Windows 8 Pro, $69.99 last chance to save

It's over!  The opportunity to save $160 passed with the end of January 31, 2013.  If you access the download site today you will find that the purchase price of Windows Pro upgrade is now $199.99.  They have added the basic Windows 8 version for $119.99 which can only upgrade Home versions of previous Windows OSs.  You cannot use this version to upgrade Windows 7 Business or Professional editions.

However if you missed your opportunity to save $160 by purchasing Windows 8 download for $39.99 you possibly have one last opportunity to save $130 but you must hurry.

Last night when it became hopeless to attempt to download the version from overtaxed credit card processors (PayPal was the only sure option), I visited the local Office Depot to purchase 2 copies of Windows Professional with media for $69.99.  I ended up getting only 1, the last copy the store had in stock.  However, the manager informed me that consumers would be able to purchase the product from existing stock through Saturday 02/02/13.  As of this a.m. the Perimeter Store still had the $69.99 version available.  I checked with Staples and the $69.99 edition is still available in stock.

This last chance is apparently available at brick and mortar retail stores since I have been unable to find the $69.99 version at any of the online retailers, TigerDirect and others.

Where else can you get such great information than the Driving Force Blog.  Happy savings!

And if you thought Windows was dead, here are the latest statistics on the installed base of desktop Operating Systems.  The clients I have who actually use their MACs to work (aside from the ones who only surf the internet and use email) all have Windows emulation software, either Parallels or WinDoze so they can actually be productive.  The performance isn't the same but at least there are applications for what they need.

As of 01/31/13, updated with release of Windows 8

Windows 8: Key Features by Version

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)			x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x
Device encryption			x
Connected standby	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x
Updated Windows Explorer	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x
Windows Update	x	x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x
Picture password	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x
Reset and refresh your PC	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x
Touch and Thumb keyboard	x	x	x
Trusted boot	x	x	x
VPN client	x	x	x
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go		x
Boot from VHD		x
Client Hyper-V		x
Domain Join		x
Encrypting File System		x
Group Policy		x
Remote Desktop (host)

Last Day for Special Pricing - Windows 8 Pro

Windows 8 Pro upgrade increases from $39.99 to $199.99 after today.  Windows Office 2013 released 01/29/13.

Today is the last day to take advantage of special pricing for Windows 8 Professional.  If you are currently running any Windows OS older than Windows 7 then you should consider upgrading to take advantage of this deal.

You do not have to perform the actual upgrade today but you do want to buy the key.  The process is simple.

1. Allow the Windows 8 upgrade wizard to check your computer for issues, compatibility problems and such.
2.  Save or print the report and proceed to purchase Windows 8.  
3. You will be given a key and sent an email with purchase info.  
4. Print your key information and then next you will be able to choose whether to migrate user settings or keep nothing.  Choose either option and proceed.
5. The next step will be to download Windows 8 which is over 2 gigabytes in size.  You can cancel this if you wish or download it but tell the wizard that you wish to save to desktop and install later.
6. That's it.  You have saved $160.

To purchase the upgrade click on the link below.

Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer

Windows XP users should especially take note.  The newer hardware and applications take advantage of 64 bit OS's.  The 64 bit OS breaks through the 4 GB memory barrier that constrains your computer's speed and ability to run memory instensive applications.  On many XP systems, 3 GB is the maximum amount of memory addressable.  Anything above that is not used by the system.

If an application exceeds the available amount of RAM then the OS utilizes the paging file (virtual memory) which is significantly slower than RAM.

To further the case to move up from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit operating system consider the fact that on a 4 GB workstation, 2 GB of available memory is dedicated to the OS.  This is explained best by the following 2 paragraphs from a Microsoft site.

Warning:  Technical terms are used below, not for the faint of heart.  For those who crave more of this stuff, Bing or Google the terms:  4GT or PAE  

Memory Manager

The 32-bit versions of Windows are able to address 232 bytes (4 GB) of memory by default. Windows splits that memory, allocating 2 GB of memory to the kernel and up to 2 GB of memory to each application’s private address space. This is done in order to provide protection for both the operating system and the applications. The kernel mode functions get 2 GB so that they will have enough room to perform mandatory processes without running out of space. User mode applications therefore cannot address memory in the kernel mode space and accidentally corrupt kernel mode memory.
Each application can also utilize up to 2 GB of memory. This is true regardless of the number of applications on the server and despite the operating system’s ability to natively recognize only 4 GB of total memory. If the total memory requirements of all applications exceed 4 GB, the memory manager uses a paging file to substitute for RAM. This process is described in the following paragraphs.

How graphics cards and other devices affect memory limits

Devices have to map their memory below 4 GB for compatibility with non-PAE-aware Windows releases. Therefore, if the system has 4GB of RAM, some of it is either disabled or is remapped above 4GB by the BIOS. If the memory is remapped, X64 Windows can use this memory. X86 client versions of Windows don’t support physical memory above the 4GB mark, so they can’t access these remapped regions. Any X64 Windows or X86 Server release can.


The new Windows 8 has security feature built in that makes it the most secure Windows experience yet.

For more information about memory limits for Microsoft OS's, click the following link.


Memory Limits for Windows Releases (Windows)

Windows 8 Ready Workstations

Windows 8 Special Pricing Ends 01/31/2013

Microsoft's special pricing for Windows 8 is ending on 01/31/13.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to save BIG!

• Current upgrade pricing to Windows 8 Pro from any OS:  $39.99.
•  Starting February 1, the Windows 8 upgrade (from previous Windows home/consumer SKUs) will cost $119.99. The Windows 8 Pro upgrade will cost $199.99.  
•  If you have recently bought a Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013, you can upgrade to Windows Pro for $14.99 regardless of the version of Windows  you may have including Home versions.  If you qualify for this offer Click here-> http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US
  

Why are you waiting?

I have read and heard many misconceptions about Windows 8.  You do not have to own a touch screen monitor to use Windows 8.  One can navigate the screens using the mouse without any problem.  Also there is the mistaken belief about Windows 8's usability related to the number of available apps.  Windows 8 is a full blown OS, i.e. it can run any of millions of available Windows programs that already exist, accounting, business suites and much more.  The Apps are coming.  Somehow consumers have become convinced that all the database and data entry that is conducted on a daily basis is being entered using iPads and other tablets.  The backbone of computing is still desktop computers.

One of the bigger concerns has been the reported disappearance of the desktop.  The desktop is still there, the user has the added Metro interface for Apps or the launch of desktop programs  if they so choose.  The major drawback I have experienced is Internet Explorer 10, as always Microsoft breaks things.  Mozilla Firefox is a worthwhile replacement.

The main drawback I see for performing the upgrade, non-Windows 7 users, (XP or Vista users), will have to perform a new install, i.e. they cannot simply upgrade their existing OS.  They will have to re-install all their existing applications after first being smart and backing up their data.


For more details on the January 31st expiration date click on the links below;

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_Meet_FPP_Null_02EP

http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-windows-8-upgrade-promotion-really-is-ending-on-january-31-7000010025/

DForce Windows 8 Ready Computers

Christmas themed Spamvertising campaigns debut early

NEWs (so what's new?):  Another security threat...
The Cyber-Grinches are always busy plotting ways to part you from your money and info and this year is no exception.  This year marks the earliest start to their socially engineered attempts and it promises to be a busy holiday season, so be vigilant

A couple of tips are to Google an apparent legit product/email and check to see if there are reports already about the product/email made by other consumers.  If there are links within the email you can usually right click on the link and see the properties behind it.  If it isn't a recognizable https:// address or points to a foreign country domain be careful.

Read more about these latest threats at:  http://www.zdnet.com/cybercriminals-start-spamvertising-xmas-themed-scams-and-malware-campaigns-7000007178/?s_cid=e550

NEW $799 MAC Mini:  how to be a Pariah at the Genius Bar.
Hooray, the new Apple Mac Mini is out.  It along with Windows emulation software Parallels will allow you to run Windows software and actually be productive.  I wonder when the major software companies will abandon Microsoft and port their software over to OS X allowing users to run their applications without the added cost of emulation software, plus the added layer that degrades performance.  However there may be no need to add Apple compatibility, the Cloud is negating the need to do so which means...

The Cloud:  how the PC (desktop computer) will be history...
Microsoft for one has been busy with a cloud-centric focus.  They offer Office 365-Cloud Collaboration for Business, which is a very viable alternative for small businesses.  Microsoft Dynamics, their Accounting Solution has already migrated much of their offerings to the cloud and soon the GP 2013, the starter version will be cloud based as well.

This trend is helping to accelerate the demise of the desktop computer.  The Cloud movement provides stimulus to the BYOD movement.  In case you missed it, BYOD means Bring Your Own Device.  An employee can access company data and materials from their web enabled device and work independently of an office bound PC.  Upside/Downside:  Think of the hardware savings for companies if they can put the hardware expense on the employee... think of the implementation costs of managing printing and security for a multitude of different devices and OS's.

Microsoft again has been perpetuating the migration to the Cloud with their Web based Office Apps.  Anyone with an existing Hotmail or Outlook.com account can log in via their browser (including Apple's Safari) and have access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint based Web Apps.  In addition you get 7 GB of storage with SkyDrive.  If you haven't done so already, sign up for an Outlook.com account and reap the benefits.  If you hate Microsoft, Google Docs may be an alternative for you and DropBox is a business favorite.


Resolutions:  Goals and desires, (Procrastinate... who me?)
2013 Goal.  Driving Force's plan for the New Year is to free ourselves of our in-house servers for real time company data.  I am in the process of pushing all company data to the cloud for access via my Window 8 or Android tablets.  I already have an Office 365 contract and will be implementing a Cloud based server to migrate Driving Force's Microsoft Dynamics GP accounting data and use Terminal Services for accessing and performing accounting tasks (my current version, GP 2010 is not Cloud based).   In case you are wondering I will not yet be keeping any client data Cloud based and will maintain an in-house server for migrating and development on the client side due to privacy policies.

However Driving Force's critical data will be cloud based and therefore I will be free of worrying about hardware failure, backup and virus protection, it's a wonderful thing.

BTW, my next purchase will be a ChromeBook.  Looking forward to implementing Google's new Remote Desktop connection so I can access my desktop, for what I don't know.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57548748-1/how-a-chromebook-got-me-through-hurricane-sandy/

Until next time, buy a PC!

Massive Overseas theft of South Carolina Tax Data, Chrome Remote Desktop, iPad 4

South Carolina DOR Hacked.

Tax data belonging to as many as 675,000 South Carolina businesses and information from tax forms belonging to 3.6 million people who filed since 1998 including credit card information has been compromised by overseas hackers.  State offering free year of credit monitoring.

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=817902#.UJJ-FIb0fQI

http://www.thestate.com/2012/10/31/2502825/suit-filed-over-sc-data-hack.html#.UJJ8IIb0fW8


Google announces Chrome Remote Desktop

Tech giant Google has announced that its Chrome Remote Desktop has moved out of beta.  The move coincides and complement Google's new Chromebook, allowing users to access their Mac or PC with the portable and easy to use Chromebook while on the go.  The new Chromebook is made by Samsung and retails at only $249.

The Remote Desktop includes Printer  support as well as the ability to access another person's computer for support assistance.  For more details see,

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411565,00.asp?google_editors_picks=true

Apple surprises with new iPad 4 announcement.

There is a some ill will in Apple World with the unveiling of the 4th Generation iPad last week at Apple's iPad mini event.  Only 7 months into the 3rd generation iPad, Apple without any warning has dropped a bomb on buyers of the iPad 3.  The 4th gen iPad has the new A6X processor which Apple says "doubles the performance of CPU Tasks."  The previous iPad 3 has the same processor as the iPad 2, A5X.  The other notable differences are, IOS 6 (iPad3 which came with IOS 5.1 but is upgradeable), the 4th gen has the new 8 pin Lightning connector and LTE wireless connectivity for super fast mobile internet when you are out and about.

(from PadGadget's site), If you are the kind of person that likes to have the latest and greatest Apple device, then this fourth generation tablet is that must have product. It’s twice as fast (in regards to both CPU and graphical capabilities), has a better FaceTime camera, faster Wi-Fi, and improved LTE.

Read more here;

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57538502-285/peeved-apple-will-exchange-your-3rd-gen-ipad-for-the-newer-model/

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/it-only-took-seven-months-for-apple-to-make-me-feel-like-a-chump/

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/mobile-computing/tablets/ipad-3-vs-ipad-4-the-key-differences-1106685

http://www.padgadget.com/2012/10/25/the-ipad-3-vs-the-ipad-4-why-you-should-upgrade-now/

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