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Going back to XP? Vista has been out a while now and what I see in the magazines and talking to other techs is that Vista has fallen way short of expectations. It is a giant resource hog needing twice the RAM to run what XP did. A lot of the same information is just hidden in new ways to give you a nice learning curve in finding it. And don't you just love that little window that pops up and keeps asking you, " are you sure"? When you turn the window off, you get the red shield on your task bar that keeps wanting you to turn the thing back on! A lot of my old software just will not run on Vista. Delorme Street Atlas 2007 is for XP and below and I just bought it last year.  So off to Best Buy to get the 2008 version. This has happened several times. Try running earlier version of QuickBooks YUK!!!  PC Magazine has a three page article this month with detailed instructions on how to go back to XP or dual boot with XP and Vista. This makes for some good reading. For those of you that are running XP with Service Pack 2.... FYI Service Pack 3 is available now.  Of course it is hidden away and you have to look for it.  There is a 38kb download that adds a key to your registry. Reboot and run windows update and SP3 will then show as a critical update.  My download was 66Meg. It has some security updates and PC Magazine noted some improvement in speed. Try this link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=114f3599-12af-42b2-aab1-b969a62c68a7&DisplayLang=en  choose "Release Candidate 2. That is the very small download that adds a key to your registry. As a Stock holder I was expecting Vista to be a breath of fresh air as an OS. It is beginning to look more like Millennium! PS. If you are buying a notebook with Vista get 2gigs of RAM.  I know it adds some bucks to an already expensive buy, but with Vista it is a "gotta have".

Do not click on that greeting card link, just yet!   Last year it was Viagra and Russian Women spamming the e-mail. Lately it is those, "you have a greeting card from, a friend, schoolmate, girlfriend...etc". Best advice if someone sends you a greeting card link do not click on it unless you actually recognize who sent it to you.  Remember those old movies where you had to "invite" the vampire into your house to get bit.  Well the same is true here.  By clicking onto the provided greeting card link you "invite" possible trouble into your personal cyber world. I hate clicking on e-mail links, even the ones my friends pass on to me.  Most of these are benign, but you never really know. So be sure you scan your system regularly. Also, avoid those "pass this on to 10 people in ten minutes" type emails.  This type of pyramid e-mail just fills up servers. BTW, there are some new developments in virus protection software (AV software).  The old school had AV software checking for problems by comparing questionable items to a database of possible threats.  This technique is only as good as the latest update to the database.  New AV software is getting "intelligent". The new protection actually looks at how programs are running or trying to run on your machine.  If they look suspect a warning goes out and they are stopped and you are notified.  With thousands of virus writers out there that get their jollies from sending us stuff to trash our hard drives, this is a great new direction for computer security.

iPhone 2 weeks later.... After the wait for activation (3 days) I have had plenty of time to play with all the menus and functions of the iPhone.  The menu is easy to figure out  and there are not that many sub-menus to worry with.  Pretty straightforward device and does not require a degree from MIT to set up. My best to Apple for a really good job.  Now for the other part.  You do not have buttons to feel for while driving your car, so a glance down to be sure you are in the right place is very dangerous. The touch screen is cool, but big guy fingers make it challenging and you really do have to look down at the device to execute the phones commands. There is also no third party software that will be available for this phone. Good and bad on this.  Saves you messing up the device with a lot of software, but Apple did not put everything I would want on the phone.  Now the Internet browsing is great and you do get YouTube which will entertain you for hours.  I find myself going back to my Blackberry Curve which in my opinion is one of the finest devices for the Business Pro. iPhone set some marks that I am sure other cell phones will have to some day reach, but overall I feel it gets a B- for my grade. For the $500 to 600 dollar price you really get a lot more with the Blackberry 8800, 8830, or the Curve. But hey, when I pull out the iPhone and people see it.... like having a Red Mustang GT. I had to chase down a waitress in a restaurant that ran off with my phone. It rates an A+ as a grade for cool.  You decide, but bring your wallet.

July 1, 07'  Ok, I have had 6 months to play with Vista and this is what I have learned.  A lot of the "improvements" are not visible to the everyday user. I found many of the old XP programs and menus were renamed and I had to find them all over again. My first experience was to load Vista on a very new XP Pro Laptop. I would not recommend this.  Laptops are full of special drivers and software.  I got lucky, only the touch-pad messed up. I loaded the Vista fix and the problem got worse.  I uninstalled the Vista fix and it started to work.  I never reloaded the Vista "fix". Buy a laptop with Vista do not upgrade.  I talked to several techs and we are all in agreement on this.  Now with a desktop the upgrade was flawless.  I did it both ways: (1) a new formatted hard drive, (2) upgrading a drive with XP Pro already loaded. I had to find some new Vista drivers and I found that my older version of QuickbooksPro did not like Explorer 7. But in the end I was satisfied with both installations.  I even added Office 2007 to one of the machines. It is nice, but one very visible problem was when I sent a document to someone not using Office 2007.  They could not read it.  You have to save your docs as an earlier version to be read by someone not having 07'. Is it worth the price? Well, half of me says yes and the other half says no. There are a lot of slick new features, most hidden, beefed-up security, but things I knew in XP, I am having to relearn in Vista.  I am still into the learning curve and sometimes it is frustrating. ....to be continued!  Last year I wrote about DMR, Digital Rights Management.  It is a form of copyright protection used in music, DVD's etc. I did not like it and I still don't.  Now it seems that Sony, one of DMR's originators, is finding it less palatable too.  They are starting to remove it from some of their music and just charging a few more cents.  Good idea.  Anyway, it is the beginning of the end for DMR , I hope.

December 1, 06'  Christmas shopping has started and tech gadgets are on everybody's lists. One of my favorites choices are the Memory Cards. These small devices are in everything from cell phones to cameras. The 1 gig cards are very reasonable and if you are not sure of the size just write down the product for the sales person to look-up. There is also the ever popular gift card! Since Best Buy has everything from vacuum cleaners to computers this store is one of my favorites. Speaking of vacuum cleaners... while shopping for DVD's last week I passed a group of ladies getting a demo from another customer on a Dyson vacuum cleaner.  I stood and watched and after 20 minutes I had the $600 monster in my cart. It looks like a spaceship and I was wondering if this was just another impulse buy I need to discuss with a therapist. But getting it home and using it erased all doubt from my mind.  The thing is awesome and is the best unit I have ever bought. (I have a large parrot, a shedding Lab and a cat, so hair and grit can be anywhere) Technology is found not just on the desktop these days. Although the Dyson Vacuum does not have an SD card slot, the darn thing just works and is easy to DUMP!! Well, happy shopping.

October 24, 06'  Update on Vista. Microsoft got blasted in the news over the past few days from several of it's own business partners. Companies such as Symantec and McAfee are currently "locked out" of the code kernel for the higher end versions (64 bit) of Vista.  These companies have for years, provided security software to the public, that is used with the Windows operating system.  Is Windows is pushing their own security software and not allowing other vendors to compete? Last year the European Union fined Microsoft $970 million dollars for anti-trust actions.  Opps, here we go again?  The partners really got mad when they found out the main start up screen in Vista had an icon for Microsoft's new security software program called One Care. Microsoft has since back-tracked and promised other security software would be shown also. But this does not address the on-going situation with the high-end versions of Vista (64 bit). The frustration was shown as a vice -president from McAfee said he had been working with Microsoft for 2 years and with 2 months to go they have no resolution in sight. And probably no time left to get products out even if they did! Vista is scheduled to be released to computer manufacturers next month and the public in January. The more I read, the more I want to stay with XP or just go buy a Mac! To be fair, companies like Sony (see August 26 article) and Microsoft are trying to protect themselves. But at some point, doesn't this protectionism begin to hurt their own customers?

October 15, 06'  I'm a little nervous that I bought all that Microsoft stock! In just a few weeks, the largest software maker in the world will release its newest operating system called Vista. My nervousness comes from the fact that I'm not sure if people will rush out and upgrade like they have with previous Microsoft releases.  To take full advantage of Vista you will need to have certain hardware: 64 bit processor, at least 1 gig of ram, 128meg video ram, the list goes on. Also, there are at least 4 versions of the new OS. Prices are still not released, but it looks like they will range from $200 for the basic (32 bit) version to $400 for the premium (64 bit) version. Now, Vista will work with less hardware, but why change to the new software unless you can realize its full capacity.  Microsoft released a downloadable software tool that scans your computer. The scan results suggests which version of Vista is right for you and evaluates your current hardware and software items that may give you problems, if you were to upgrade.  I suggest you click here, and go to the site and run the tool.  So now you know why, as a stock holder, I am nervous.  Buying some versions of Vista is a lot of money, requires hardware upgrades, and you must be a little tech savvy to download the new drivers for your peripherals. The good news... Vista is a great OS, but you should hold off on buying new gear until you can get this new OS preloaded and configured for you on a new out-of-the-box computer.  So, remember this in case you have an "impulse buy thought" before Christmas. Waiting just a little while longer may save you a lot of headaches in the future.  If you want to upgrade to Vista, when it becomes available, go download the tool and see how far your current system is from a smooth upgrade to Vista.

August 25, 06' I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot with some of the consumer copyright protection going around now. Last week I tried  to make a slide show presentation for a family funeral service.  They requested a song, which I paid my 99 cents for, only to find I could not load it into my DVD programs' sound track. Short on time and patience, the slide show went out without audio. DRM... get to know the word,  it stands for digital rights management. Last year Sony released a cute little program that users unknowingly loaded onto their computers that kept track of their music usage and uploaded this info back to Sony.  The program was so slick that it snuck right by all the Trojan sniffing software in the world.  It was discovered by some clever guys who ratted out Sony and started the mother of all law suits against the big media giant.  But, not before some other clever code writers got hold of the Sony cloaking program, wrote a new virus payload, and passed it on to the public. The Sony "cloaking" program was so good that the viruses passed right through current Internet security software.  Thanks Sony. Lets go Microsoft...we all just downloaded that "Critical Update" as we are supposed to a few weeks ago.  Microsoft loaded a program for  ant piracy that does not allow you to use programs that circumvent the DRM protection packages. Might be a good idea, but just another case of big companies sending little consumers something they do not know what they are getting! Yes, Sony and Microsoft, there are a small percentage of people who will hack, crack and steal the stuff.  But most of us do not have the time to spend, so we just pay for it.  Do not make our lives miserable with so much protection we get frustrated. The slide show was great, the friends and relatives liked it, but music would have been nice.

August 1, 06' Getting ready to buy that new computer before Christmas? Some things to think about... Microsoft is "scheduled" to release its newest operating system called "Vista" in early 07'. Be sure that the computer you buy will be able to be upgraded to that new OS. There will be many changes in Vista from Widows current OS called "XP". The new Vista will require a lot more processing power and a lot of older drivers and peripherals just will not work under Vista. Also both AMD and Intel are launching their newest high powered processors this summer.  Many vendors will be offering computers at really low prices as they scurry to make way for the new models coming fast near Christmas or just after. Is Vista worth the wait? Hmmm! Jury is still out.  Security is beefed up and there are some impressive graphics features, and yes most peripheral vendors have had  years to work on their drivers.  But expect some of your favorite apps to glitch out and you better have those power processors onboard!

July1, 06'  This is not really about tech news, but I wanted to mention how much we appreciate all the support from our viewers. We get e-mails from Utah, Oregon, Canada and Europe.  Sometimes people just thank us for being there and sometimes people write us when a cam is down.  It is amazing where the mail comes from and how often people are logging into the site.  Furthest note was from Australia, guess you can not get any further away and still stay on the planet, huh! Some days when the cam is down, the cable company won't answer their phone, the software is not working...we get a note from someone who just took the time to say thank you.  Makes it all worthwhile.  Our thanks to our viewers and have a great summer.

April 1, 06'  Ready to buy the new computer?  Do some research first. Of course the pocketbook usually dictates how much computer we buy, but think about a few of these things: Laptop or Desktop, Processor, Support.  Laptops are portable, but usually you'll spend almost twice the amount you would to get the same configuration with a desktop.  Also, laptops are hard to upgrade, if at all.  So, if you buy a laptop, spend until it "hurts"! Over purchase. You'll be glad you got the 200 gig hard drive instead of the 40 gig. Do a "Google Search" on the model before you buy it.  There are always a lot of product reviews on the web. Screen size is important.  Do you want portability or a desk top-like system.  That 17" screen is nice, but man are those units heavy! Processors are changing every day. Warning...only buy the 64 bit ones.  Windows is coming out with "Vista" the new OS in January (as of their last press release) and a 64 bit processor will make use of the new OS if you upgrade. I personally do not like the Celeron processor Intel uses. It runs too slow for me.  Both AMD and Intel make chips for computers.  I have bought both. In the old days Intel was the "standard" and all software was designed for it.  Now, AMD is usually a little cheaper and should be considered. My last four purchases have been AMD processors. Finally, check out support.  Dell used to be number one with all my clients. Now, all I hear is complaints about their tech support. I usually do not buy the service plan with a desk top, but with a lap top you should consider it.  Also, what level of computer knowledge do you have.  If you are a newbie, then any support plan may be helpful in the future.  Best advice:  READ, READ, READ, before you buy.  Do not impulse buy.  Look at Best Buy and Comp for their "specials"...they run them for a week then stop.  Those "specials" can save you $$$ if you catch them right.  Good Luck.

January 15, 06'  Things slowing down on the old computer?  Time for a new one?  Maybe not.  Years ago there used to be a constant back and forth battle between power software and the need for more powerful computing hardware.  Not so today.  For normal everyday use the lower mid-range processors and configurations are adequate for your needs.  Yes dual core processors are out there, but little software is written to fully use their capabilities.  Just how much faster do you want to open Word or QuickBooks! Checking e-mail and writing papers does not require tons of RAM and the hottest chipset.  Now, if you are opening several applications , like Adobe, and using them at once frequently, you need to consider resources. Those situations are usually reserved for professional people using business applications.  If your computer is acting a little lazy or strange things are going on, consider first a basic housecleaning: disk cleanup to free up more space, remove old programs you do not use...either use the program uninstaller or windows one on the control panel, do a scan disk first to check for problems, then a disk defrag.  Adding an extra stick of RAM can help in some cases. (with XP, I like 256meg minimum) Finally, if you are real daring, "go virgin".  This is where you back up your data, format or replace the hard drive and reload everything.  Maybe not the method of choice for everyone, but it does cure a lot of problems. Some computers have restore disks, which will set your machine up just like it came out of the box.  But caution, remember a system restore will wipe out all your customs settings and programs and data. Still want a new computer...Laptop or Desk top...more next time.

January 6, 06'  A Happy New Year to All... Lots of new things coming in 06...maybe a new OS (operating system) from Microsoft called Vista.  The next upwards climb for Microsoft since the rollout of XP a few years ago.  Computer hardware has been advancing in speed  and storage capacity, but there is still no operating system that will fully take advantage of the newest processors....for now. Be sure you are familiar with Spy ware  and Antivirus software. This year you will find more spy ware disguised in free downloads and even boxed programs.  Sony is facing a class action lawsuit for selling music CD's with a "player" for the PC. When you unpacked and installed the player you also unloaded tracking software that monitored your use of music on your computer.  Nice, huh! The most flagrant abuses are usually found in the free stuff you can download on the web. Trust me nothing is free. Spy ware is loaded from programs like these, installed on your PC, and tracks your usage and even reports back to outside servers.  These apps can cause your PC to run very slowly as they suck up your resources. It is a good idea to weekly scan for bugs on your systems.  After a couple of years it may be a good idea to go "virgin" with your PC. I will go into details later, but essentially it is formatting your hard drive and starting over. New Year's Resolution:  Read the tech section in the Wall Street Journal.  They put tough tech talk into simple concepts for us all.