Apple’s computers – like its phones and tablets – have continually topped customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, and often by no small margin. Though Macs don’t sell in the volume of other computers, their high prices make Apple the largest computer manufacturer by profit. Consumers with a fat wallet usually look towards a new iMac or MacBook.
Buyers on a tight budget, however, find even the most affordable Mac unobtainable. This often leads to the consideration of a refurbished model. No one wants to lay down a wad of cash for a dinged-up, battered second-hand computer – here’s what you need to know on your search for a pristine, but affordable, refurb.
Microsoft has revealed full details about the comprehensive update to Windows 8, now known as Windows 8.1 and formerly known as Windows Blue.
The Windows 8.1 release date is October 17 - it will be available to existing Windows 8 users for free on Windows Update. It will be available to buy in retail from October 18 and has already been released to manufacturers (this stage is known as RTM). Volume licencees will be able to get their hands on it ahead of the update, too.
Windows RT is still hanging in there, even though the number of ARM-based devices available with it doesn't exactly seen to be growing.
But despite that, as well as high initial prices for products like the Surface RT plus notable stillborn devices and absentee vendors, Microsoft still appears to be committed to the cut-down version of Windows 8 and now Windows 8.1, even if RT barely got a mention in the keynote that opened Microsoft Build yesterday.
We got our hands on RT 8.1 which we found running on a Surface at the Build event. Here's some shots direct from the device.
The first thing to say is that there is no going back if you install the Windows 8.1 RT Preview over standard Windows RT. You can't roll it back - you'll only be able to upgrade to the final version via Windows Update when it's released.
As we stated in our main Hands on: Windows 8.1 review, the enhancements to Windows 8.1 make it a far more usable operating system - the new side-by-side app views make things much easier. And then, of course, there's the fact the desktop now has a Start button back, even if it does nothing but launch the Start screen. You can also swipe up on the Start screen to view the All apps display, which is a great enhancement and far more like the old-style Start menu.
The integration between the Start screen and Desktop is now a better blend - a description used by Steve Ballmer during the Windows 8.1 launch. It may sound like bluster, but it's true. Gone is the jarring nature of the two interfaces for the most part, although new users will still find it a steep learning curve.
Windows RT doesn't change its stance on Desktop apps. Aside from the mainMicrosoft Office apps, no others are allowed or enabled and you'll get an abrupt error if you try to run one. We're not sure why Microsoft doesn't go the whole hog with RT and bin the Desktop. Unless you're moving files around or using an Office app, it's useless.
The big thing in Windows 8.1 RT is that there is now a version of Outlook. That is big news and a real bonus since it really turns RT devices into something that can be used for work - nobody in their right mind would try and handle work email inside the standard Mail app - it's just not up to the task.
As with the other key Office apps, this will come with all RT devices.
As you can see, Outlook on the Surface looks pretty empty. It seems exactly the same as the Office 2013 version.
But RT does have its problems. The chief issue is that it is still very slow. We were using an Nvidia Tegra 3-based Surface RT, but compared to equivalent Tegra 3 Android devices the OS still feels very laboured. Starting one of the Office apps involves a delay of a few seconds before you even see the splash screen - making you think you haven't tapped on it properly.
And there were some other issues, too: the system completely hung and wouldn't accept any gestures twice during our play around. We know this is pre-release software, but we're typing this on an Ultrabook running the full Windows 8.1 Preview and we have had no issues with it since installing it 24 hours ago.
Hopefully these bugs will be ironed out, and with rumours of Surface 2 running Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800, the speed may not be a problem in future.
Windows RT 8.1 is far more usable though - that's the bottom line. We're not convinced about the change in search which makes searches inside apps less of a priority in favour of web searches, but the enhancements to things like the Settings app (now more like the Control Panel) are excellent.
SkyDrive is now totally baked into the OS - it may seem like Microsoft is giving it the hard sell, but the simple fact is that cloud storage can compensate where small capacity flash drives on tablets cannot.
Early verdict
We like Windows 8.1 and we like the enhancements it brings to Windows RT - especially Outlook, which is a dealbreaker for many who have shunned Windows RT devices. But there are problems with speed and reliability while there remain fundamental questions, such as whether there should be a Desktop in Windows RT. As an update, we'd definitely recommend it if you have a Windows RT tablet, But, since you can't roll it back, we'd wait for the full release rather than installing this preview.
Not that bothered about Windows 8? You're not alone. To even the most disinterested observer, it's clear Microsoft has a lot work to do to get people enthused about its touch-centric efforts, and the forthcoming Windows 8.1 (Windows Blue) update is a big part of that.
Global PC sales are in huge decline, and although Windows 8 isn't totally to blame and some retailers have a better story, it's palpable that Microsoft faces a massive challenge to keep Windows relevant and encourage us to upgrade our PCs - especially in the face of some depressing views from partners and rumoured price cuts.
Buy a $100 HTC Android phone from FreedomPop, get free wireless data, text and voice. Data speeds over Sprint's network aren't exactly blazing, according to CIO.com blogger Bill Snyder, but the price sure is right.
Cheap is good, but free is almost always better. Especially when you’re talking about something that’s usually expensive, such as wireless voice and data plans. FreedomPop, which has been offering free broadband service for about a year, just launched a free wireless plan.
7. Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection
£495/US$630/AU$640 - 10 PCs, 2 years
There are many ways to deploy Webroot SecureAnywhere Business - download, email, MSI, command line, GPO - but the tiny client (a mere 725KB) means whatever you choose, it'll probably be installed quickly. This automatically launches a first scan - also over in just a few minutes - but after that it mostly just runs in the background. The default settings don't even enable the user to access its interface, although that can be changed.
3. Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition 2013
£380/US$500/AU$725 - 10 PCs, 2 years
Symantec's small business antivirus package is flexible and easy to install. It can be managed locally, or in the cloud; you can install it on a single local machine, download a distributable package for your whole network, even send email invites to your prospective users. Whatever you choose, setting it up is very straightforward, with no complex settings or other hassles (it didn't even require us to reboot our PC afterwards).
If you're looking to protect your company PCs from malware then you could just equip each one with your preferred free antivirus package. You'll still get a reasonable level of protection, and it might seem like you're keeping costs to a minimum.
Of course you'll have to manually install each copy, though. And train every user in its operation. And rely on them to let you know if there are any problems. And hope they won't turn off particular functions - or remove the whole package - if they think it's getting in their way. The software may be free, but it could still have some major costs attached.
It's a stark fact that, according to the latest report from Symantec, one in 291 emails contained a virus in 2012. Cyber security has always been a challenge for small businesses in particular. With virus infections, and other malicious code attacks on the rise, choosing the right security software is now more vital than ever.
A white paper from security software firm GFI states: "Anti-virus can be part of the content filtering strategy which can be installed at the email and web gateway.
"eMail accounts are frequently spammed with malicious email attachments. Leaving the decision to the user whether or not to trust an attachment received by email is never a good idea.
"By blocking malware at the email gateway, you are greatly reducing the risk that end users may make a mistake and open an infected file."
The uncluttered new interface works very well in PowerPoint; again the tools fade into the background so you can concentrate on your document.
Like all the Office 2013 applications, when you open PowerPoint you don't go straight to a blank document; instead you get what's almost a welcome page with a list of recent documents and thumbnails for templates and themes (and a blank document if that's what you want).
Instead of a blank document, Office 2013 applications give you a list of templates; recent documents are hidden under the Open option
You can search the library of free templates on the Office site from here. The results come up in what Microsoft used to call the 'backstage' view – the full-screen File menu – and you can preview the layout, filter the results by various categories and keyboards, or even look at the templates for other Office applications.
Office 2013 is the latest refresh of Microsoft's near ubiquitous Office suite. The latest version sees it get the Windows 8 treatment, with a touch-friendly interface and a sparser look, as well as new features in every application.
As part of the launch, Office has also reached a new landmark by going into the cloud with subscription pricing, on-demand installation and automatic syncing of settings and documents you save online rather than offline. It's called Office 365.
That particular method of purchase ensures you're always up-to-date, even if the software changes - check out our Office 365 review.
