Windows 8 - too soon?

Leaked documents detailing Microsoft’s initial thoughts on the development of Windows 8 have surfaced on the internet. Microsoft allegedly presented the slides to computer manufacturers to preview the next version of Windows.
The PowerPoint presentation,suggested that facial recognition for log in and compatibility with a range of new computers and tablets could be a key part of the forthcoming product – sound familiar? The era of light computing has begun. Apple’s iPad is only the first among a new class of devices that turns on instantly, and gives the user access to the workflows that they want.
Other key features included a focus on improving start-up times, which have previously been cited by consumer groups as a cause of frustration, as well as an easy way to reset PCs to their default settings without deleting users’ information.
The software will also build on Microsoft’s current Marketplace and turn it into a more fully fledged App Store. Although all the information is thought to represent Microsoft’s first thoughts about Windows 8, it demonstrates that the new operating system is at a stage where the company can begin sharing its ideas with PC partners. The point in question is does all of this development come too soon after Windows 7 which many have yet to upgrade to?

Recycle ink cartridges and save money

Empty cartridges Ltd has created a hassle-free service that makes recycling more attractive than ever. All you have to do is register at http://www.emptycartridge.co.uk/ and send them a minimum of 30 empty cartridges.
Recycling your laser cartridges & mobile phones with Empty Cartridge is environmentally friendly and helps to reduce the 250 million cartridges dumped in landfill sites in the last decade as well as helping you raise money for your cause or business. According to current statistics, only 5% of empty toner cartridges are currently being recycled - this means 95% of these items are simply discarded and end up in landfill sites. As well as taking up room in our already-limited landfill sites, it can take up to 1.5 litres of oil to produce a new laser cartridge from scratch and a discarded used toner cartridges and ink cartridges can take over 1000 years! to decompose, this is not good news for our environment!

So good for the environment and good for your pocket!

Free E-Book - Entrepreneur Inspiration

smarta.com have launched its first ebook aimed at providing budding entrepeneurs and SMEs with inspiration. The ebook titled 'the smartest brains in business 2010 and byond' is available to download here and is worth a read.

Does the ipad live up to the hype?

Apple has earned a reputation as the maker of some of the most elegant and user-friendly computers, music players and smartphones in the business. The Apple iPad does not disappoint and may be the most impressive piece of Apple hardware yet!

It is bigger than an iPhone, and much lighter than a laptop. The build quality is excellent. The aluminium back feels great under the finger and nothing feels cheap.The front is almost entirely glass, save for a thin aluminium frame. The back is a gently curved plate of anodised aluminium. All the content is so seductive to look at, the screen is so bright and all those things you have grown used to watching on the small screens of iPods and iPhones suddenly leap out at you on the bigger iPad.

In essence the iPad is a blank slate, designed to perform the tasks you set it. The blank slate Apple has created has enormous potential and will change its purpose quickly. Even so, you may want to hold off until the inevitable second edition which may have improved connectivity and extra capabilities – if you can wait a whole year!

To find out more about the technical performance of the iPad go to:
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/apple-ipad-review-11-06-2010/

Reduce your electricity bills.

Many people don’t think of the money they spend on the electricity that powers their computers but it can be a significant amount. We all know that standby on our TVs uses almost as much power as being switched on and few of us leave all the lights on at night, so why not apply the same thinking to computers – at home and at work.
Here are 5 quick wins to reduce your electricity bills.
• Disable your screen saver. Screen savers do not save power, if your screen saver is active your monitor is running at full power.
• Use the in-built power management functions (in Windows this is found in the control panel, in Mac OSX in System Preferences). Set your monitor to switch off after 10 minutes of activity and suspend your computer after 15 minutes.
• Switch off at night. With the exception of servers and routers there’s not much that needs to be on 24/7, so like your lights – switch them off at the wall, printers included.
• Unplug or disable external devices when not in use. They mostly draw some kind of power when plugged in so unplug that camera or external hard drive if you’re not using it. If you’re using a network cable, switch off the wireless network adaptor. If you don’t need Bluetooth connected to anything, switch it off!
• If you still have a CRT monitor (old television style) replace with a flat screen (TFT). A TFT typically uses about a third of the power.

All the major manufacturers are taking energy efficiency seriously and a PC bought today is a lot “Greener” than the equivalent a couple of years ago – as with everything though some are better than others.
Just by making a few changes in your habits you can realise some very real cost savings – and you’re not really giving anything up.