February News & Tips: Win10 Free & More

Windows 10: New. Improved. And Free to Win 7 & 8.1 users

Windows 10
Is Windows 10 what Windows 8 shouda’ coulda’ been? Early reflections say yes, maybe. Microsoft’s recent press event which introduced a Win 10 technical release, teased not only the OS, but the shifting sands of Microsoft strategics. The giant was, perhaps, humbled by the disastrous Win 8 release for all the right reasons, and it’s now aggressively revamping how it will move into the future.

The good news is that Win 10 may be what Win 8 was promised to be with some interesting new features. We’ve included links to some major industry reviews, but present here a short take. So what’s new and noteworthy?

More at CNET Win 10, CNET More On Win, Info World, TechRadar, PCWorld, Microsoft


Is Your Website A Mess?

Hopefully you have a website that’s up to date, attractive, and informative – one that reflects a cohesive corporate vision and personality. The bad news is, if it’s an outdated, clumsy, and a mish-mash – that’s pretty much how visitors remember you. They click away and move on.

As folks who have developed websites and applications for retail, government, corporate, public and professional entities for almost two decades, we’ve seen websites go from optional to an absolutely essential component of the digital age in which we now reside.

Content Mgmt SystemsUpgrading Static Websites to
Content Management Systems:

From the simple to the complex, a content management system (CMS) like WordPress provides a web structure that gives you the ability to effectively manage content and delivery. Once deployed, employees can contribute to the site at varying permission levels in a user-friendly, word-processing environment. WordPress, one of our preferred CMS platforms, can help deliver positive visual continuity with user-friendly navigation. Almost any option can include a secure area for internal communications and other matters.

SiteVision options include WordPress site development, hosting, and automatic update management. You can contact us anytime for questions, or for guidance without feeling obligated.


Gadgets & Gizmos

 

Qualcomm WiPowerQualcomm WiPower: Get rid of nasty, snaky, tangled cords. How often have we all wished to rid ourselves forever of cords? While universal cordless, no-battery charging, powering for all we do is a way off, Qualcomm’s WiPower gives us their take on charging and powering electronics wirelessly.

Named one of the best gadgets of CES 2015, this handy device charges and powers mulitple devices at a time. Devices don’t have to be in direct contact with a charging pad; just within the charge area. The concept can also be incorporated into furniture and other surfaces. You can see a video and read more at Qualcomm

theeggEggCyte – the mini webserver that goes where you go and runs all day! Put this clever little device in your pocket and just go. It’s a pocket-size web-server, network storage and touchscreen computer roughly half the size of a smartphone. The Egg is a personal webserver (no cloud with the emphasis on personal) in various configurations of up to 256GB that’s self configuring and easily accessible from any browser. It’s also a Wi-Fi access point, so you and others can view content even with no Wi-Fi available. The Egg also features a personal website to store your stuff. It’s expected to ship this year. You can read more at ZDNET and EggCyte


check_mark_greenQuick Takes

 

Google Fiber Coming To Town

Office 2016 Coming Soon

Office for Android Live Now

Will AI Take Over the Human Race? Some Pretty Heavy Thinkers Are Worried

Critical Java Update

Security News Weekly Update

All the Best Knuckleheads Writing the Worst Passwords

Gmail users can now save files and attachments directly to Google Drive – without leaving their inbox.


 

SiteVision News & Tips November 2014

Windows OS: A Long, Slow Slog To Perfection?

win10previewIt’s really hard to get excited about an OS that has failed consumers and business in so many ways. But maybe there’s hope. Windows 8.1 got a boost in adoption from 6.7 percent in September to nearly eleven percent in October. And, yes, soon there’s to be a leap – not to Windows 9 – but to Windows 10.

As should be expected, however, most consumers are holding on to their version of Windows until the dust settles or the cows come home (whatever happens first). Windows 7, for instance, still has a whopping 53 percent share, followed by XP at 17 percent – down from nearly 24 percent in September – when Microsoft cut off support for that version.

Shutting Down The XP, VISTA Win 7 Lifeline:

A look at the numbers might suggest that the Win 8.1 increased market share had more to do with a Microsoft power play. MS is virtually forcing XP, VISTA, and Win 7, 8 users to adopt Win 8.1 as they begin to cut off consumer retail sales and mainstream support for Pre-8.1 OS versions. With the earlier lifelines shutting down, there’s really little choice for desktop Window users, other than to hold on, or move to 8.1 (aka Windows 10).

So It’s On To Win 10:

The Win 10 Technical Preview (9841) tells us a bit about what the expected 2015 release will sport, with substantial tweaks and additions, no doubt. In fact there’s already an update build called 9860 promising some 7,000 changes and additions. While the Technical Preview is exactly what it says – it’s geared to technical users, both techies and regular users can view a Microsoft video that illustrates expected features and tweaks for Windows 10.

Since the Microsoft OS commands a whopping 91 percent (plus) desktop market share, it’s likely you, too, will soon be running Windows 10. Enterprise users, however, will probably continue to resist embracing an operating system with a pretty dismal record to date. You can read more at Microsoft (lifecycle), Forbes, CNET, TechRadar, and Computerworld

SiteVision Certified As SOC-1 SSAE 16 Type II Compliant.

Alt text hereWe’re proud to have achieved this certification! It follows a robust, independent third party audit that performed a rigorous assessment of SiteVision company controls that included administration, human resources, management, development, hosting, security policies, procedures and practices, as well as training and contracting. The compliance standards are those developed by AICPA (American Institute of Certified PUblic Accountants).

Regular customers, as well as those with sensitive security and document requirements, can outsource multiple needs knowing that SiteVision is compliant. You can read more here.

iphone6-smThe Best Smartphones Right Now

If you’re looking ahead to the holidays and to treating yourself or a significant other to a new Smartphone, there are a few that consistently rise to the top.

It probably comes as no surprise that the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are hands down winners with almost every reviewer we checked out. Others that were consistently found in the top tier were Samsung Galaxy 5, the new Moto X, The LG G3, the Sony Xperia Z3, and the HTC One M8. You can check them out at: CNET, TechRadar, ZDNET, Business Insider.

Just Introduced: The Nexus 6

N6-smThe hot, new Nexus 6, gets a good first take from reviewers who also note that this phone is a top tier offering with a price to match. Great specs, a 13-megapixel phone, “buttery smooth operation,” and the new Lollipop operating system make it an intriguing contender late in the year according to CNET’s first take. It is slated to be available off or on contract as preferred. Last we heard it was already backordered, or as Google prefers to call it available for “preorder”! Expected shipping mid-November?

Nexus9_smAnother Newbie From Google: The Nexus 9 Tablet.

Just out, the new Nexus 8.9” tablet gets a positive take over at TechRadar. Strong specs, the new Lollipop operating system, great speakers for a device of this type, a 2,048 x 1,536-pixel-resolution with a decent, but not cheap price point, make it a contender to be considered. Pricing starts at $399 for a 32GB model. Current Competitors include the Samsung Tab S (in 10.5” and 8.4”), the iPad Air 2, and Sony’s Z3.

Drupal Warns Users: Apply Latest Security Patch Now.

drupal logoFor users who have not deployed the latest patch released on October 15, Drupals says consider yourself compromised, and restore from a backup now!

“Automated attacks began compromising Drupal 7 websites that were not patched or updated to Drupal 7.32 within hours of the announcement of SA-CORE-2014-005 – Drupal core – SQL injection,” the Drupal security team said.

“You should proceed under the assumption that every Drupal 7 website was compromised unless updated or patched before Oct 15th, 11pm UTC, that is 7 hours after the announcement.”

This is a biggie for Drupal users. Intrusion is very hard to detect, and the compromise is massive. Drupal considers the patch highly critical.
Read More Here

Why SiteVision?

We’re your advocate. SiteVision has been providing web development and hosting services to government agencies and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek out a reliable solution for you website, custom application, and hosting needs.

At SiteVision we are passionate about creating solutions for customers that make their life better. We excel at understanding your business process and developing an application that is easy to learn and operate. We will always be fair, knowledgeable, honest, and professional.