Other operating systems
Why won’t home PC users back up?
One feature that I hope Microsoft includes in Windows 7 is better backup software. Redmond made a step in that direction in Vista with the so-called “Shadow” copies. Unfortunately, this feature is not available in the Vista Home editions. What is needed in Windows is something that is automatic. As I have learned over the [...]
Mac takes over upscale home computer market?
Here’s an eye-opening statistic: in the first quarter of this year Macs accounted for 2/3 of the sales at brick-and-mortar stores of computers costing over $1000. Joe Wilcox writes:
The share data is for first-quarter brick-and-mortar stores, as tabulated by the NPD Group. Apple’s market share is but one measure of success. Sales growth is way [...]
How to try out Ubuntu Linux without installing it
Many PC users would be willing to try out an alternative operating system but are afraid they might mess up their regular system. There are several ways to run other operating systems without disturbing Windows or other primary operating system. One method is to use virtual machines but most home users would probably consider that [...]
Microsoft tries to block Linux on low cost PCs
For developing countries and even in the US, there have recently been a number of low-cost PCs being offered. Because it is free, some version of Linux was initially the operating system being used. Microsoft reacted by first doing its best to throw cold water on the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project and is [...]
Can Apple get a foothold in the office?
Although the Mac is picking up market share in the home, it remains a stranger to the business environment. In fact, Apple has basically ignored the corporate market. Since the iPod and the iPhone have gotten a lot of people interested in Apple products, could now be Apple’s chance at this market? The ability of [...]
Apple tops consumer ratings
The publication Consumer Reports has been a valuable reference for consumer information for years. The June issue (available only to subscribers) has a buying guide for computers. It also rates companies for their technical support and Apple comes out on top. (The same result was obtained by PC Magazine when it did its annual survey.) [...]
Can Ubuntu Linux make it to the desktop?
Although it has many virtues, even Ubuntu Linux has made little progress in being adopted by home PC users. The geeks may sing its praises but the average, non-technical user is still too often baffled by it. Part of the reason is the Linux reliance on the command line. Now, I love the command line [...]
Microsoft extends XP
From Sol Libes:
It took a little time but Microsoft has awakened to the fact that many users of ultra portable laptops (e.g. Asus EeePC and the Everex Cloudbook) have removed the Linux operating systems from their systems and installed Windows XP home. These systems are too small to run Vista, but, XP with [...]
Has Vista opened the door for Linux?
Vista’s heavy hand may be providing an opening for Linux, at least at the low end of the computer price scale. An AP article, Time is right for Linux PCs to emerge, says:
The free Linux operating system handles big tasks like running supercomputers and ATMs. Now Linux has a chance to finally crack Microsoft Corp.’s [...]
The Mac gaining in corporations
Windows Vista has not been a big success with businesses and that has helped Mac sales. The Mac has been largely absent from business use and is primarily a consumer and niche product. Recently, however, corporate interest has picked up. What I find interesting is the level of satisfaction expressed by the actual users of [...]