Chrome
Google Blocks Ads In Chrome, Kind Of
Google has updated Chrome so it will block ads on some websites if the ads violate standards established by the Coalition For Better Ads. Google and Facebook are members of the Coalition. Google and Facebook are also the two companies that profit the most from web advertising, controlling almost 75% of all digital advertising in the United States. […] continued
Read moreConnecting The Always Connected PCs
Previously: Looking Forward: Always Connected Computers
If you were paying attention during the previous lecture, you know that Microsoft is working with Qualcomm on “Always Connected PCs.” HP, Lenovo, Asus and other manufacturers will soon be selling laptops that are always on and always connected and offer long battery life. […] continued
Read moreLooking Forward: Always Connected Computers
Stretch your imagination.
Imagine that you pull your laptop out and pop the lid open and start using it right away. There’s no delay, no swirling circle – it’s just on, bang, every time. You put your finger on the fingerprint reader and you’re logged in immediately.
Now imagine that the computer is always online with a working internet connection. […] continued
Read moreThe 2017 Bruceb News Year In Review
A year ago I wrote this prediction: “The word of the year for 2017 is “chaos.” Write it down, seal it in an envelope, open it up a year from now and see if I got it right.”
I think I get full marks. (Although Dictionary.com chose “complicit” as the word of the year, which has a certain snarky charm.)
We are in a transitional time in technology, with a handful of very large companies – Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft – accumulating power and wealth and dominating the landscape. […] continued
Read moreHow To Set Up A Chromebook
Chromebook series
Why Your Next Laptop Might Be A Chromebook
Which Chromebook Should You Buy?
Setting up a Chromebook is easy. That’s the point of a Chromebook, right? Supply the credentials for your Google account, connect to wi-fi, and you’re able to start browsing a few seconds later. […] continued
Read moreWhich Chromebook Should You Buy?
Chromebook series
Why Your Next Laptop Might Be A Chromebook
Which Chromebook Should You Buy?
Although I’ve mentioned Chromebooks that cost $450, you need to know that those are the really expensive ones. Most Chromebooks cost between $200 and $400, and you can find some perfectly worthwhile Chromebooks for less than $200. […] continued
Read moreWho Should Buy A Chromebook?
Chromebook series
Why Your Next Laptop Might Be A Chromebook
Which Chromebook Should You Buy?
If you read the last article about Chromebooks, you know that the virtual store shelves are lined with lovely laptops at prices that start at $450 and go down from there. […] continued
Read moreWhy Your Next Laptop Might Be A Chromebook
Chromebook series
Why Your Next Laptop Might Be A Chromebook
Which Chromebook Should You Buy?
Chromebooks are laptop computers. They don’t run Windows or Mac programs, but they’re powerful computers that can do many useful things. They’re simple, secure, fast, they feature long battery life, and they’re always up to date. […] continued
Read moreWindows 10 Tip: How To Make PDFs Open In Acrobat
One of the first things everyone does with a new Windows 10 computer is install basic programs and utilities and set defaults so files open in the right program. This is a quick note for people who want to use Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader to open PDFs, using “Set your default programs” in Control Panel. […] continued
Read moreSurface Laptops And Lessons About Desperation
Next month Microsoft will begin selling Surface Laptops, elegant and sexy, Microsoft’s first Surface devices with a traditional clamshell design. You’ll be tempted to buy one, but in the end you won’t. Almost no one will buy them. Microsoft will sell some Surface Laptops, of course, but sales volume will be insignificant – no shame but no bragging rights. […] continued
Read moreWindows 10 S Will Be Microsoft’s Next Failure
Microsoft made two big announcements this week at an education-themed press event. They’re related in a couple of ways. One common element is that Microsoft will fail at both of the new ventures it announced. I think each one is deeply flawed.
The two announcements:
• Microsoft will soon release Windows 10 S, a new version of Windows 10. […] continued
Read moreWindows 10 Cloud & Device Independence
On May 2 Microsoft will announce a new generation of Windows for low-cost computers targeted at education. Information has leaked about some parts of that announcement and tech journalists are speculating about what it might mean. There is one thing that has not been discussed and it is crucial to the success or failure of the new venture. […] continued
Read moreHow To Close A Hijacked Web Browser
If your computer displays a message while you are browsing the Internet claiming that you have been hacked or infected with a virus, it is a lie by criminals.
Your computer is not infected with anything and you did nothing wrong.
Do not call the 800 number for “tech support.”
You are calling criminals who will lie to you. […] continued
Read moreSpecial! Windows 10! Now With More Ads! Unlimited Time Offer!
Desperation is not pretty.
Microsoft has successful cloud and enterprise divisions, but it is obviously true that some divisions of Microsoft are in a long-term decline.
• Windows is still the dominant computer operating system, but desktop PC sales are in a permanent downward spiral.
• There’s a real danger that Chromebooks will begin to steal volume laptop sales later this year. […] continued
Read moreSecurity Warning: Be Suspicious Of Everything (Including Fonts)
If you see the above message – “The HoeflerText font wasn’t found” – it is a lie. If you click on the “Update” button and run the executable named “Chrome_font.exe” or “Chrome Font v7.5.1.exe”, you will install malware on your computer, most likely ransomware that could take down your entire company. […] continued
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