When it comes to data backup there are still many individuals and businesses who are not fully backed up or have no backup at all. In a previous blog post I encourage everyone to take advantage of an Outlook.com account so they could enjoy the benefits of the Office Web Apps. Recently I have been using an additional Outlook.com feature, "SkyDrive" to backup and synchronize some small business and home users data.
Skydrive works much the same as DropBox. When installed on your computer it creates a folder on your Desktop or My Documents folder, (you can choose it's location). After that you can move whatever you wish into that folder and choose what to sync with the cloud. You can install Skydrive to both a notebook and desktop or as many devices as you wish. Skydrive will then sync the folders on these devices so that you have your data with you. However let's suppose that you do not wish to sync a portable device and choose not wish to install Skydrive onto that device for security/confidential reasons. You can still access your data via your browser by logging onto your Outlook.com account and opening up your SkyDrive folder.
Skydrive provides 7 GB of free storage versus 2 GB with Dropbox. This is good for a lot of apps and documents but not much space for pictures, music.
A new solution by LogMeIn, Cubby, provides an economical alternative with lots of space. They are currently running a limited time offer of $3.99/month (annual subscription) for 100 GB of space for both individuals and small businesses. Compare this to MozyPro's 50 GB/$18.33 month. Pretty much a no brainer so if you have not addressed your backup needs yet please don't pass up this opportunity to safeguard your data.
Intel introduces 4th Generation Core i3/i5/i7 Processor chips
With power levels as low as 6 watts in scenario design power, Intel is enabling thinner, lighter, cooler, quieter and fanless designs. New Intel Core processors also power designs such as all-in-one PCs with great battery life, bringing portability to the growing category. The highest-performing processor family, 4th gen Intel Core processors are capable of delivering up to 15 percent better performance than the previous generation.
The 1st generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors were offered in a 1156 pin array. The 2nd and 3rd generation came in an 1155 pin array except for some i7's which had the server Xeon LGA2011 pin array. The latest generation is a 1150 ping array. This means that a new generation processor will require a new main board. This is to be expected so that all the latest features of the new processors can be addressed with compatible chip sets. Just be careful when buying if you are a building your own super gaming/business system. Remember the best PCs are custom built, not
consumer crap.
Windows 8.1.
Windows 8 is not a bad product, it is fast and as I wrote in a previous blog no problem for about 10 percent who relishes new innovations and features. However Microsoft once again forgot about the 90 percent of hard working folks who aren't geeky like us Techies and have to earn a living using the computer to do the job at hand and don't have the time or desire to relearn the operating system Imagine how frustrating it is to be unable to perform what was a simple task in a time crunch situation because Redmond decided to change the way one does things and the user hasn't a clue where the Printer/Control panel/List of Programs/Launch Program controls are.
Windows 8.1 is supposed to address the missing Start Button and Desktop as default interface issues. I myself can't tell you how many times I have opened another instance of Internet Explorer by clicking where the Start Button use to be in Windows 8. Microsoft, I work on a variety of systems! Apple doesn't willy nilly change the User Interface with each version of MacOS. Lastly for the life of me I don't understand why it has taken so long and we have only reached the Windows 8.1 preview stage. Many 3rd party vendors had provided fixes for the missing Start Button/Desktop issues with the release of the original Windows 8. Microsoft is trying the patience of many loyal users.
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