Category Archives: Computer

Done hating Windows yet? You might be with Windows 10

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windows-10Do you hate Windows 8.1? You are probably not alone. But the hate may be over. The constant switching from the Desktop screen to the App screen is coming to an end with Windows 10. That is the good news. The other news might not be so welcome. The upgrade might be free and it is right around the corner.

Windows is apparently so set on limiting piracy that they originally intended to give Windows 10 free to anyone who is currently operating Windows 7 to the terrible 8’s. Also those who purchased a Microsoft phone. ZDnet ic306250 is reporting that is a big maybe. The gist of the article is that it all depends on where you obtained the copy of that Windows that you are using. It appears that if you are operating an OEM machine—a manufactured computer that you purchased with an aforementioned version of Windows on it—you will get a free upgrade to Windows 10.

If you built your own computer, you should be okay so long as you obtained a “genuine” copy of either Windows 7 or 8.1.

I was forced into Windows 8.1 by a traitorous computer running XP that turned on me and failed. With some practice I was able to move around Windows 8.1 with a certain amount of comfort. Not with like, mind you; just comfort. I found a function to add features to Windows 8.1—quite by accident. When I tried it, I received the window in the following Figure to the left. The bottom of my PC did not have the Microsoft XXXX-XXXX-XXXx-ad naseum key required by Microsoft on the label. I searched the computer system information and found the only key I could find. I pressed the I Already Have a Key button and my key was not accepted in the Window that resulted shown in the Figure to the right.
add-feature-3Adding new 8.1 features was not that critical, at that point. I am still busy trying to relearn yet another Windows operating system while attempting to continue getting other work accomplished. My only purpose was to see what cool 8.1 features I was missing. It begs the question, however, if my operating system is “genuine” enough to qualify for the free Windows 10.

Originally Microsoft intended to distribute this free Windows 10 through a normal update. If you recall, manufacturers had an agreement with Microsoft to upgrade their recently sold XP machines to Windows 7, if you did so within a specified time frame. While some may get the new upgrade, others may not. At least not without some difficulty. The big losers appear to be large corporations.

Another problem that has surfaced is for those who add alternative operating systems such as Linux or even previous versions of Windows to their machine. This applies only to OEM machines and not to home-built machines. The complexity of the issue is beyond the scope of this article and may be found at ARS Technica. Essentially Microsoft is working with OEMs to lock out the ability to incorporate alternative operating systems into the OEM machine. This is a nerd-exclusive subject that should not bother the average user.

Many people do not create a restore disk when prompted to do so. When their hard drive crashes and they have to replace it, they are surprised when they put in the new hard drive and it does not automatically come up like it did when they bought it. There is a reason for the restore disk, folks. My concern is that if my hard drive crashes five-years from now and and I use the restore disk that I created because I am smart, will I still be able to upgrade to Windows 10? (Or Windows 12, by that time)

Another concern that I have is software. I have some older software that blistfully resides in my Windows 8.1 machine. Thus far I have been surprised to find only one that does not. Will the new Windows 10 wipe out the remaining remnants of XP programs?

The issue to the average user is what the new Windows will look like and how it will act. For those who were frustrated at having to learn a whole new Windows, the bad news might seem that you will have to learn a new Windows. In reality, however, you will be learning an update of the old Windows. The Windows Start button is back!

When you press the Windows Start button on the taskbar, you will not be treated to the Apps page. You will get, well, a menu. The menu, however, is different. The Apps will be included in the menu. They are customizable as they are on the Start Page in Windows 8.1.

Users of the Beta versions are giving Windows 10 good reviews. Not rave reviews, yet. But good reviews. It appears that Microsoft is committed to handing out the new Windows 10—Internetally speaking—to Windows 7 and 8.1 users for free as long as you upgrade within a year from the date of the release of Windows 10. The latest on the release date is simply sometime this summer. Some are saying as early as June.

If any of this is distressing you because you love Windows 8.1 and cannot do without it, you might want to consider seeking professional attention.


Using communication devices while driving illegal in Coconino County

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(APRIL 2014)

COCONINO COUNTY – In April of this year Coconino County passed an ordinance regulating the use of portable communications devices while driving. Included are all manner of devices such as PDAs, laptops, pagers and other electronic communications devices. That ordinance was amended by the passage of Ordinance No. 2014-09 (PDF).

Although installed and handheld two-way radio devices are not included in the definitions, they are covered in the exemptions to the ordinance. A technical reading of the ordinance would make the use of family radio service (FRS) devices illegal as they do not require a license for use.

The only devices allowed to be used are hands-free mobile phones and GPS units programmed prior to driving. Texting while driving is completely banned.

The ordinance reads:

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a portable communications device to engage in a call unless that device is configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used exclusively in that manner while driving. Texting and typing while operating a motor vehicle are banned.

Exemptions include:

  • When the driver uses a hands-free mobile device.
  • When the purpose of the call is to communicate an emergency to a police or fire department, a hospital or physician’s office, or an ambulance corps.
  • When operating an authorized law enforcement or emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties.
  • When a driver holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any license issued by the Federal Communications Commission or the driver uses a two-way radio, including radios used in the Citizens Band (CB) service.
  • When a person is driving a school bus or transit vehicle that is subject to Arizona Revised Statutes or United State Department of Transportation regulations.
  • When a person is driving a motor vehicle on private property.
  • When a driver has pulled off of the traveled portion of the roadway in a safe and legal location and placed the vehicle in park in order to operate a handheld portable communications device.

Texting while driving has been a known problem for years. Cell phone companies and State departments of transportation have produced ads warning of the dangers.

The fine for the offense is $100 increasing to $250 if you are involved in an accident. Not to mention that the offenders insurance rate may increase. It may, however, extend to a higher cost. A teen in Massachusetts was convicted of vehicular homicide in 2012. He was convicted to the maximum penalty of 2-1/2 years.


(JUNE 6, 2012)

Teens being distracted by other teens while driving may be as much of a problem. An attempt by Arizona to address this situation was defeated a few years ago. The State of Arizona has no current statewide ban on texting or the use of cell phones while driving.

According to the June 4 Williams News, the Williams Police Department has chosen not to enforce the ban because of the difficulty in enforcement.

Your car is a giant computer – and it can be hacked

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“Auto manufacturers are not up to speed,” said Ed Adams, a researcher at Security Innovation, a company that tests the safety of automobiles. “They’re just behind the times. Car software is not built to the same standards as, say, a bank application. Or software coming out of Microsoft.”

By Jose Pagliery, June 2, 2014: 3:33 PM ET

Imagine driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour, when suddenly the wheel turns hard right. You crash. And it was because someone hacked your car.

It’s not far-fetched science fiction. It’s the near-term future today’s hackers are warning about.

Most people aren’t aware their cars are already high-tech computers. And now we’re networking them by giving them wireless connectivity. Yet there’s a danger to turning your car into a smartphone on wheels: It makes them a powerful target for hackers.

Interviews with automakers, suppliers and security advisers reveal a major problem with the new wave of “connected” cars: The inside of your car has ancient technology that presents a security risk.

Read more at CNN Money