ConsumerIT - For Europe's High Volume PC Retailers, Distributors & Builders

Bob’s Byte

As Windows XP Ends, So Goes PC Era

31 March 2014 Bob Snyder Bob’s Byte

The end of Windows XP is also the end of everything we grew up with in the Personal Computing business.

We're also saying goodbye to the PC as the preferred hardware for the average user, Windows as the standard operating system and the power of Wintel in our business lives.

Obviously, the death of XP is an arranged suicide, with Microsoft attendant in all the funeral details.

The commercial advantage, for Microsoft and its partners, is that this should spur sales for Windows 8 (and upcoming Windows 9).

Thinking Outside the PC Box

31 December 2013 Roger Douglas Bob’s Byte

How do you feel about the PC industry today?

Our Editor-in-Chief Bob Snyder discusses the PC industry with the UK dealer group of Synaxon.

Agree or disagree but at least Bob will help you focus on what it means today to be a distributor or retailer in consumer IT.

Enjoy!

What If Google Made a Free Chromebox?

30 December 2013 Bob Snyder Bob’s Byte

Here's a festive thought for the end of 2013: What if Google made a free Chromebox?

Google has made it BIG by expertly giving away its technology to earn an audience.

Google Search, of course. But think about all the Google products you might know, love and use.

Do you use Gmail? That's free...

Google Maps? Yep, free, too.

Google Docs? Free..

Google Talk? Sure, free.

Google+? OK,maybe you don't use this yet but soon Helpouts will pull you in. Yes, it's free.

YouTube, Picassa, Chrome Continue reading...

What Will Microsoft Look Like 2 Years from Now?

13 November 2013 Bob Snyder Bob’s Byte

What Will Microsoft Look Like 2 Years from Now?

Remember the famous high tech book, Crossing the Chasm?

Perhaps there should be a new book for high tech companies to follow: Sitting on a Precipice.

That might be appropriate because our "old" industry leaders in the PC business now sit on a precipice. For some, things look pretty grim. For others, it will soon look even grimmer-- if they don't act now.

A prime example of inaction can be drawn from the mobile industry where RIM has taken Blackberry into a free fall that will only end in a splat.

For Microsoft, it's a different story. There are actions that will be taken.

Here's one example of how Microsoft might look in a year or two.

First, meet the new CEO. Yes, Stephen Elop...the loyal Microsoftie who insisted on Windows at Nokia until they had no other choice but look for an acquirer. Consider the CEO job as Elop's reward for bringing Nokia into the fold (because that's the way the Microsoft Board is looking at it).

Microsoft: Malware on PCs Even Before Stores

23 November 2012 Bob Snyder Bob’s Byte

Microsoft: Malware on PCs Even Before Stores

The only people happy with this news will be the local system builders...

Microsoft's digital crimes division tells the court malware is being installed on PC machines in China before they’re even released from the factories.

What? That's right, your customers who import direct from China may be buying Trojan Horses. Even European importers who bring in unknown Chinese brands could be affected-- unless the importer (like many larger distributors already do) sets up his own security control. Continue reading...

Page 5 of 11