Mrs PC’s Tips on Making the most of your Computer.

Mrs PC’s Tips on Making the most of your Computer.

1.     If your computer is old (more than 5 years) consider getting it looked at and spring cleaned.  Alternatively, seek advice about a replacement.

2.     Put your computer somewhere accessible and use regularly.

3.     Get your computer set up with your favourite Internet sites so you don’t have to search for them. Set a decent home page- the BBC is excellent as is Google. Have both!

4.     Make sure that you have an email programme, don’t use webmail.  Be wary of strange emails.

5.     Have good Antivirus that is up to date.

6.     Say yes to Updates.

7.     Back up your files.

8.     If your computer has not got recovery discs, make some!  This will back up your operating system (Windows)

9.     Keep clutter to a minimum- if you never use it- get rid of it!  This applies to all desktop icons.  You won’t remove the programme by doing this.

10. Sort through all your documents and photos and get them all neat and tidy.  Name them if they are nameless.

11. Edit your email contacts, to remove duplicates and old email addresses.

12. Take time for learning more about your computer.  Click and learn or request some lessons!

Once you have mastered all this, you will have time to experiment with:

BBC iPlayer, You Tube, Podcasts, a Blog,

Google, Google Earth,

Digital Photography, Making things using your own photos

Skype, Facebook, Audiobooks,

Get creative with making movies, or painting

Shop online,

Play Games!

Have fun with your computer!

U turn from Microsoft on Windows 8.

In the news today!
We are not surprised- in fact are delighted and relieved.

Microsoft prepares U-turn on Windows 8

By Richard Waters in San Francisco

©AFP

 

Microsoft is preparing to reverse course over key elements of its Windows 8 operating system, marking one of the most prominent admissions of failure for a new mass-market consumer product since Coca-Cola’s New Coke fiasco nearly 30 years ago.
“Key aspects” of how the software is used will be changed when Microsoft releases an updated version of the operating system this year, Tami Reller, head of marketing and finance for the Windows business, said in an interview with the Financial Times. Referring to difficulties many users have had with mastering the software, she added: “The learning curve is definitely real.”
Analysts warned that changing course would be a significant admission of failure for Steve Ballmer, chief executive, who called the October launch of Windows 8 a “bet-the-company” moment as Microsoft sought to respond to the success of Apple’s iPad.
“It’s a horrible thing for this to happen to your flagship product – he’ll take a hit for that,” said Mark Anderson, an independent tech analyst. “But he’s also responsible for a renaissance inside the company. There’s a level of risk and creativity going on that would never have happened two years ago.”
Richard Doherty, analyst at tech research firm Envisioneering, said: “This is like New Coke, going on for seven months – only Coke listened better.” Coca-Cola dropped its New Coke formula in response to a consumer backlash less than three months after launch.
Windows 8 was an ambitious attempt to update the personal computer for the tablet era by moving to a new touchscreen interface based on colourful tiles, hiding the “desktop” launch screen familiar to white collar workers and consumers around the world.

Why the ‘start’ button is not yet ready for history’s recycle bin

Why you would click a button labelled “start” to turn something off has never been entirely clear

The combination PC and tablet software was widely panned by reviewers and has been blamed by some analysts for worsening the slump in sales that has rocked the PC industry. Even before its launch, Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple, said Windows 8 would be like combining a toaster and a fridge – something that, while technically possible, was “probably not going to be pleasing to the user”.
Ms Reller refused to reveal details of the changes Microsoft would make to Windows 8. However, the clamour from reviewers has become overwhelming for a return to a more familiar PC interface. Ms Reller said PC users had faced difficulties adapting to the new software.
Pressure has been building for Windows 8 PCs to launch the familiar desktop view when turned on – and to bring back the “start” button featured in the lower left corner of the screen in previous releases.
Microsoft has also admitted to a range of other slips with the launch of Windows 8, including failing to do enough to train retail staff and educate potential customers about the new software, as well as not focusing all of its financial incentives behind the touchscreen PCs that show off Windows 8 to best advantage. “It’s very clear we could and should have done more,” Ms Reller said.
Despite the slips, she said that Microsoft continued to view the software as suitable for both PCs and tablets and that “customer satisfaction with Windows 8 with touch is strong”.