95% 
5% What keyboard and mouse does everyone use here (if you use one)?
I use a EagleTec KG010 mechanical keyboard, with Outemu blue switches (like Cherry Blue). The build quality, typing and key feel is excellent, especially for a budget mechanical keyboard.
I also use a Red Dragon M801 Mammoth mouse. It is very responsive, and has a nice feel to it. For it’s price, it is a superb mouse. The only complaint I have, it had a plastic smell for a few days, but went away eventually.
Windows Phone over the years, hasn’t been overly successful, and this obviously due to Android and iOS! Windows Phone had a big swing around when Windows 8 came out. It also has had a lot of great hardware, especially the Nokia Lumia line.
The biggest fault with Android and iOS, is they have a lot of powerful hardware. Some to not at all, can become computers, by being plugged into a monitor, and used with periphreals. Now with everyone carrying a phone around, why not use it as your desktop too? Why have such a powerful computer in your pocket, that can’t be fully utilized?
This leads to, the biggest reason, Microsoft should not give up on Windows Phone, is the Continuum feature! Although Windows Phone is lacking in apps and popularity. The biggest asset it has is Continuum. Continuum allows a phone to be plugged in, and be used as almost, a full fledged PC. For many people, this would be a huge plus. Especially that they don’t have to switch between devices. Also, can keep everything on one device.
Microsoft is already known for Windows on the desktop, laptops, tablets. Why not be known for the Windows that can flex between a phone, and desktop?
Which Windows Weekly intro does everyone here prefer? The old one, or the new one?
I much prefer the old one, it had sophistication and character to it. The new one is simpler and not as good.
Here is the old intro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPjs4fw1C2U
While the Iphone X is a gorgeous, innovative new phone Apple released, it has some design flaws and other issues.
Overall, the iPhone X is a gorgeous new iPhone. It offers a beautiful display and a different styling than any of the phones they produced. Apple did make some questionable decisions, in making the phone. If it had, most especially, a fingerprint reader on the rear. The iPhone X would have been perfect.
Me, for some reason.
I always thought (from reading his articles) Paul would look like Richard Attenborough (Prof John Hammond) from Jurassic Park for some reason. lol
Perhaps it was Paul’s in-depth, knowledgeable articles on Windows and Microsoft?
After watching Windows Weekly for the first time, many years ago. I think Paul looks more like Matt LeBlanc from Friends. 
What would Microsoft have to do, to drive you to leave Windows?
Me:
It would be if Microsoft dropped Win32 support, or did something crazy, like dropping support for processors only a few years old.
Fortunately I hope to continue using Windows 10 for the foreseeable future. :)
I read today from PCWorld, Microsoft is cutting support for certain Clover Trail processors, that are in the "End of Interactive Support" phase. Microsoft may potentially cut support for other processors in the future, that fall in this category.
Here is my question, I have a gaming computer with an Intel I7-3770 with a GTX 1060. It is a pretty decent gaming computer and plays all the games, like Fallout 4.
Is this all just "Fear, Uncertainty, and doubt", or could Microsoft seriously cut support for older processors. Even Intel's I7 and i5 processors, that are only a few years old?
Cutting off support for Intel processors only a few years old, would create enormous problems and chaos. It would be an unthinkable move for Microsoft, and also frankly senseless.
Here is a link to the PCWorld Article:
Yesterday, I got a free Compaq Presario SR2032X. It has a Athlon 64 3500+, 512MB of RAM, 200GB hard drive, Geforce 6150LE graphics, and Windows XP Media Center Edition with lots of crap installed.
After getting the computer home. I immediately cleaned it. Then I turned it on and was surprised at how much crap was installed. Windows XP seemed surprisingly ok and not too slow.
I then turned the computer off,added 1.5GB of DDR2 of ram and wiped the hard drive. I initially tried installing Windows 10. It however failed to boot, likely because of the processor. Then I installed Ubuntu Gnome. It worked pretty well, and everything worked like sound, graphics, but I kept encountering an error, with the system updater or something.
This computer back then was like lower-mid range computer. The Athlon 64 had an advantage over other processors, especially in that is has the 64 bit extension. The computer has a DVD Litescribe drive, which is very nice, and there are 5 USB ports in total on the computer. There is one headphone jack in the front. There is a media card reader in front, which is very useful. The case has lots of ventilation. Getting into the case is very simple, with one screw. The case overall is pretty well built, with durable plastics.
I finally decided to install Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit, using a old product key. What a chore it was! Rather than installing and forgetting, like with Windows 10. I had to install a series of updates, in order for Windows 7 to actually update. Without this, Windows 7 will hang and never update for hours. For instance, I had to install a prerequisite patch, then the convenience rollup, and then the update client.
After getting Windows 7 fully set up. For a 12 year old computer, it runs surprisingly well, albeit a bit slow. Internet browsing is decent, doing office work is fine and doing simple tasks are without a hitch.
Overall, for a 12 year old Windows XP computer. The Compaq Presario SR2032X, is not a bad computer, for back then, and even now, with the right amount of upgrades!
Hello,
I wanted to report. There was an audio issue in Windows 10, with the Dell XPS 8500. When stopping music or like a YouTube video, and then resuming. The audio would be super loud, and distorted. Adjusting the system volume would return it to normal volume.
Now after installing the creator’s update. The audio issue seems to be fixed for now.
Update 11:33PM: After further testing, the audio issue is still unresolved. :(
Hi Paul or Brad,
I wanted to suggest spam prevention measures.
I think people should have enter a valid phone number and receive a code, where they must text it back. This way, spammers will be stopped dead in their tracks before they register.
Also, I think you should have a picture collage in the registration process, where “people” will have to select a specific object within the picture.
Another measure to prevent spammers, is to ask people specific questions. Such as, when was Windows Vista released? Who is Bill Gates? What software was Clippy featured in. What OS was released in 2001? Etc Etc
Yesterday, I acquired a 1992 Northgate OmniKey Ultra keyboard, for free. The only caveat I had to drive 1 hour and 10 minutes to get it. It was totally worth the trip.
Back then in the 1980s, and 1990s, many keyboards were mechanical or buckling springs. As a result, they were great to type on and offered nice tactile feedback. Keyboards back then were mostly beige or white, and many were built to last. Eventually, keyboards started getting rubber dome switches. While these are fine to type on, in my opinion, they are not nearly as great as mechanical or buckling spring switches.
The OmniKey Ultra keyboard was produced by Northgate. Northgate was a mail-order based company that produced quality computer systems and computer accessories.
Here is a brief overview of the Northgate Omnikey Ultra Keyboard.
Build Quality & Design
The OmniKey Ultra is extremely well built and solid. The body is a hard-ish metal, and feels very tough. The OmniKey Ultra is painted a white color and features grey and white keys, like most keyboards from the era. It has big rubber feet on the bottom to hold the keyboard up. The function keys are on the left side of the keyboard. There are Special Function (SF) keys on the top, I believe you can program.
Keys
The OmniKey Ultra features “White Alps” switches, and are really a joy to type on. They feel and sound similar to the Outemu Blue switches I have in my modern, mechanical keyboard. The “White Alps” switches in the OmniKey Ultra are however superior.
Connections
The Omnikey Ultra keyboard uses a PS/2 to DIN connector type cord. You can retro fit the OmniKey Ultra keyboard to work on a modern computer with a DIN to PS/2 and then a PS/2 to USB adapter.
Overall
The Northgate OmniKey is an exceptional, and well built keyboard. The OmniKey Ultra, and the Northgate OmniKey series, were one of the best keyboards made back then, along with the IBM Model M series. If you ever come across a Northgate OmniKey keyboard that’s reasonably priced or even free, I highly recommend getting it!
Hi Paul or Brad,
I recently discovered an incredibly small laptop called the GDP Pocket. It is similar to the Toshiba Libretto in portability from the 1990s. It has a Quad Core Atom processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a IPS touch 1920×1200 7″ display, and Windows 10. I was wondering if Paul or Brad, could do a product review of it in the future, because it is a very interesting product. Thanks
Here is the full specifications
Here is a link to the GDP Pocket
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gpd-pocket-7-0-umpc-laptop-ubuntu-or-win-10-os-laptop–2#/
Today, extended support for Windows Vista has officially ended, for whoever is still using it.
Windows Vista was an ambitious and advanced operating system, that took many years to be developed. Many of the technologies and the foundation in Vista, eventually evolved into what we have today, Windows 10.
Rest in Peace!
What is your favorite Windows developments or builds?
Mine is Windows Longhorn, because it was such an expansive project for Microsoft.
My other favorite is Windows 7, slimming and improving what was Vista into something great.
I also like the Windows 8 development because it was the transition from the traditional desktop Windows, into more modern Windows. Windows 8 brought, reset this pc, deeper cloud integration, faster performance, and the ability to use Windows really well on a tablet PC.
Yesterday, I acquired an amazing piece of technology. A laptop smaller than any laptop today, and is still a fully functioning computer. A Toshiba Libretto 70CT.
Design
The Toshiba Libretto is a bit bigger than the Nintendo DS. You can carry it around in your purse, coat jacket or even pant pocket. It is extremely portable, and well made with hard plastics. It features a trackpoint on the display for the mouse and buttons on the lid for left and right click. The Libretto came with a docking station to allow other devices to be plugged in, like a floppy drive. The Libretto features a PCMIA slot to plug in like a modem. The battery in the Libretto can be easily swapped out.
Peformance
The Toshiba Libretto 70CT, has a full Pentium MMX processor, 32MB of RAM, 1.6GB HDD and 1MB of video and can handle any task thrown at it, from word processing to some gaming. It is amazingly robust for such a small computer from the 1990s.
Display
The display is 6.1" big and has a 640x480 with True color and the display looks very nice!
Software
The Libretto 70CT comes with Windows 95 and has all the included preinstalled programs that come with Windows. My Libretto has a ton of software included with it like Microsoft Office.
Overall
The Toshiba Libretto 70CT is amazing computer for the 1990s and is still amazing today!
Hello,
I noticed secure boot is turned off in my bios. It may have been from when I upgraded it from Windows 7. Should it be turned on? Is there any cause for concern, with it turned off? I read secure boot prohibits unauthorized operating systems and malware like root kits from being installed.
Thanks
How did you first come across Paul Thurrott?
I found Paul, from Windows Longhorn via Winsupersite, and Windows Weekly.
After that, I now regularly visit Thurrott.com for all the Microsoft and other news!
Update
Also, not to forget Mary Jo Foley, who I found on Windows Weekly and ZDNET, and Brad Sams on Neowin! :)
Hello,
I am looking to buy a new keyboard and mouse, to upgrade from a Logitech K520. It is a nice keyboard and mouse combo, however, the signal is constantly cutting out and freezing. I am looking for a keyboard and mouse to use for gaming, and general purpose computing.
I am wondering what everyone here would recommend and/or uses?
Thanks
Hello
I have a Dell XPS 8500. I have been experiencing audio issues in Windows 10. When I am watching a YouTube video, pause it, go away to another tab, and then come back. The audio is super high and distorted. Then I press the volume on the keyboard, and the volume becomes normal again. This happens when using headphones also, like in Microsoft Groove. The audio quality using headphones, is not as good as it should normally be.
What could causing this issue? Thanks
Hello,
I wanted to share; someone on Youtube recreated the Smash Mouth “All Star” song, using Windows XP sounds!
It is eXPellent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahXQ7e8w7mQ
Today, I bought a 1986 Compaq Portable II computer. It originally cost $3,500, but I paid a mere $45.
The specs of the Compaq Portable II are (according to Wikipedia)
Operating system: MS-DOS 3.1
CPU: Intel 80286 @ 6 or 8MHz (dual-speed)
Memory : 256kB-640kB
Storage: 360kB 5.25″ floppy drive, optional 10MB hard drive
Display: 9″ Monochrome monitor
Graphics: 720×350 (text mode), 640×200 (graphics mode)
Sound : PC speaker
Design
During the late 1980s, portable computers were evolving into more laptop forms. The IBM Convertible PC was a good example of it. The Compaq Portable II is very well designed, for a portable PC. It features a fold out keyboard with a recessed cord. It has a power cord compartment which doubles as a stand in the back. There are two doors on the side that slide open, one for the power supply and the other for IO ports. There is a nice faux leather handle, to carry the computer around. The Compaq Portable II is not too heavy, but weighs more than my desktop.
Photo of the Compaq Portable II open.
Picture of it closed. You can see the compartment in the middle that holds the power cord and doubles as stand.
Ports
There are several IO ports featured on the right side of the computer, for plugging in peripherals like printers. There are two 5.25″ floppy drives in the front. 
Keyboard
The keyboard on the Compaq Portable II is nearly full scale, and nice to type on.
Display
The Compaq Portable II has a 9″ green monochrome display. It is very nice and vibrant. It has 720×350 resolution for text mode, and 640×200 for graphics mode.
Operating System
The Compaq Portable II comes with MSDOS 3.1 and can run a wide range of programs.
Performance
The Compaq Portable II boots up fairly quickly. I have not tested any program yet, as I don’t possess any or 5.25″ floppy discs.
Overall
The Compaq Portable II is a pretty good portable computer for the time. It features many improvements over the original Compaq Portable, especially in size and weight.
Hello,
I recently upgraded to the LG V20 (Sprint), and got a new number as well. A day or so later, I began getting spam calls for some reason. I have never given the new phone number out.
The spam calls are coming from different numbers, from different states. One from Minnesota, one from Washington, and one from Florida.
Perhaps Sprint is selling phone numbers or apps are forwarding my number to spammers?
My question is; What is the best methods, apps, technologies to stop spam?
What is everyone’s thoughts here on Windows Cloud, being a locked down version of Windows? Love it, hate it, frightened by it?
My initial thoughts from hearing about Windows Cloud;
I think it will be a free version of Windows, for everyone. People will have to pay to upgrade to a home or pro version. It will be apart of Microsoft’s new business model.
I also think Windows Cloud could be the groundwork, for how future versions of Windows are. Where we install all apps, from the store. I think this is both a negative and positive thing.
I think Windows Cloud will be a version for lower end devices. It would be absurd to have it on a $1500 gaming computer, that you can’t download Steam.
What features and other things, do you want to see Microsoft implement in Windows 10?
I would like to see a tabbed file explorer (big league), a copy and paste bin as well as universal copy and paste.
A complete redesign of the file explorer, and move away from Windows 8/7 style.
More customization, allow users to change the theme in Windows 10. From a Windows 98 theme to even a Linux inspired one.
More sophisticated, Windows 10 exclusive apps, like a photos app with better editing tools, and a revamped and more robust Windows Movie Maker.
Much more.
What was the first smartphone you owned?
Mine was like a LG Optimus, which at the time was decent. Now it is just a dumb phone. Some apps still work, like Youtube. Logging into Google, doesn’t.
I have been using the Craigslist website to sell and buy items, especially electronics for many years. It is a great free, selling and buying website. I have found many great things here and sold many things as well.
The major problem right now with Craigslist is, SPAM, and communication.
Craigslist’s spam moderation is unacceptably bad. So bad, it can push one away.
Craigslist uses a method of filtering spam, by users reporting it. If enough users report an item, it is removed.
Although this method works, on occasions. I have seen so many dangerous, spam sale posts, stay up for weeks and sometimes months. Craigslist needs to overhaul it’s spam moderation, radically.
Additionally, sometimes when trying to sell an item, Craigslist bizarrely puts your item into a back burner, and doesn’t post it publicly. Apparently, an item that says it’s been posted, but isn’t public, sits there until it is flagged.
Perhaps Craigslist needs to hire moderators or have an algorithm for detecting spam in place. Or perhaps, have users verify their identities prior to signing up to post sale posts.
It is not acceptable, to have a public site, with a piss poor spam filtration system, that does not work.
As for communication, the Craigslist website, is terrible as well. Communicating with sellers is hit or miss. The ways to communicate are inconsistent. Sometimes, there is a phone number, sometimes there is an email. Sometimes, there are no contacts at all to contact sellers.
Craigslist needs a major overhaul of their communication system and perhaps their own built in system, that does not rely on outside means, like phone number and emails.
Overall, Craigslist is a great buying and selling site. Their communication and spam moderation system is woefully inadequate, and should be overhauled.
What is your favorite version of Windows and why?
Mine is Windows 7 (historical wise), because it pointed Windows in the right direction after Vista, and was one of the most solid OSs.
I also very much like Windows 10, because it’s modern, always up to date, and offers countless, performance and security improvements.
Flickr is undoubtedly a fantastic photo sharing site. It offers a large amount of storage, and is great for sharing photos with other photography aficionados. The only problem with Flickr right now is it is still owned by Yahoo.
For anyone who is using Flickr like me, regularly. I would suggest changing your password, of course, immediately to a strong password with symbols, numbers, and lower/upper case letters. Additionally, enable 2 step verification. This way, you will need to verify yourself using your phone, to login.
I think Yahoo, SHOULD spin Flickr off and sell it to either like Microsoft or Google. It is again, an excellent photo sharing site, and I continue to use it today. It is disappointing it has to be connected to an irresponsible company and one that’s an anachronism.
What do you think? Are you still using Flickr and plan to keep using it? Do you think Flickr should be spun off?
What are the oldest computer(s) you have?
I have a 1999 HP Omnibook XE2 with Windows 2000. It has a Intel Celeron Processor, and 160MB of RAM.
I have a 1996 IBM Thinkpad 365XD, with Windows 98, an Intel Pentium processor, 24MB of ram.
I have a 1995 Apple Powerbook 5300C with a PowerPC processor and 32MB of ram.
I also have a Casio Cassiopeia CR-A10 Windows CE pocket PC.
Hello,
I am not sure if anyone has noticed. Microsoft has significantly updated the Windows Photos app with a new drawing feature, a redesigned editing function with new slider options for like brightness, clarity etc. Also, it appears there are new navigational buttons as well.
Hello,
Has anyone here experienced the Windows Photos app crashing recently? When I try to edit and crop a photo, the Windows photo app closes immediately. I tried restarting Windows, but with no luck. I am using Windows 10 1607 (Build 14393.321). I installed a Nvidia Game Ready driver 375.57 yesterday, but I am not sure if that is causing the issue. I also submited the problem in the Windows feedback app.
There are 21 days until election day now. Who do you think is going to win? Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or Gary Johnson?
Who here will be watching the vice presidential debate tonight, at 9:00PM? Who do you think will win?
Trump says, he will be live Tweeting during the whole thing. So this will be interesting.
Windows 8 Consumer Preview arrived nearly 5 years ago. When I saw it, I was pretty surprised at how different it was. It felt like Windows 7, but with another shell added on.
Was Windows 8 really that bad?
When Windows 8 came out in 2012, it created a divisiveness in the Windows community. Many people hated it, and stuck with Windows 7. Some loved it, and said they will never go the desktop again. There were some people who assimilated and tried adapting using programs like Start8.
As brash as Windows 8 was with the schizo dueling interfaces. It was technically a huge leap forward for Windows. It brought Windows into the modern age of computing. First off, Windows 10 brought in modern apps, which cleanly install and uninstall, and don't have acccess to everything in Windows. Secondly, Windows 8 introduced a reset option, which allowed users to reinstall Windows without the need of a DVD.
Microsoft also brought out significant system performance improvements in Windows 8. Before Windows 7 really needed 4GBs of RAM, but could run on 1GB, and a fast dual core processor. Windows 8 however, could run on 1GB of ram with a lower powered processor. It ran especially well on 1GB using modern apps. Windows 8 also brought new Directx technologies and many other technologies that made Windows much improved.
Windows 8 also introduced much improved security. For the first time, Windows included anti-virus, Windows Defender. Windows 8 also added other security features like secure boot.
Windows 8 also elicited new forms of computers. They ranged from 10" tablets, to 2 in 1 laptop computers, small 8" tablets, laptops with lids that flip 360 degrees and more. I would say, Microsoft's tablet, the Surface Pro, inspired it's competitors to release similar things.
Windows 8 despite being divisive and different, brought out many positive changes. Without it, we would not have Windows 10, and the different forms of computers we have today. We would arguably still be using the Windows 7 desktop.
Recently I bought a used Dell Chromebook 11 3120, in anticipation of Android apps being released. I am a mainly Windows user, and I was intriqued by the merging of Android, and Chrome OS.
Design
The Dell Chromebook 11 3120, isn't going to win any beauty pageants anytime soon. It is a all black and grey design, which I like because it's business like. The materials are high quality plastic, and feel like they will stand up to a lot of abuse. Dell says the Dell Chromebook 11 is military spec rated and should stand up to water, dust, drop impact etc. It also comes with a built in activity light designed for students in a classroom environment.
Portability
The Dell Chromebook 11 is pretty light, weighing under 3 pounds, and is pretty thin as well. It is light and thin enough to be carried around comfortably.
Performance
The Dell Chromebook 11 is pretty snappy. When you open the lid, it turns on instantly. The model I have has a Intel N2840, which is like a trimmed down i3. It has 4GB of ram, and a 16GB of storage. The speakers sound pretty good.
Keyboard
The keyboard is alright to type on, and is good for especially student typing essays. it is nowhere near the quality of my Lenovo X1 carbon's keyboard.
Display
The display on the Dell Chromebook 11 is a 1366x768 TN display. It is good for all-around things like web browsing, etc. However, if you are looking to use it for photography, you'll need to go elsewhere.
Ports
The Dell Chromebook 11 3120 comes with 2 USB ports, 1 HDMI port, audio jack, an SD card reader and a Kensington lock, which is nice.
Software
The Dell Chromebook 11 comes with Chrome OS, that is just the Chrome browser basically, but with added system functions. The Dell Chromebook comes with a toggle for the activity built in light that's designed for students for the classroom. The light features 3 color lights, one for students raising their hand, question, and discussion.
Price:
The Dell Chromebook 11 3120 is configuable on Dell's website, and starts off at around $220 for the 2GB RAM model, and goes up to around $300 for the touchscreen IPS model with 4GB of ram.
Overall
The Dell Chromebook 11 3120 is an excellent, solid Chromebook for students, business users or anyone seeking a second computer. If you however require specific Windows software and do alot of offline related work, you will need to buy a Windows laptop.
What games is everyone here playing?
I am currently playing Half Life 2 again, and I forgot how great it was. The graphics look really good still. I am also playing Cities: Skylines, which is a excellent city simulation game. I am continuing to play Fallout 4.
Who here is watching the presidential debate tonight? Who do you think will win?
