Apple versus Microsoft next week

Microsoft promised it would finally deliver on Windows 8 on October 26th. This presented a fat, juicy target for Apple to swing at.

So it seems that Apple will introduce the long-anticipated “iPad Mini” along with the Retina 13” MacBookPro and the new and improved iMac.

Maybe a new and improved Mac Mini, too.

As for Windows 8, is it really better than Windows 7? We here at Macvalley Labs don’t intend to upgrade to Windows 8 unless M$ offers us a lot of money.

Anyway, Microsoft won’t offer DVD playback in Windows 8. They’ll probably say, “What! You don’t have an Xbox?” If you want DVD playback on your new Windows 8 desktop/laptop; you have the options of learning how to use VLC 2.x. VLC is an all-in-one media player that’s been around for years. It has versions for Linux, OS X, and Windows. In fact, if you bought an external DVD back in the day for your Mac (which only had a CD drive); VLC was pretty much your only option for playing a movie from it.

So, the short version is that VLC works and works well. You’ll need a guide to learn how to use it and PCWorld.com has it right here.

Tom Briant

Editor and Media Manager, MacValley UG