When it comes to taking notes on the go, there are many solutions you can try out. You can carry a small notepad, you could take notes in a simple text file, or you could try out any app from the thousands of choices the Android Play Store offers. While there seems to be no dearth of good choices in this department, apps that are truly cross-platform are hard to find. That's why, in today's article, we'll help you find apps that you can use to take notes and refer to them from everywhere.


OneNote

OneNote is Microsoft's heavily publicized note-taking application. It is a simple, easy-to-use service that ties in perfectly with MS Office Suite of desktop tools. Compared to Evernote, OneNote stacks up quite well with its easy-to-use interface and cross-platform capabilities. You can take and access your notes on desktop, web, mobile, and tablets. The interface conforms to Microsoft's popular ribbon UI and anyone who has used MS Word or MS Excel (2013+) would have no trouble getting started with it. The best thing of all is that OneNote is entirely free to use with no premium tiers or restrictions.  Much like Evernote, there isn't a Linux version for OneNote. However, having tried the web version myself for about a few months now, Linux users won't be missing out on much.

Pricing: Free
Publisher: Microsoft
OpenSource: No
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web, Mobile
Website: www.onenote.com

Evernote

Evernote is a frontrunner in the race for being one of the best cross-platform note-taking applications out there. It is stable, works across all major platforms, and has excellent features that are useful for users from all backgrounds. What's great about this application is that it seamlessly syncs all your data across all platforms. Be it bills, receipts, or even a complete novel, you can store pretty much everything in your Evernote account without having to worry about data loss. While there isn't a Linux version for this service yet, there are a couple of third-party applications you can try that will let you access your notes on Ubuntu and other distributions. Once such application is Nevernote, an open-source clone of Evernote ( http://nevernote.sourceforge.net/). The app provides a basic interface for accessing your notes and creating new ones. Other than that, you won't find any bells and whistles you usually find on the Windows or Mac application. The basic version is free to install and use and is enough for anyone who's looking for a solid cross-platform note taking solution.

Pricing: Free for Basic, $24.99 per year for Plus, $49.99 per year for Professional
Publisher: Evernote Corporation
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web, Mobile
Website: www.evernote.com

Simplenote

Simplenote has been around for quite a while now. However, it never really got the attention it deserved. Its lightweight, clean interface is something that makes it stand apart from other feature-heavy applications and services. The application has a web-based interface and has apps that work perfectly well on iOS and Android. Simplenote, by living up to its name, ensures that you get the bare minimum features you need from a cross-platform note editor. That said, as simple as it is, the service supports Markdown thus letting you publish your notes on the web and share them with your friends and coworkers. Overall, Simplenote stands apart not only as a great note-taking tool but also an effective productivity app.

Pricing: Free
Publisher: Automattic
Platforms: Mac, Web, Mobile
Website: www.simplenote.com

Google Keep

Google Keep is the search giant's way of letting you know that it has its tentacles spread across all areas of your life. Just kidding. If you're an avid note-taker and are looking for something that ties in well with the Google ecosystem, this is an app you must try. It's simple, colorful, and does the job pretty well. You can group your notes in categories and tag them with different colors. Furthermore, it also allows you to show notes based on your location, thus letting you remember anything you have to buy whilst going out shopping.

Pricing: Free
Publisher: Google
Platforms: Web, Mobile, Chrome-based apps for Windows, Mac, Linux
Website: https://keep.google.com/

For many years, Linux desktop held the bragging rights for being free as in free beer. It was going swell until Windows 10 came along. Microsoft's latest desktop offering, apart from being a move towards convergence, ushers in a new model of operating system licensing. In July 2015, the Redmond giant in what is considered a bold move, decided to upgrade every Windows 7 and 8 user to the latest and greatest version -- for free. What's more, the development of the operating system was more community-oriented and focused on taking valuable feedback from testers and implementing into the OS. The result was a perfect blend of the familiarity of the good ol' Windows 7 and the modernity of Windows 8.1. 

Though we won't call Windows 10 the perfect desktop OS, it is certainly an eye-catching offering packed with features that are hard to resist, even for Mac users. The homely start menu, the sharp Cortana, and Linux-esque features like virtual desktops all blend in to provide a seamless desktop experience that, for the first time, matches up with the prowess of the Mac OS X desktop experience. While Ubuntu's growth remaining stagnant and no new 'big' announcements on the Linux front this year, many penguinian users are considering migrating to the dark side. While some have already crossed the threshold, others are reflecting on the pros and cons. For them the following article will shed light on some of the tempting features of the OS and how they compare to what Linux currently offers. 

The Search Experience

One of the biggest changes in Windows 10 is the integration of search with Cortana, local files, and content from the web. This combination makes search a powerful addition to the Windows 10 experience. With the ability to look through files, folders, and content on the web, the need for opening the web browser time and again becomes redundant. 

The search experience on Linux, however, is still mediocre as compared to what Windows or Mac offers. On Ubuntu you can search through files; but searching on the web through the Dash is still flaky. If you are someone who wants a unified desktop and web experience and online search is a big deal for you, switching to Windows 10 might not be such a bad move. Otherwise, the good ol' Dash works perfectly for the normal desktop user.

The Start Menu

Yep, it's back. After hearing the complaints of millions of users from around the world, the Redmond giant finally decided to bring the Start menu back. Though it is not the same as what Windows XP and 7 had, it still retains the functionality of its predecessor. You can search, browse through programs, and even pin tiles to your start menu. This is a welcome change from the gaudy Windows 8 start screen that took up useful real estate. For Linux users, there has always been an equivalent of the start menu. In Mint for example, the start menu is reminiscent of the Windows 7 start menu and on Ubuntu we have the Dash, which is the right blend of modernity and functionality. If you are looking to ditch Linux for the Windows 10 start menu, unfortunately, it might not be worth it.

Free as in Free Beer, but not Freedom

Windows 10 is free. Yes, completely free. Well, almost. If you own a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can upgrade to the latest desktop without paying a single penny. If you don't, you'll have to pay the retail price for a new copy of the operating system. So, if you are already on an earlier version of Windows, probably dual booting with your tux desktop, there are no reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10. However, it is essential that you backup your data before making the switch as the upgrade has been known to cause some issues. 

Always Updated

Both Linux and Windows rely on updates to provide a secure and up-to-date desktop experience. Windows, however, goes a step further with this process. Switching to a software-as-a-service model, the latest version of the desktop will deliver all future updates and upgrades online. This means no Windows 11 or 12 and every new feature or major change will be delivered to your desktop via a simple over-the-air update. The only problem, though, with this model is that you can't opt out of it. If you upgrade to Windows 10, there's no official way of disabling those updates. So, if you have a limited bandwidth, just think a couple of times before upgrading. Compared to Linux, this might feel like an intrusive move, but Microsoft plans to make money as a service rather than an operating system that is quite different from the way Linux operates.

Privacy Issues

Last, but not the least, one of the controversies surrounding Windows 10 is quite a biggie for Linux users and that is of privacy. Despite clarifications by Microsoft on this matter, Windows 10 is known to collect a huge amount of data that is quite unsettling for a desktop user. If there's one big deal breaker Linux users have to face while installing Windows 10 is this one. Even though you can tweak the settings, having complete control over your data is something only a Linux user can enjoy in its full glory.

Conclusion

So, is it worth ditching Linux for Windows 10? While it is a great update to Windows 8, the one that fixes it all, upgrade problems and privacy issues are main reasons Linux users should be wary of the upgrade. However, if you want the latest and greatest, it should be a no-brainer. Our advice is to wait till Microsoft settles the issues plaguing the OS and then give it a shot. Till then, penguins are always your friends.


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

If you are someone who uses Microsoft Exchange a lot, then switching to Android might not have been as smooth as you imagined. Despite having great compatibility with MS Exchange out of the box, Android users still are looking for some better apps that can help them get the most out of their business emails.

That's why we have compiled a list of some of the best Android-based Email clients out there for Microsoft Exchange users. While not at the level of the original applications, these Android apps also help business users be more productive.


Nine - Exchange ActiveSync

Nine is a fabulous app that uses the Direct Push technology to sync with MS Exchange server with the help of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. Upon first glance, what stands out most about this app is its clean UI. Following most of Android's UI standards, Nine is probably one of the most beautiful business apps out there. Once installed, Nine gives you a full suite applications: email, calendar, contacts, and even notes. All of the data is synced to the server, including notes and sms. Moreover, there are also all the essential widgets you need to get a quick glance at your important stuff. Overall, a good clean application for all your business communication needs. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

MailWise Email Client for Exchange +

MailWise is an application that helps to address the problem many users face with long conversation threads. Once installed, you will find clean, card-like conversation threads that are easy to navigate and reply to. Among other features, MailWise also acts as a full-fledged Exchange application bringing most of the good stuff from the desktop to your phone. Much like the aforementioned Nine, MailWise too comes with a really good-looking UI. The best part though, about this app is that it is completely free without any ads whatsoever. 

CloudMagic

If you are looking for a good consolidated solution for all your email needs and not just Exchange, CloudMagic is a great app to try. Clean, simple, and easy to use, CloudMagic brings all your mailboxes together, including your MS Exchange inbox. This is very useful for people who have a couple of personal accounts and another business account. Once installed, CloudMagic will let you access all of them (or more) without having to switch apps. Definitely worth a try even if you are not an MS Exchange user. 

BlueMail

Similar to the aforementioned CloudMagic, BlueMail too helps you consolidate all your inboxes in one place. What's great about this app is its intuitive UI. With just one swipe across the screen you can either delete or archive a message. Another good feature is the thread view that allows you to view your emails as conversations, thus making it easy for you to communicate with your friends and colleagues. Again, this is not a dedicated MS Exchange app, but useful if you have a lot of email accounts. 

K-9 Mail

K-9 Mail has been around for quite a while and there is a good reason for that: this app is completely free and open-source. Once installed, you'll be able to add IMAP, POP3 and Exchange 2003/2007 accounts with ease. With support for IMAP push email you can even completely ditch official Gmail app for an open source alternative. Furthermore, with multi-folder sync, flagging, signatures and filing, K-9 proves itself to be a good alternative to a full-fledged desktop Exchange client. Also interesting is the feature to store mail on SD card making it easier for users to avoid running out of storage space. If you are new to the app, a great place to start is to browse the app's wiki which has detailed information on how to configure and make the most out of K-9.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

For many, syncing files between two computers on the same network is a nightmare. You have to connect the computers by doing some network tweaking and then copy each file individually. Oh, and then there is a lot of waiting involved. Another big problem that many users face is that let's say you've transferred 90% of the files and by mistake you shutdown the computer or turn off the router, most of your progress will be lost. And if you are someone who has Mac, Linux, and Windows desktops in the same house, good luck.

But wait… Isn't there Dropbox, which already solves the problem of syncing files? Well, it does, but most of your data belongs in the cloud. Transferring 400 GB worth of movies from your laptop to desktop won't be something Dropbox would do easily. The following tutorial will help you sync your files across multiple computers on the same network using a fabulous lesser-known app called BTSync.


Step 1: Install BTSync

Download and install BTSync on your desktop. It doesn't matter whether you are on Windows, Linux, or Mac. The software works across all platforms. 


Step 2: Generate a secret

Select a folder you want to sync. A good way of doing this is creating a folder titled "Sync" and then dropping all the files you want to sync as you go. And then, when the app asks you to generate a secret key, do so by entering a fairly hard to guess phrase. When the secret key is generated, remember it (hard to do) or write it down in a safe place. Don't worry if you can't do that right now, you can always access the secret from the main computer where the app was first installed. 

Step 3: Add more files to sync

Now in the sync folder, add as many files as you want. Instead of dropping multiple folders to the syncing application, you can simply keep adding more files to that folder using Nautilus, Finder, or Explorer. This saves you the trouble of having to remember multiple secrets. 

To add the second computer you want to transfer the files to, simply install the app again on that computer. Then, during setup, just let the app know that you already have a secret key. Here, type in the secret key from the first computer and soon your files will start transferring seamlessly. 

Accessing files from Phone (Optional): If you have an Android smartphone, you can even access your BT Sync files from there. Simply download the app from the Google Play Store and then right click on the Sync folder from the main app. Select the option that says Connect Mobile. Then, a barcode will pop up letting you instantly pair your smartphone with your desktop. This means that once you are connected, you can even access your whole music collection on your desktop right from your phone. Cool, isn't it? 


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella as their new CEO recently. He succeeded Steve Ballmer to become the third CEO of the company. Being one of the biggest companies in the world, Microsoft chose an internal candidate to undertake the huge responsibility. They wanted someone who knew the company very well and also someone who values Microsoft's vision for the future. And, Satya Nadella was exactly the man they were looking for.

The 46-year-old is an electrical engineer who studied in India before continuing his education in the United States. Working for Microsoft since 1992, Satya took on many roles in the company, his recent one being that of executive vice president of the Cloud and Enterprise group. Many people credit Microsoft's success in the cloud to him. Considered as a "safe choice" by some critics while a deserving successor by many in the tech industry, Satya has a huge responsibility given the company's steady decline.

We, as tech lovers, have a lot of expectations from him. Despite the FOSS community's torn relationship with Redmond, Ballmer's departure was seen as a positive development by many Linux lovers. That's why, we've compiled a list of things we can -- and cannot -- expect from the new CEO.


Things to Expect from Satya Nadella

1. More Focus on Cloud Computing

Satya is a cloud-first guy. His cloud expertise is known even outside of Microsoft. It's highly unlikely that he'll lose focus on one of his (and the company's) core competencies. Expect more cloud-based services rolling out from Redmond in the coming years. Also, we can hope to see many improvements in existing cloud-based services Microsoft provides.

2. New Challenges

Microsoft will explore new markets under Satya's leadership. In fact, Satya Nadella recently announced that Microsoft is trying to build an economy smartphone for emerging markets. In other words, expect some out-of-the box thinking as well as action from Satya Nadella.

3. More Mistakes

Yep, you heard that right. Mistakes are a part of taking brave challenges. Satya Nadella is known to be a lifelong learner who constantly buys books and signs up for online courses. What does this mean for Microsoft? It means that he will go for the bold ventures very few people have thought. For the first few years of his tenure, he'd probably be doing a lot of trial and error and then learning from them.

4. More Innovation

Microsoft is not well known for innovation. Many people in the tech world call them monopolistic copycats. Even the late Steve Jobs once remarked that Microsoft lacked taste. How well is that going to change? We don't know. But given Satya's liking for innovation, we might see some creative products come out of Redmond.

“Our industry does not respect tradition – it only respects innovation.” -- Satya Nadella

5. Major Shuffle in Mobile Strategy

The CEO recently announced that he would be focusing more of his efforts on the mobile front. Microsoft is already developing a mobile phone for the developing market. Expect some major changes in Microsoft's mobile strategy. Satya might be able to breathe a new life into Microsoft's mobile business that has barely managed to get the attention its other products get. 


Things Not to Expect from Him

1. Microsoft Cozying up to Linux

Though there is a slight possibility of this happening, Microsoft is a company that is steadily going downhill. At this point, they can't afford to take any big risks that would hurt their market share. After all, Linux still is a Microsoft competitor, especially in the server market. We might see a version of Office for Ubuntu, but there is a very slight chance of that happening.

2. Microsoft becoming a role model for honest business

Despite how friendly and charming Satya seems in comparison to the brutal Ballmer, Microsoft still is Microsoft at its core. It's not a communist country run by a single leader that you'd expect a dramatic turnaround of core philosophies in just a couple of years. Microsoft still is, Microsoft at its core. It's a business and it will do anything it needs to do in order to keep its foothold in the marketspace.

3. Making Off-the-wall Comments

Ballmer made some pretty snarky comments during his tenure, going so far as to call Linux a cancer. He was known for his bad temper and his infamous chair-throwing tantrum. Compared to Ballmer, Satya seems to be a very positive and pragmatic guy. It's highly unlikely to see him badmouthing his competitors. 

4. Doing the "developers" Dance

Because only Ballmer can pull it off. Period.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

Earlier this year, Windows 8 was launched with great expectations. Microsoft banked on it to be a game-changer both for the tablet world as well as the desktop computer world. According to Redmond, the latest iteration of the most popular operating system in the world is a bridge between the tablet and the desktop. With a sleek, redesigned, and touch-friendly interface, Windows 8 was all set to become yet another milestone for Microsoft.

However, Steve Ballmer’s expectations were crushed when the early reviews didn’t turn out to be that good. Windows 8, along with its contentious Metro interface, was criticized for its lack of usability and confusing design. Many users posted videos of their friends and family having a hard time figuring out how to use the software. In fact, the dramatic departure from the familiar Start-button oriented user interface has irked many users.

So, what does this mean for Microsoft? Are their glory days over? But more than Microsoft, what does this mean for its desktop competitors like Linux, Mac OS X, and perhaps Google Chrome OS? Do they have a golden chance against the mighty giant? We don’t know about Mac OS X but Linux, well, it certainly does. In fact, it won’t be a mistake to say that Windows 8’s lukewarm reception is a great opportunity for Linux to make its presence felt. 

What’s wrong with Windows 8?

The most popular reason for sticking with Windows and not switching to any other operating system is that of familiarity. For years, the start button, the menus and the desktop have been synonymous with the computer itself. In fact, earlier versions of Linux were designed so that it would be easier for Windows users to switch to the penguin side. Moreover, many distributions still exist that showcase the Windows-like familiarity to the user. In short, the traditional Windows interface that lasted and evolved from Windows XP to Windows 7 is already implanted in many desktop users.

Windows 8 is a huge departure from that familiarity. The tiled UI, the touch-friendly design and the absence of Start menu makes Windows 8 an entirely different product. Of course, Microsoft does allow users to switch back to the Start button-oriented menu, but the main focus of the product remains the Metro interface. This has definitely annoyed a lot of users. And these are the same users who stuck with Microsoft for its familiarity. 

So, what’s in it for Linux?

While Windows 8 continues to be criticized by different reviews and users alike, Linux can bank on this opportunity to gain the upper hand in the game. There will definitely be many Windows users who will be looking for alternatives. Some of them, in fact, many of them, wouldn’t want to spend so much money on an Apple computer. They’ll start looking for alternatives that fit into their budget and are reliable.

But the brave new world of Linux is daunting for many

Yes, I agree. But with the Windows 8 Metro disaster, Linux lovers can rest assured that Redmond has leveled the playing field. If you compare Windows 8 to Linux Mint or Ubuntu, you’ll definitely find the latter to be way better. Ubuntu is already gaining a lot of recognition and is getting better and better each day. Their UI is much refined, mature and can be readily used by any new user.

Hmm...but Microsoft already rules the desktop world!

Yes it does. It has a huge empire that cannot be easily shaken by Linux or even Mac OS X. However, if you start slow, you’ll discover that it is quite easier to dominate the market than it was before. Windows 8 is a cross between tablets and desktops. Well, so is Ubuntu. Ubuntu can be used on desktop, tablets, and wait, now there is Ubuntu for Android as well. So, it isn’t that easy to rule out the possibility of Ubuntu or Linux in general giving Microsoft a tough time.

Conclusion:

What Windows 8 has done is that it has made it easier for Linux to prove to the desktop users that there is a beautiful world out there without windows. If you aren’t convinced already, it’s time you try out Windows 8 yourself, and then compare it to beginner-friendly Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

Though the launch of iPhone 5 has generated a lot of hype among the ifanboys, Androiders are busy gawking at Samsung’s latest offering, that is Galaxy S3. The South Korean company, apart from taking jabs at the iPhone 5, is busy recovering from an expensive lawsuit. Meanwhile as these two giants are at loggerheads, Nokia’s latest smartphone, which is the Lumia 920 is making headlines, especially among Windows Phone enthusiasts. The Metro UI and the amazing features of the phone are becoming quite popular among new users. Of course, nothing beats the iCrowds that throng to the Apple Store as soon as a new model is released. However, these days, customers are slowly exploring new options like Windows Phone 8 and others.

As of now, the iPhone 5 is the frontrunner in the smartphone battles and Android-based Samsung Galaxy S3 is trailing behind it. Let’s have a quick look at some of the important features and see how these three phones stack up against each other.

Apple’s iPhone 5 sports a LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen with 16M colors. The phone as compared to its predecessor is slightly longer at 4 inches. Samsung’s Galaxy S3 is 4.8 inches giving it the biggest display of all three phones. Both Nokia Lumia and Samsung Galaxy S3 feature Corning Gorilla Glass display; however Samsung features the latest version. So, who wins here? Well, Samsung’s Galaxy S3 undoubtedly. It has a bigger resolution, bigger display and a tough Corning Gorilla Glass 2 to keep it all intact.

Nokia Lumia 920 features an 8MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, autofocus, and dual-LED flash. Apple’s iPhone 5 also comes with a similar 8MP camera albeit with less features, same with Samsung Galaxy S3. Thus, there’s very little doubt as to who is the winner here. It’s Nokia Lumia 920.

Nokia Lumia 920 features a Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor with an Adreno 225 GPU. Apple’s iPhone on the other hand comes with a dual-core 1.2 GHz A6 processor (which, quite surprisingly is manufactured by Samsung). Samsung’s Galaxy S3 comes with a powerhouse Exynos 4412 Quad quad-core processor that clocks in at 1.4 GHz. Undoubtedly Galaxy S3 wins again.

Nokia Lumia 920 comes with an impressive 17 hours of talk time on 2G and 10 hours on 3G. Apple’s iPhone 5 on the other hand offers up to 8 hours of battery life both on 2G and 3G. This is slightly lower as compared to what Galaxy S3 offers at 9 hours. Undoubtedly Nokia wins the battle here.

This is a tough battle here. Apple’s iPhone 5 is loaded with the new iOS 6. Samsung Galaxy S3 comes with Android Ice Cream Sandwich (upgradable to Jelly Bean) operating system. The Nokia Lumia 920 runs Windows Phone 8, a neatly designed and polished user interface that looks like the best thing Microsoft did to a smartphone. That said, neither the Nokia Lumia 920 nor the iPhone 5 match up to the Samsung Galaxy S3 in terms of overall features of the software.

Though iPhone 5 has managed to get a lot of attention, its failed endeavors in the Maps department leaves a lot to be desired. People expected a lot from Apple this time, however, as the competition intensifies, the hysteria surrounding iPhone releases seems to be dwindling. These days, more and more people are switching to Android and with Samsung Galaxy S3, they can rest assured that it will be their best Droid experience ever. The Nokia Lumia 920, though promising, might never achieve the popularity the other two smartphones enjoy. In terms of features and overall value-for-money, our verdict: the Samsung Galaxy S3 is the best smartphone of the lot.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

There’s a lot of excitement around Android’s latest version called Jelly Bean. Bundled with Nexus 7 tablet computer, this update brings along many new exciting features to Android phones. Competing head-on with Apple’s upcoming iOS 6, this shiny new Android version is making waves across the mobile community. However, while Apple’s iOS and the Droid are at loggerheads, attacking each other with patent claims and what not, Microsoft’s dream OS, that is Windows Phone 8 is slowly catching up with them. Though not even half as popular as iOS, or even Android for that matter, Windows Phone 8 does offer some promising features. Moreover, its gorgeous UI and simplicity makes it a great alternative to Android and iOS. That said, is it good enough to take on Android? Will Windows Phone 8 be Microsoft’s secret weapon against Android Jelly Bean? Let’s compare them head-to-head and find out for ourselves.

Android takes up a significant amount of the smartphone market as compared to Windows. Though Microsoft is slowly growing, its growth is nothing compared to the success Android enjoys. Therefore, it goes without saying that Jelly Bean is already considered as one of the most popular Android versions around. Windows Phone 8 on the other hand, doesn't get that much attention. However, Windows fans, which we’re sure there are millions of them, might flock to this new attraction as it’s based on the same technology as Windows 8. Also, Windows Phone 8 sales might not actually pick up until Windows 8 OS comes along. If, somehow, Microsoft comes up with a strategy to market their smartphones to Windows 8 owners, we might see some real competition. Other than that, despite being so good, Windows Phone 8’s success is quite unlikely given Android’s current dominance.

For Android users, the Google Play Store offers a great variety of apps. From popular magazines to thumb-tapping games, there’s barely anything that Droid users can’t get from there. However, that doesn't mean that Windows Phone Marketplace is far behind. Growing slowly and steadily, Microsoft’s stock of mobile apps seems to be catching up with Google. In June 2012, Windows Phone Marketplace reached a whopping 100,000 apps, a growth that is even faster than what we saw on Android. The Play Store, however, sails smoothly with 600,000 apps in its repertoire.

If you’re an Android or an iOS user switching to Windows Phone, you won’t have much trouble finding your favorite apps. Most of the popular applications like WhatsApp, Yelp, Kindle, Skype, Flixter, Vogue etc. are already there in Windows Marketplace. If, however, you were looking for obscure games, or even big apps like Instagram and Flipboard, you’d be disappointed.

Summing up, despite the lack of many apps in the Windows Marketplace, it does offer a great selection of software, which might not be a big hurdle for anyone switching from iOS or Android to Windows Phone 8. Moreover, the Android Play Store has repeatedly become a victim of malware and viruses, a problem that the Windows Store doesn't suffer from. Having said that, the Android Play Store is still the leader in this department.

The Windows Phone 8 comes with an interesting set of features. Here’s a list of them compared head-to-head with Jelly Bean:

Though Android’s new Jelly Bean UI promises a buttery smooth experience, Microsoft’s constantly updating tiled UI manages to impress even those who hate Redmond. The most catchy thing about Windows Phone 8 is that it improves upon the Windows Phone 7 UI and allows users to customize their tiles according to their needs. So, if you are into messages, you can expand the messaging tile to make sure you are constantly updated about incoming messages. Also, you can have custom tiles for people who are close to you making the whole experience amazingly personal.

Android’s Jelly Bean on the other hand promises a buttery smooth navigation along with a UI that is quite familiar to Droiders. Also, there are the new resizable widgets that make the interface even more customizable.

Overall, it’s not that Android has an ugly interface or something; it’s just that it is not as intuitive and simple as Windows Phone 8. For sheer simplicity and ease of use, Windows Phone 8 wins this round.

Both Android and Windows Phone 8 comes with some great navigation capabilities. Both support offline caching and either of them can get you out of a bad traffic jam. That said, Google Maps integration with the rest of Google’s services is something that Nokia Maps can never be able to outmatch. Despite Google Maps for Android winning the round, I’d say it’s still a close competition between the two.

Windows Phone 8 is a completely new technology and it won’t run on existing Windows 7 smartphones. So, if you’re using a Windows 7 phone, you won’t get updated to Windows Phone 8. Instead, you’ll get the Windows 7.8 update that will bring some of the essential features of the new version whilst holding back features, which your phone doesn't support. According to Microsoft developers, with the 7.8 version update, your smartphone will look and feel like a Windows 8 Phone but it won’t have all the advanced features like NFC that your phone doesn't support yet.

Jelly Bean on the other hand is available to only a few users. If you’re a Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus S user, you’re lucky; otherwise you’d have to wait a while. Similar to what we see in the Windows Phone OS roll out, Nexus S users won’t get all the Jelly Bean features. In fact, when my Nexus S got updated to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the Face Unlock feature was not included as my phone was too slow to run it. Overall, with the select number of users being able to see the update, this makes Windows Phone 8 the winner in this department.

Microsoft has always been the first choice of enterprise customers. And, Windows Phone 8 makes sure that its IT-savvy crowd doesn't switch to Android or iOS. With features like BitLocker Drive Encryption, secure boot, and IT management, Windows Phone 8 scores in a department where it has always dominated. Moreover, there’s also the Company Hub feature that allows companies to have independent app distribution.

Though games like Temple Run and ShadowGun have won over many Android fanboys and fangirls, it’s not as good a platform as iOS is for gaming. Windows Phone 8 however goes one step ahead and promises an even bigger gaming experience for its users. Windows Phone 8 will support gaming middleware like Havok Vision Engine, Autodesk Scaleform, Audiokinetic Wwise, and Firelight FMOD, and also native DirectX-based game development. Thanks to this, developers can port PC games directly to Windows Phone 8 without hassles. Also, Xbox being an established gaming platform will make Windows Phones even more popular among gamers.

Though both Android and Windows Phone 8 are yet to catch up in this department, we’d still give one point to Windows Phone 8 simply because it looks really promising as a gaming platform.

Overall, both Windows Phone 8 and Jelly Bean are solid mobile operating systems. They are powerful, fast and catching up really quick with iOS. That said, when compared head-to-head, there are many departments in which Jelly Bean simply steals the show. Also, Android’s ever-surging popularity makes it a complete winner in this one-sided battle. But it would be too early to dismiss Windows Phone 8; it’s simplicity, power, and compatibility with other Microsoft products might make it a dark horse in the battle for mobile supremacy.

A few weeks ago, the Internet was abuzz with Microsoft’s grand announcement of its new tablet computer. The device, which will run Windows 8, is sort of a cross between tablets and laptops. Housed in magnesium casing, this gorgeous gadget plans to compete head-to-head with the iPad and those high-end Android tablets.

Though Apple doesn't seem to be worried much about Microsoft’s latest endeavors, Android tablets, which are still struggling to take off as expected, might have to face a stiff competition from Redmond. Currently, the Android market is ruled by Kindle Fire, which has more than 50% of the market share. With Android having no ‘iPad-killer’ to boast of, Microsoft Surface seems like a good contender to root for in these tablet wars.

Love it, hate it, but you simply can’t ignore it. Microsoft’s latest attempt has managed to disrupt a market, which has been a victim of monopoly as well as stagnation. There are people who are too obsessed about iPads to care about any competing products, and there are people who are always looking for iPad alternatives but haven’t been able to find that right product. Microsoft targets the latter category thus making it hard to ignore.

Remember the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer that we showcased earlier? Oh yeah, the idea of a tablet-cum-laptop hasn't entirely been a new one. Microsoft Surface builds upon the same idea but in a better way. With amazing design and some cool specs, Surface does look like something you’d spend your hard-earned cash on. Moreover, the device looks quite beautiful; beautiful enough to flaunt it around. Beauty aside, the design looks quite functional and practical. It’s something you can carry to work everyday.

Microsoft Surface not only targets the tablet market, it also appeals to the people who’re looking for new laptops. Moreover, Surface can even convert unsatisfied netbook and Chromebook users, making it even more threatening to the whole PC industry. Of course, Surface may not sweep away everything in an instant; however, if everything goes right, it might just be the breakthrough Microsoft was looking for for so long.

Well guess what, as with every Microsoft product, Surface too has its fair share of flaws. And boy, they’re huge. In the keynote that was supposed to demonstrate the features of this amazing product, an unfortunate technical snag raised many questions about the product. And it’s quite obvious that eyebrows will be raised, as Microsoft has a poor track record when it comes to launching products. Remember Vista? Oh yeah, that unfinished catastrophe that nearly ruined Microsoft’s reputation.

Oh Google, I hope you have something better to offer. Ice Cream Sandwich is cool. It can run just as well on tablets as it does on smartphones. But, there has been no Android tablet that has managed to really strike a chord with the iPad-crazy consumer. Leaving aside Kindle Fire, the Android tablet scene is quite a mess. I hope that the search giant has something big in store for its tablet-crazy fanboys and fangirls.

Yes, and a big one. Despite the fact that the product comes from a company that has been terrible with hardware (P.S: Zune), it does look like something that cannot be taken lightly. If other manufacturers don’t bring something interesting in the next few months, Android tablets might just lose the little popularity they've been enjoying so far.

If you’re a Windows user and are always intrigued by the Linux world, then many times you might have wondered about switching to the light side. As easy as it sounds, and easy as it really is, there is a certain sort of paranoia Windows users have before trying out anything Linux-related. This inhibition can be partly attributed to Microsoft’s long-standing domination and partly to the bad reputation Linux has with the so-called ‘normal’ users.

That said, it’s not as if people aren't switching to Linux. Slowly, as users are getting tired of Windows, and are opening up to new technologies, Linux is getting recognition in the most unexpected of domains. Also, thanks to the amazing work Ubuntu is doing to make things as user-friendly as possible, there is no doubt that the underdog is slowly rising against the Redmondian monopoly. So, if you too are thinking about switching from Windows to Linux, here are some tips that might help you make a smooth transition:

They are right when they say that the “first impression is the last impression”, and it does really hold true for many users who switch to Linux. More often than not, Linux users start with a distribution or a flavor that isn't suited for them and eventually end up disappointed with Linux in general. And, it’s not really their fault nor is it the fault of Linux developers who spend hours working on some great software. The main problem is that there are so many choices welcoming Windows users that he or she often gets overwhelmed by the variety. Also, most people are introduced to Linux by some of their ‘geeky’ friends who often use distros that are more suited to themselves and which, in turn, end up turning off the normal users.

So, the most important thing to remember is that you should choose the most user-friendly distro that’s out there. Personally, I’d recommend going with Ubuntu or even Linux Mint. Moreover, I’d say that Ubuntu is a much better choice as most of my friends whom I've recommended Ubuntu to have never been disappointed, and also, with the release of Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin, Ubuntu has won back many of the Unity-dissing users.

Okay, installing Linux is not as hard as it sounds. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s ten times easier than installing Windows on a fresh machine. That said, chronic neurotics and technologically clumsy people might get disappointed with Linux even when they come across the slightest of hiccups. So, in that case, I’d suggest taking help from your geeky friend. If, in case, you don’t have one, don’t worry, it’s quite easy to install.

The virus-free, quick-booting side of Linux is also hard to handle sometimes. As with everything technological, it’s bound to breakdowns. However little or big the problem be, don’t be afraid to ask questions in the forum. Not only will this help you with your problem, it will also help other users who are facing the same problem. Furthermore, you may also check out this article: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Support on Linux

Yeah, there’s no Photoshop, no iTunes, no high-end games and no AutoCAD. Many users often don’t want to switch to Linux due to the lack of apps they mostly depend on. However, the problem is not something that cannot be solved, or at least circumvented. New users can try out Wine, a free software that lets you run Windows-based applications natively on Linux. Most applications like Adobe Photoshop, MS Office, and even World of Warcraft run perfectly on Wine as if they’re running on Windows. Also, if you don’t want that, you can easily use alternative software like GIMP, LibreOffice, and Rhythmbox for the most commonly used Windows-based tools. So, in short, you might not find everything you had on your Windows box, but you surely will find alternatives, and who knows, you might find the alternatives better than the proprietary software that many people so fondly stick with.

Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or a fledgling penguin, we all have to admit that there are some things you can’t do without Windows. Redmond’s monopoly and software consumerism have made Windows one of the most indispensable relics in the world of technology. Be it games, office tools, animation software, or drawing suites, Microsoft’s dominating platform offer it all. This dominance has, in turn, restricted the growth of Linux and even Mac OS, thus forcing people from using Windows for one job or the other.

If you too are a Linux user in need of Windows to get some small jobs done, there’s absolutely no need for you to switch over to the dark side. You can, instead, install Windows side-by-side and switch to it whenever needed. Or, if that doesn't suit your needs, you can virtualize Windows right from your Linux desktop and get your job done without making any drastic changes to your system. Now, the question for many users is, which path should he or she choose? Virtualization or Dual boot? To solve that dilemma, we've compiled a list of pros and cons you’ll encounter while switching to either of those options.

Dual boot or Virtualize -- A simple test to choose the best

First of all, before you pick up that rusting copy of Windows, it’s better to know the purpose for using Windows. What do you need it for? -For games, work, or simply to get some small jobs done? A simple way to determine whether to dual boot or to virtualize is to ask yourself this question -- is what I do on Windows really resource-intensive? That is, does it put too much load on the system? If the answer is yes, then by all means go for dual boot. If the answer is no, you’re better off running Windows on a virtual machine.


Dual Booting -- Some tips

To dual boot is to run both Windows and Linux side by side. It is not exactly rocket science and you don’t need any special skills to boot both the operating systems side by side. More user-friendly operating systems like Ubuntu automatically detect the other operating systems that are installed and ask you whether you want to install both of them side by side.

To ensure that things go as smoothly as possible here are some basic tips you need to remember before dual booting:

1. Always ensure that there’s enough hard disk space
2. If you’re dual booting Windows and Linux, always install Windows first then go for Linux. This installs the Linux bootloader (GRUB2) on top of Windows thus letting you switch easily between either of the systems.

Dual booting -- Pros and Cons

Pros:
1. Both the operating systems coexist in peace. That is, data or resources from one operating system never interfere with the other.
2. Switching between either of the operating systems is as easy as rebooting your computer, a process which almost all Windows users is quite familiar with already. ;-)
3. Dual booting can be done on any computer, even if it has a really low-end processor and limited RAM. All you need is a good amount of hard disk space.

Cons:
1. When you install Windows, it takes much more space than Linux. Also dividing space between the two operating systems limits the disk space a lot.
2. Although you can access Windows data from Linux without trouble, you can’t access Linux files from Windows easily.
3. Sometimes, if we make some changes to Linux that affects the bootloader, Windows might refuse to boot. Errors like ‘NTLDR missing’ are quite frequent in these cases.


Virtualization -- Some tips

Virtualization is, in simple terms, one operating system running on top of another. We've already talked at great length about the process. In our earlier article, we've covered the best virtualization software for Linux. Also, for Ubuntu users, we've compiled a list of the best virtualization tools compatible with Ubuntu.

Virtualization -- Pros and Cons

Pros:
1. While virtualizing, unlike dual booting, you don’t end up wasting valuable disk space.
2. If you’re on the more adventurous side of life, feel free to tinker with the virtual OS as any changes you make won’t screw things up as bad as you do while dual booting.

Cons:
1. While you can dual boot safely on a Pentium-II machine, virtualization does require you to have a computer with a fast processor along with an ample amount of RAM.
2. As easy as virtualization is, some new users might not be that comfortable with the idea of running one OS on top of another. There are many users who find virtualization a tad uncomfortable.
3. You cannot do everything on a virtualized machine. A virtual machine is good enough for MS Office and other less resource-intensive tasks; however, if you want to play video games or edit movies, there’s no substitute for dual booting.


There it is, we've given you a tour of both sides of the game. It’s up to you to choose the path that suits you best. ;-)

With the recent launch of Google’s much-awaited cloud service, the online storage wars have finally begun. Dropbox, which is the frontrunner in cloud storage and online backup services, has not yet lost its top spot despite the fact that biggies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google are battling against it. Microsoft, which is banking heavily on SkyDrive, is leaving no stones unturned in ensuring that its cloud endeavor doesn't go unnoticed. Google however, is making sure that its ambitious Google Drive project, which people had been waiting for a long time, gets the attention it deserves.

These cloud wars have escalated to such heights that even the always belligerent Apple has started rejecting applications that use Dropbox’s SDK. Google Drive, much to everyone’s surprise, is playing it nice and cool and presenting itself in the form of an ‘upgrade’ to Google Docs rather than a separate service. Only time will tell whether Microsoft SkyDrive or Google Drive will achieve the popularity Dropbox achieved; however, if you are having trouble choosing from the list, all you have to do is read this article. We’ll be comparing the three services head-to-head and will ensure that you’ll land up with the one that suits your need.


Backup

For backup, you can’t really compare these three. All of them do the job really well. Using the native clients, you can save all your important files to the cloud by simply dragging and dropping. File upload is super quick and easy. Other than providing simple backup, they also offer revision control that lets you jump back to the file’s earlier state.

Out of these three, I’d have to say the winner would be Dropbox. Not only does Dropbox provide its client on every platform possible, it also makes it dead simple to view revisions of files. This, however, is not as easy to do in Google Drive or Microsoft SkyDrive.

Winner: Dropbox


Desktop Clients

Microsoft SkyDrive and Google Drive offers desktop clients for Mac and Windows. Dropbox on the other hand offers applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Of course, GDrive has promised a Linux client soon, but Dropbox has been around for a long time. Also, Dropbox’s integration with Ubuntu’s indicator menu and Nautilus is something that makes it one of the best proprietary apps on Linux. Dropbox is the clear winner here.

Winner: Dropbox


Free Storage Space

As far as free storage space is concerned, Microsoft’s SkyDrive wins the race. Earlier it was offering a whopping 25 GB worth of free space to its users, but now, that seems to have gone down to 7 GB, which too, to be honest, is not a bad deal. Dropbox offers 2 GB to start with, and Google Drive starts with 5 GB. You can, of course, increase your Dropbox space by inviting other people, but that’s still not going to outmatch Microsoft’s delicious offering.

Winner: Microsoft SkyDrive


Paid Storage Space

Microsoft SkyDrive: Starts at $10/year for 20 GB.
Dropbox: Starts at $99/year for 50 GB
Google Drive: Starts at $30/year for 25 GB.

Clearly, Microsoft SkyDrive is the cheapest in the list making it a winner. Dropbox, however, quickly needs to offer more flexible plans for its users, something to compete with Microsoft and Google.

Winner: Microsoft SkyDrive


User Interface

As far as the user interfaces are concerned, I’d have to say, Google Drive is still quite messy. The lack of a file-browser-like UI is simply a turn-off. Dropbox on the other hand presents a neat and simple UI, along with native integration file-browser integration. Coming to Microsoft SkyDrive, it too has a great UI, something that many minimalists will like.

Winner: Tie between Microsoft SkyDrive and Dropbox


Uniqueness/Value

When it comes to uniqueness or rather the most valuable product of the lot, I’d have to hand it to Google Drive. Despite the tepid response it got from the crowd, it’s integration with other Google services simply cannot be overlooked. While testing out, I noticed that Google Drive fits perfectly in my workflow. I go to drive.google.com, create a new document, and without even closing it I can mail it as an attachment to someone. Also, the ability to integrate different apps into Google Drive is a huge plus.

Dropbox on the other hand does offer other unique perks like extra storage space for invites, LAN sync and more, but it doesn't quite match Google Drive’s offering.

Winner: Google Drive


Our verdict

Google Drive, though nice, is kind of messy. It’s simply neither as good nor as convenient as Dropbox. SkyDrive is good if you’re into Microsoft products, otherwise these two services are not tempting enough to make you quit Dropbox.

Overall Winner: Dropbox

Since Windows is the most popular operating system around, most of the games and software that are out there are available only for the Microsoft-made platform. While Mac has some great offerings to its users in this department, Linux users often miss out on the amazing games and applications its competitors can run.

The Windows monopoly has successfully managed to keep all the best applications to its continually thriving platform, thus thwarting many Linux-curious users from making the switch. That said, it doesn't mean that it’s impossible for switchers to enjoy the same features that their Windows-loving friends enjoy. Thanks to relentless efforts of thousands of developers, Linux has managed to bolster itself using the hundreds of alternative software like GIMP and LibreOffice, thus making it a viable choice for anyone looking for something apart from Windows.

Having said that, not every alternative software suffices the need of users. LibreOffice and GIMP, though good, are not quite up to the mark when compared to MS Office or Photoshop. Moreover, many games that Windows fanboys often boast of aren't available on Linux, thus holding back many gamers who want to make the switch. Thankfully, though, there are some great ways to access those software; that too without dual-booting or punching in cryptic code for hours. So, if you’re looking to make Linux as your one and only operating system, here are some tips that will help you run Windows-based games and software applications without hassles:

Wine is perhaps one of the most popular software on the Linux platform. It’s the good old tool that lets you run all your favorite Windows applications and games on your breezy little Linux box. According to statistics found on Wine’s website, the free software has over 1.5 million users worldwide.


Wine is known for its ability to run famous games like StarCraft, Left4Dead, Guild Wars, and Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. Also, the open-source tool can run Adobe Flash CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3, MediaMonkey and many other Windows-based software. A good place to know whether your app is compatible or not is to look up the AppDB. To download Wine, simply go to the downloads page HERE and grab the one that works with your Linux distribution.

PlayOnLinux is a Python-based software that helps users run Windows-based games and applications on your Linux computer. The application, apart from letting you play the latest games on your Linux desktop, also lets you install and run many software that are actually designed for Windows. PlayOnLinux uses the aforementioned Wine to run all the needed applications thus providing outstanding compatibility with most Windows-based software.


The biggest advantage that PlayOnLinux has over Wine is the fact that it makes it easy for new users to install their favorite games and applications in a neat, guided manner. In fact, if you are a new user just embarking on your journey to Linuxland, I’d recommend you to go with PlayOnLinux instead of Wine. Though this amazing piece of software can run many of the popular applications, don’t expect it to work well with every software that comes to your mind. Also, as compared to Wine, PlayOnLinux is relatively new, and, even though it is based on Wine, you might encounter some glitches here and there. To install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu, type in or paste the following commands in your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).

If you’re on any other distribution, feel free to head over to the downloads page.

Developed by CodeWeavers, Crossover is a polished version of Wine that is designed for users who are looking for something more solid and professional. The proprietary software lets you run all your favorite Windows-based games and applications on Linux, and it also provides technical support in case you hit any brick walls.


The license for Crossover costs about $60 with which you get 12 months of phone and email support along with upgrades. To download/buy Crossover, simply head over to their main website HERE.