Snow Leopard Fails to Dampen Interest in Windows 7

As the day towards Snow Leopard’s release draws near, many are wondering if Apple could really steal the limelight away from Microsoft in this year’s OS parade. Mac users are optimistic that the OS X upgrade would put a dent on Windows 7’s growing reputation as the operating system to beat. However, the fact that the Snow Leopard is not intended as a full and total replacement of the current OS X may have already grounded Apple’s rocket.

Despite the media hype that accompanied every news and tidbit regarding Snow Leopard, Apple was still cautious in billing it as something that’s revolutionary for the obvious reason that it’s not an entirely new product. While the new OS promises to improve system performance, its maker downplayed expectations as to the introduction of new features.

No Contest

While the Vista tragedy may have triggered an exodus to the Mac a few years ago, many are jumping back again to the other side of the river due to compatibility problems. The Mac’s limited demographic have made it hard for its new members to adjust. Apple could have solved this problem by opening up Snow Leopard. However, it might have ended up aggravated it by limiting its new program’s operability to Macs that are Intel-based only.

Apple’s restrictive approach would definitely slow down its campaign to wrest control of the market from Windows. Take note that Windows 7 is not demanding much in terms of system specs. Microsoft assures users that its new OS would run smoothly even on old machines as long as it has at least 1GB of RAM and a GHz of power from the CPU.

Ignoring the Trend

Further aggravating Apple’s expansion plans (if they really do have one) is the proliferation of netbooks. Apple has yet to announce its intention to dip its finger in this segment of the industry. The financial crisis continuous to drive many users to buy cheap netbooks instead of expensive laptops. And since money is hard to come by these days, Mac Books are starting to accumulate dust in shelves and warehouses since they carry a hefty price tag.

$29 Come-On

The only thing going for Snow Leopard right now is its $29 tag price. Many are expected to buy the update without giving it much thought, so it might sell like burgers. But then again, you don’t see many people using Intel-based Macs. Unless Apple does something extraordinary, it won’t see many Windows turncoats this year. In fact, defections might come to a halt altogether as many are already eager to try the leaner and meaner Microsoft OS that’s slated to come out in October.

Windows 7 May Still Run Smoothly on Older PCs

Before the release of its latest operating system’s beta version, Microsoft has been going around the globe to stir up interest in Windows 7. Many were reluctant to lend a kind and open ear on the subject. The unenthusiastic attitude of the people towards the new OS is not surprising. PC users gamely took Redmond’s sales talk on Vista a few years ago and they ended up buying a product that made them feel that they’ve been ripped off.

Bill Gates may have probably learned a lot from his mistakes on Vista. Windows’ developers now know that a lollipop approach on the upgrade of an OS will not fool people into believing that it’s a better product than its predecessor. As we all know, Vista was heavily embellished. Microsoft thought that an OS that doubles as a multimedia show would do the trick in making people believe that it’s a hundred times better than Windows XP. They were wrong.

More Practical

Heaving learned from their eye-opening experience with their last OS, Microsoft is taking on a different approach in promoting Windows 7. Instead of harking that their new operating system has better graphics and design than Vista and OS X, Gates’ wards are now telling everybody that their new product is lighter and easier to operate than its predecessors.

Microsoft’s claim that Windows 7’s vital statistics rivals that of XP’s is indeed surprising. We all know that Windows gets hungrier and greedier as it evolves. Not surprisingly, many thought that they have to overhaul their existing computers in order to accommodate Windows 7. But Microsoft’s assurance that its new product could even run on netbooks had people thinking that Gates may have probably got it right this time.

Just think. If an OS could run on a netbook, then it could definitely run on a low-end Celeron or even on a Pentium III. Instead of interring old machines, Windows 7 could probably resurrect PCs that have long been decommissioned for having failed to meet up Vista’s specs demand. This prospect would definitely attract millions of users who would want to paint a new picture on their old and slow machines that can’t run on an OS higher than XP.

Upgrade a Few Components

Many of those who have tried the release candidate version were pleased with Microsoft’s latest creation. Users themselves have claimed that their PCs did not suffer cardiac arrest even though it’s being ran by a processor that antedates dual or multi-core chips. Some even say that it seems to be lighter and performs better than the much loved Windows XP.

Windows 7 may probably be Microsoft’s redeemer. Many are already eager to try it on their old computers. However, before you try to give your old PC a workout, make sure that it’s really up to the task. A little hardware upgrade wouldn’t hurt. A RAM boost is definitely a must. You might also want to install a new video card in order to fully enjoy the multimedia features of the new OS.

What’s the Catch on Free Online Services?

Don’t you think it’s kind of funny that there are people who complain that the Internet has become too commercialized? While e-commerce has indeed flourished these past few years, free online services also multiplied like rabbits. There are many things in cyberspace that do not have a dollar sign for a tattoo. It would thus seem that charity is a rule or a virtue that’s etched in stone in cyberspace.

The email is probably the best proof that the best things in life are indeed free. Try asking for somebody’s email and he’ll very likely give you one that has a @yahoo.com, @gmail.com, or @hotmail.com extension. These three email service providers send and receive millions of emails everyday without poking their subscribers for money.

Free Hard Drives

Providing free Internet services, such as email accounts and social networking pages, is no joke. You’re terribly mistaken if you think that these services are given for free because they practically cost nothing for its creator. Take for example your social networking page. Your Facebook account probably contains almost a hundred applications and thousands of pictures. In a year’s time, the amount of data that you’ve stuffed into your page would probably reach almost a gigabyte already. Where do you think those files are stored? Subscribing to Facebook’s free services, then, is like availing of a free 1GB hard drive that you could access anytime and anywhere.

Is There a Catch?

Of course there’s a catch. Unless the people behind these online services have been inspired by Mother Teresa, they’ve probably figured out how to cash in on their charity work long before they offered their first free mailbox to the public.

Their primary source of income comes from ads. In case you haven’t noticed, advertisements of all sorts litter your screen whenever you open your email or access the host of your Web site. Ads bring in millions to Web service providers, enabling them to offer every netizen with a virtual real estate in cyberspace without executing a deed of sale.

Want More? Pay Up First

Free Web services often limit you to the basics. For many, though, the free stuff already provides for everything that they need. However, for those who already see or treat their email and social networking sites as life support devices, their need or addiction might probably force them to shell out a few bucks. Extra features and services are available, but they come at a cost. Additional mailbox space doesn’t come for free, and so do those extra weapons that you want for the online role-playing game that you’ve already become addicted to.

Don’t expect everything on the Internet to cost nothing. As with most things that are free, they are either limited or have strings attached to them that lead to your wallet.

Google to Offer Chrome OS for Free

Free OS anyone?

While analysts have been putting question marks all over the Chrome Operating System, Google has recently made them add exclamation points by announcing that it will be offering the program or free.

The Google operating system will debut sometime during the second half of 2010. It will initially breathe life to low-cost netbooks which cater to people looking for a machine that could primarily be used for surfing the Net. The move to focus on the netbook market is hailed by many as a brilliant strategy as the ultra-portable segment of the PC industry is fast outpacing laptops and desktops.

Threatened?

Many expect Microsoft to react by slashing prices of XP, Vista, and its upcoming OS. However, some analysts say that such a reaction might not be needed as PC users are expected to be more critical of Chrome than Windows 7. Even the most rabid Microsoft critic would concede that Google’s experience and reputation as an OS maker is nowhere near that of Redmond’s. And if mistake makes one better at his craft, then Google has a long, long way to go in matching Bill Gates’ expertise.

Even if Microsoft would bite on Google’s price war dare, the former isn’t expected to suffer heavy losses in projected Windows 7 revenues. It should be noted that Windows XP is Redmond’s flag OS in this segment of the PC market. Gates’ has long cashed in on this program of his, and any profit coming from XP is already considered as “surplus.” Hence, Gates isn’t expected to feel the pinch even if he slashes his old operating system’s price by half.

Cold Reception

Every program experiences birth pains during its first few weeks in the market. Cynics abound in the industry, so it won’t be surprising that Chrome will sustain a combination punches from analysts who make a killing by shredding whatever value that the object of their affection has.

Users will most probably take the experts’ skepticisms at face value, too. Many might even make their own deduction as to Chrome OS’ questionable reliability. Indeed, if Microsoft can’t make it right even after decades of trying, then how could anybody expect Google to hit the bull’s eye on its first try?

When it’s free, it’s…

I bet you could finish the phrase above by adding a couple of words that are anything but flattering. While Google may have whetted the interests of cash-strapped users by announcing that its OS will cost neither a penny nor a sweat, it has raised the eyebrows of those who were left hanging or unsatisfied by free programs. Many see freeware as free because it’s not well-written or thoroughly thought out by its authors. Just look at the 10-cent games that are being offered on the Internet for free download and you’ll now what I’m talking about. The fact that the Chrome Operating System is intended for low-cost netbooks that have limited capabilities hasn’t helped quell speculations that there won’t be anything much to talk about on Google’s attempt to get Microsoft’s attention.

Google still has about a year to turn skeptics into believers. Let’s hope that they could come up with an OS that could really spark a price war with Microsoft, especially since the numbers on Vista and Windows 7’s price tags really need some subtracting.

Social Networking Sites: A Security Hazard?

Could you name ten persons from your class or office that do not have Facebook or MySpace accounts? Something tells me that you’ll already stop counting by the time you reach your index finger.

Social networking sites have gained tremendous support and popularity over the past few years. Early versions of these Web sites started out as dating services. However, operators realized that they could swim on a bigger pond if they’ll cater to persons who simply want to be heard or to hear from friends and relatives.

Revealing Too Much

When the shift was made, the response was mind-boggling. Millions of people signed up for free accounts, filling out their profile pages with their complete names, birth dates, and other information that you would normally find in a bio data sheet.

At the rate people are signing up for a Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter account, one would think that the folks at the FBI might already be contracting the creators of the social networking sites to update government databases as to the personal info of the people on its watch list. Indeed, by simply glancing at the profile pages of your friends in Facebook, you’ll realize that it actually replicates a resume or a bio data sheet. It has everything that one would need to consummate the crime of identity theft.

Willing Malware Hosts

Phishers are not the only ones who are swimming in the pond created by social networking sites. Hackers have already tried dipping in the water and found it to be suitable for its malicious intentions. Facebook encountered its first malware attack about a year ago when a bogus Widget called Secret Crush was installed by its account holders, thinking that it was a legitimate application from the site’s operator. The program was supposed to pinpoint people in Facebook who might have a crush on them. Of course, the application didn’t work that way. Secret Crush turned out to be Secret Crash as it indeed crashed some systems due to the spyware that it installed.

For some reason, people tend to let their guard down whenever they’re logged on to a social networking site. Some quickly entertain programs that are being offered to them, while others readily give out information to people that they barely know. With this kind of attitude, you’ll surely be reformatting your hard drive in a few months time. While antivirus programs are made to protect your from external threats, it won’t stand a chance if the attack comes from within. Your antivirus can’t protect you from yourself.

Simple Prudence

By simply being cautious on the buttons that you click and on the information that you give out, you can save yourself from malware attacks and identify theft in social networking sites even without the help of security programs. When somebody wants to add you as a friend in Facebook, check out his profile first. If he doesn’t look familiar to you, reject his request. Likewise, when a widget or application is presented to you, don’t install it without checking its source. If it doesn’t seem legit or if you couldn’t find any information about it, then I suggest that you ignore it.

Vista to ‘Die’ Before XP?

An official from Microsoft has recently revealed that support for Vista could be halted by April 2012. Richard Francis, general manager and Windows Client Business Group lead at Microsoft Asia-Pacific said that the company isn’t sure if it would still make the OS available in the market once Windows 7 is released.

The Vista end-date comes as a surprise to many since XP’s availability and support is expected to continue until April 2014. However, experts aren’t that astonished by the news, highlighting the fact that XP is still being actively used by many PC users. Some even surmise that XP users equal or even outnumber those who are using Vista.

The disclosure may have been prompted by Windows 7’s impending release. Redmond and a number of analysts are already discouraging users from buying Vista. A trial version (Release Candidate) of Windows 7 is even already available for download. The new OS is expected to be released as early as October or as soon as the pricing details have already been ironed out.

The withdrawal of support for Vista condemns the OS to certain death. Vista’s endless bouts with compatibility and security problems makes it very dependent on the patches and service packs that its maker occasionally releases. Without the updates, using Vista could be perilous.

Numerous patches have already been issued for Vista. Just yesterday, Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2. SP2 addresses certain flaws, such as slow shutdowns and sudden crashes. Almost 700 problems are covered by the new service pack.

Vista’s lifespan may be too short for those who already have it. But for those who stuck with XP and waited for a better OS to come, the wait has been long but definitely worthwhile. Don’t expect Microsoft to considerably extend Vista’s expiry date. Once Windows 7 is released, Redmond will already be too busy defending its new OS from bugs and attacks. Vista updates may just come in trickles by then.

Most Netbooks Still Run on Windows XP

Don’t lay the wreath yet on Windows XP. While Microsoft has been constantly posting obituaries on its best-selling OS, PC makers are stubbornly reviving the respected program. At the forefront of the campaign to keep Redmond from euthanizing XP are Acer and HP.

Both PC makers are steadily flooding the market with netbooks. In case you have little or no idea what those contraptions are, netbooks are ultra-portable PCs that are rivaling laptops for space in people’s backpacks. They are fast becoming the mobile PC of choice because of their size, weight, and price tag.

Intel Atom

Most netbooks are powered by the Intel Atom processor. This chip was primarily designed to be the heart and soul of mobile devices, such as smart phones, and portable PCs that are smaller than laptops. It’s not as powerful as its multi-core counterparts, but the Atom can let you do your office chores without much hiccups.

So what do netbooks and its processor have to do with Windows XP’s survival? Pose this query to every computer geek or PC shop salesman and they’ll give you one unified answer – “a lot!”

Limited Specs

Netbooks mainly run on XP since Vista is too heavy for Atom to carry. Atom’s strength and capacity is only half of a Pentium M’s. Adding to the mini laptop’s disability is its limited specs. Most netbooks have only 1GB of RAM. Run Vista on that amount of memory and you’ll know what Alzheimer’s disease means.

As long as netbook specs don’t jump beyond the current bar, this mini PC will continue and remain to be powered by Windows XP because it’s the only viable OS for its limited capability. So don’t think that having a machine that’s bundled with XP will give you a Back-to-the-Future experience. As far as this family of computers is concerned, XP is still the way to the future.