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That is very sad news indeed. I have extended family in OH but I don’t know if this affects them or not, at least directly; I’ll have to ask around to see.

I do know that AMD’s processors seem to be in higher demand than the Intel chips, as they are less expensive and more prevalent in the packaged-to-go consumer-level computers. I mainly look just at laptops these days, because (1) I’m retired, so I’m not looking at desktops; and (2) I’m mainly looking at laptops for myself and my family. Choosing an Intel chip on most consumer-level systems instead of the AMD processor kicks the price up by about $50 to as much as $100, if memory serves (and at my age, it often doesn’t 😁).

For myself, I prefer an Intel chip and other mid- to high-end options (display resolution and size, RAM, disk size and graphics) for performance, but for my wife and kids/grandkids I usually go for the less-expensive options because they generally don’t make their computers go through as many hoops as mine.

//Steve//

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Charlie

I was going to say, “Thanks for the trip down memory lane,” but I see that’s already been taken so forget I said it. (Delete, delete, delete…)

My first microcomputer was the Apple ][ Plus, so it was a 6502 instead of an 8088. However, I immediately opted for the Microsoft CP/M Card so I could have the best of both worlds. It turned out to be a prophetic choice, because the first two CP/M programs I got hold of were WordStar and dBASE II. The latter started my path to a career in tech support starting at Ashton-Tate, and the rest is as they say history.

I had a lot of fun with both the Apple ][ and CP/M worlds, gaming a little on the former (usually SPI military strategy games and the occasional adventure from Infocom) and working on the latter. Eventually I sold it and got an XT clone, thankfully, and moved on from there through all the steps to what we have today.

I’ll check out the Intel Museum site, but I’m curious why it’s only open until March. Guess I’ll have to settle for the virtual tour. Is the Computer Museum in the San Francisco area still open? Last time I was there, the 386 was king.

//Steve//

I miss the older Microsoft mice.  They had several that were very much on a par with the models currently available from Logitech, lasting several years until I had to recently replace one.  Not knowing about the change in Microsoft’s hardware plans, I looked all over for a replacement like the one I had before.  No dice, rhyme not intended.  I still have the little wired one with the very short cord that lights up red (not handy, don’t remember the model number), which works fine, but I’ve had to say goodbye to the Microsoft line.

As for keyboards, I have long since given up on anybody else’s once I found the Unicomp products!  There was a review from PC Magazine, I think, a while back about these jewels which are using the old IBM patent for tactile feedback which they used in their PC, XT and AT keyboards!  (You know, the design that makes them feel like IBM Selectric typewriters!)  Having become addicted to that “feel” LONG ago, I ordered one and was very pleased.  It’s built like a tank, lasts almost forever (or through the efforts of one grandchild 😝) and has only had to be replaced once.  They’re a bit pricey, and a bit large for anything but a desk (rather than lap) but worth it.  Check http://www.pckeyboard.com for more details.

//Steve//

 

The last report I saw, the news of this change of leadership prompted a 5% jump in stock value — or five points, I forget which — but either way it shows the market was in sync with seeing a need for a change.

I don’t follow the details about why, since the corporate aspects of the tech industry, and the rest of the economy as well if I’m to be honest, so I can’t say anything about that part of the news. I know my limitations when it comes to understanding the “corporate” part of the corporate world. Even though I worked at Ashton-Tate, Nantucket, Computer Associates and Toshiba, I still find that part of the industry mind-numbing.

//Steve//

PS: THIS is where I was trying to reply! I accidentally put this in the “Texting” article’s discussion. Insufficient caffeine. Sorry.

• Office 2024 can be installed on one computer at a time, the days of “one desktop and one laptop” being long gone. Retail (non-OEM) purchases can be transferred to another computer once every 90 days, but there’s an exception for hardware problems.

Stupid decision #1. The logic was, if you were using your laptop, you were away from your desktop. That logic still holds, at least in some cases. Okay, maybe “premature” decision rather than outright “stupid….”

• Access 2024 is available only to volume license holders in one Office 2024 LTSC bundle. There’s no consumer version in the Office 2024 range. The only announced extra in Access 2024 is import/export features for Microsoft “Power” services and their Dataverse.

Stupid decision #2. They should have at least included it in the larger version, as they have in the past. It doesn’t cost them anything, because true “business” users would have bought the 365 package.

• Publisher is no longer included in any Office 2024 bundle because the software is reaching “end of life” (Microsoft’s euphemism) in October 2026.

Stupid decision #3. I use Publisher all the time! It’s superb for low-scale newsletter writing, for example. I also print postcards when traveling and QSL cards for my ham radio hobby.

I’m going to stick with my 365 subscription.  The main reason for that (plus the apps I can no longer get with the stand-alone version) is the 1Tb OneDrive storage, which I really can’t do without.

//Steve//

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rbailin

Thanks for the encouragement regarding Windows 10 post-“mortem.”  I still have one computer running Windows 10 because it’s for the grandkids to play on when they visit, and it’s configured (by their mother) to allow her to manage the amount of time they can spend on it.  Any other laptops that are underpowered enough not to be able to run Windows 11 well enough either are or will soon be moved over to Linux Mint — or salvaged and the remains sent to the e-waste recycler.

//Steve//

 

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Lars220

Regarding the OneDrive issue, especially concerning AutoSave: I agree wholeheartedly!

I have to tell you, though, that I do like OneDrive and I have it fully integrated into Windows 11. I have my Documents, Desktop and Pictures files directed to sync to OneDrive. This is by choice rather than by being forced, and I’ve been doing so for quite a while.

I agree that it should be by choice, and that AutoSave should allow me to save my files wherever I darn well feel like it. I have a lot of my activity taking place in the Downloads folder, which is NOT synced with OneDrive, and AutoSave is disabled there, so the current situation is quite inconvenient.

//Steve//

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Phil Rabichow

I’m glad you included the “God Mode” link in the article. I’ve been using that for years, ever since it first poked its head up! That item, sitting on my desktop, is my go-to for everything system/console/control-panel.

//Steve//

I’m glad Dashlane made the list, because I’ve been using it for years and absolutely wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The only thing I dislike about it is that they discontinued the Windows standalone app.  That takes away Dashlane’s ability to work outside the browser on Windows applications.  I have to do the copy/paste BS instead, whereas before it worked great.  If you have an “in” with the people there, maybe you can put in a good word for me and see if they’ll bring it back…. 😁

Will Fastie wrote:

WINDOWS 11 By Will Fastie Microsoft’s Windows Terminal is not a new thing, but it arrived by stealth in Windows 11. It’s quite a change. Windows Termi
[See the full post at: Windows Terminal arrives?]

Windows Terminal is great, and I do use it from time to time, but my greatly-preferred alternative to the Command window is Take Command (TCMD).

TCMD mainly works as a shell to give you multiple tabs of their actual command-prompt window, TCC.  The command language is massively extended with a lot of new commands, plus extensions to existing CMD commands.

There is a free version of TCC available – actually a somewhat older version of the current TCC – and there are fully-capable versions of TCC and TCMD available for download, which work for 30 days from the date of first use (i.e., you can install it on Monday and run it for the first time on Friday, so your 30-day trial period starts from Friday).

Visit http://www.jpsoft.com for more information.

//Stevve//

{Disclaimer: I don’t work for JPSoft, nor do I receive compensation for making this recommendation.  I’m simply a long-time satisfied customer.}

 

WSGaryCN wrote:

I’ve been running Linux since Linspire Five-O now on Mint 20,3 Cinnamon on my main PC and Mint 21.3 Cinnamon on my test machine. I have Installed Mint on laptops for a few friends who had gotten into trouble with Windows malware etc mostly the over 50 group like me, they all seem to be happier with Linux without having to go into quite a bit of training. Most use it for Internet Searches Email and photo/doc storage. Mint is somewhat familiar with what they used in Windows but a little more secure. The over-60 group seems intimidated to try this on their own but once they have used it for a few weeks can easily adapt. it is enjoyable to bring a PC back to life with a complete reinstall.

Just speaking for myself:

For folks who aren’t “power users” like me (even though I’m retired, I still need things that are only in Windows), the functionality of Linux Mint with the LibreOffice suite is plenty.  But in my case, I need the connectivity to OneDrive that’s integrated in Windows (and so far is unavailable in Linux) and the functionality of some of the Office apps that just aren’t in LibreOffice.  As I mentioned, until that day comes when Microsoft recognizes Linux as a legitimate program for them to fully support with their Microsoft 365 apps and integration of OneDrive’s cloud storge into the operating system, I can’t switch to it on my main system.  It will remain a secondary, “tinkering” machine  until that day.

//Steve//

 

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bassmanzam

Mothy wrote:

LMDE is based on Debian, it does not have any Ubuntu components in it that need to be removed. Whereas the main Linux Mint OS is based on Ubuntu and various components such as Snaps and telemetry are removed that are normally included in the Ubuntu base.

From the Linux Mint website regarding LMDE:

LMDE aims to be as similar as possible to Linux Mint, but without using Ubuntu. The package base is provided by Debian instead.

Its goal is to ensure Linux Mint can continue to deliver the same user experience if Ubuntu was ever to disappear. It allows us to assess how much we depend on Ubuntu and how much work would be involved in such an event.

I know, that always bothered me.  Why does the Mint team feel it’s necessary to remove components?  What is it about Snap that causes them concern?  It’s one of the first things I put back in when I set up a Linux installation….

//Steve//

Chris Husted wrote:

LINUX By Chris Husted I always get strange looks from people when I tell them I use Linux on my laptop at home, as if I were some techno-nut who feels
[See the full post at: Linux — it’s all about the apps]

I get the same reactions.  While I don’t use Linux as my primary OS, I do use it.  Mostly it’s for the learning experience, but mainly it’s just for fun.  I would be happy to switch over once Microsoft provides my Microsoft 365 apps as native Linux apps and gives me a way to integrate OneDrive to the Linux system.  There are some components of Microsoft 365 that I just won’t do without (mainly Outlook and OneNote, but I prefer the other Office apps as well).  I don’t mind continuing to pay for my subscription to Microsoft 365, so they wouldn’t lose any money there if they integrate it with Linux.

Linux is awesome, and I know it has enormous potential, but I know Microsoft considers it a threat.  Once they provide the Office suite for Linux, people have less reason to remain in the Windows environment.  So I’m not holding my breath.

//Steve//

 

satrow wrote:

The lite version is still free: https://www.zabkat.com/x2lite.htm

I have the Lite version installed on my wife’s laptop, and the one that my grandkids use when they’re visiting, since when I’m “supporting” those two machines I don’t need nearly the amount of features that I do with Premium on my own laptop.  That also avoids any problems with license violations.  Having worked in the software industry for many years, if I’m going to preach the message of keeping in compliance then I’d better walk the walk and not just talk the talk…!  😮

//S//

 

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satrow

astro46 wrote:

Alex5723 wrote:

Try the quad-pane file manager Q-Dir

If this comment is directed to me,  I think that I looked at Q-dir.   Too busy an interface?  Didn’t want to see 4 panes all the time?

with tablacus I can see one pane most of time, and switch to dual (horizontal or vertical) or quad  when I want. Also turn off/on preview pane for viewing photos.

I agree regarding four-pane displays.  I would rather have two or three instances of my two-pane file manager (xplorer²) and switch between them as needed.

//S//