Microsoft recently released their new Surface product and yes I got one. I truly enjoy this new pad and have a few things to say about it.
I'd like to dispel any idea that this should be considered as an iPad replacement. I'm not sure it should even be considered to be in the same category. Aside from the fact that the device has a totally different shape and format (9.5x7.31 vs 10.81x6.77), the Surface is also running a completely different type of operating system. Yes the current versions of the Surface are running on an ARM CPU. Yes the current version of the Surface only allows apps to be installed if they're available on the Microsoft store. The major difference is the feel of a truly multi tasking OS that looks and reacts exactly as your desktop computer reacts.
So what are the pluses and minus's to the Surface? If you've ever typed on a touch screen device you've probably been a bit frustrated with it. The Surface has the best keyboard I've ever used on a touch screen. If you purchase either optional keyboard you're in for an even bigger treat. The Surface becomes more of a laptop replacement than an iPad or Android OS alternative. Another huge plus is the inclusion of Microsoft Office. No other device on the market can compete with this. And yes its a full blown copy, not a gimped down version.
The major draw backs are obvious very quickly. Windows simply doesn't have the App store that iOS or Play Store that Google has. You don't have to even work very hard to find missing Apps. If you're an avid user of IM chat programs you'll notice your favorites are likely missing. Yes there are alternatives but if you're like me you like the ones you're used to using (Trillian or Pidgin ?).
The future is very bright for this device and line of products. The very behavior that was Apple's undoing during the 1980's could lead to similar results in the 2010's. History does repeat itself. A closed single source platform vs. the world looks to be developing. Many pundits point to Android and they're right, its established. I would point to other markets that Microsoft has decided are important to them and caution against betting against them. Think about the Xbox vs Play Station battle or going back a bit further, the browser wars. Yes Microsoft stumbled with prior attempts at tablets, don't count on them staying down for long.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Monday, May 28, 2012
Project Management
I recently got interested in Project Management Institutes CAPM and PMP certifications. I regularly watch the IT industries certifications and job listing to see whats out there and what other companies are doing, you could say its just part of my job.
For the past several years the PMP has been up at the top of the lists for desirability. A little background first - The CAPM and PMP are certifications for Project Managers and the PM industry. These professionals are responsible for overseeing projects from start to finish. A project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. Some examples of this could be building a home, a new software application or a web site. On going tasks such as cleaning your office or workspace are not projects.
What makes the CAPM and PMP certifications unique is their background requirements. You can't simply pick up a book, read some web sites, study a few sample tests and sign up to go take the PMP exam. You actually have to submit for approval and document your work history. This approach protects those who have invested the time to obtain the credential as well as employers who have decided this is a viable prerequisite for hiring.
After examining the requirements I was amazed to find that I myself have been managing projects for over 15 years. As a consultant and IT provider to my customers nearly everything we do is a project and as such we manage it. Many of these tasks we have performed some what more informally than the PMP procedure defines. I can say from first hand experience that on a number of occasions we'd have benefited from knowing these processes.
In the coming weeks I'll share some of my experiences as I go through PMI's training documents and materials.
For the past several years the PMP has been up at the top of the lists for desirability. A little background first - The CAPM and PMP are certifications for Project Managers and the PM industry. These professionals are responsible for overseeing projects from start to finish. A project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. Some examples of this could be building a home, a new software application or a web site. On going tasks such as cleaning your office or workspace are not projects.
What makes the CAPM and PMP certifications unique is their background requirements. You can't simply pick up a book, read some web sites, study a few sample tests and sign up to go take the PMP exam. You actually have to submit for approval and document your work history. This approach protects those who have invested the time to obtain the credential as well as employers who have decided this is a viable prerequisite for hiring.
After examining the requirements I was amazed to find that I myself have been managing projects for over 15 years. As a consultant and IT provider to my customers nearly everything we do is a project and as such we manage it. Many of these tasks we have performed some what more informally than the PMP procedure defines. I can say from first hand experience that on a number of occasions we'd have benefited from knowing these processes.
In the coming weeks I'll share some of my experiences as I go through PMI's training documents and materials.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Steve Jobs Resigning
Sure there are tons of articles on the internet discussing Steve Jobs resigning. Here are just a few.
BGR - http://www.bgr.com/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-ceo-of-apple-tim-cook-takes-his-place/
FoxNews - http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-ceo-named-chairman-373386699/
First I'd like to say to Steve thanks for so many of the things you brought to our industry. While I don't always agree with everything that Apple does there is no doubt that he innovated and brought new things that changed how we live our lives.
I'd also like to point out that while Apple stock has initially fallen around 2% in these first hours of trading after the announcement, I think the worst is yet to come for them. I'm not sure how long it will take, after all Mr. Jobs has them set on a pretty successful path, but I believe we'll see some pretty major downgrades for Apple in the coming years.
I know its easy to predict this right? I'm going to back up my statement with some reality. Many people forget that Jobs came back to Apple in the late 90's and literally saved the company. Prior to Jobs return Apple had largely sunk into near irrelevance. In fact it looked like the only likely challenger Microsoft had on the horizon was Linux. If not for the good timing of the MP3 craze and Jobs knack for marketing with the original iPod and iTunes Apple may not even exist any longer.
Regardless of what happens with Apple in the coming years I imagine their near term success will continue and they will continue many of the practices Mr. Jobs put in place. I do wish Steve Jobs the best and I hope that his health isn't as bad as it would seem.
BGR - http://www.bgr.com/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-ceo-of-apple-tim-cook-takes-his-place/
FoxNews - http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-ceo-named-chairman-373386699/
First I'd like to say to Steve thanks for so many of the things you brought to our industry. While I don't always agree with everything that Apple does there is no doubt that he innovated and brought new things that changed how we live our lives.
I'd also like to point out that while Apple stock has initially fallen around 2% in these first hours of trading after the announcement, I think the worst is yet to come for them. I'm not sure how long it will take, after all Mr. Jobs has them set on a pretty successful path, but I believe we'll see some pretty major downgrades for Apple in the coming years.
I know its easy to predict this right? I'm going to back up my statement with some reality. Many people forget that Jobs came back to Apple in the late 90's and literally saved the company. Prior to Jobs return Apple had largely sunk into near irrelevance. In fact it looked like the only likely challenger Microsoft had on the horizon was Linux. If not for the good timing of the MP3 craze and Jobs knack for marketing with the original iPod and iTunes Apple may not even exist any longer.
Regardless of what happens with Apple in the coming years I imagine their near term success will continue and they will continue many of the practices Mr. Jobs put in place. I do wish Steve Jobs the best and I hope that his health isn't as bad as it would seem.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Service Review: Spotify
What is Spotify - Its a music streaming service that started a few years ago in Sweden.
Platforms - Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS (iphone/ipad), Android and many others
Cost - Free (by invite currently) or Premium Subscription for $9.99
Review:
Spotify recently arrived in the USA in Mid July and competes with many other services such as Live365 or Pandora. While Pandora allows you to build "stations" and listen to music that is suggested to you based upon what you've listened to in the past Spotify provides the ability to build custom lists and sync them accross multiple devices. Spotify also allows the use of social networking to share your songs and play lists with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and other outlets.
I have been using Spotify for about three weeks now. So far I've found 99% of everything I've looked for. There have been a hand full of artists such as AC/DC that haven't been available and a handful of albums by specific artists that aren't available. There have been things there I wouldn't have expected to find - such as entire albums by Roger Miller.
I am subscribed to the $9.99 premium package. Initially I picked this package simply so I could get in. I intended to get pay for a month, get some invites and drop. After having used the product for a month and seeing how my desktop interacts with my android phone however, I'm sold. I can add a song on my office computer and create custom play lists and know when I walk out to my car its instantly available for play.
I would say the price is a bit steep however. Nearly $10 a month for music is asking a lot in my opinion. You do get 10 invites and you can use the subscription on numerous devices so the value isn't that bad. I feel like $5 a month would be more appealing to a wider range of people and they'd get more than double the user base paying.
Rating - 9/10
Platforms - Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS (iphone/ipad), Android and many others
Cost - Free (by invite currently) or Premium Subscription for $9.99
Review:
Spotify recently arrived in the USA in Mid July and competes with many other services such as Live365 or Pandora. While Pandora allows you to build "stations" and listen to music that is suggested to you based upon what you've listened to in the past Spotify provides the ability to build custom lists and sync them accross multiple devices. Spotify also allows the use of social networking to share your songs and play lists with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and other outlets.
I have been using Spotify for about three weeks now. So far I've found 99% of everything I've looked for. There have been a hand full of artists such as AC/DC that haven't been available and a handful of albums by specific artists that aren't available. There have been things there I wouldn't have expected to find - such as entire albums by Roger Miller.
I am subscribed to the $9.99 premium package. Initially I picked this package simply so I could get in. I intended to get pay for a month, get some invites and drop. After having used the product for a month and seeing how my desktop interacts with my android phone however, I'm sold. I can add a song on my office computer and create custom play lists and know when I walk out to my car its instantly available for play.
I would say the price is a bit steep however. Nearly $10 a month for music is asking a lot in my opinion. You do get 10 invites and you can use the subscription on numerous devices so the value isn't that bad. I feel like $5 a month would be more appealing to a wider range of people and they'd get more than double the user base paying.
Rating - 9/10
Monday, August 15, 2011
Quick Tip #1 - Power Issue
If your computer fails to turn on when you hit the power button..... (no lights, no sound, just acts dead)
Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer for a minimum of 30 seconds. Plug back in and try to power on.
When you unplug the power cord you may hear a high pitched "whine" from the power supply (the box inside the computer where the power cord plugs in). This may high pitched sound may slowly disapate as the charge in the power supply is released.
Many times a computer can build up a charge and this will prevent the computer from coming up. We usually recommend plugging and unplugging several times extending the time period the machine is unplugged up to 2 or 3 minutes.
If this fails to resolve the issue you may have a dead power supply or a bad mother board (logic board for you Mac folks). Checking for a dead power supply is easy for any tech and is by far the cheapest repair. Usually around $100 or less for a quality part.
Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer for a minimum of 30 seconds. Plug back in and try to power on.
When you unplug the power cord you may hear a high pitched "whine" from the power supply (the box inside the computer where the power cord plugs in). This may high pitched sound may slowly disapate as the charge in the power supply is released.
Many times a computer can build up a charge and this will prevent the computer from coming up. We usually recommend plugging and unplugging several times extending the time period the machine is unplugged up to 2 or 3 minutes.
If this fails to resolve the issue you may have a dead power supply or a bad mother board (logic board for you Mac folks). Checking for a dead power supply is easy for any tech and is by far the cheapest repair. Usually around $100 or less for a quality part.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
True Cost of Ownership
Over the years one of the largest issues we have found with computer hardware sales has been convincing end users that the price tag on the product is not the real price of the product. No I'm not talking about sales tax here. Computers and other technology have a hidden price tag that comes with them. This is what our industry refers to as a TCO or Total Cost of Ownership.
There are a lot of factors that go into TCO numbers and I'm going to talk about some of the more off the wall things people miss.
First we'll talk about store bought computers and why the price on a box bought at a store may not be the same as a custom solution. The biggest issue that comes to mind is setup. As in do you know how? Many people purchase a computer, printer, monitor and a few other gadgets then drag it home and have little to no idea what to do from there. At this point several things begin to happen, perhaps frustration being the leader of the show. Lets assume your time is worth nothing to you, although anyone who says this is often decieving themself. You'll likely spend hours on the phone with HP or Epson trying to set up a wireless printer or perhaps an ISP trying to get your email set back up. What about your data? Did you get it moved from the old computer to the new one? What if the old computer is "dead" but you still want your data? Many other situations can arise but these are some good high lights that can wind up taking hours. I had a call just the other day where a customer had spent over three hours on the phone with HP trying to set up a wireless printer only to call me and have the issue resolved with a remote session in under 60 seconds flat.
Next we will come to software. This is probably an even stickier subject and I will only touch lightly on it. Now that Windows 7 is out many users don't realize that many of their programs that they relied on won't run on the new computer. Additionally many users don't remember that seven years ago when they purchased their last computer they had to buy a few additional pieces of software, some of which are very expensive. A good computer company can help you by determining what can be reloaded to your new computer and what can't. Many times people go to a big box store and purchase their computer and think they need to repurchase Microsoft Office or other software suites that they already own. The license is portable as long as you don't have it on both systems at once. And finally our industries dirty secret with software, prebundled junkware. Why do you suppose that they dump systems in retail chain stores for unbelievably low prices? Its not volume. The computer industry is highly competitive and the cost of parts for big builders isn't much cheaper than it is for a little guy up the street. The truth is they often sell the hardware at a loss in order to put a box in your hands loaded with garbage. In otherwords they're selling advertising space to those guys and giving you a computer that runs like crap to do it.
There are many other hidden costs of owning computers of course. Warranties, replacement cycles, software upgrades and more all come into play. Remember when you call a local computer shop for a quote that their "price" may sound higher than the "price" at Wally World but if you've got a local guy they may be willing to do more for you than Wally ever would.
There are a lot of factors that go into TCO numbers and I'm going to talk about some of the more off the wall things people miss.
First we'll talk about store bought computers and why the price on a box bought at a store may not be the same as a custom solution. The biggest issue that comes to mind is setup. As in do you know how? Many people purchase a computer, printer, monitor and a few other gadgets then drag it home and have little to no idea what to do from there. At this point several things begin to happen, perhaps frustration being the leader of the show. Lets assume your time is worth nothing to you, although anyone who says this is often decieving themself. You'll likely spend hours on the phone with HP or Epson trying to set up a wireless printer or perhaps an ISP trying to get your email set back up. What about your data? Did you get it moved from the old computer to the new one? What if the old computer is "dead" but you still want your data? Many other situations can arise but these are some good high lights that can wind up taking hours. I had a call just the other day where a customer had spent over three hours on the phone with HP trying to set up a wireless printer only to call me and have the issue resolved with a remote session in under 60 seconds flat.
Next we will come to software. This is probably an even stickier subject and I will only touch lightly on it. Now that Windows 7 is out many users don't realize that many of their programs that they relied on won't run on the new computer. Additionally many users don't remember that seven years ago when they purchased their last computer they had to buy a few additional pieces of software, some of which are very expensive. A good computer company can help you by determining what can be reloaded to your new computer and what can't. Many times people go to a big box store and purchase their computer and think they need to repurchase Microsoft Office or other software suites that they already own. The license is portable as long as you don't have it on both systems at once. And finally our industries dirty secret with software, prebundled junkware. Why do you suppose that they dump systems in retail chain stores for unbelievably low prices? Its not volume. The computer industry is highly competitive and the cost of parts for big builders isn't much cheaper than it is for a little guy up the street. The truth is they often sell the hardware at a loss in order to put a box in your hands loaded with garbage. In otherwords they're selling advertising space to those guys and giving you a computer that runs like crap to do it.
There are many other hidden costs of owning computers of course. Warranties, replacement cycles, software upgrades and more all come into play. Remember when you call a local computer shop for a quote that their "price" may sound higher than the "price" at Wally World but if you've got a local guy they may be willing to do more for you than Wally ever would.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Guide: Fixing Spell Check French Edition
Recently we had a customer call us regarding a problem with spell check. Interestingly it had switched to French without any option to switch back to English. This problem occurs due to an issue with installing Office 2007 which replaces files that are incompatible with Outlook Express.
Two fixes are available at this time.
Fix #1 -
Install Windows Live Mail - download is available at http://download.live.com/wlmail
Fix #2 -
Install a 3rd party spell check program. You can find numerous free programs from Microsoft Communities site. http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx After installing a 3rd party app you should see it available on the spell check language drop down.
Two fixes are available at this time.
Fix #1 -
Install Windows Live Mail - download is available at http://download.live.com/wlmail
Fix #2 -
Install a 3rd party spell check program. You can find numerous free programs from Microsoft Communities site. http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx After installing a 3rd party app you should see it available on the spell check language drop down.
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