Drastically Lower Windows 8 SKU Options

Windows 8 will be coming soon (we hope) and the tech world is in a frenzy. Windows 7 was one of the best operating systems released by Microsoft and was a much welcomed change over its previous iteration, Windows Vista. Naturally, Microsoft will be making a few changes here and there to the operating system but one that may catch people off guard is that Microsoft may be making a change to the number of editions, or SKUs, that will be sold to the public.

A couple of different files from HP's website uncovered by ZDNet blogger Stephen Chapman seem to indicate how many different versions of Windows 8 Microsoft is planning on selling to the public. Specifically, these files list the versions of Windows 8 that will be supported by drivers in an HP laptop smart card reader. Suspiciously, HP has already removed these references to the operating system from the files.

Fortunately, Chapman was able to record what the files said, which offered six different versions of Windows 8:

• Microsoft Windows 8 32 Edition


• Microsoft Windows 8 64 Edition


• Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise 32 Edition


• Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise 64 Edition


• Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 32 Edition


• Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 64 Edition

Individual consumers will most likely be interested in the standard 32 and 64 editions of Windows 8 with the Enterprise versions targeting large businesses and the Professional versions targeting small businesses and high-end users. However, it is still not 100% clear as to whether or not these will actually be Windows 8 SKUs. Chapman noted that these names could simply be fill-ins until the actual SKUs are announced, though the specifics are throwing some people off of that idea.

If this is real, then it is obvious that Microsoft is trying to limit the different versions of Windows 8 available to customers. In the past Microsoft has rolled out a lot of different versions of its operating systems, with some of the more complicated ones being Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows 7 came with six different SKUs: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate with 5 of those 6 coming in both 32 and 64 bit versions, making a grand total of 11 different versions.

Vista was exactly the same with 32 and 64 bit versions of Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business and Enterprise with the Starter version (like Windows 7) only coming in a 32 bit version. If the HP files tell the truth, this should be a good step for Microsoft in limiting the number of SKUs. Fewer choices mean less confusion, less confusion means happier customers, happier customers means more business. The Windows 8 beta is said to start this Wednesday so maybe Microsoft will unveil something then.

Source: CNET - Microsoft may limit the number of Windows 8 editions
ZDNet - Windows 8 SKUs mentioned on HP.com

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Samsung Unveils New Quad-Core Exynos Processors

Samsung has just displayed a new processor at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference. The new Exynos chip will be available in dual-core or quad-core configurations with 200MHz to 1.5GHz frequencies. In addition to that, the new Exynos chip is a 32nm part unlike the current Exynos chip which is only a 45nm process. This smaller footprint also means that the chip will have a higher performance and less power consumption for the same clock speeds.

Samsung is pairing this new chip with the latest version of the company's very own graphics chip, which has 4 pixel processors and 1 geometry engine with 128 KB L2 cache. The graphics will also support OpenGL ES 2.0 and can also generate up to 57 MPolygons/s. Considering that Samsung recently announced new low power DDR3 memory, it isn't surprising to see that this CPU also has support for LPDDR2 or DDR3.

According to the company, this chip will be able to deliver up to 26% more performance than the current Exynos chip and will also be able to deliver battery life improvements of up to 50% with a 45% power save for CPU tasks and 48% for 3D calculations. These comparisons seem to be made with the dual-core chip and it will also be interesting to see how the quad-core chip compares. Samsung is expected to officially announce the chips at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona so we will surely find more information there.

It is also expected that Samsung will begin shipping these chips to customers and retailers in the next couple of months, bringing quad-core performance with more battery life to all. Samsung has also stated that this new version of the Exynos was designed with power consumption in mind unlike the current chip which was built around performance.

Source: Engadget - Samsung demos new 32nm quad-core Exynos ahead of MWC
Unwired View - Samsung shows off quad-core Exynos processor

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Dedicated Tech Support for HP Elite PC Customers

If you are one of Hewlett-Packard's Elite PC customers, then I have some good news for you. The company recently announced that it has officially expanded tech support options for its Elite PC customers who will now have the opportunity to select a single tech support official to deal with exclusively for the entire life of their computer. This basically means that Elite PC owners will have a single tech support professional that will deal with all of their computer problems. Whenever you need tech support, you will always get the same guy or gal.

When this new tech support plan goes into effect, Elite PC customers will get a single number to call and a single point of contact for all of their tech support needs. In addition to that, business customers can schedule support calls whenever they chose. Other options include prioritized support and PC set-up options with the support plans extending to remote and cloud-based PC support.

A lot of tech analysts are applauding HP for this move, calling it a great step forward for the company, which is currently trying to win back the confidence of its PC customers, as well as the PC community at large, after a rough 2011. It was originally reported that the company had written off its PC division altogether due to poor numbers, though it appears as if a change of heart has occurred as the company is working harder than ever to get back on top.

Tech support comes standard with every Elite PC purchase from HP and is also available for existing Elite PC customers. Elite laptops, desktops and workstations are usually aimed at business professionals and thus are priced a little higher on average than consumer devices. HP also offers business PCs, like Folio and ProBook laptops, though this new support option will not be available for those customers. More support options are also said to be arriving in the coming months, HP said.

Source: PC World - HP Assigns Dedicated Tech Support for Elite PCs

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Get In and Get Out of Safe Mode

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going Start Safe mode, and learn how to get OUT of safe mode!

In a past article we spoke about what is safe mode.  Now we will learn how to get to safe mode, and we will then learn about the different safe mode options.

For now… Here are a list of questions we will cover today:
What is Booting to safe mode?
How to start windows in safe mode?
How to get safe mode?
How do i get to safe mode?
How to start in safe mode?
What is Restart in Safe Mode?
How-To get out of safe mode?
We will touch on all of these questions today!

How-To get out of Safe Mode?

I’m going to start backwards today, because its happens to be the easiest answer first! With most Operating Systems you get out of safe mode by restarting your computer.  You don’t need to do anything else. With older operating systems:

• Restart your computer
• During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.
• Select 'Normal' from the option and press Enter. Your computer should now boot up in the normal mode.

What is Booting to safe mode?

The easiest way I can explain ‘booting’?  It basically turning your computer in safe mode, instead of your normal desktop view.  You want to turn on your computer IN safe mode! They are basically asking you to restart your computer in safe mode.  We cover that below!

How-To Get To Safe Mode?

We will be shutting off your computer briefly.  If you can save your documents, close your programs, etc.  All the things you normally do when shutting down your computer.
Also before you restart your computer in Safe Mode make sure you remove any discs, DVD, or CD Roms from their drive.
Next, If you look at the top of your keyboard you will find buttons that have “F” and a number.  What are all those buttons on my keyboard? seems to be one of the more popular articles on this blog.

For the safe mode we are going to use our F8 button. 
Make sure you locate that button first before you continue.  Keep in mind all keyboards are a bit different, and your F8 button may look similar to the one pictured.
Now that you know where your F8 button is restart your computer.
Once the computer has turned off completely, and has started up again I immediately hold down the F8 button.  Some people start to tap the F8 button.  Either way the F8 button must be recognized before your normal startup screens or logos are present. If you tapped or pushed the F8 button to late?  No problem restart the computer, and try it again!
The Advanced Boot Options screen will come up next. You will need to use your arrow keys to move up and down the list pictured to select your option. 
Once you have made your choice use your enter key to select it. The Top option is normally the most popular. 
The Computer will now start or reboot in safe mode. 
Notice compared to our normal desktop with all the colors this menu is pretty plain jane in comparison.  Colors are muted, and ‘safe mode’ is almost watermarked on the screen.  YOU MADE IT! You did the ‘reboot to safe mode’!

Safe Mode By Operating System

I have also made a page on how to start or boot to safe mode by operating systems.  I start with Windows 7 and finish with Windows 95.
If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner
on how to get get in  and get out of the safe mode!

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What Is Safe Mode?

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on what is Safe Mode?
Our Next Article will cover booting or starting your computer in Safe Mode.
Our First question is:

What is Safe Mode?

Microsoft’s Definition of Safe Mode is:

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words "Safe Mode" appear in the corners of the display to identify which Windows mode you are using. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.

To me safe mode is a trouble shooting mode when your computer is having problems. 
Examples of when you may see safe mode is:

• Virus attack
• Installed new software, and either computer didn’t install correctly or outright rejects it.
• Drivers was installed (printer, scanner, etc for example), and again for some reason the computer is rejecting it.
• Your computer hates the software you just installed.

My list certainly IS NOT complete, but I hope I gave you the idea that Safe Mode is used basically when there is a problem.  You will use safe mode to try to fix the issues that the computer is rejecting.
Most of the time if you install new software or a driver, and you computer rejects it – the computer will crash or locks up.  You restart your computer, and it starts up in safe mode.

What does Safe Mode Look Like?

Your computer desktop will look the same, but the words ‘safe mode’ will almost look watermarked on your screen.  In my experience the desktop icons are normally LARGER than normal as well.  The colors aren’t as pretty, but look washed out.
You may not be able to use your scanner or printer, because only the basic resources are being used. 
As Microsoft advanced their software?  In my opinion safe mode became more easy to use, and to understand.  YEP!  Especially for beginners!

What do I do with Safe Mode?

There will be times in which you can restart your computer once again, and the problem will ‘self correct’ itself.  Other times it may not.  Try restarting it first, because it’s the easiest if it fixes the problem!
So what should you do if your computer boots to Safe Mode again?
First, try to determine what has changed on your system that could have caused Windows to fail to boot properly. If you have added any kind of hardware go to the Control Panel and remove it and uninstall the software driver for that device. Then attempt to reboot your computer.
If Windows boots properly, you can be reasonably certain that there was some type of conflict with the device (or software) and try to resolve it.
Use this same method if you have loaded a new game or application sometime recently. Go to the Control Panel, click on Add/Remove Programs and remove the software. Reboot your computer and hopefully it will start as it should.
The last time I used safe mode was when the children’s computer had an extra nasty virus.  It stopped almost all operation of the computer itself, and I used safe mode to run the anti virus program. 
Our following article is about booting in safe mode, or starting safe mode.  It will also show you how to get OUT of safe mode.
Next we will tackle booting or rebooting in safe mode by operating systems.
Finally, we will cover the different aspects of the safe mode. 
If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided below. 
Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.
Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on What is The Safe Mode!!

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Safe Mode By Operating System

Our First Article is What is Safe Mode?

Our Second Article is getting in and getting out of Safe Mode.

Below are safe mode articles by operating system.  Click on your computer’s operating system below.

Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Windows 2000

Windows 98 and Windows ME

Windows 95

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Safe Mode Windows Vista XP Seven 7

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 7, XP and Vista

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows Vista / Windows 7  / Windows XP operating system in safe mode

• We will be restarting your computer so make sure you prepare your computer for that by removing disks, saving documents, and closing programs.

  Click on Start button and then click the arrow next to the Lock button and then click restart.  Allow the computer to completely shut down first.  Then…

• Start tapping the F8 key.   The Windows Advanced Options Menu (Pictured above) will then appear. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again. (If you have more than one operating system use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you would like to boot in safe mode)
• 

• Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected by using your down arrow key to highlight  the words ‘safe mode’.  If you miss it?  Use your up arrow key to go back.

  Press Enter once you are on the highlighted ‘safe mode’. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided below. 

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Safe Mode in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7!

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Safe Mode Windows 2000

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 2000.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 2000 operating system in safe mode

Windows 2000 doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

• Restart your computer

• During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.

• From the Windows 2000 Advanced startup menu select safe mode by using the arrow keys and press ENTER when complete.

  
• I will mention there is an option called, Last Known Good Configuration.  This feature enables a user to load the last working version of Microsoft Windows.  Its something like system restore in more current versions of Windows Operating Systems.

As you can see it looks similar to the menu above, and you will use your arrow keys and enter key in the same way.

Once you are finished with your fixes you can restart your computer once again to get OUT of safe mode!

Here is a Microsoft Article on safe mode that goes into more detail if you need it.

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner

On Safe Mode for Windows 2000.

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Safe Mode Windows 98 Windows ME

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 98 or Windows ME.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a windows 98/ME  operating system in safe mode

 

Method 1(Most commonly used):

• Restart your computer

  

• During start up press the CTRL key on your keyboard.

• From the start up menu select safe mode by using your arrow keys and press ENTER when complete.

  

Method 2:

• Click on Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Information

  

• From the Tools menu click on System Configuration Utility

• Click on Advanced and the select the Enable Startup menu checkbox

  

• Restart the computer and during start up select Safe Mode

Method 3:

• Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode

• On the command prompt type "win /d:m" without the quotes

Microsoft Article on Windows 98 Safe Mode

Microsoft Article on Windows ME safe Mode

Problems booting into Safe Mode

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner for Safe Mode for Windows 98 and Windows ME.

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Safe Mode Windows 95

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 95.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 95 operating system in safe mode

Windows 95 AGAIN doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

• Restart your computer

• Start tapping the <F5> key during the Starting Windows 95 message.

• OR During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows 95 logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.

• From the start up menu select safe mode using your arrow keys and press ENTER

  

FileMaker Article on Safe Mode Win 95

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Safe Mode for Windows 95.

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Google Steals Senior Apple Executive for Project

Google is definitely one of the most prominent and influential technology businesses in the world. I can't think of anybody who doesn't use the Google search engine on a daily basis and the features like Gmail, Google+, Google Docs and others make the site all the more accessible for everybody.

Being the technological giant that it is, it isn't surprising that Google is always scouting for new talent, trying to get the very best possible employees on its team. In many cases this results in Google stealing some of the best and brightest minds in the industry away from other companies, including the almighty Apple.

Apple is the most recent victim of a Google acquisition as the Cupertino company has just lost its Senior Director of Project Integrity Simon Prakash to Google. At the moment it is unclear why exactly Google wants or needs Prakash. It could be for some new intellectual property or it could be to simply weaken Apple by stealing away a great mind. VentureBeat has noted that the project Prakash was brought on for is, unsurprisingly, a secret one.

In addition to that, VentureBeat says that this is the first time that Google has been able to convince a senior employee to leave Apple. There are many reasons for that. One could be that Google never made a good enough offer but I'm betting that people were just too afraid to walk out on Steve Jobs. What's more interesting is that this job deal comes right at the time the Department of Justice is investigating both Apple and Google, as well as a host of other companies, for having a proposed agreement to not go after each other's employees. It is rumored that this agreement was put in place to keep salaries in the industry low while also limiting competition.

Prakash has worked at Apple for the last eight years and was also responsible for product quality across all of the company's product lines. It has also been said that Prakash started his employment at Google today. Given his past at Apple, Prakash may very well be in charge of overseeing Motorola's Android devices though this is just speculation.

Source: Slash Gear - Google swipes Apple senior director of project integrity
Engadget - Report: Google hires Apple exec to work on 'secret project'
VentureBeat - Google hires a senior director at Apple for a top secret project (exclusive)

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Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron, Dies in Plane Crash

In a very sad announcement, it has been discovered that CEO and Chairman of the Board at Micron Steve Appleton died in a plane crash earlier this morning in Boise, Idaho. 51-year old Appleton was in the process of flying an experimental fixed-wing plane at the time of the accident.

According to a statement from Micron regarding the loss, "Steve's passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large." Appleton had been working for Micron for 29 years since he started in 1983 and had served the company as a Production Manager, Director of Manufacturing, Vice President of Manufacturing and Chief Operating Officer.

Based in Boise, the company is the largest memory chip manufacturer in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Micron has plants scattered across several states including Idaho, Utah and Virginia and also operates a joint manufacturing venture with Intel. Micron, for those who don't recognize the name, is responsible for brands like Lexar as well as Crucial.

Mr. Appleton began work for Micron when he was only 22, where he worked the overnight shift at the company's factory. From there he climbed the ranks until he reached the top spot of Micron CEO in 1994. However, Micron wasn't Appleton's only venture as the CEO was also a stunt pilot, triathlete and tennis player.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Appleton's friends, family and coworkers in this difficult time.

Source: CNET - Micron CEO Steve Appleton dies in plane crash
USA Today - Micron CEO Steve Appleton dies in crash of small plane

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