Firefox OS

The evolution of the Operating System continues as does the logical competitive engagement.

   “Firefox OS is a new mobile operating system developed by Mozilla's Boot to Gecko (B2G) project. It uses a Linux kernel and boots into a Gecko-based runtime engine, which lets users run applications developed entirely using HTML, JavaScript, and other open web application APIs.” This is evidence that Mozilla has no intention of being left behind as PC and Smartphone Operating Systems evolve. Mozilla’s team has released an emulator to allow installation of this OS as any other Firefox extension would install, from within the Firefox browser. “Firefox OS is currently under heavy development; we are constantly working on ways to make it easier for you to use and hack on Gaia and create apps. However, you need knowledge about systems in order to do things like build the entire Firefox OS stack, or flash a phone with a build of Firefox OS.”

Windows 8 Post-Release Results

   Windows 8 is not just new; it is for most PC users an entirely new experience. This is true due to many factors ranging from cost and boot time to overall quality and visual effectiveness. Using a touch screen is a big selling point with Windows 8 and it’s likely that it will look and feel very comfortable on most if not all Tablets, Hybrids, and UltraBooks. It is also entirely likely that anyone who has used a full-sized touch screen with Windows 7 installed on their PC will be in the least somewhat impressed. There is more to this new Windows OS and now that it is released and offered as the default system for new PCs it will be interesting to see how well it is received. Microsoft may well have reached a new high by producing what it seems will be literally the next generation of the PC Operating System, but the proof will be in the sales.

Windows 8 Pre-Orders

   The release date for Windows 8 is October 26, 2012 but as of the 12th of October it is possible to pre-order this new Microsoft OS. The option is available to get the physical DVD copy of Windows 8 Pro for $69.99, if you want to be among the first to own it. One thing to consider is that there are only 14 calendar days between the 12th and 26th, the latter being when you can get the downloadable copy of the same OS for $39.99. After it is downloaded one could naturally burn a DVD at any rate so there might be no need for any rush.

Hybrid Drives

   Hard disk drives (HDDs) are things which normally (historically) have many moving parts within and the speed at which data can be written to and retrieved from them is dependent on the speed and reliability of said moving parts (pictures in the slideshow on this site). Although it is true that the type of interface used (IDE/SATA/SAS) has a direct effect on speed, there are also different types of drives which perform faster. Flash drives (like USB sticks or Compact Flash drives) do not have moving parts, and neither do Solid State Drives (SSDs). What’s more is now we will see emerging an even newer type of drive: The HHD.