Futurelawyer

Docusign And Its Alternatives - Is The Wet Signature Dead?

Docusign Alternatives. One of the most useful applications in my legal arsenal is Docusign. Lawyers deal with situations all the time, in which clients or others need to sign documents for filing or recording, and mailing paper and waiting on a signature to be mailed back can derail a project. While I am happy with Docusign, the Alternative, JotForm, has written an article that highlights the many alternatives to it, all of which serve the same purpose. Regardless of which application you choose for electronic signatures, make yourself aware of the options.

Why You Absolutely, Positively, Want To Get Windows 11.

OK Microsoft, You Win. I'm Buying A Windows 11 PC Is it possible that buying the wrong computer could be legal malpractice? Well, the rules say that lawyers must have a "reasonable" knowledge of technology such that they are reasonably able to be current enough to protect client confidential information stored in their computers. And, since Windows 11 requires a computer that supports modern hardware virtualization which puts processes in containers that are difficult to access for malware, and which protect boot processes at the firmware level, it is conceivable that a lawyer using a computer, say 10 years old, who is hacked by a malware program that wouldn't affect a more recent computer, might be at risk. At least, if you are serious about security, it goes without saying that you should certainly take advantage of any technology available to you to protect your data, and that of your clients. Yes, I know, it is impossible to be completely secure; but, that doesn't mean you don't put security cameras on your home or office, and put decent locks on the doors, and are alert about your surroundings. And, I also know that it is a bummer to live in a world in which we need to be conscious of security issues. But, here we are. Be careful out there. And, look carefully at the need to use the latest technology available to you.

 

Android Apps On Your PC? Not So Fast, Kemo Sabe.

Android Apps On Windows. The announcement that Android apps would run natively on Windows 11 created some confusion. My first reaction was "Why?" My Android apps run fine on my phones and tablets. Then, I remembered that I like to access my Wyze security cameras that are set up at the office to see what is happening. I also have a couple at home. I can remotely monitor the house and office from anywhere. And, alas, there is no Windows desktop version of the Wyze software yet. I solved the problem with an Android emulator, BlueStacks. The only problem is that Bluestacks takes forever to load, and uses a ton of computer memory. So, it would be great to run it natively in the Windows environment. But, alas, that isn't the whole story. It seems that there will be no native Google apps and no Google Play Store, and no Google Play Services. Without them, Android just isn't worth it. Play Services performs many essential tasks for many Android apps, and native Google apps are essential to the Android experience. So, cool your jets, fellow Android nuts. We have a long wait ahead.

Do Not Download Windows 11 Preview - Really, Don't Do It.

How To Download Windows 11 Preview. How brave are you? How curious are you? You have a dependable Windows 10 machine that you use every day of your working life. Microsoft uses new versions as a guinea pig lab. You are now able to download and install a Preview edition of Windows 11. It will contain bugs and glitches, and not all the features. You should not risk your computer by doing it. I really mean it. Please don't. You aren't listening, are you? Jeez.

Microsoft Windows 11 As A Religious Experience.

Microsoft Prepares Windows 11 For A Post Pandemic World. Jeez. You would think that Microsoft was responsible for creating the world on the Eighth Day. The Windows 11 announcement sounded more like a religious sermon than the announcement of another computer operating system. Hey, Microsoft. We get it. Windows is our connection to the world in a time when connection is everything. But, dial it back a little. From the hushed, passionate tones of true believers to videos of homey, syrupy connections with families, the whole presentation was, in a word, smarmy. The guts of it was that Microsoft has gone with an updated, Apple like, rounded corners, in your face, smooth system that is easy to navigate. What is underneath it all will be revealed, I suppose. But, since we relied so much on communication in the past year, it will be front and center from now on. I like the fact that it is possible to connect with anyone with the click of an icon. Of course, ease of use isn't everything. And, Microsoft, you aren't the only operating system out there. So, let's limit the religious fervor, and remember that the operating system should be invisible, and not get in the way. It shouldn't be something to bow before, and worship.

Relax. Stardock Will Probably Publish Start 11 If Microsoft Fools With The TaskBar.

Start 10. The first software application I install on new computers is Start 10 by Stardock. Since Windows 7, when Microsoft got the Start menu right with a lower left launch point, and the ability to launch from an Explorer style cascading menu, Stardock has published $5 software that keeps it that way. Many Windows users are up in arms over reports that Microsoft is planning on a central taskbar and Apple like rounded icons. I can't help with the icons; but, they are a minor annoyance. I fully expect that Stardock will publish a Windows 11 compatible version soon after it launches. Be calm, my friends. Stardock will come to the rescue.

Windows 11 - Is Microsoft Putting Lipstick On A Pig?

7 Big Ways Windows 11 Changes Windows 10. Early reports seem to indicate that Windows 11 adds a prettier and easier to navigate interface; but, doesn't do much under the hood. Actually, that is a good thing, because changes in the underlying operational code can have dire consequences. Tiles and Cortana appear to be victims of the simplicity police, and, while calling Windows 10 a pig isn't very nice, it isn't far from the truth. A little beauty and grace in the way we interact with our computers will be welcome. Stay tuned, as the big event is coming. In the meantime, this PC World article will give you the highlights. Enjoy.

What Will Windows 11 Bring?

A new version of Windows is coming on June 24th, and Microsoft is already teasing it. This little video takes every previous Windows startup sound, slows it down 4,000%, and claims it is relaxing. I have become accustomed to every on of these sounds over the years, and still remember the first ones, in the Nineties. Are you looking forward to a new version of Windows? 

 

Saturday Fun - Install New WordPerfect Office 2021.

WordPerfect Office 2021. I just spent a fun 5 minutes installing WordPerfect Office 2021, upgrading from WordPerfect Office 9. It was enlightening, as I have used every version of the iconic Word Processor software since version 1. I flashed back to an early version, which required over 2 hours to install, and came on 20 3 1/2 inch floppy disks, which had to be manually inserted into a floppy drive on my machine. It was so long to install that Corel published a CD of cutting edge music that came with the box. I have written about the CD and install before; but, it is one of those memories that highlights the contrast between the early days of computing and now. I don't like Word much, so the enhanced compatibility with Word is welcome. Word documents can be opened, dealt with, and sent back to the thundering herd of Word users without breaking a sweat. Words are still the currency of law practice. I still manipulate them in WordPerfect. Thanks, Corel.

The Future Of Seminars Is Here - 2021 Attorney's Title Fund Assembly

For the last few days, I have been attending the Attorneys Fund Assembly online. In pre-pandemic days, I would travel to Orlando, stay in an expensive hotel (even with member discounts), sleep in an unfamiliar bed, sit in a big auditorium with several thousand of my closest friends, and try to keep the office going back home. While remote computing helped, and smartphones, texting and email helped, it was common to see lawyers in the lobby trying to put out fires. Yes, seeing old friends and getting face to face with vendors was nice; but, this week, as this photo shows, I was taking notes on my Remarkable 2, following the written materials on my Samsung tablet, and running two browsers, one with the video online presentations, and the other with the standard tabs that I use every day. I may never travel to a Convention or Seminar again.