No, this post isn’t going to be about the Beatles. Sorry for those of you who found this post because of the title. I like to mix it up every once in awhile — just to see how many people are actually paying attention.

What do I need to cover? Because I really haven’t been posting as much as I was (sorry– I’ve been busy)

Next week, President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in and become President Obama. Not entirely sure what the new administration is promising, but I can only hope for the best. I’m usually not one to plunge into politics, but when it comes to new presidents — I usually keep track of what’s going on.

Even if you don’t live in Illinois I’m sure you have  heard of Govenor Rod Blagojevich’s trial and charges. From what I’m told, Illinois has become the fool of United States because of everything. Just for those of you who don’t know what has been going on there — Apparently Blagojevich is charged of selling President elect Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder (and also I understand that Roland Burris is now attempting to take this senate seat —the right way) along with other charges such as threatening to withhold state funding to such places as the Chicago Tribune, in the event that they first remove all editors who wrote ill against Blagojevich.  I also read that Blagojevich has also threatened to withhold a Children’s Hospital of funding unless the CEO sends a campaign contribution. Among other charges, which like I said I’d like to not get into on his blog — you can read more about this controversy here.

Shocked that I haven’t reported on Windows 7 at all? So am I.. which is what I’m here to do now:

Windows 7, The next big operating system upgrade from Microsoft, is set to be out by late 2009 (which at the way it looks now, since the beta is just now being released to testers — will be delayed for 2010).  Although I have not messed with it myself, I have been reviewing many articles and reports [along with many screenshots] on this new upgrade. From what I can tell right now, it looks like a Vista fix SP2 style. Why they did not just release it as a service pack – is beyond me.  What I’m most excited about in this upgrade is the customizable User Account Control (UAC) feature — so instead of having to permantely shut it off  (Because although annoying, it has saved my ass before) you can tweak it to not be so pety & annoying. Which is good, really good.

I don’t have much of an opinion on the new GUI Microsoft is releasing with this operating system. It looks very similar to vista, except they’ve attacked the start menu and made it UNIX looking. Which, although awkward for Windows, is a plus for me.

The idea was brought up on an ZDNET Article that this next version should just be free, and offered to everyone. Well, apparently Microsoft did hear this request — they just did it wrong. If you purchase a computer after July 2009, then you will have the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released, provided your manufacturer is in on this promotion. Granted, that’s a really nice deal, that blows away all people who either custom-built their machines or just recently bought a really nice computer.  I’m going to be upgrading to Windows 7 when it comes out, simply because that’s me and it’s what I do — but it doesn’t mean I’ll be upgrading on the day it comes out. I might just stay with Vista, you never know. (something I never thought I’d catch myself saying)

Also, what is up with the title of this new operating system? Microsoft themselves said that Windows 7 was going to become the permanent title of their next release. Although, you would think being a lover of Apple like I am, that a number attached to the end wouldn’t upset me. That’s just it — it wouldn’t upset me if Apple was the one doing this — but they already had a Mac OS 7 — many years ago. Microsoft is just trying their hardest to compete with Apple, and it will never happen.   I strongly believe that if Apple went mainstream with their products — and allowed companys such as Dell, HP, etc to market their products inside their machines, then Apple would be the largest company and I see Microsoft Windows being a thing of the past. But I also can understand why Apple does not do this.

Anywho, enough about Windows 7 — and onto Office 14 “alpha”. Because I was not selected to beta-test this Office version, you will have to read more information about them on this ZDNet blog article. It almost makes me angry that I was not chosen because I have beta tested Office 2003 & 2007 for Microsoft. But, whatever, I guess.

The more I do, however, find out about Office 14 I will keep this blog posted.

Ok, I think I’ve made up for not posting in a little while. This should give you guys something to read–maybe.