Today, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 to the general public, and many early adopters are running to be the first to get the free update that adds new features, fixes usability issues, and generally makes Windows 8 more pleasurable to use. I’ve been running the preview for months, and the final release for the last week. […]
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Your Data Doesn’t Vanish When You Chuck Your Device
I’m a scavenger. My normal reaction to a friend getting a new bit of tech is “What did you do with the old one?” I’m also not above dumpster diving if my eye is caught. In an attempt to use my powers for good, I used to refurbish trashed laptops for a charity. Recently, I […]
Review: Parallels Desktop Brings OS Options to Mac Users- At A Price
As someone who uses both Macs and PCs, I’ve long had my eye on Parallels Desktop. For the unfamiliar, Parallels was the first Virtual Machine client for the Intel-based Mac OS. Debuting in 2006, it quickly caught on, winning MacWord 2007’s Best in Show. I’ve messed with it in the past, but never had a […]
Autodesk Subscribes To Adobe Subscription Model
Autodesk has revealed plans to offer a software subscription model, with details to come in October. Company CEO, Carl Bass, spoke of an array of upcoming software rental options during an earnings call on Thursday, August 22. When analysts on the conference call pointed out the similarity to Adobe’s Creative Cloud business model, Bass clarified, […]
Welcome Back Start Menu — Windows 8.1 Official
In what is likely a strong contender for the worst kept secret ever, Microsoft has announced the first major revision of Windows 8. Gone is the internal “Blue” codename and avoided is the boring SP naming of old. Instead, it’s time to meet Windows 8.1. Those hoping that Microsoft would see the error of 8 […]
Interoperability Onslaught: BB Messenger Leaves BB OS, Outlook Chatting With Google Talk
In the words of Doctor Peter Venkman, “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats, living together! Mass hysteria!” That was my initial reaction to the news that BlackBerry has created iOS and Android versions of what was once the linchpin of a mobile empire: BlackBerry Messenger. Known as BBM to users, it was also the one thing that kept people on […]
Adobe Crosses Out CS And Transitions To CC
In a bold move, Adobe Corporation has announced a phasing out of the Creative Suite software product. The Adobe Creative Suite, available as a physical media purchase for over a decade, now becomes Adobe Creative Cloud. This new bundle includes updated versions of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Premiere Pro, plus desktop access to Typekit, […]
Review: Lenovo C540 All-in-one Gets Put Through Paces
The last time I bought an all-in-one PC was back in 1997. I was a senior in high school, and it was college application time. My family’s Apple IIc was significantly underpowered and ill-equipped for things like internet and CD-ROM use. With financial help from my folks, I went out and purchased an AST 75 […]
SXSW 2013: The Highlights
South by Southwest lasts 10 days during the month of March. The festival takes place in Austin, TX. SXSW is broken up into three sections: Interactive, Film, and Music. Throughout the festival, many innovations come to light and old ideas are reinvented. Most days’ events begin with panels at 9:30 or 11 AM and end […]
Review: Lenovo IdeaCentre B540 Hits Many, But Not All, Of The Right Buttons
Lenovo’s been making an impressive push with its new wave of hardware. The company was kind enough to send us the new IdeaCentre B540 to give it a once over. As a regular user of Windows Vista and until a few months ago, a Windows XP user (I know!), I was excited to put a […]