Monthly Archives: November 2013

Windows 8.1 Review

Improvements, improvements, something Microsoft is good at in terms of PCs. With each new version, update, or program we get something much better. Not too long ago, Windows 8.1 was released. Let’s talk about that.

First, do you remember gadgets? In previous versions you could have stuff like a clock or a calender arranged vertically on the right side of your desktop (no I’m not talking about the taskbar). They removed that in Windows 8. Why?

It was a major security threat.

Gadgets, due to the way they accessed the internet, could allow hackers to completely control your computer. So:

Windows 7: 0 Windows 8: 1

In Windows 8.1, in an effort to replace the already removed gadgets, Microsoft made tiles on the Start screen more accessible. The background can be changed in many ways, you can name groups of tile, and easily add some by right-clicking on something then selecting “Pin to Start”, etc.

But also, the start button’s back! Right where it was in all your favorite versions of Windows.

I really like this update, and encourage you to get it!

Windows 8 continued

In my last post I stated that most of Windows 8’s issues can be easily turned off. I’ll list some of them. What surprises me is the fact that people look at some of these issues, then claim that Windows 8 is terrible. Remember, that these are not really issues, they’re just annoyances that can EASILY be turned off. Thus they do not detract from the quality of Windows 8.

-When a certain mouse gesture is made, the screen will swap to another app

-Updates can occur suddenly (This has been a problem with previous versions of windows as well)

-Uh, I really can’t think of anything else!

People, the reason critics hate Windows 8 is that they don’t get enough time to adjust to it. It took me 1 day to adjust to Windows 8. Critics usually don’t have that long.

Windows 8. Is it worth it?

Upon releasing Windows 8, Microsoft received mixed results. Many people including critics dislike it because of it being incredibly hard to get used to. Too many changes, not familiar enough, these are all common complaints that make people think Windows 8 was a stupid idea.

I disagree.

Windows 8 is a change for the better. Most of the annoyances can be turned off, and It only takes about a day to get used to Windows 8. Windows 8 also tries to make many things more accessible by changing the functions of the F1-12 keys. F1 makes the help and support menu pop up. F2 and F3 adjust the brightness. F4 makes connecting to other screens a breeze. F5…. does…. *shrug*. F6 through F8 adjust the volume. And so on.

People say Windows 8 is really confusing.

What, would you rather have a certain someone back?

 

Oh gosh no.

Virus alert!

CryptoLocker strikes! CL is a virus that encrypts your personal files, then holds them for ransom. The encrypted files can only be fixed by the hackers responsible for CL. In order to get your files back, you must pay a $300 dollar ransom within 3 days, or your files are gone forever. Unfortunately there is currently NO WAY to fix CL once you have it. Anti-virus software can prevent CL from striking (I recommend Avast!), but cannot remove it from an infected computer. Mac users, don’t think you’re safe! CL also affects Macs!

CL can come in the form of an E-mail. Think of it like the ILOVEYOU virus. Avoid suspicious E-mails at all costs!

Like I said, you cannot fix CL once you have it. However I DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT recommend paying the $300! ONLY pay it if:

-You have money to burn

-Those files are REALLY important

-You have no backup

-The files are really embarrassing

But hopefully we’ll find those hackers!