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

New Computer? - Pay attention to processor

If you have not heard, both Intel and AMD have new processor families available.  Intel's new architecture has been around for 6 months now and AMD has just introduced their AMD Phenom II, 6 core processors.  Intel's family is differentiated into 3 segments, Core i3, Core i5 and top tier Core i7.

Intel specifications click here ->     Desktop     Notebook

Not only do the new Intel processors have a different footprint than the older Core 2 Duo family, they also take advantage of the newest chip sets 55 & 58 introduced by Intel to advance new capabilities that will make all the new features in Windows 7 run cooler and faster.

I wanted to bring this to your attention, I know a lot of people are looking at moving up to Windows 7 and I see a lot of last year's technology being sold at discounted prices with Windows 7 installed, be it an upgraded Vista or Windows XP notebook/desktop.

If you watch the sales you should be able to pick up a new Core i3 or Core i5 notebook at a low premium over the older Core 2 Duo based systems.  Notebooks purchasers will want to get the most power possible for their buck to extend the life of their purchase.  Some notebook users make a new purchase every year, it was so fast when it was new.  A notebook's processor is actually a crippled version of the desktop product simply because of design.  Desktop replacement is a catchy phrase but actually a notebook user is trading performance for mobility.

When making that purchase be sure to check or ask about the processor.

BTW:  As of today, I am trying to get my hands on the new AMD Phenom II not available at most outlets yet.  Been trying since Sunday to intercept delivery truck at TigerDirect.

AMD HDT55TFBRBOX Phenom II 1055T Six Core Processor