Readers share their thoughts on using services like Dropbox and iCloud to store personal data:
Oh yes! I always put my confidential material on cloud storage, where I can expect that the Chinese and Russians will be perusing it sooner or later. Didn't Dropbox turn off authentication for its users for about four hours during the summer? Dropbox is definitely a must for those who want to leak the very most!
-Anonymous
I've been a longtime user of Sugar Sync and so far have not signed on to iCloud or ever used the Dropbox account I signed up for years ago. I should note that I have always used the paid version. Perhaps I'm a fool but I get tired of people thinking they deserve things for free, and if I use something every day and trust my important data to it I pay for it.
 The reason I like Sugar Sync is that I can easily share and unshare ANY folder on any of my Mac or Windows machines, and I can decide which other machines they are synced to. I love that I can easily share large files with other people without having to move the file to some special location.
I've liked that it is unobtrusive -- I'm a compulsive resource watcher (thanks iStat Menus) and SugarSync never has given me trouble. I like that I can adjust the upload speed so it doesn't hog my bandwidth when I first share a large folder or drop a new file in a shared folder. I suppose the main reason I use it is because it just works. I guess that's the best endorsement I can think of -- it just works. My files are always accessible and I never have to carry or look for a thumb drive. I've never used the photo or music sharing capabilities (I'm Pandora One subscriber and a Flickr Pro member -- both services good enough to pay for).
Despite all this I will take a look at the new Microsoft offering. The first software I ever used that synced folders was FolderShare, which Microsoft purchased and turned into Microsoft Live Sync. It worked great but MS charged too much for what it was giving back then so I moved on. It sounds like it is giving a good value again( if it works).
-Mark
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Posted by Doug Barney on 01/30/2012 at 1:19 PM0 comments
While not part of Directions on Microsoft's 2012 product roadmap, the next version of Office is chugging along. The next version, code named "Office 15" is now in the "Technical Preview" stage.
What does this mean? Some Microsoft customers will get to take the very early version of the suite for a spin (after they sign a disclosure saying they won't talk about it).
Microsoft is still not talking about what kinds of changes will be coming in the next version of Office. However, PJ Hough, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Office division, said that the releases won't be trickled out as in the past.
"With Office 15, for the first time ever, we will simultaneously update our cloud services, servers, and mobile and PC clients for Office, Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, Project, and Visio," wrote Hough in a blog posting. Â
Those looking to join the technical preview are out of luck. All the spots are already filled up. The next chance to test drive Office 15 will be in the public beta, rumored for this summer.
What do you want improved, added or removed for Office 15? Send your suggestions to Doug at [email protected].
-- By Chris Paoli
Posted by Chris Paoli on 01/30/2012 at 1:19 PM0 comments
While Google hasn't been known for its strong privacy practices when it comes to your information, it's taking the next leap towards ex-girlfriend stalker levels with its new tracking service.
Starting March 1, Google will monitor every move you make in Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Docs, Google +, search, maps and other online services into a database. According to the company, the purpose of this is to provide more accurate and personal online search results.
Good luck trying to keep this info away from Google -- the only way to avoid having a detailed file in its database is to shut down your Google accounts.
While I'm sure Google won't use the information for any other purpose than providing accurate search results and targeted ad placement, it's still a bit creepy to know that no matter what you do online, this corporation knows it.
And James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, an online group that advocates safe online practices for children and families also agrees with the creep factor: "Google's new privacy announcement is frustrating and a little frightening. Even if the company believes that tracking users across all platforms improves their services, consumers should still have the option to opt out, especially the kids and teens who are avid users of YouTube, Gmail, and Google search."
How do you feel about Google watching your every move? Is it a violation of your privacy or is it just how business has to be done online? Answers welcome at [email protected].
-- By Chris Paoli
Posted by Chris Paoli on 01/30/2012 at 1:19 PM9 comments
Independent research firm Directions on Microsoft recently came out with its predictions for Microsoft's 2012 product launches. While any predictions should be taken with a grain of salt, there is an assurance of credibility with Directions on Microsoft -- a large number of its analysts are made up of former Redmond employees.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Microsoft's Azure platform is poised to undergo two updates this year. The first, arriving some time in April, will ease both the transferring and costs of porting Windows Server apps to its cloud platform. The second upgrade will aim to increase the amount of Microsoft products that are compatible with Azure (which includes compatibility with Office 365).
- System Center 2012 will receive a major overhaul in almost every aspect of the suite. Enterprises will soon be able to buy the entire System Center product line in one purchase (instead of its previous a la carte format), bonds with Azure will be tightened and its licensing model for enterprises will be completely rewritten and simplified.
- While both Windows 8 and Windows Server 8 should come out later this year (or possible Q1 2013 releases), don't expect to see both arrive at the same time. Windows Server 8 won't be tied to the OS and should hit the market after Windows 8.
- While set for tablet use, Windows 8 may also be making an appearance on high-end smartphones.
What projected Microsoft product releases are you most looking forward to? And which ones look like an automatic pass? Let Doug know at [email protected]. Also, if you love Microsoft product timelines, check out Redmond Channel Partner's 2012 Microsoft Product Roadmap.
-- By Chris Paoli
Posted by Chris Paoli on 01/30/2012 at 1:19 PM0 comments
Software companies have a simple goal -- get us to use their software! When it comes to pcAnywhere, Symantec has the opposite tack -- please don't use my software!
It seems that hackers stole the pcAnywhere source code, giving them the keys to the attack kingdom. Talk about open borders.
This is all pretty shocking but what really makes my hair stand on end is the fact that the code was stolen nearly six years ago. Only now is Symantec telling customers to deactivate the remote control software while it works on a fix.
The essential nature of the software makes attacks, to my mind, especially troublesome. After all, what is the top form of attack? Remote code execution. What does pcAnywhere do? Remotely control PCs. Double whammy!
Why did Symantec wait so long? Apparently it was hoping nothing untoward would be done with its source code, and so far no attacks are traced to the theft. However, the hacker group Anonymous is now making noise about the code, which has raised alarm bells.
Does this all scare the liver out of you, and how, as a vendor, would you handle it? Thoughts and conclusions welcome at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/27/2012 at 1:19 PM4 comments
File systems might not sound sexy, but they sure are critical. And when old file systems run out of gas, new ones eventually come in. But as what could arguably be the core of the OS, changing a file system ain't so easy -- and Microsoft knows that from its experience with Windows NT.
That hasn't stopped the company from launching a new file system, the Resilient File System. (Instead of RFS, Redmond calls this ReFS so that the acronym can be as complex as the underlying technology.)
The good news: The new file system (I can't bring myself to type ReFS) is compatible with NTFS. And I've heard no complaints from Win 8 testers about file interoperability.
What hot about the new file system is Storage Spaces, a form of virtualization that turns multiple drives into a single, logical, addressable unit. This allows Win 8 clients to front-end large databases such as for BI, monster spreadsheets for number crunchers, or technical and modeling data for the real eggheads.
This could also be a godsend for media pros, musicians, and just those that like to collect tons and tons of videos and music (I reckon the pirates will love it!).
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/27/2012 at 1:19 PM0 comments
Readers share what they dislike about Redmond and its products:
In a word or two, Office 2010 stinks. I hate the new Access (I call it Cesspool), I hate the new Excel (I call it Xhell) and I hate the new Word (I call it Weird).
It is mostly the user interface, especially as it is in Access. It takes me longer to do my work because I'm constantly trying to figure out how to do the simplest of tasks. There may be a few things that are actually better, but the lousy ribbonized 'cute and purtty' new interface ruins the entire thing for me. Especially the new interface for working with Access macros, the new interface for working with Objects, etc. It's just bad, all bad.
-Barry
Why do I hate Microsoft? Simple – it makes the worst OS in the industry -- except for all the others...;)
-Dann
I must admit I really hate the auto updates for Windows -- especially when you have to re-build your machine and download the updates again. I would prefer to have access to the updates in a particular drive where they could be archived for future use -- in case of a complete OS re-build. It can't be that hard, can it?
-Sidney
In our org we set up a WSUS server which houses all the updates for Windows, Office etc. So when we rebuild, we can retrieve updates from our local 'Net. Of course the updates still need to be applied; the computers just don't need to download them from Microsoft. To further help speed things up, we try to also keep current images of our OSes on hand and update them every so often (usually every two to three months). But yeah, it's a pain in the neck. Maybe more frequent service pack releases or cumulative updates would be helpful.
-Anonymous
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Posted by Doug Barney on 01/27/2012 at 1:19 PM1 comments
Apple is doing just fine without its fearless leader Steve Jobs (and the way Jobs handled his illness, fearless is an understatement). iPads and iPhones are flying off the shelf. In fact, I can get an iPhone April 16 when the Verizon lease on my Blackberry expires.
Basically from year to the next, Apple doubled most everything. I thought my eyes were buggy when I read that first quarter profit was over $13 billion. Didn't they mean revenue? Nope, that was over $46 billion for the quarter. Year over year iPad and iPhone sales have doubled. In one year Apple sold over 37 million phones. Now iPad has an installed base of 55 million, and there are 65 million users of the fairly new iCloud service.
Apple has more than double Microsoft's quarterly revenue and double the profit. While Microsoft continues to grow quarter over quarter, it is getting smoked by Apple.
The fundamentals for Microsoft are excellent, it is just that growth is no longer explosive -- Â more like a steadily growing ember fed by scraps.
Some might see bad news in the fact that Windows revenue declined 6 percent. As someone who follows Azure and Office 365, I see this as a great Microsoft opportunity, to move legacy apps and data into a new cloud world.
So guess who had a bum quarter? How about Google. Sure, it grew like they always did, with revenue and profit roughly half of what Microsoft reported. But Wall Street wanted more, and disappointed traders immediately drove Google shares down 9 percent.
What is your best and worst tech investment? Spill the beans at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/27/2012 at 1:19 PM3 comments
Readers discuss the next batch of Windows Phone 7 smartphones and share what they would like to see in upcoming models:
I have the HTC Titan (not the Titan II that was announced at CES) and love it. From what I have read it is about the same size. I have the same 4.7-inch display, processer, RAM and storage. The main enhancements to the Titan II are LTE, the 16-megapixel rear camera, and the larger battery to support the LTE. Â
Even though the large-size screen seems "unsightly no matter which pocket you put it in," it is actually quite pocketable! In a front trouser pocket it is practically unnoticeable, and a better fit than my old HTC Tilt 2 which had a much smaller screen. The secret to its comfort is its slim design. It even rides comfortably in my dress-shirt pocket! I was concerned about the size before I tried it, but absolutely LOVE the large display when browsing the Web or watching a video. It is also nice for reading e-mails and news. It even works well outdoors in sunlight.
Windows 7.5 Mango is awesome on the phone, but my main reason for writing was to dispute your assertion that the Titan was too big to pocket.Â
-Bob
I'd like to know when someone other than AT&T will get a decent Windows Phone 7 device. I keep having this conversation with multiple people who, like me, think that a WP7 phone would be great with carriers other than AT&T -- and options on those carriers are distinctly lacking. Microsoft is going to continue to see a lag of WP7 users if options don't become available in the U.S. I would hope that doesn't happen, especially after attending WPC and seeing WP7's potential, but I know I won't switch carriers for a device -- and most other people won't (or can't) either. Here's hoping there's much more WP7 device news in the near future.
-Heather
I'm happy to report that I'll be switching from AT&T to Sprint as soon as the Lumai 900 arrives. I say enough is enough. I love WP7, and Verizon and Sprint always lag behind AT&T when it comes to new WP7 phones.
-John
Share your thoughts with the editors of this newsletter! Write to [email protected]. Letters printed in this newsletter may be edited for length and clarity, and will be credited by first name only (we do NOT print last names or e-mail addresses).
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/25/2012 at 1:19 PM8 comments
Microsoft has a bit of a split personality. Some product groups listen carefully to customers and either design or adapt product to user requests. Others groups create their wares in a bit of a vacuum where only the developers and product managers have any say.
Apple is of the latter school, at least when it comes to IT input. In that regard, the things you told me you want to see in future iPads is purely unsolicited.
Here's what you had to say:
- One Redmond Report reader wants to see Safari a bit more like Firefox and IE with tabbed browsing.
- Unlike Windows PCs, iPads can't be managed by Active Directory. That would seem to be an easy fix if Apple wanted to make it, and I'm sure Microsoft wouldn't mind (Redmond wants AD to control everything).
- The biggest request was for Microsoft to port a big chunk of its portfolio, especially Office, to the iPad.
Do you use an iPad? If so, what are your biggest product request? Wish lists welcome at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/23/2012 at 1:19 PM3 comments
It's been a while since booting has been a big issue, unless you count Baltimore Raven's Billy Cundiff's 32-yard field goal whiff. Maybe it's because we are used to waiting for machines to start (though my five-year-old daughter's XP lapper failed to budge this morning, but more on that later).
Windows 8 booting is controversial because a new security scheme almost demands that Windows, not Linux and certainly not the Mac OS, are first and foremost.
The dustup rose when it was learned that secure boot, if enabled, would disable Linux launches. There is a fix to that. What is still in play is the ability to dual boot Windows and Linux on ARM-driven machines. Here Microsoft is more mum than June Cleaver.
Since ARM units will be mostly tablets, it would be great to avail ourselves of enterprise Microsoft apps and open source consumer stuff. I hope Microsoft comes clean on all this soon, and lets us know that we can mix and match apps like Courtney Love mixes and matches personalities.
How open should Win 8 be? Tell us all by writing to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/23/2012 at 1:19 PM6 comments
Remember the concept of Internet time? Instead of taking three years for a major product release or update, you had to launch your new offering right away -- that's how fast tech was changing.
Most of the stuff launched that fast kind of stunk or was overly simplistic -- sort of like the 2011 Indianapolis Colts offense.
Maybe that's why I'm not terribly surprised that IPv6 will get its formal worldwide launch this summer. Not surprised, but I admit I'm a bit puzzled. My memory (and grammar) ain't great, but I somehow recall interviewing Internet maven Vint Cerf about why we should all take IPv6 seriously. I'm trying to remember when that was. Could it have been Oct 1999, over a dozen years ago? Yup.
They always say Cerf was ahead of his time, but nearly 13 years?
Of course this isn't the first release of IPv6. The standard, designed to dramatically increase the number of 'Net addresses, has been in use for some time. The worldwide launch is all about its ubiquity. This means major sites such as Facebook will fully support the address scheme. Who are the two heavyweights leading this long-awaited charge? Try Microsoft and Google. At least they agree on something.
Do you care about IPv6? If so, address your whys and why nots to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 01/23/2012 at 1:19 PM1 comments