Microsoft’s Windows 7 is sucking the life out of laptops and netbooks at a faster rate than its predecessors, according to computer users who posted their complaints on a support forum maintained by the software maker.Windows 7 screen shot(Click for larger image and for full photo gallery)Some users are complaining that the operating system is draining their batteries at an alarming rate, while others say the OS is issuing false alerts, warning them that their batteries are about to run dry despite having a full charge.”Unbelievable! ” wrote forum member RVBoston, in a post Wednesday.
“It is Feb 2010, so this issue is already 8 months old and no fix from MS?”Another user, Mnemeth, also complained that the problem has been ongoing for months. “It was working fine then all of a sudden, around the 1st or 2nd week of October 09, it wouldn’t hold a long charge and I got the error,” the user wrote. One forum member said the glitch forced him to switch to an alternate operating system.
“After 20 years of using Microsoft OSes, I’m moving to Linuxpermanently,” wrote Russ Latham. “I just wiped Win 7 off my new Acer and installed Ubuntu 9.10. Everything works and the battery is showing normal capacity,” he wrote. Microsoft officials, according to numerous Internet reports, confirmed that they are investigating the issue.
“The warning received on some computers using Windows 7 uses firmware information to determine if battery replacement is needed,” a company spokesman said. “We are working with our partners to determine the root cause of what appear to be erroneous warnings and will update the TechNet forum with information and guidance as it becomes available,” said the official. InformationWeek has published a look at the technical and political ramifications of Google’s problems in China.
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I am based in the UK and run a successful business supplying custom solutions to engineering companies. I employ 10 people and we are expanding. Up until now I have written most of the software myself in C and VB but need more time to devote to the business. I am looking for an accomplished programmer with good maths (we write a lot of CAD/CAM based solutions) and knowledge of RS232 communications, wireless technology, SQL, ASP.NET and Microsoft Windows environments. Any engineering experience (robotics, Fanuc OSP, Fanuc Focas, Ladder Progamming) would be good.
The candidate needs to be a self starter who can liaise with customers at the highest level himself (our customers include BAE, GKN, Rolls Royce) and create custom solutions which are delivered on-time and on-budget. I am willing to offer a share in the business to the right candidate (subject to probationary period) and a decent salary package.
Do you know anyone who fits this bill and is UK based?
by Rosa P @ March 24, 2008 9:22 am
You can find many freelance programmers at website like http://www.getafreelnacer.com/ .
I work as the only on staff IT worker in a business that holds about 15 employees. I consider myself a hybrid, in the sense that I fill both a Database Administrator and System Analyst position at once, but feel I am strongly underpaid. Since I'm the only one with technical knowledge in the business, there is no one knowledgeable enough to really evaluate what I do and how much I should really be getting paid. I plan to take these answers to my evaluation in a couple days to hopefully make some changes. Here is what I do (that I can think of off the top of my head):
Design and implement data structure for all applications and programs.
Create queries to retrieve data as needed.
Design and implement user interface.
Create system documentation.
Write stored procedures for SQL Server
Creates backup procedure and physically backs up necessary data.
Evaluates hardware/software needs for business, makes purchases, keeps inventory.
Fixes/manages printers/copiers, refills toner cartridges to save money.
Assists users in functionality.
Buys new computer systems based on needs of user and their position.
Manages wireless/land-line bills, manages changes of circumstances (i.e. someone leaving the country, etc.) Negotiates refunds on usage charges.
Languages I use: SQL, VB, C/C++, Java
Current Salary: $44,000 (No medical, dental, or vision coverage. No tuition reimbursement. 10 Vacation days/year starting after 1 year of working)
Is this fair? If not, what should I be making?
Thank you for your help.
Oh yes, it's also a 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. job, Monday - Friday, no breaks, 30 minute lunch each day.
by peterpan @ December 16, 2009 2:38 am
it kind of depends on where you live, and how long you've been working there/how much prior experience you have
it does sound maybe a little on the low side, but i'm sure there are people out there doing the same work for less money