Computerware Blog

If you’re still using Windows 8 (instead of the much improved 8.1), we’ve got bad news for you. Microsoft has ceased offering patches and security updates for the Windows 8 operating system, which means that if you want to be using the most secure and up-to-date operating system, you should make the switch to Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

In an interesting twist to the Microsoft OS saga, Microsoft announced that it will cease providing security updates for Windows 8.1 unless users upgrade the software to Windows 8.1 Update (the newest Microsoft OS update). What's Microsoft's reasoning behind this verdict?

Microsoft is certainly keeping busy with its Windows operating systems. After launching Windows 8 last year, the first major upgrade (Windows 8.1) was just released last month. Microsoft is also spreading the message about Windows XP's end of service date in April, trying to get hundreds of millions of users to upgrade. How are businesses handling all this change?

Change is risky. Microsoft decided to go for it a year ago with the release of Windows 8, bringing users a whole new feel to the interface design and straying from the path of the previous twenty-year-old template. Microsoft has addressed the feedback of its users, made improvements, and recently released an improved version: Windows 8.1.

Microsoft is turning blue for their next big release, Windows Blue. Official details on Blue have yet to be released. Microsoft is saving the big Blue reveal for the Build conference this June. Many tech experts are predicting how Blue will be a game changer for Microsoft. While it is still too early to tell if this is the case, we can accurately report that Blue will be Microsoft's next big thing.

Part of going green is conserving power whenever you can. This means turning lights off in rooms that you are leaving, adjusting the thermostat, and taking advantage of the power saving settings on your computer. Windows 8 has three power saving settings, you will want to be familiar with each one to maximize your energy use.