This is an interesting free eBook about Windows 8 aimed primarily at IT professionals working with Windows 8. The eBook has 147 pages in 11 chapters covering: Hardware Innovations - Touch; Long battery life; Thiner, lighter, faster; Sensors and security; New Form Factors Experiencing Windows 8 - Walk-through the new UI and key improvements to Task Manager and File Explorer. Customizing and Configuring Windows 8 - Profile customization, Tile configuration, PC Settings, Redesigned NTFS Networking Enhancements - BranchCache, DirectAccess, Mobile broadband, IPv6 Deploying Windows 8 - Windows 8 SKUs, Application Compatibility, User State Migration, Deployment and Imaging, Windows PE, Volume Activation Management Tool, Windows-to-Go Delivering Windows Apps - Windows app lifecycle, Distributing via Windows Store, Distributing with an Enterprise Windows 8 Recovery - File History, Refresh and Reset, Windows Recovery Environment, DaRT, Advanced Options Windows 8 Management - PowerShell 3.

Continue reading →

We all know about the public backlash when Apple decided to remove Google Maps from its IOS 6 operating system. To be completely honest, the version of Google Maps bundled with previous versions of IOS felt old and unpolished. I know many are complaining that Apple's new IOS maps are bad but I don't agree. Apple Maps is graphically stunning and the app design is intuitive. Sure they have plenty of improvement opportunities, but I find it usable. Google Maps coming back to IOS devices If you miss Google Maps take heart, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is reporting that "

Continue reading →

In previous versions of Windows, you have to press the PRINT SCREEN button then go into some type of photo app like Paint, paste the screenshot and then save it. In Windows 8, all you have to do is press the WINDOWS KEY + PRINT SCREEN and it automatically takes a screenshot and saves it to your pictures folder (in PNG format) under a new folder called Screenshots. Unfortunately it simply calls is Screenshot (1).png, where the number is added to each time.

Continue reading →

RIM's market guidance was that it's new Blackberry 10 equipped devices would be released sometime in Q1 2013 which means they would have to start production a couple of months before. Now Digitimes is reporting that “Taiwan-based handset component makers including Silitech Technology, Ichia Technologies as well as ODM Wistron are expected to begin small volume production of RIM’s BlackBerry 10-based products in December.” The statement is logical but Digitimes seems to have a 50/50 success rate at predicting new handset manufacturing dates.

Continue reading →

Dell is offering a Free Windows 8 for Dummies eBook right now. You fill out the request form and are immediately given a special download link. It is a short ebook with 147 information packed pages. It covers some of the more important topics like the new Start screen, the new desktop, your different storage option, social apps and the 10 things you’ll hate about Windows 8 (and how to fix them). I went through the book and found the information useful and definitely worth downloading for anyone migrating to a new Windows 8 PC or a Windows 8 tablet.

Continue reading →

Puffin is an IOS (iPhone, iPad or iPad mini) internet browser that leverage’s a back-end cloud infrastructure to deliver a desktop like web browsing experience on your smartphone or tablet. Because the rendering is done on their cloud servers, you get the desktop version of the webpage streamed to your device much faster than the built in local browser. Another benefit of this cloud processing technology, all Flash content on web pages works. Download it for IOS Download it for Android

Continue reading →

What do we have here? RIM has scheduled a media event to launch their Blackberry 10 OS and 2 devices January 30 2013.... Expect them to fully spill the beans at the event including release date, full feature list, operator support and pricing. “In building BlackBerry 10, we set out to create a truly unique mobile computing experience that constantly adapts to your needs. Our team has been working tirelessly to bring our customers innovative features combined with a best in class browser, a rich application ecosystem, and cutting-edge multimedia capabilities.

Continue reading →

Microsoft Press is offering a free developer oriented Windows 8 book . The book comes in the expected PDF format and can be downloaded here. Unlike other free eBooks, this one is a whopping 834 pages: Chapter 1: The Life Story of a Windows Store App: Platform Characteristics of Windows 8 Chapter 2: Quickstart Chapter 3: App Anatomy and Page Navigation Chapter 4: Controls, Control Styling, and Data Binding Chapter 5: Collections and Collection Controls Chapter 6: Layout Chapter 7: Commanding UI Chapter 8: State, Settings, Files, and Documents Chapter 9: Input and Sensors Chapter 10: Media Chapter 11: Purposeful Animations Chapter 12: Contracts Chapter 13: Tiles, Notifications, the Lock Screen, and Background Tasks Chapter 14: Networking Chapter 15: Devices and Printing Chapter 16: WinRT Components: An Introduction Chapter 17: Apps for Everyone: Accessibility, World-Readiness, and the Windows Store

Continue reading →

To be clear, there is no official Microsoft way to bring back the start menu but many creative 3rd party developers have come out with Start menu replacements. There are many options available here but the best one I chose is from the kings of Windows modification, the boys and girls of Stardock called Start8. The reason I chose this one is that it seems to be the best written (aka no errors or bugs) and it has a clean Windows 8 modern look.

Continue reading →

I am planning 2013 and am now looking for speaking engagements. If you need an articulate, educated and experienced speaker, let me know. I can cover many topics including : security, outsourcing, efficiency through the use of technology, social networking and general tech talk. If interested, please contact via the contact me link above. Have a great day.

Continue reading →