“I’m a PC… I’m a Mac”….

The famous commercials by Apple have had a huge impact in the number of converts from the Microsoft Windows world into the world of Apple’s Mac OS. Apple’s ads went from being funny, to slanderous and just plain mean. What started off as a marketing campaign has begun to have a crippeling effect for Apple and the opposite is starting to happen where long term Apple Fans have began to make the change back to Microsoft Windows because of a change in the fundamental philosophies that Apple was once proud of.

The entire time the world kept on asking why Microsoft wasn’t fighting back. Microsoft’s philosophy, “we are better than that.”

Well you can only push so far until the gloves come off. Introducing the beginning of a $300 Million dollar marketing campaign by Microsoft. Introducing the “new” version of Windows, Microsoft Windows Mojave.

Microsoft invited over 150 Mac, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Linus users into a market research facility in San Francisco. They then asked, “What do you think about Vista?” Needless to say, Windows Vista wasn’t as popular as Microsoft had hoped. The participants were then shown a new Windows product in the making, codenamed “Windows Mojave”. I can only imagine that some of the features shown were Flip 3D, Movie Maker, DVD Maker, Parental Controls, Security, Compatibility, Windows Media Center, Dream-Scene, and many other Vista Features.

Asked what they thought of “Windows Mojave”, and people couldn’t wait to go buy it for themselves. Some people even called it futuristic and a Mac killer. It’s plain to see that Mac’s days are numbered…

To see the incredible work, go to: http://www.mojaveexperiment.com/

During work I am surrounded by hundreds of co-workers. Usual talks are centered around the weather and work related topics. Not exactly the ideal communication to foster the growth of friendships.

In order to increase the friendships, release stress, and grow a successful support group, you must do activities outside of work. Many people do not wish to spend additional time with co-workers, people that they already see 8-9 hours a day, but meeting outside of work is a completely different atmosphere. You are not surrounded by the pressures of “always being on task”. You are presented with opportunities to relieve stress by talking about work, what works and what doesn’t, as well as get to know each other on a personal level.

But with all of the positive opportunities, there are also ways that can quickly accelerate negativity. Here are things to avoid when spending time with co-workers:

1. Gossip: It is so easy to gossip that you don’t even realize you are doing what. “What do you think about….” can lead others to change their outlooks on certain people.
2. Fraternization: Spending time with managers usually is not recommended according to company policies for good reasons. Favoritism or isolation can result very fast.
3. Too Much Information: Your co-workers care about you, but they do not care that you have to take medication for I.B.S. twice a day. Or that your high school girlfriend/boyfriend cheated on you with your best friend at your birthday party.
4. NDA (Non Disclosure Agreements): Just because you work with people, does not meant that they have access to the same information that you do. Be careful not to share confidential information.
5. Compromising Memories: When people are not at work, they tend to relax and let lose. Often times this includes getting a few drinks, dancing, etc. Often times the behavior that we show outside of work is not only meant to be shared with a few people, but can also be compromising. Be careful on how you share your memories of the activities, including pictures, blogs, social networks, and gossiping.

Keep these 5 things in mind and have a blast!

The average person (97% of the population), is not in control of their life for one simple reasons… they let events dictate their lives instead of creating their lives. They let excuses dominate their lives: The economy is bad, My boss hates me, Too many bills, I ran away from home, I am an alcoholic, my father didn’t love me, etc.

Though these may be real concerns, they still can not tell you the kind of lifestyle you should have. Your life should be in your hands, but most people don’t see it that way. Why should some event tell you the kind of life you can life.

When I graduated from college in 2002 with a degree in Computer Science, the “.com” bubble had just burst. Downsizing, outsourcing, failed companies, the IT industry was falling apart. I couldn’t find a job to save my life. Was that a real event, yes it was. Did it impact the lives of other college graduates, yet it did. So what was my solution, “If no one will hire me, I will hire myself.” That was how I started RKR Consulting, my own computer consulting business. So a real event happened in my life, the industry was down and so was the economy, but I didn’t let that stop me. I did not let that event dictate my life.

There are examples everywhere of people who have tackled all obstacles and found success. We all have the same problems, but what sets successful people apart from every one else is our attitude towards those problems. Don’t be a pinball, only to be guided by the bumpers and paddles of life. Instead fight through and chose your own path.