Tag: Universal Serial Bus Page 1 of 2

Photo of HP Tablet PC running MS Windows Tablet Edition. Modified with Picasa2. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I have to whip something up fast, there’s nothing like the power, ease and comfort of a desktop computer with a keyboard of choice.
And it’s definitely the golden age of computing for users with less than the most modern kit. The way to achieve computing bliss on older machines, however, is to employ the right operating system for your box.
Windows 8.1 for all of the criticism runs fabulously on the lowest forms of Intel Core 2 Duo processors–and with only 2 GB of ram installed.
For PowerPC PowerMac users good times continue to abound as TenFourFox and Leopard WebKit browsers are regularly updated so users of these ancient repositories of Apple goodness can float along on the Web as if on a cloud.
And there are all manner of flavors of Linux for uber geeks wishing to use their old Intel and AMD processor machines with modern, secure operating systems.
I am one of the many luddites who’s shifted to mobile computing for most of what I do. When it comes to limiting fatigue, wear and tear, though, there’s nothing like using an ergonomic keyboard on one of the functioning desktop computer museum pieces.

The Microsoft Surface RT is my go to device when blogging while on the road. It isn’t good for daily writing as long hours at its keyboard will invariably result in claw hands.
While Windows 8.1 is fine on older machines, many users are still running Windows XP. I read there are more users of XP out there still than Windows 8 varieties. That is a shame, too, in my view as 8.1’s effective realities on older machines far outweigh the criticisms this operating system has taken.
Many users on XP machines could make the move to Windows 8 and enjoy doing so. I had XP, then Windows 7, 8 and now finally 8.1 on the relic of a PC that shares my easy-typing keyboard via a TRENDnet KVM switch with my FrankenMac PowerMac G4.
I’m always way behind the curve when it comes to latest and greatest. While I abandoned my old iPhone 3GS in favor of a refurb Samsung Galaxy S3, the phone recently felt slow and old. This was especially so after seeing the new Galaxy S6 commercials.
I went in search of a solution to my old and slow dilemma. Old and slow can be looked at as a driving force in much of how I arrive at the hardware technology solutions that I do. Whether it’s keeping my old Macs and PCs going to the best of their abilities or re-thinking how I can avoid upgrading my phone sooner than I’d like, it typically only takes a little time, imagination and research before I come up with a solution.
Truth be told, the S3 has been a great phone and its slowing hasn’t been the biggest issue for me. The rapid, unexplained battery drains I’ve experienced on and off in the time I’ve had it, have been the most vexing and annoying problems for me.

I thankfully discovered the ZeroLemon battery and now go four days without recharging. It set me back a mere $39 and allows me to use the phone’s GPS reliably and without fear for the first time since I’ve had it. If this battery miracle holds up and stands the test of time, I don’t see myself in the market for a new phone any time soon.
Phone, tablet, computers and keyboard–use what works best for you and don’t succumb to the marketing we’re all blasted with. No one, and I mean no one, needs new devices as often as manufacturers would have us believe. Unless you’re rich and devoid of imagination, there’s no reason you can’t be smiling while you use your older technology right now.

Related articles

• Upgrade Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 to Android 4.4 KitKat
• Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 5.1 Lollipop Update: How to Install CyanogenMod CM12.1 Custom ROM
• 14-Year-Old Windows XP Still Has More Users Than Windows 8.x