Mike's Window : My Opinion

Desktop applications: 1 Windows 8 UI: 0

Mike Hall — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:07:00 GMT

Apart from MS Office 2010, I have a few minor applications on my PC. Skype Messenger A utility to capture YouTube videos Filezilla to upload changes to my website Paint.net because it is more accomplished than the Windows offering Arcsoft Photostudio...(read more)

Touch..

Mike Hall — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:52:07 GMT

I saw reference to an article in Scientific American where there was talk of Gorilla Arm. Did this refer to the muscle control needed to keep one’s arm extended or the reach? I sit a comfortable 36” away from a a 19” widescreen monitor. I have space on...(read more)

Windows 8 - a slow start..

Mike Hall — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:55:12 GMT

A slow start isn’t so bad. It is what happens after the start that counts, and Windows 8 is proving that every other Windows release is not a good one. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9235059/Windows_8_s_uptake_falls_behind_Vista_s_pace?source...(read more)

Microsoft Partners..

Mike Hall — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:32:00 GMT

I wish that I was a software author. I would be able to see how easy it is to get a Microsoft Partner logo. I am talking about this.. Put this on your website and you could get a lot of business from it. The logo suggests that Microsoft is endorsing your...(read more)

A new member..

Mike Hall — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:41:12 GMT

.. and hopefully less intransigent than the Toshiba was. The new laptop is a July 2012 Lenovo T71 G780, Windows 7, Core i3 2370 (Sandy Bridge), 4gb, and a 17.3” display. Specifications are better than the Toshiba by virtue of the fact that the Lenovo...(read more)

Pssssttt..

Mike Hall — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:04:00 GMT

There is a Quick launch toolbar on Windows 8 but keep it quiet in case MS take it out as they did the hack to dump the Metro-o-o-o interface. Between this and Vi-Start or Start-X, Windows 8 might approach being a desktop OS after all. Vi-Start and Start...(read more)

So, what is ‘trending’ today?

Mike Hall — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:39:37 GMT

The ‘dock’ Yes, that nasty popup thing that gets in the way of everything. Even if you set it to ‘autohide’ it still pops up like a crazed gopher each time that you go near to it.. http://www.techrepublic.com/photos/five-free-docks-to-enhance-your-windows...(read more)

Why a Rat Rod makes a lousy ambulance..

Mike Hall — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:01:32 GMT

I booted into Windows 8 again this morning, and then sat and looked at the Metro UI. The more I looked at it, the more I thought that it would be better without the apps. I like the way some of them show info, but the only time that I ever see a background...(read more)

Words do no justice..

Mike Hall — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:20:49 GMT

.. well not printable words suitable for a public place anyway.. If you are a bit upset at the prospect of having no proper desktop, take some solace in the newly designed METRO styled Windows logo. Tada!! Nice eh.. some people are drooling over this...(read more)

The best anti-virus..

Mike Hall — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:16:11 GMT

.. is the one that can be installed and forgotten about thereafter. For home users, Microsoft Security Essentials is best and this is why.. Of all anti-virus programs that I have tried, it is the least invasive. It can be like this because it works in...(read more)

CES..

Mike Hall — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:13:00 GMT

I read somewhere that CES may not exist come 2015. Microsoft are making their last performance right now. Apple isn’t there. Others will follow. There is always a lot of hype for these shows, but does anybody care other than your local friendly technophobe...(read more)

An article on touchscreens..

Mike Hall — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:04:57 GMT

It brings up some interesting points: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223361/The_hidden_dangers_of_touchscreens?taxonomyId=15&pageNumber=1 I wouldn’t say that they were ‘hidden’ dangers though. maybe some just not completely obvious. What...(read more)

Caring for a notebook/netbook..

Mike Hall — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:00:11 GMT

OK, so Santa gave you a new notebook or netbook for Christmas. Cute, eh.. It will not be cute for long if you don’t care for it properly. Cleaning the outside case and the keyboard area. Either buy a kit form your local computer store, or put together...(read more)

Tech trends in 2012?

Mike Hall — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:16:36 GMT

I am using this article as the basis.. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223066/Tech_Trends_You_ll_See_in_2012?taxonomyId=158&pageNumber=1 1.. Dual-Core Processors Become the Norm in Smartphones This is great news, Nothing better than a high...(read more)

How will we control the computers of tomorrow?

Mike Hall — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:42:01 GMT

I took the title from here.. http://www.ghacks.net/2011/12/20/how-will-we-control-the-computers-of-tomorrow/ To be honest, I am getting a little tired of being told how I should interact or will have t interact with MY computer. It would appear that others...(read more)

Tablets.. The Blackberry Playbook..

Mike Hall — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:54:11 GMT

No, I have not lost my mind and bought one. I was asked if I could get it to connect to a Wi-fi network. The answer.. yes and no. I couldn’t get it to connect at the client location, but it connected to my wireless network in seconds. I have some work...(read more)

When is a desktop not a desktop?

Mike Hall — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:55:18 GMT

When it has been Metroed. I was walking through the Nuclear Medicine department in one of our local hospitals recently. There was a technician sitting in a large cubicle. She had the task of monitoring two MRI machines, and had two large LCD panels in...(read more)

Windows 8..

Mike Hall — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:14:25 GMT

What I want from it.. A proper working desktop version, complete with proper working start menu and desktop front end,. It’s that simple. My computer is not the size of a phone or small book, and for what I do, keyboard and mouse is still the best input...(read more)

Windows 8 Preview.. the FIRST impression..

Mike Hall — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:59:08 GMT

Wow, it’s an operating system. Cool.. The new GUI.. Like playing an intransigent sliding block puzzle which looks like a ‘Craps’ table. Make the icons smaller and move them around. They move but not always to where you expect or hope. Useless for desktop...(read more)

Setting up an iMac A1311 - It was.. different

Mike Hall — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:49:34 GMT

A couple of days ago, I set up an iMac A1311 for a local client of mine. All three components were very sleek, more pieces of art than computer. There were no wires other than the power and Ethernet cable, and it all looked good on the desk. Apple supply...(read more)