Windows 8.1 Update

Just when I decide Microsoft is finally ‘getting it’, along comes the requirement that folks using Windows 8.1 MUST update to Windows 8.1 Update!

If Windows 8.1 users don’t install the update by May 13, they will no longer be able to get future updates, including security updates!

So what if users have problems installing the update? What then? Will hackers be waiting to attack Windows 8.1 users?

There are a LOT of reports of this update failing. Don’t believe me? Just type ‘Windows 8.1 Update fails to install’ into Google’s search and see what comes up!

I had no problems installing the update and it did make some things better. Supposedly it enhanced security as well.

I like being able to close apps the same way using the ‘x’ instead of dragging it down from the top. That has always seemed awkward to me and one reason I have avoided the apps on the Start screen. I like the search button and power options  buttons on the Start screen as well.

Basically Microsoft is giving folks 30 days from the date it was first offered to get it installed. Seems like not much time for something this important.

Really Microsoft? What’s the big rush? Did something really important get left out of Windows 8.1? If so, what’s the deal for only 30 days to fix it?  I am really thinking maybe I should consider a new OS. Ubuntu may be just what I need. I haven’t heard of any threats for Linux users that if you don’t update you won’t get any fixes. Haven’t heard of any threats from Apple either. (Come to think of it, those OSs don't seem to NEED so many updates!)

Because it IS a threat as far as I am concerned.

More Information Regarding the Latest Update for Windows 8.1

Authorized Access to your Google Account

 

If you use Gmail on your smartphone or download your Gmail to an email program on your computer, set up application specific password to receive your mail for increased security

First, logon to your Gmail account. Then click your account name and in the drop down box, click Account.



Click Security and then click Settings.



Clicking Settings brings up the ‘Configuring Applications’ screen’



Now click the 'Manage application specific passwords'



You can set up any number of these application specific passwords. But I couldn’t make it work on my iPad!

Canceling your Gmail address

If you have decided to delete your Gmail account (for whatever reason), it is easy to do.

First sign into your Gmail Account and click Account.



At the top: Click Data Tools



In the Data Tools box click Delete products



Click Remove Gmail permanently



That’s all there is to it.

Change the Default Photo Viewer in Windows 8.1

The default photo viewer in Windows 8.1 works ok and once it opens displays the photo really well. The phrase ‘once it opens’ is key. On my Windows 8.1, it opens ‘oh  so  slow’.  But once it finally opens it runs really well and the photos can all be viewed like a slideshow in full screen

I prefer to use Windows Photo Viewer.  So to make the Photo Viewer the default, I right clicked on the photo and got this menu:

From here I can just open the photo using what program I want, or I can choose to set the Default program for this type of file.

  The big advantage to using the Photo Viewer versus Photo is the menu in the Photo Viewer. I can choose to copy, delete, print, email, etc. using the Photo Viewer.



You can also use Photo Gallery from Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Essentials that includes Movie Maker, Windows Live Mail and several other programs.

I really prefer the Photo Viewer. But each viewer has good things, just experiment to find which you want for your Default viewer. If you ever  want something besides your default, just right click and choose ‘Open With’ and select another option, even Paint!

See how to edit photos in the Modern UI mode, Edit photos.