Tech Spotlight

Operating Systems are a very important aspect of computers.  The OS is what runs the computer and tells it what to do and how to operate.  Developers build software for the OS to make the product much more extensible.  While there are tons of flavors of Linux, they still hold an extremely small percentage of user base, due to the fact that Linux is more complicated and not widely known by common users.  Apple has been making small inroads to the percentage with OS X, but Windows remains the dominant platform and will likely have a huge user base for the foreseeable future.

Please be aware that these percentages are based on consumers and businesses, not including servers.  The actual figures and data are provided by Global Market Share Statistics and their website can be viewed here.

Computer users that have there own HTPC (Home Theater PC) have enjoyed Media Center inside Windows for quite some time.  A great feature of MCE is the extensibility factor which allows add-ins or plug-ins to the UI (User Interface) that lets users take advantage of extra programs designed by companies and programmers.

One such free plug-in is called mceWeather by Scendix Software.  This small application adds a Weather item to the MCE environment that allows for a detailed look at the current and upcoming weather in your locale.  mceWeather offers 4 options including current weather, overview, forecast and even satellite imagery.  This is a great extra to add to MCE and it can be downloaded from this link.