A preview of the new Windows 9 operating system will be shown all over the known universe in the fall.
The scuttlebutt is it will correct the mess known as Windows 8 and that desktop computer users will no longer be forced to look at a screen meant for tablet users. (Yep, that's what Windows 8 was designed for.)
The final product won't be out until the spring of 2015 . (Caution: We have found that all "new release" dates change frequently.) So if you want to buy a new computer now, should you go with Windows or Mac? Most people choose Windows. It's what they use at work, it's cheaper and it works with a ton of programs.
But with the new iMac, it's time to re-think that.
The latest version of the 21.5-inch iMac is a nice all-in-one desktop machine. At $1,099, it's $200 less than the average Mac all-in-one. Sure, it has only half the storage space: 500 gigabytes instead of a terabyte. And while it's not quite as fast, it's still faster and roomier in terms of CPU and memory than the average person needs.
Macs have several selling points but the chief one is stability. Few readers have ever written to us about Mac problems. They're often quite gushy, almost religiously fervent about Apple. In fact, nearly every reader problem we've ever received -- and there have been thousands over the years -- is about Windows.
We recommend Macs for students going off to college, despite the initial expense. They can keep their Mac for a decade before it feels out of date, so the initial investment pays off in the long run. Besides, that's what all the other kids will have.
We have an 11-inch MacBook Air. It's light, fast, has a long battery life and never gives us problems. We take it with us on trips. Bob does grumble that its screen is hard to read and the keyboard is small and cramped. Worst of all, we can't use our Windows keyboard shortcuts and don't have Mac versions of familiar programs like Microsoft Word. Our "Parallels" software lets us run Windows programs on the Mac, but they always run in a clunky fashion.
The bottom line on which way to go: We have both kinds of computer, but the curious thing is that when we need to get some work done we still use Windows. Why? We don't really know for sure, but it seems right for work and the other system for play.
It's Elemental
Nova Elements came out last year as a free iPad app, and now it's free for Windows -- but only for users of Windows 8.1. That is a free upgrade for users of plain old Windows 8. Find it by tapping the Windows key (looks like a flag) and typing "store." The upgrade should be right there.
Nova Elements delves into basic chemistry to teach us how elements combine to make everyday things, like cotton. It includes an interactive periodic table, a game and the two-hour NOVA program: "Hunting the Elements." It's educational, it's fun, and there are no ads. This is the first time Joy's ever played a chemistry game for more than five minutes.
One of the neatest features is that you can click on any element in the periodic table and get a related video clip from the NOVA program. Combine several elements to build your own caffeine, water and plastic molecules. It's almost a cup of coffee.
Internuts
• Type "neon flames" in your browser's search bar, and you will come up with a delightful graphics program that lets you design your own nebulae. Choose a color from the palette on the left and start moving your mouse cursor across a black sky. The color deepens if you move over and over the same section. The effect looks remarkably like a real star cluster. This is also available as an Android app.
• TheSimpleDollar.com has tips for saving money. Example: A handwritten note on a blank card may mean more to someone than an expensive greeting card. Also check out: "50 Fun Free Activities My Family Enjoys."
Printer Blues
A reader wrote to tell us she can't get her printer to print. The computer shows it to be "offline," though it clearly isn't. When this happens to us, simply rebooting the computer usually fixes the problem.
If that doesn't do it, go to the "printers and faxes" or "printers and devices" menu. You'll find it in the "control panel." See if your printer is checked as the "default" printer. If it isn't, click on the icon for your model to make it the default. If your model doesn't show as one of the choices, you need to download the driver software for that printer.
Also, try printing a test page. That will point to whether it's a hardware or software problem.
To print a test page in Windows 7, click "start" then "devices and printers." Right-click your printer and click "printer properties." Then click "print a test page." If that works, you know the printer is fine.
If you can't print a test page, it's a hardware problem. Call the printer manufacturer because, normally, they're happy to help. After all, if they can keep you printing, you'll keep buying their ink.
Figuring out the Tip
In any group of women, Joy's always the one who figures out the tip. Sigh. A new app, Gratuity, does it for her for free.
It figures out how much each person owes, depending on whether you're at a restaurant bar or getting a delivery. It also factors in whether you're happy, sad or neutral about the service, though you can enter any tip percentage you want.
Bob says this is simple arithmetic, but Joy says she likes the automatic figuring. Bob says it would be better if you could make people who order expensive items pay their full share.
In any event, this is one of those apps that didn't come up in a search on the App Store. If it doesn't come up for you, open your browser on your iPad or iPhone and go to itunes.com. A search on "Gratuity" will give you a download link.
Bob and Joy can be contacted by email at bobschwab@gmail.com and joy.schwabach@gmail.com.
SundayMonday Business on 07/14/2014