The next version of Windows is being billed as a radical reinvention of Microsoft's flagship operating system -- the most extensive overhaul since Windows 95.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, while checking out some football sandwiched in between the mandatory first, second and third quarter naps on the sofa, I became acutely aware that the pre-Christmas marketing blitz is in full swing and is designed to convince you that trying to live without a certain product would be a huge, life-altering mistake. This particular Sunday, it seemed the focus was on the latest portable electronic devices to include tablets, laptops and phones.

At the Computex show in Taipei earlier this summer, leading manufacturers previewed the next generation of tablets, ultrabooks, hybrids and touch-screen technology designed to take advantage of Microsoft's touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system. Here are a few of the cool gadgets you can expect to see near the end of the year.

Q: I’m considering Windows 8 but don’t know if my current computer is capable of the upgrade. Any quick way to figure out if I need a new computer or not? — Donald

Microsoft has announced the launch date for the new Windows 8 as the last week in October. Big deal, huh?

Q: I keep seeing ads for the Windows 8 Consumer Preview that I can download to test out but not sure if I should. What are your thoughts? — Paula

October 8, 2004

A 27-year-old man admitted to police he smashed out two windows at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The sun’s been toasting for weeks now. With more hot summer days to go, you might seek relief by staying in your home.

March 28, 2005

Q. I went into a computer store, and they told me I can’t get a computer with Windows XP anymore. Is this true? — Janice

Scottsdale school buses will be running normally Monday despite the work of vandals who smashed the windows on 79 vehicles early Friday, causing $150,000 in damage and leaving 4,000 students without transportation to class.

The following is a conversation in Mike D’Antoni’s office a few days after the Suns’ coach was given the added responsibilities of general manager and vice president of basketball operations.

Q: I’m in the market for a new computer; when will Windows 8 be out and is it worth getting? — Stanley

Q: I’m in the market for a new computer; when will Windows 8 be out and is it worth getting? — Stanley

Q: What's the difference between 32-bit Windows and 64-bit Windows? - Spencer

NEW YORK - T-Mobile USA on Tuesday will launch the first cell phone in the U.S. to come with Microsoft's latest version of Windows Mobile, with improved handling of e-mail and tougher security.

Chandler at Red Mountain: There are two ways to look at Red Mountain’s 17-7 loss to Brophy two weeks ago: The Lions weren’t ready for the uptick in competition they received, and Brophy’s defense/running game gave Red Mountain that dose of reality. Or the Lions dropped a touchdown pass and should have had another score. Whichever way you choose might be your window into what this week holds. Red Mountain has now seen the Fiesta Region competition. Chandler, despite coming off its bye week after the emotional Hamilton game, is as shorthanded as its been in a long, long time. Still, it’s hard to go against Brett Hundley and that offense against a non-Hamilton defense, even though Red Mountain will give the Wolves a game (and then some).

The former top administrator of the federal medical system believes the nation has eight years to rein in health care costs, or Congress could be driven to impose price controls.

Are you looking for ways to use your computer more efficiently? Free programs can help by adding features that are lacking in Windows. Here are some of my favorites:

Q. I heard of something called single-use credit cards that are supposed to be safer when purchasing things on the Internet. Is this something I should be using and if so, how do I get one?