Windows as a service - what does it mean for you?

It's been a tradition of sorts with Microsoft releasing a new version of Windows every few years and the incremental security updates to that version. Then as a new release of Windows was to occur, updates to the previous version would slowly come to an end. And the support of the previous versions would end along with the *lifecycle.

For more information on Windows Lifecycles check out Microsofts Lifecycle page. You'll find that Windows 10 support and updates are N/A and have no end date.

When Windows 10 was released last summer, it was a pleasant surprise. The return of the Start Menu and Cortana, among other wonderful features. Of all the questions many users had the most popular would be "What will the next version of Windows look like?"

That question will very likely become obsolete (a word I don't like using), as Microsoft Vice President of Windows and Devices Group Terry Meyson explained.

"This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no cost. With Windows 10, the experience will evolve and get even better over time. We’ll deliver new features when they’re ready, not waiting for the next major release. We think of Windows as a Service – in fact, one could reasonably think of Windows in the next couple of years as one of the largest Internet services on the planet."

What does this mean exactly? It means Microsoft no longer will release new versions of Windows. Instead the consumer will receive constant updates with new or improved features of Windows ....and this is the best part....at no cost! No more XP, Vista or Windows 7....just Windows!

Essentially you'll always be getting access to the latest operating system. The cons? As OEMs such as HP, Dell and Toshiba manufacture their latest PCs with the newest hardware there will likely be driver and compatibility issues until Microsoft catches up with the updates.

So there you have it.....there won't be a Windows 11 or Windows 2018....you'll always have the latest version of Windows on your computer....free. ;-)

The official Microsoft technet blog here.

Rooting, Unlocking and Jailbreaking - What's the difference?

Note: This article describes the differences between the three. The steps to Root an Android, or "Jailbreak" an Apple iOS device are very detailed and will be covered another day. There are plenty of How To's on Youtube and other sites as well.

I come across many people who use those terms interchangeably. I head a friend a few months ago say, "I'm going to unlock my iPhone so i can tweak the settings". I looked at him and had to laugh, but cleared things up for him
All three describe different procedures on different cell phones.

Unlocking:
All unlocking means is to allow a device which was previously restricted to a specifc carrier can be "unlocked" to be used with another carrier.......Let's say you're not happy with your current carrier and you want to switch to another phone company because they have a better deal. Whoever your current carrier is, call their customer service to have the phone unlocked.

Usually carriers place a few restrictions in order to have a phone unlocked. The phone must not be reported stolen or lost (a clean IMEI). It must be paid for. It can't be on a payment plan or contract.

It's much easier to have a carrier unlock a phone today than it was 5 years ago.  In 2015 a federal bill was passed requiring carriers to unlock consumer phones if they no longer were under the standard two year contract.

Jailbreaking:
Jailbreaking is a term known among iOS consumers. When you "jailbreak" an Apple device, you're bypassing software and security restrictions which Apple has placed on the device. Unfortunately Apple frowns upon "jailbreaking" as well and deems the warranty of your device void if you do, however it is legal to do so in the U.S. In other countries not so.

When you "jailbreak" an iPhone or iOS device and it allows root access to the iOS file system, so applications, extensions, and themes unavailable through the official Apple App Store can be downloaded. Jailbreaking allows you access to apps which Apple doesn't authorize or isn't available at the Apple Store.




Rooting
The Android operating system already allows you to "sideload" apps. (To install from 3rd party sites other than the Play Store) Android gives you free rein in that territory.
When you "root" an android device you access administrative functions and system files and folders.

You might be saying "Well......so what?...what does that do for me?"

When you root an Android device, you open an entire new world of ROM's; third-party systems and not only with the original ROM.
Custom ROMs replace the pre-installed version of Android on devices. Some Roms allow certain performance tweaks such as adjusting processor speed.
Simply Google 'Android Rom's" and you'll see what I mean.

So there you have it.
Jailbreaking is basically bypassing Apples security restrictions on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad...etc) in order to download and install apps which are not listed in the App Store. Rooting gives an Android user administrative access to system files which allow the user to install new Android Rom's (custom versions of Android)

How to: The difference between Sleep & Hibernate on a Windows machine

You're in the midst of typing an email up and it's dinner time. You're not ready to send that email off just yet, and you don't want to shut down the machine....so you click the start menu and send in off to Sleep....or should you use Hibernate instead?

What's the difference?

SLEEP 
Using Sleep in Windows uses low power. The machine is still on, and any programs that are open will remain open. It's similar to pausing a DVD player. *Turn back on Windows by moving the mouse, tapping a key on the keyboard or opening the lid if it's a laptop. 
 *If it's laptop and the battery is low during Sleep, Windows may shut down to prevent damage to the battery.

HIBERNATE 
The Hibernate option is specifically designed for laptops where battery drain would be a concern. When you place a PC in Hibernation, the current programs and apps stay open, any open documents and files are saved and the computer shuts down. 
When you turn back on your system, you'll start back right where you left off. Unlike Sleep Mode, Windows completely shuts the PC down so it's slightly slower getting back to your PC. 

The Hibernate option in Windows 10 should be available in the Power Menu, but if it isn't it's fairly simple to add it.

Enabling Hibernate option
In the Search bar, type Power Options. A Control Panel named Power Options should be listed. Click that. 

When the Control Panel open click "Choose What The Power Buttons Do"

At the top of the next screen, select and click "Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable"

Scroll down on the next page and click the box to the left of "Hibernate" and Save Changes. That's all it takes! 

Now when you click the power button at the Start Menu, you'll have the option to use Hibernate