Computer Makers Cater to Big Business, Slight the Rest of Us
The world would be better off if the biggest computer companies started catering more to the non-IT part of the market, where most computers live, writes Walt Mossberg.
Personal Technology Columns Tagged ‘Microsoft’
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Microsoft Offers Range Of Programs That Run Off Web, Not Hard Disk
Walt Mossberg takes an early look at three programs that are part of Windows Live, a major Microsoft initiative to produce applications that are run over the Web rather than a hard disk.
With Its New Version, Skype Phone Service May Enter Mainstream
Internet phone network Skype is set to release a major software update and is introducing a new breed of compatible telephone handsets. This combination of hardware and software could propel the service into the mainstream.
What PC to Buy If You Are Planning On a Vista Upgrade
In Walt’s annual fall buyer’s guide to desktop computers, he focuses on what kind of PC Windows buyers should be considering if they want to run Microsoft’s next version of Windows, called Vista.
Yahoo Email Delivers That Desktop Feel Most Users Expect
Walt referees the battle for Web-mail supremacy between Yahoo Mail and Google’s Gmail. His verdict: Yahoo more closely matches the desktop experience most serious email users have come to expect.
New Services Give You Reliable Ways to Keep All Your Files Updated
Many people resort to time-consuming methods for transferring key files between computers. Walt looks at services that automatically keep certain folders synchronized among multiple PCs, without any work on your part.
Google Wants to Be Your Best Friend On Your Computer
Google’s two newest releases, Google Desktop and Google Talk, are bold, major steps for the company — and useful programs that have great potential, Walt writes.
Fujitsu’s Tablet PC Feels Like a Paper Pad, So Why Is It Clumsy?
Fujitsu got the size right when making its tablet PC, but like other models, it’s still annoying to use more often than it should be, because not enough thought has gone into tablet-specific hardware innovation, writes Walt Mossberg.
Apple’s New Mouse Is Not as Mighty As Rival’s Magnifier
Apple finally released an optional, add-on mouse that allows right-clicking and scrolling. But Apple designed the Mighty Mouse so it looks like, and can work like, a one-button mouse, making it harder to use than competing mice.
New Microsoft Program Offers Homework Tools But It’s Clumsy to Use
Microsoft Student is designed to help middle-school and high-school students to attack their homework efficiently. Walt says it can provide some aid, but is confusing and clumsy to use, and disappointing in some respects.
Info Appliance Offers Nice Touches, but It’s Costly, Has Limitations
Walt says the Pepper Pad, a new info appliance, mostly did what was promised, but it isn’t quite as easy and intuitive to use as its makers claim. And, at $799, it costs more than some laptops.
Despite Others’ Claims, Tracking Cookies Fit My Spyware Definition
If you don’t like the idea of tracking cookies, run an antispyware program that detects and removes them, along with all the other indefensible computer code some companies think they have the right to install.
Google Earth Thrills With Photos, Stunts, But How Practical Is It?
Google Earth lets you view satellite and aerial photos of pretty much any spot on the planet. While the program may not be practical for most people, it’s still worth fooling around with just because it’s cool.
Samsung Phone Offers Wireless Broadband, But It Has Drawbacks
The new Samsung i730 surfs the Web and sends and receives email at broadband speeds, but Walt says the short battery life and two-handed navigation can be aggravating.
Free Microsoft Stopgap Offers Tabbed Browsing And Desktop Searching
Microsoft has just released a product that adds both tabbed browsing and desktop searching to Windows computers. Walt says the features aren’t as good as their built-in counterparts, but they get the basic job done.
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