Microsoft Windows 7

Vista didn’t really do Windows brand any justice and Microsoft have responded with promising a release or a new operating system in 2009 -  Microsoft Window 7. There are loads of benefits to this new system and from looking at the Beta it seems to fix a lot of the problems with Vista. Some of the new functions to look out for:

• Improved task bar with full screen preview.
  This has always been a problem with users who open on average of 7 – 15 windows at once. I love the invisible window option.
• Jump Lists
  A nice convenient way to reach recent files or files you want to access often.
• New User Interface
  There is a bunch of new copy and paste features, more open, re-size, close, maximise, arrange windows options – but it still has the familiar windows style (in fact it does look branding wise just like Vista).
• Internet Explorer 8
  Mozilla 3 is currently my choice of browser having lost my patience with IE7 and memory issues. IE7 is still much quick at opening that Mozilla but the overall experience isn’t as good. IE8 plans to fixs this and pull back some of the market share it is losing. Some new functions to look out for with this release are;
  • Accelerators
    Highlight text or info from a page and select from a number of online services like address look up and
  • Webslices
    Which monitors changes to websites like weather, sport scores etc.
• Improved Device Management
  A single device windows to manage all devices on a computer and Device Stage which allows you to interact better with devices seeing it’s status and run common tasks.
• Home Group
  Home groups is a easy way to setup a home network. Microsoft has managed to make this extremely simple to share files, videos or music but with more security.
• Faster and increased performance
• Extended battery life for laptops and portable devices
• Action Center to sort problems easier
• Windows Touch
  After all Microsoft’s work on their touchscreen devices and tables of recent this should be a great feature albeit I think devices that start using this will take a while to appear. The problems with touch screens like the Eee PC is that your arms starts to ache after extended use – but it is great for quick tasks like selecting a film, sending an email or checking some news.
• Improved Voice and Handwriting recognition

This should start appearing mid 2009 and I hope to see Windows 7 SP1 (Service Pack) out by the end of the year – just in time for Christmas when gadget and electronics sales are up again

Nintendo DSi

I only actually got a DS lite this year but one thing that I like over the Sony PSP is that it is very much built on the more is less approach. Everything is very simple and works well. This new DSi from Nintendo builds on the DS with some good and bad features:

• 12% thinner than the DS lite
• 0.3 megapixel camera
• Larger 3.25″ screen (DS lite has 3″)
• SDHC slot – which can be used to playback audio
• 256MB of internal flash memory
• New DSi shop
• Upgradable firmware

However due to the smaller design the battery is not quite as good and the Guitar hero on tour grip isn’t compatible due to the GBA slot being removed. Otherwise it’s a great new handheld console that will no doubt be as successful. The DSi has recently been released in Japan and will hit the UK and US in Spring 2009

3D Satellite Navigation

True 3D satellite navigaion units have started to surface at the end of this year but none of them as yet have impressed as promised. However the concept of seeing your surroundings in a much more 3 dimensional space is definitely something is going to keep sat nav sales up. Tomtom, who for me make the best sat navs currently on the market, will be releasing a new 3D range in 2009. It will be interesting to see how well they they stack up to the current 3D NavMan S50 sat navs which already offer 3D landmarks of more than 1,000 European buildings.

Spyware on your Gadget

Spyware, is a computer software program or hardware device that enables an unauthorized person (such as an abuser) to secretly monitor and gather information about your computer use. There are many types of computer software programs and hardware devices that can be installed to monitor your computer activities, and this computer spy is dangerous.  They can be installed on your computer without your knowledge, and the person installing them doesn’t even need to have physical access to your computer. on the state you live in, and the context in which it is installed and used.  Regardless of the legality, Spyware is invasive, intrusive, and may put victims in grave danger.  Spyware programs are sometimes marketed as ways to monitor your children or your employees.   As an employer, it is always best to have your employees read and sign a “Technology Use Policy.” This policy should explain allowable uses of company property, expectations of online behavior, and TELL employees if their computer will be monitored.  Additionally, choose a software package that displays an icon to remind your employees that they’re being monitored. There are some similarities computer spy and differences between Spyware and its close relatives. For example:

Adware: These are hidden marketing programs that deliver advertising to consumers, and might also profile users’ Internet surfing & shopping habits. Adware is often bundled or hidden in something else a user downloads.  Most average computer users are infected with adware fairly regularly, and common symptoms include a sluggish system and lots of advertising pop-ups.

Malware: This is any program that tries to install itself or damage a computer system without the owner’s consent.  Malware includes viruses, worms, spyware and adware.

Abusers can install Spyware on your computer if they have physical or Internet access to your computer or handheld device.  Some abusers might hack into your computer from another location via the Internet. Some might send spyware to you as an attached file that automatically installs itself when you open the email or when you initially view it in a preview window. Others may email or instant message a greeting card, computer game, or other ruse in order to entice you or your children to open an attachment or click on a link.  Once opened, the program automatically installs spyware on the victim’s computer, in stealth mode without notification or consent, and computer spy activity can then send electronic reports to the perpetrator via the Internet.