The Windows 8 software may appear to cater mainly to tablet devices with touchscreen capabilities. However, desktop computer users that require a mouse and keyboard still will have plenty available to cater to them in the new OS.
Minimum system requirements to run the Windows 8 Consumer Preview include a 1GHz or faster processor; RAM 1GB (for 32-bit) or 2GB (for 64-bit); free hard disk space, 16GB (for 32-bit) or 20GB (for 64-bit); and a DirectX 9 or higher graphics card.
The file sizes for the preview are 5.0MB for the setup that checks to see if your system can run the preview. The 32-bit (x86) version of the preview is 1.5GB, while the 64-bit (x64) version is 1.9GB in size.
Learn more or download the new Windows 8 Consumer Preview at http://bit.ly/xFi3Oh.
Free software
Digiarty Software is offering a spring promo for a free copy of DVD ripper software for both Mac and Windows platforms until March 20.
The Mac version of the software is called MacX iPhone iPad DVD Ripper, but don’t let the name fool you. The software will rip a DVD and convert it to play on a variety of Mac OS and iOS devices. Download the Mac version at www.macxdvd.com/special-offer/spring-promo.htm.
The Windows version of the software, however, comes with a little twist. One must like the Digiarty Software Facebook page to get the free software. Go to http://on.fb.me/wACI8P for more details.
Linux update
The first batch of the Raspberry Pi Linux PC sold out immediately upon release last Wednesday. The credit card-sized PC is expected to be available again in about a month. The PC is being sold via two UK online stores, element14/Farnell at http://bit.ly/AcXRsG and RS Components at http://bit.ly/xocX2s.
The $25 Raspberry Pi Linux PC features a 700MHz ARM processor, a Broadcom video accelerator and 256MB RAM. The device gets its power from a microUSB port. The Pi also features an HDMI port and two USB 2.0 ports. The PC has RCA video and audio out ports. An optional ethernet port can be added for an extra $10.
Learn more about the Raspberry Pi Linux PC at www.raspberrypi.org/.
Roku corner
The official TEDTalks channel has arrived on the Roku. The free channel features talks covering a wide variety of topics including technology, entertainment, design, business, science and global issues, among many others.
Add the TED channel to your Roku box by visiting https://owner.roku.com/add/TED.
Email Sheila Clark at sheila@amnews.com; fax 859) 236-9566; or reach her by snail mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
