created and packaged for purchase. It releases worldwide on October 26, 2012.

What's Different?

The operating system is optimized for tablets, like the Microsoft Surface which releases this year, as well as the many tablet computers being made by manufacturers like Sony. The layout is more touch-based than previous iterations, and uses large colored tiles in what is called the “Metro Interface.”

The Metro interface is a full-screen management system that allows the user to keep track of running applications, check up on messages, Facebook posts, weather, and new applications to launch. It uses large colorful icons, which are geared towards those using a tablet, especially those not familiar with the technology. Microsoft promises increased usability with the new feature.

Windows 8 is the first Microsoft operating system in almost twenty years not to have the start button on screen, traditionally in the lower-left corner. It remains to be seen how consumers will react to this drastic change.

Windows 8 Has an App Store?

For those with multiple computers, such as a laptop, desktop, and tablet, the Windows Store has been added as a digital distribution platform which allows users to purchase software that is linked to their account and can be installed on any computer owned by that user. Similar to the Apple App store, it offers a centralized location to download apps that have been verified, which can cut down on security breaches.

Is This The End of Viruses?

For security, Windows 8 is equipped with the new WinRT system, which allows programs to run in a “secure sandbox.” This means that potentially malicious programs will not be able to modify the essential files of the computer, which is how viruses propagate traditionally.

On top of these changes, it comes with a multitude of new features, including Internet Explorer 10 and a host of hardware fixes, including support for USB 3.0, which allows for faster transfer of files.

How Much?

For those running an older version of Windows, all the way back to XP, Microsoft offers an upgrade for only $40, the cheapest price that they have ever offered on an operating system. However, this is only available as a digital download – the disc will cost another $30.

More than Just Computers?

Windows Phone 8 will launch three days after Windows 8, and will include many of the same features as its big brother on the phone architecture. Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC will all offer phones based on this operating system. Many of the features will be compatible between the two systems, including some Windows Store apps.

Photo used by permission Ceo1O17

Staying Safe on LinkedIn

If you use the popular networking site LinkedIn, you should take a look at this handy infographic on how to make sure your online privacy is protected while using the website.

Under-Utilized Windows 7 Features

Secret Features in Windows 7

Most of us utilize a Windows PC regularly enough that we navigate through our go-to functions with little exploration or modification. Yet hidden in the Windows 7 framework are some handy tools that you’ve likely never taken advantage of. Here are just a few of the more under-utilized tools that are already at your disposal.

Windows Logo Key Shortcuts

The Windows logo key (likely located on the bottom left of your keyboard, next to your Alt key) allows for nifty keyboard-driven functionality.

1. Win Logo Key (Win) opens or closes the Start menu.


2. Win+F opens the search function, allowing you to search for a keyword within names and contents of all files on your system.


3. Win+ D minimizes all running windows to instantly return you to your desktop.


4. Win+ Arrows allows you to resize or dock program windows. I often operate multiple programs at once, using the split screen function to view and move between programs simultaneously. This usually involves a frustrating process of moving and re-sizing minimized program windows to get them lined up with the edges of my screen, on the correct side, and expanded to the maximum horizontal and vertical dimensions to fit the viewing area. Using the Windows key does all the resizing automatically:
   
   
   
   1. Win+ Up Arrow to maximize current application. Win+ Down Arrow to minimize current application.
   
   
   2. Win+ Left Arrow to send a minimized application to the left side & expand to the edges of the left ½ of the screen. Win+ Right Arrow to send to the right side.
   
   
   
   

Upgrade your Security

Anything that saves me having to remember a bunch of complicated usernames and passwords is a good thing. Windows 7 supports biometric (fingerprint) authentication, allowing you to restrict access to your laptop and/or login to websites with your finger. If you don’t have a fingerprint scanner built-in to your laptop or keyboard, USB fingerprint readers start at around $20 through retailers like Amazon or Newegg.

If a fingertip scanner doesn’t appeal to you, Windows Credential Manager allows you to securely store usernames and/or passwords on your PC. Add “credentials” for websites or other computers on a network and Credential Manager supplies the information automatically upon visiting a recognized site. Your credential “vaults” are more secure than storing logins in your browser. Just go to Control Panel - User Accounts and Family Safety - User Accounts and choose “Manage your credentials” from the menu on the left.

Super-Charged Calculator

It may look like a basic function lightweight, but the Windows 7 calculator sports additional functionality hidden under the View menu. In addition to Scientific, Programmer and Statistics calculators, you can convert units of measurement and calculate dates (for example, it can tell you the number of days or years between two dates). The Worksheet option helps you calculate mortgage or lease payments or terms, even your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Remotely access another PC

It may be easy for you to show someone how to attach a photo to an email, but walking a frustrated loved one through the process over the phone, unable to see what’s on their screen, is challenging. The next time Aunt Bea can’t get photos transferred from her SIM card, have her use Windows Remote Access to give you the ability to login to her system from yours, see everything on her screen and navigate her cursor in order to quickly and easily walk her through the steps.

For details of how to grant and/or get access, check out the Windows Remote Assistance info page (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-Windows-Remote-Assistance) and review links to “Get help with your computer using Windows Remote Assistance” and “Help someone with a computer problem using Windows Remote Assistance.”

Photo used by permission Masaru Kamikura

Should You Be Cloud Computing?

Hidden Benefits to Cloud Computing

Using cloud services such as Microsoft Live SkyDrive, Amazon’s “Cloud Drive,” Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox or SugarSync to store and/or backup your data has some clear advantages. Most notably: unlimited storage capability and the reliability of offsite redundant servers maintaining multiple mirror images of your data without having to invest in costly equipment. However, moving a large amount of data to the cloud will likely require a commitment to ongoing monthly fees. There are some additional benefits that may make the investment more cost effective.

Create a personal streaming media library.

Anyone who’s amassed an extensive collection of music, movies and photos can attest to the limitations of storing it all on one computer. Transfer your files to a cloud account that supports streaming (such as Amazon’s “Cloud Drive” or SugarSync) and you can listen to or view content over the Internet without taking up space on your computer or mobile device.

Note that storing a large amount of data will likely require a large, potentially costly cloud account. Some offer unlimited account options. Utilizing the cloud service affiliated with the source of your content has advantages. Many providers (including Amazon, Google and Apple) don’t count content you purchase through their associated stores toward your storage limit. Also, only content that’s compatible with your cloud provider’s application can be streamed. If, for example, you have a lot of digital music or movies purchased through Amazon, you’ll have the most seamless streaming experience using Amazon’s Cloud Player.

Share files with friends and colleagues.

While many businesses have discovered the benefits of using a cloud account to collaborate on a project, cloud providers that support public folders offer a great way to allow friends or family to share your digital media. Pick a provider that allows you to restrict access to data by setting permissions on individual folders and/or files. Dropbox is the industry leader for easy small file sharing, supporting most software platforms and boasting a large selection of add-on apps to increase its integration with variety of other programs like Evernote and Quickbooks. However, DropBox is ill-suited to storing a large amount of data: if you surpass the 2GB of free storage, it’s expensive compared to competitors and requires that everything you want synced be saved to one folder.

Seamlessly collaborate on group projects.

Speaking of sharing files, cloud accounts that support shared file syncing make collaborating on a project much easier. Everyone working on the project has access to the most recent version of each file, eliminating the need to manually merge sections together or wait for Fred to email his changes to the group. The instant one person makes a change to the file everyone else can see the latest version. SugarSync supports password-protected shared files and folders, while allowing project participants to maintain a synced folder locally on their own computer, for when they need to work offline. Changes are updated when team members are next online and instantly available to all team members.

Remotely access files stored on your PC.

Windows Live SkyDrive has a handy feature called “Fetch,” which allows you to retrieve files saved on your computer remotely. This comes in handy when you discover that you forgot to transfer an important file or folder to your cloud account. Provided the computer with the file you need is powered on, connected to the Internet and has an active SkyDrive application installed and linked to your account, you can use a remote access function to retrieve files from your computer using any device with access to the Internet. The main drawback of Skydrive is limited file size upload which makes it ill-suited for storing video files.

Photo used by permission Fuzzcat