Windows 8.1 may be in your near future

Beyond Windows 7 is Windows 8.1, the latest iteration in the form of a meaningful upgrade of the Windows operating system. You can do everything you are used to do (if it runs in Win 7, it'll certainly run in Win 8.1). In addition to the traditional desktop and the ability to work with all types of software you get a new taskbar, ready for touch devices, access to thousands of apps from the Windows Store, Start screen with live updates and personal settings that appear on up to five different PCs. When it comes to search you can have a single search to find things across the web, apps, and your PC; all you need to do is start typing while on the Tiles mode. See for yourself what's in store for Windows 7 users. I also understand you may not be ready to upgrade and probably don't need to. I personally always liked Windows 7, its nimbleness and the beauty of the aero effect, not to mention the amazing technology under the hood. I use and like equally both.

Internet Explorer 10 is for Windows 7 too

And a good upgrade. If you have not upgraded from IE 9 or previous versions you are missing not only on features but on improved security as it is always the case when a new Internet Explorer version arrives. Though this new version is hardly the latest news, I decided to post about IE 10 for Windows 7 only after having used it for several months now. It's a worthy upgrade for a browser that is more standards-compliant than ever. Try some showcase videos here.

End of retail customer service as the weakest link for Microsoft products?

Not an unusual view in some Best Buy stores: empty displays or
misplaced merchandise, not to mention frozen PCs. This is my experience.

Microsoft has finally decided to be on top of things to guarantee that its latest PCs with Windows 8 get to more customers, taking a page from the Apple stores. Needless to say Apple sells more and more computers and software thanks to a well greased retail system where the customer service reps actually know what they are talking about, let alone the quality of their products. Contrast that with the poor experience you get when visiting a retail store like Best Buy or a similar chain. First of all, the reps kind of elude you and if you finally get their attention they may talk down to you and try to get rid of you as soon as possible. Or even worse, they don't understand your questions if you happen to be a more educated consumer. The other day I asked one of these young fellows "What is the computer with the best quality, the best materials?", I said that referring to some flimsy plastic HP laptops and looking for something better. Though I had to rephrase my question, the fellow replied "I don't understand your question" (!) with an unequivocal expression of annoyance. I don't think this is just my personal experience. Let's hope that, now that Microsoft and Best Buy are teaming up to open 500 Windows Store locations inside this big retailer stores, things get better. On the other hand, I hope that Microsoft Retail Stores improve as well. I remember very well when I visited the one in Times Square, New York (is it still there?) to find a very nice place with nice reps but not too well versed in Windows 8. I was showing to some of them how to use Windows 8... (!) Retail will continue to be the weakest link for Microsoft as long as they continue to hire at lower wages people who are not exactly experts in their wares (unlike the Apple guys). Why don't you hire people who really know IT and who appreciate Microsoft products? The caveat is: you will have to pay them higher wages... That's small potatoes for the deep pockets of Microsoft, so why not?