10/26/2012 - Windows 8 Launch!!!

Today is the Official Launch date of Windows 8!

New buyer upgrade: If you purchased a Windows 7 PC after June 2, 2012 you can get a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $14.99. Microsoft started accepting upgrade registrations in August, but you can sign up now via windowsupgradeoffer.com. Starting today, Microsoft will send out promo codes via email. When you upgrade via Windows.com, Microsoft will display the $39.99 price for general upgrades; enter the promo code on the confirmation page to get the $14.99 price. Users have until Feb. 28, 2013 to use their promo code. For more, see Microsoft's FAQ.  If you have purchased a new computer on or after June 2, 2012, you have until 01/31/2012 to apply for your $14.99 upgrade special.

https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US

if you have questions: 

http://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US/Home/Faq

If you have a PC purchased prior to 06/02/2012 and it has Window XP (SP3), Vista or Windows 7, and you wish to upgrade, the cost will be $39.99 for download only or $69.99 for media and shipping.

Upgrade your existing PC online: PC users running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 can upgrade their PCs to Windows 8 Pro via a $39.99 download from now until Jan. 31, 2013. First, Microsoft will run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to make sure your computer can handle Windows 8. If you're in the clear, you will be walked through the upgrade process. Those with Windows 7 will have their files, apps, and settings automatically transferred to Windows 8 Pro (though it's always good to have a backup). If you have a PC with XP or Vista, you will have to reinstall apps.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbpage.Windows_8_Pro?WT.term=windows+8+upgrade&WT.mc_id=pointitsem_Microsoft+US_google_5+-+Windows+8&WT.medium=cpc&WT.campaign=5+-+Windows+8&WT.srch=1&WT.content=mXXO62qV&WT.source=google&cshift_ck=611b95e1-2e35-462d-bf19-d1c7663d2656csmXXO62qV

SPECIAL NOTE:  This is for the Windows 8 Pro version.  It doesn’t matter if you are running Home Premium or Home Basic, for the prices above you will receive the Windows 8 Pro edition.

Cover my Butt Caveat:  I really like the new Windows 8 a lot!  However, it is different and there may be some device drivers that are not compatible.  That is why you run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.  I cannot say what the price of Windows 8 will be after 01/31/2013 but I have seen it range from $139.99 (OEM-NewEgg) to $199.99 (Full Version) online.  Download and save it!

Thanks for reading!!!

WIndows 8 Launch Oct 26th, BYOD has many options

Friday 10/26/12, Windows 8 Official Launch Date
Microsoft $499 Surface Tablet sells out, Office 2013 free upgrade, iPad Mini, Chromebook

Office 2013 free upgrade for owners of Office 2010
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9232656/Microsoft_kicks_off_free_Office_2013_upgrades

Microsoft Sells out of $500 Surface RT Pre-Orders in One Day
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/microsoft-sells-out-of-500-surface-rt-pre-orders-in-one-day/

and as the BYOD trend gains momemtum, (IT security headaches will abound)

iPad Mini will hit Stores November 2
http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/19/source-ipad-mini-will-hit-stores-and-ship-to-early-buyers-november-2/

Apple phasing out iPad 2
 http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/10/19/apple-predicted-to-phase-out-ipad-2-to-streamline-product-line-for-ipad-mini


Google Chromebooks available for $249, something useable rather than a tablet.
http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/features.html

 Security News, Issues and Concerns

The recent increase in DDoS attacks on banks by Iranian, Russian crime syndicates and other foreign sources are cause for alarm for increased vigilance by businesses and consumers.  The attacks have demonstrated weaknesses in the banking systems security and hopefully will put the banks on a higher state of alert to patch and implement added security.

http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/interviews/ddos-first-line-defense-i-1683

The latest scheme involve hackers backed by investors to target online users.  An international gang of cyber crooks is plotting a major campaign to steal money from the online accounts of thousands of consumers at 30 or more major U.S. banks, security firm RSA warned... to read more click on link below;

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9232117/Cybercriminals_plot_massive_banking_Trojan_attack?source=rss_keyword_edpicks&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+computerworld%2Fs%2Ffeed%2Fkeyword%2FEditorsPicks+%28Computerworld+Editors%27+Picks%29&google_editors_picks=true

and as the BYOD trend gains momemtum, (IT security headaches will abound), Malware on mobile devices, tablets and phone on the rise.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a consumer alert warning of malware attacks against mobile devices that run the Android operating system.
http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/fbi-warns-mobile-malware-risks-a-5216