Apple announces new Desktops on the way, Windows 10: The 10 biggest controversies and surprises in 2016.

Tim Cook says 'great desktops' are on the way for Apple

The death of the desktop computer has been touted for a number of years now with many people using tablets and smartphones for surfing the internet and email.  However for serious work you cannot accomplish (at least efficiently) the amount of work and creativity that you can with a desktop.  Now with iPad sales flagging Apple's Tim Cook recently told employees that new desktops are in Apple's future.  Read full article at following link;

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tim-cook-says-great-desktops-are-on-the-way-for-apple/?ftag=TREb82e1fa&bhid=2219791

https://www.onsparks.com/flagging-ipad-sales-may-continue/


Windows 10: The 10 biggest controversies & surprises in 2016

Microsoft flagship OS has generated it's share of user backlash.  Some of the things Redmond has been accused of is tricking Windows 7 and 8 users into upgrading to Windows 10, forced updates, OS bugs and more bugs, spying on users.

Users who wanted to stick with Windows 7 & 8 were disappointed when they learned the legacy OSs would not be supported on new AMD and Intel processors.

Read more at;

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-10-the-10-biggest-controversies-and-surprises-in-2016/?ftag=TREe09998f&bhid=2219791


Locky ransomware: How this malware menace evolved in just 12 months

As soon as Security companies add detection for known malware to their software and devices, the bad guys update their payload with new features to evade detection.  The Locky ransomware has received multiple updates in the past year.  Security company Check Point said that Locky is the second most prevalent malware worldwide and that several different groups customize the malware so there are multiple versions in use.  Read the article at;

http://www.zdnet.com/article/locky-ransomware-how-this-malware-menace-evolved-in-just-12-months/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_related&ftag=TRE0fb9d06&bhid=2219791

http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-cost-of-ransomware-attacks-1-billion-this-year/



New 6th generation PCs available from DFS-Driving Force Software

Intel 7th Generation Notebooks

Yahoo Biggest Hack ever, Microsoft Surface sales Surge on disappointing MacBook Pro

Yahoo Suffers World's Biggest Hack Affecting 1 Billion Users

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/yahoo-hackers-stole-information-1b-accounts-44196851

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/yahoo-says-hackers-stole-information-221214183.html

The link below is to a site that allows you to check if your email address has been compromised and which sites your information was stolen.  I have already checked some friends and clients, some of which are at jeopardy.  Protect yourself and change your passwords.

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamtanner/2014/04/14/these-sites-tell-which-of-your-accounts-have-been-hacked/#6db0eb2d4e8e

and from the I told you so file... a couple of posts ago.

Microsoft: Surface sales surge on "disappointment" with MacBook Pro

https://www.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-says-disappointment-macbook-pro-163640415.html

and for Apple the news gets worse.

Apple’s new TV app shows how painfully behind it is

http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/14/13938628/apple-tv-app-amazon-fire-netflix-cable-streaming

New 7th Generation Intel Core processors, 4K graphics, 3.5x performance and more

Intel has introduced their newest Core processors, the 7th Generation.

The processors are based on an industry leading 14nm manufacturing process that deliver significant performance gains and power efficiencie over previous generations.

The newest processors deliver much in performance.  You will experience

• Amazing 4K, 360 degree viewing and editing

• Native support for USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity

• A new wave of thin and stylish devices

There are 2 new families in the mobile processor level

The Y-Series (mobile) which boasts extremely low power.

• Intel Core m3-7Y30 processors
• Intel Core i5-7Y54 processors
• Intel Core i7-7Y75 processors

1. The Y series are extremely low power, runs cool using (TDP < or = 4.5W).
2. This allows for fanless, quiet and razor-thin designs.
3. These are great for tablets and detachable 2 in 1 devices with amazing battery life.

Then there is the U-Series (mobile), ultra-low power

• Intel Core i3-7100U processors
• Intel Core i5-7200U processors
• Intel Core i7-7500U processors

1. Ultra-low power.  (TDP approximately 15W)
2. Premium performance, powerful possibilities.
3. For convertible 2 in 1 devices and sleek laptops with all day battery life.

If you are using a 5 year old or older notebook or device, there are many exciting reasons to upgrade.  Some of the performance improvements and new features are;

Compared to a 5 year old PC, a new 7th gen Intel Core processor based PC has

• up to 55% faster system improvement
• up to 3.2X faster Intel HD Graphics
• Intel IRIS graphics, improved performace with Intel Iris Graphics, integrated eDRAM

Compared to a 5 year old PC, a new 7th gen Intel Core processor PC is Lower Power and Energy Efficient.  It has up to 2.5X longer battery life than a 5 year old PC which means:  up to 10 hrs of battery life for a new PC.

Fantastic Media and Graphics;

WATCH

• User-generated 4K streams premium content with high fidelity
• TV on-the-go and next generation Blu-Ray.

CREATE

• Real-time 4K content creation
• Efficient transcode with hardware acceleration
• Faster 360 video creation

GAME

• Broad playability of Games on Intel processors with Intel graphics
• Many top games playable at 1080p
• Supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4

With the new 7th Gen Intel Core processor, businesses will be able to achieve new levels of efficiency, productivity and collaboration and enjoy simple and convenient experiences by removing the burden of wires in these areas;

• Docking
• Wireless Display
• Charging

When coupled with an Intel Solid State Drive the new processors deliver the following;

Performance and Speed

• Boot 6.2x faster
• Launch Microsoft and Adobe applications 4.3x faster
• Save, copy and transfer files faster.

Power Efficiency

• Charge your device less often and get more life from your battery

Reliability & Cost Savings

• Your storage lasts longer.  Save money with built-in features such as Intel HD Graphics and less storage replacements.

Robustness & Security

• Greater peace of mind with built-in hardware-based security features and increased tolerance for shocks and vibrations.

How to identify 7th Gen Intel Core processors.

There's a new 7th gen Intel Core Logo

7th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Intel® Core™ Brand i7

Brand Modifier 500 SKU Numeric Digits 7 Gen U Letter Suffix

6th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Intel® Core™ Brand i7

Brand Modifier 600 SKU Numeric Digits 6 Gen U Letter Suffix

       

https://www-ssl.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/core-processor-family.html?cid=sem43700014032523809&intel_term=%2Bintel+%2Bgenerations&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1bpy-1ZzsTzEDNUeuRF-t8nuQuRyIIJDEQ8Ac1KYl6JwaAoa-8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds