When Vista was originally released, one of the biggest complaints levied against it centered around the myriad of product editions available to the consumer. Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate…the choices seemed endless, and confusing, to the customer standing in the PC software isle of their favorite retail store. In addition to this, moving from edition to edition, features were gained AND lost, making for a very confusing time. It was very easy to get lost in exactly what you were getting for your money compared to other editions.
It seems as if Microsoft has learned their lesson, and have recently announced the official W7 product editions. Initially, it will not seem any better when I tell you that W7 features no less than 5 product editions (technically 6, but we’ll get to that later). Vista had 5, W7 has 5…what gives?
To explain how W7 is better in this regard, we must first introduce you to the new product editions. Meet W7 Starter, W7 Home Premium, W7 Professional, W7 Enterprise, and W7 Ultimate.
Read more…
Personal Musings
This spotlight will focus squarely on the brand new taskbar for Windows 7. While the new taskbar isn’t complicated by any stretch of the imagination, it will be a little difficult to explain. It’s definitely one those things you have to use yourself to get a good feel for it. So let’s dive right in, shall we?
Meet your new taskbar:
Initially, it simply looks like the Vista taskbar with large, oversized quicklaunch icons. If this is what you were thinking, then you’re correct. Sort of.
Read more…
Personal Musings
As you may know, I’ve been using the Windows 7 (build 7000) for a few days now, and the more I use it, the more I love it. There are a lot of great features and touches included in this first public beta build, some which are nice additions, some which are questionable. Since my readers aren’t typically huge computer nerds like I am, these spotlights will focus on the basic stuff.
This first feature spotlight will focus on “Aero Peek”. Aero Peek is an evolved idea from the “Show Desktop” icon from past windows versions. Previously, if you clicked on the Show Desktop icon in your quicklaunch bar, all windows would be minimized, leaving it for you to reopen the windows in the order you wanted once you were done with your desktop duties. This was fine, but sometimes annoying when you just wanted to take a look at your desktop for the presence of a file, but not have to deal with re-opening a dozen windows.
Enter Aero Peek, which is activated by simply hovering over the new glass tile next to the time display on the taskbar:
Read more…
Personal Musings
If you’re looking forward to Street Fighter IV as much as I am, then you probably know that the XBOX 360 controller (my preferred platform) isn’t the best when it comes to precise d-pad movements. In fact, while the 360 controller is my personal favorite controller of all time in terms of layout and functionality, the directional pad is one of the worst in history.
So what better solution for SFIV than to purchase a quality arcade stick?
This puppy will only set me back $150. Seeing as to how I’m not rich, anyone want to donate to my good cause? You can write it off on your taxes if you wish…
Videogames
I’m testing out a new program released by Microsoft last week entitled Windows Live Writer (or WLW for short). Basically, WLW interfaces with many popular blogs around the net to allow you access in creating blog posts without having internet service available. Not only does this allow you to create blog posts without the need for the net (you upload your completed post when you get back to civilization), but it also (supposedly) helps you nail down that awesome layout, complete with pictures, links, embedded video, etc without having to mess with a sometimes clunky WYSIWYG web editor.
Consider this my first test of this software, as I like the idea of forming blog posts outside of the site atmosphere and in something more attune to writing and composure.
Read more…
Personal Musings
The monthly NPD report is always a varied lot. The “big 3″ spin the numbers to their advantage (even though it’s obvious they are blowing smoke), terms like “attach rate” are thrown out at will, and grown men argue like children on internet forums around the net. For those of us on the sane side of the aisle, the NPD Group’s monthly retail report gives valuable insight into the trends of the market as a whole.
If you’re not familiar with the monthly NPD’s, they are released around the middle of the month by the NPD Group. The NPD Group is the leading global provider of consumer and retail market research information for a wide range of industries. OK, that last line was lifted from their official website, but you get the drift. In the case of the gaming industry, they work directly with certain retailers to get the sales data they need. However, that’s where the NPD reports falter a bit. Take note that NPD numbers do NOT include all major retailers in the nation! One notable exception? Wal-Mart.
Even still, the numbers are considered the most accurate available, and provide an easy at-a-glance comparison that console fanboys love so much (assuming you’re loyalty lies with a machine or game at the top of the list).
Read more…
Videogames
