Windows 10: PowerShell Core 6.0 is now available...

If you are a Windows PowerShell scripter, then you might be excited about Microsoft announcing the release of PowerShell Core 6.0.  For the first time in the scripting language’s ten-year history, it is now cross-platform (meaning the same script can run on Windows, MacOS, and Linux) and its open-source (so it is freely available to download or modify).

If you are a PowerShell scripter, this opens up new opportunities for managing heterogeneous environments (meaning multiple different types of OSs) with a single scripting language.
PowerShell is not the first or only open source cross-platform scripting environment that is currently available.  Python is a very mature scripting language that has a huge following right now.

Windows PowerShell vs. PowerShell Core

Here is the interesting news.  There are now two versions of PowerShell; there is the Windows and the Core version.  Windows PowerShell, which is the current version of PowerShell that is shipping with the OS today, is now being dropped in favor of PowerShell Core.

What this means is now that PowerShell Core 6.0 has been released, Microsoft will not be developing any new releases of Windows PowerShell.  All new development in the language will be done under PowerShell Core.


Downloading and Installing PowerShell Core

To download and install PowerShell Core, just select the link next to the OS you are using and follow the instructions on the page to install the software.

• Windows: https://aka.ms/getps6-windows
• MacOS: https://aka.ms/getps6-linux
• Linux: https://aka.ms/getps6-linux

Checking for the Meltdown and Spectre Intel CPU Flaws

You have probably already heard about the Meltdown and Spectre flaws in the Intel CPUs.  The flaw has existed in the chips since 1995.  This flaw also effects any OS that uses the Intel chips that are effected, so it's not just Windows, this also effects Linux and the MacOS.

To learn more, check out the article I just posted about how to check if your Windows computer is effected, "Meltdown and Spectre CPU Flaws".

New Book: Power User Guide: Windows 10 Secrets (2018 Edition): The Ultimate Windows Tips and Tricks Guide for Everyone

Check out the new edition of my book called "Power User Guide: Windows 10 Secrets (2018 Edition): The Ultimate Windows Tips and Tricks Guide for Everyone".  

It is now available for sale on Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078DTQTVM).

Book Description: Windows 10 is the latest Windows operating system from Microsoft. The new OS contains hundreds of new and updated features, applications, services and user interface changes.

This edition of the book series has been updated to discuss the latest release of Windows 10, the Fall Creators Edition. The content of the book has been doubled from the original version.

This book can help all levels of users (from beginner to IT Professional) to take full advantage of the operating system. Below are just some of the topics covered in the book:

• Leveraging the power and features of the new OS and applications and services.
• The book includes hundreds of power user notes, tips and tricks to utilize all the new features of the OS.
• Learn the history and future of the Windows ecosystem, as well as what this means for the users.
• Discover undocumented and little known features that can grant the user access to functionality that is only known to experts.
• Understand the new privacy and security concerns that comes with using all the new applications and services.
• Understand the different installation and upgrade options that are available to you. Including how to create your own installation media.
• There is expanded technical content for IT professionals that provides basics like networking troubleshooting, more. 
• Including new and updated sections on getting started with Hyper-V, Docker, Linux, PowerShell and the upgraded command prompt.
• - And more...

Android Tip: Turn on the LED Notification Light on Pixel C

If you own a Pixel C, you might not know this but it has an LED notification light.  This light is turned off by default.  To turn on the LED notification light on the phone.

• Pull down the Notification bar and tap the gear-shaped Settings icon
• Scroll and select Notifications
• Tap the gear-shaped Settings icon in the top right
• Enable the Pulse Notification Light option
• Tap the Home button to go back to using the phone as always.

The next time a notification comes in from a missed call, text message, emails, etc. you’ll see a small LED light blinking in the left corner of the upper speaker grill.

New Book: Power User Guide: Windows 10 Secrets (2015 Edition)

I wanted to post some information about my new Windows 10 book that is now available for purchase. Below is all the details and links to the new book.

This is the forth book that I have published. If you buy it and enjoy it, please post a review to let me and others know. I love hearing feedback from my readers.

• Title: Power User Guide: Windows 10 Secrets (2015 Edition)
• Author: Jason Savitt
• Description: This book helps all levels of users (from novice to IT Professional) to take full advantage of the operating system. Some of the topics covered in the book: Understanding the different installation and upgrade options. Leveraging the power and features of the new OS and applications and services. Hundreds of power user notes, tips and tricks to fully utilize the features of the OS. Learn the background, history and future of the Windows product line, and what this will mean to you. Discover undocumented and little known features that can grant the user access to functionality that is only known to experts. Understand the new privacy concerns that comes with using all the new applications and services.
• Free preview
• Buy a copy

Video: A Better Kind of Selfie Stick: "Friend"

 

 



Looking for a better kind of Selfie Stick, try a "Friend."

Father's prayer for their children

This is my prayer for my child: "be strong, live well, grow old well, and then die long after I'm died, and if possible die with a smile on your face."

Audio: Global Business: Shake Up Your Company (from: 12 Feb 2015)

I have to admit I was really impressed what Gary Hamil said in the following audio interview.  Here is an excerpt from the site, "Shake Up Your Company: That's the message from one of the USA's (and the world's) best known management gurus, Gary Hamel. It's not a message aimed just at the bosses, but at the workers too. Every few years Global Business drops in on Professor Hamel to sample the sort of tutorial he gives his clients and business school students and this week Peter Day presents the latest of these encounters."