The new update to Windows 8, Windows 8.1 is available for download today. If you have purchased a computer with Windows 8 the upgrade is free. The retail version will be available in stores tomorrow October 18th along with new systems running Windows 8.1.
The update is quite large 3.63 gigabytes in size, so depending on the speed of your internet connection the upgrade could take some time. The upgrade is available at the Microsoft Store.
The new Windows 8.1 not only returns the familiar Start Button but includes a slew of new highly polished features. To read more check the links after the upgrade instructions below.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/features#personalize=startscreen
http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-57608025-12/windows-8.1-is-finally-here/
Follow these steps to download the upgrade,
At your Windows 8 computer open Internet Explorer and go to www.microsoft.com
Click on Update to Windows 8.1 then click again on Get the Update, you will now see the download button. Once again do this on your Windows 8 computer.
If you do these steps from a system running any other flavor of Windows you will not see the download button. Instead you will be offered compelling reasons on why you should upgrade.
These steps may change but that is the way it works today.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tech News: Patch Tuesday, Windows 8.1 release date and related news.
PATCH Tuesday!!!
It's Patch Tuesday. As always on the second Tuesday of each month the latest security updates and patches are made available by Microsoft and if your computer is set to receive automatic updates expect a system restart in the next day or two. This month marks the 10 year anniversary of Patch Tuesday but it still catches users by surprise. This time around expect 8 security updates to Windows Internet Explorer, .Net, Office and Silverlight.
http://www.zdnet.com/8-microsoft-patches-coming-including-ie-zero-day-7000021538/?s_cid=e589&ttag=e589
Windows 8.1 Release Date
The Windows 8.1 release date is October 17. The download will be free to existing Windows 8 users via Windows Update. Retail versions will be available October 18 and manufacturers already have the product in preparation of releasing their products with the latest version.
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-update-to-build-on-and-improve-windows-8-1131737
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/get-ready-for-your-upgrade-to-windows-81/
I have been using Windows 8 in either beta or official version since September of 2011, Facebook Post, at that time I installed the beta on an unimpressive Windows 7 Acer Iconia W500 Tablet. The transformation was instantaneous and I have loved the system ever since. However there has been a lot of grumbling about the OS and I understand and sympathize with those that find new Metro Interface intrusive and lament the loss of the familiar Start Button and default Desktop. However those issues have been addressed the Windows 8.1 and to help ease your implementation I have included some helpful links below.
It's Patch Tuesday. As always on the second Tuesday of each month the latest security updates and patches are made available by Microsoft and if your computer is set to receive automatic updates expect a system restart in the next day or two. This month marks the 10 year anniversary of Patch Tuesday but it still catches users by surprise. This time around expect 8 security updates to Windows Internet Explorer, .Net, Office and Silverlight.
http://www.zdnet.com/8-microsoft-patches-coming-including-ie-zero-day-7000021538/?s_cid=e589&ttag=e589
Windows 8.1 Release Date
The Windows 8.1 release date is October 17. The download will be free to existing Windows 8 users via Windows Update. Retail versions will be available October 18 and manufacturers already have the product in preparation of releasing their products with the latest version.
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-update-to-build-on-and-improve-windows-8-1131737
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/get-ready-for-your-upgrade-to-windows-81/
I have been using Windows 8 in either beta or official version since September of 2011, Facebook Post, at that time I installed the beta on an unimpressive Windows 7 Acer Iconia W500 Tablet. The transformation was instantaneous and I have loved the system ever since. However there has been a lot of grumbling about the OS and I understand and sympathize with those that find new Metro Interface intrusive and lament the loss of the familiar Start Button and default Desktop. However those issues have been addressed the Windows 8.1 and to help ease your implementation I have included some helpful links below.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Huge gains in Wireless technology - New Standard - 802.11ac
802.11ac wireless
There is a new standard in wireless technology with benefits far greater than any other previous advancement. The new technology is called 802.11ac and the gains in speed, range and stability are like no other advancements previously. The chart to the right represents the speed increase over the previous defacto standard 802.11n.
The new standard provides backward compatibility with 802.11b, g and n so you can buy a new 802.11ac router without having to worry about it working with all your existing devices. However to enjoy the new standard's blazing speed and other benefits you will have to purchase an 802.11ac device. With that said, I installed a new Linksys 802.11ac router for a client this week who was having issues with Netflix and other streaming media over his wireless connection with his Sony Bravia/Sony BlueRay devices. The time to setup the media stream and constant buffering were annoyances that were eliminated with the new router. It greatly enhanced his existing 802.11n devices and eliminated the buffering problem he was having with his NetFlix and other streaming media outlets.
The speed alone is compelling enough for most to make the transition to 802.11ac but range is equally important. Unlike previous protocols, 802.11ac is found entirely within the 5GHz range. The 5GHz range has much less noise than 2.4GHz and therefore suffers from less interference. Rather than broadcasting it's signal in all directions like previous technologies it has what is called 'beamforming'. It detects where devices are and intensifies its signal in their direction.
Samsung Smartphones notably the Galaxy S4 and Mega already come with 802.11ac. The 2013 Apple Macbook Air along with new Intel equipped Ultrabooks powered by the Haswell 4th generation processors will contain this technology and more devices are on their way. Some manufacturers released products early with what is called Draft 802.11ac, the assertion being that a ROM upgrade later on will compensate for any changes to the standard.
The real world result is 802.11ac not only enables you to enjoy the fastest 100Mbit (and beyond) fibre optic broadband speeds all over the house, but to enjoy it along with multiple streams of Full HD content, super low latency gaming and blazing fast home networking all at the same time.
For more information and opinions please check the following links;
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/802-11ac-vs-802-11n-what-s-the-difference
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/092112-80211ac-262672.html
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/160837-what-is-802-11ac-and-how-much-faster-than-802-11n-is-it
BTW-The router that I installed for my client was a Cisco (Linksys) EA6500 purchased at Office Depot for $159.99.
If you are having difficulties with your existing wireless network and wish to move to the new 802.11ac standard today than later...
Driving Force 802.11AC bundle package consisting of Edimax 802.11ac wireless dualband Router & USB 3.0 802.11ac adapter
There is a new standard in wireless technology with benefits far greater than any other previous advancement. The new technology is called 802.11ac and the gains in speed, range and stability are like no other advancements previously. The chart to the right represents the speed increase over the previous defacto standard 802.11n.
The new standard provides backward compatibility with 802.11b, g and n so you can buy a new 802.11ac router without having to worry about it working with all your existing devices. However to enjoy the new standard's blazing speed and other benefits you will have to purchase an 802.11ac device. With that said, I installed a new Linksys 802.11ac router for a client this week who was having issues with Netflix and other streaming media over his wireless connection with his Sony Bravia/Sony BlueRay devices. The time to setup the media stream and constant buffering were annoyances that were eliminated with the new router. It greatly enhanced his existing 802.11n devices and eliminated the buffering problem he was having with his NetFlix and other streaming media outlets.
The speed alone is compelling enough for most to make the transition to 802.11ac but range is equally important. Unlike previous protocols, 802.11ac is found entirely within the 5GHz range. The 5GHz range has much less noise than 2.4GHz and therefore suffers from less interference. Rather than broadcasting it's signal in all directions like previous technologies it has what is called 'beamforming'. It detects where devices are and intensifies its signal in their direction.
Samsung Smartphones notably the Galaxy S4 and Mega already come with 802.11ac. The 2013 Apple Macbook Air along with new Intel equipped Ultrabooks powered by the Haswell 4th generation processors will contain this technology and more devices are on their way. Some manufacturers released products early with what is called Draft 802.11ac, the assertion being that a ROM upgrade later on will compensate for any changes to the standard.
The real world result is 802.11ac not only enables you to enjoy the fastest 100Mbit (and beyond) fibre optic broadband speeds all over the house, but to enjoy it along with multiple streams of Full HD content, super low latency gaming and blazing fast home networking all at the same time.
For more information and opinions please check the following links;
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/802-11ac-vs-802-11n-what-s-the-difference
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/092112-80211ac-262672.html
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/160837-what-is-802-11ac-and-how-much-faster-than-802-11n-is-it
BTW-The router that I installed for my client was a Cisco (Linksys) EA6500 purchased at Office Depot for $159.99.
SHAMELESS PLUGS
If you are having difficulties with your existing wireless network and wish to move to the new 802.11ac standard today than later...
Driving Force 802.11AC bundle package consisting of Edimax 802.11ac wireless dualband Router & USB 3.0 802.11ac adapter
$149
Call Driving Force Software 404-728-0353 dforce@drivingforce.net
Call Driving Force Software 404-728-0353
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