Libreoffice 5.0

.

Libreoffice releases a major upgrade on Aug 5. The basic uncluttered layout still looks the same with better usage of the side panel. In the word processor, photos can now be cropped inside the application. This feature has long been asked for. It is still a free open source program for Windows, mac and Linux. A viewing only app is available for Android but editing is in progress.

Windows 10

.
Windows 10 appears to be getting ready for a shift from a one time life license to a subscription based service. The update service cannot be turned off and as Microsoft will now own the software on your computer they have the right to do whatever they like to it and charge accordingly. When they start to charge will be determined by the undefined term "life of the device" which basically means when the computer no longer can apply the continued updates correctly. The update may be free but that is not much good if the security patches can no longer be applied. Microsoft obviously has every right to make money from Windows 10 but the terms should be made clear from the start. The paid pro version will be allowed to hold back updates as there is no guarantee that a security patch will not affect a third party installed program and this would be disastrous for businesses. Home uses will not get the choice. Beware of free gifts as they are not always what they seem to be. 

What are 2 in 1 Laptops

.

Laptops that are designated as '2 in 1' can be used as a normal PC laptop or lift the screen off and use as a Tablet. Microsoft is currently pushing these to help boost their Tablet marketshare which is sitting at a low 2 percent, Android having over 80 percent and Apple at around 15 percent. If this is a Windows machine the Tablet configuration still needs the usual Antivirus, Registry cleaning and security update maintenance. Android and Apple products did not need these and they cannot run Legacy Windows programs, while the Windows version can, but Hard Drive space could be a problem. These computers usually have a 'Flash Drive' as a Hard Drive and are only generally 32 or 64 Gb in size. 

Android remix for the Desktop

.

Jide, one of the originators of Android, has announced the arrival of a new Android that will be housed in a setop box that is more in line with Desktop use. This will have multiple resizable windows and a taskbar making it's usage similar to a standard Desktop computer. As these use a standard Monitor / TV, Keyboard and Mouse and is not provided with the device, the price is low, approx US $30. The price and Hardware is similar to a 'Raspberry Pi 2' which I have been using as a Desktop computer for the last few weeks which runs Firefox, HD video and the full Libreoffice quite adequately using the 'Raspbian OS'.

Dell 's inexpensive Ubuntu laptops

.

Dell have added a 14" and 15" Laptop to their budget range at around US $200. These are aimed at consumers who want a low maintenance computer that is easy to use with well known applications. Pre-installed software includes Chrome browser, Libreoffice and VLC media player. There are thousands of extra downloadable programs, mostly free, in the Ubuntu software centre. These computers are now available in retail outlets in US and China. We may be lucky enough to get them in NZ someday at a reasonable price.

Internet usage.

.

Click on to enlarge

Mobile users for the Internet have overtaken those using the tradional Desktop / Laptop method. This is probably due to the high reliability and ease of use of a mobile phone or Tablet when compared to a Windows system that has to battle Viruses and Operating system problems.

The new Windows 10 or is it.

.
What is new in the upcoming release of Windows 10. The Kernel is still based on NT from the Xp days and the API's (Application programming interface) even earlier. Nothing new. The Desktop is partially returning to the old Windows 7 configuration.  Internet Explorer is replaced with the 'Edge'. This is only to catch up what other browsers are already doing. Cortana the personal assistant is similar to what Apple, Android and Chrome browser have had for several years. Still nothing really new. Virus checking still required as with previous Windows versions. Windows Media player has been completely removed, that's new. A free update for one year and then a yearly subscription thereafter. That is new. The subscription price will be dearer for the Enterprise version citing a higher security rating due to extra features. As Microsoft knows you will love this new version the BIOS will prevent any other operating system to boot including their own earlier versions.