This article is from Computerworld, but the story was covered everywhere yesterday.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Microsoft sets Windows 7 launch for Oct. 22
Here we go again. Microsoft is making it clear that they want our Christmas Season business and they won't let Vista stand in the way. It seems to me that this has been rushed, and I hope I am not one who MUST buy a new machime in the early days of Windows 7.
This article is from Computerworld, but the story was covered everywhere yesterday.
This article is from Computerworld, but the story was covered everywhere yesterday.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A rocket powered computer
The following is from the Kim Komando web site, http://www.komando.com
Tom wrote from Larned, KS. He reported that he needs a new computer. It should boot fast, load programs fast, compile video fast. In other words, he feels the need for speed!
Tom, you and I think alike. I can't stand to wait for a computer. I want Word to open NOW. I want my browser to load YESTERDAY. I want to see Windows shuckin' and cookin'.
So, there are some obvious things you need. Make sure you have a first-rate chip. The absolute best is usually too costly. It's OK to come down a step or two. Intel's absolute best for consumers is its Extreme line. I'd skip that. You need a regular Core 2 Quad. The best AMD chip is the Phenom. Get the triple core, rather than the quad. Very few programs can use more than one core.
Be sure your new motherboard can handle 64-bit computing. If the salesman seems uninformed, check the computer manufacturer's Web site. And be sure that the Windows version is 64-bit. To confirm that, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. Look in the System section.
You can install gobs of memory. I wouldn't go overboard. Four gigabytes should be enough. Be sure the computer can take that much. The manufacturer's site can help with this, too.
You're probably not going to see a consumer box with a solid-state drive. Such a drive could very well be faster than a conventional drive. But solid state drives are expensive and small. I'd go for a serial ATA drive with at least 500-gigabyte capacity. Terabyte drives also are available. I've seen them advertised at less than $100 online. Buy a drive that runs at 7200 rpm.
Finally, I'd pop for a 512MB video card. And I'd use two monitors. Windows handles dual monitors with aplomb.
You may be tempted to use a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks) setup. Level 0 (striping) is supposed to speed up the computer. That hasn't been my experience. I think RAID setups just introduce complexity. Don't go there.
You're all set, Tom. Don't get a speeding ticket!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Review: 2 USB devices offer easy remote access
The article referenced is from Computerworld. This is quite amazing and, I would think, something that will be very popular with business people who travel. It might also be useful to me as the PC Doc, but that remains to be seen. Since many people turn off their home PCs while away, it probably won't be too useful to them unless they change their ways and leave the PC powered on.
Review: 2 USB devices offer easy remote access
Thursday, May 28, 2009
SuperAntispyware
Those of you who follow this blog know that I have been recommending SuperAntispyware for quite some time now, since actually, the day one of you told me about it (thanks John!)! It is now an integral part of my security toolkit.
I ran across this article on WindowsSecrets.com, and thought I'd pass it on. I was surprised to see that these techies only found this program now, but at least they did like it.
I've received many reader recommendations for an antispyware tool I'd never heard of before: SUPERAntiSpyware.
With a name like that, I assumed that the program had to be bogus. But it is, in fact, a legitimate antispyware program, despite the exuberant name.
As with many security programs, there's a version of SUPERAntiSpyware that's free for personal use and a "pro" version (U.S. $29.95) that adds a few functions. As I've said many times before, I'm a big fan of free tools that I can install on the PCs of friends and family for them to use after I leave.
SUPERAntiSpyware claims to run on all versions of Windows since 98, but it requires 256MB of RAM. That's a common amount of system memory for an XP machine but is probably more than you'll find on typical Windows 98–era hardware.
The program uses a traditional full installer and asks to download updates at install time. Immediately after installation, the app recommends that you scan your system for spyware. The program's quick scan took just a couple of minutes when I ran it on the small Windows XP VM that I use for testing.
I've installed a handful of random malware samples into an inactive directory on this test VM. SUPERAntiSpyware identified one of the malware files as well as the usual "spyware" browser cookies. The utility's performance was adequate and the VM remained responsive during the scan. The process required about 80MB of RAM while actively scanning.
I didn't have a real spyware infection to throw at the program, but in my very limited testing, SUPERAntiSpyware performed well. Based on my test results and the number of readers who recommend the program, I'm definitely going to put it into my toolbox. You can download a copy of SUPERAntiSpyware from the vendor's site.
I ran across this article on WindowsSecrets.com, and thought I'd pass it on. I was surprised to see that these techies only found this program now, but at least they did like it.
Free antispyware tool has a bombastic name
I've received many reader recommendations for an antispyware tool I'd never heard of before: SUPERAntiSpyware.
With a name like that, I assumed that the program had to be bogus. But it is, in fact, a legitimate antispyware program, despite the exuberant name.
As with many security programs, there's a version of SUPERAntiSpyware that's free for personal use and a "pro" version (U.S. $29.95) that adds a few functions. As I've said many times before, I'm a big fan of free tools that I can install on the PCs of friends and family for them to use after I leave.
SUPERAntiSpyware claims to run on all versions of Windows since 98, but it requires 256MB of RAM. That's a common amount of system memory for an XP machine but is probably more than you'll find on typical Windows 98–era hardware.
The program uses a traditional full installer and asks to download updates at install time. Immediately after installation, the app recommends that you scan your system for spyware. The program's quick scan took just a couple of minutes when I ran it on the small Windows XP VM that I use for testing.
I've installed a handful of random malware samples into an inactive directory on this test VM. SUPERAntiSpyware identified one of the malware files as well as the usual "spyware" browser cookies. The utility's performance was adequate and the VM remained responsive during the scan. The process required about 80MB of RAM while actively scanning.
I didn't have a real spyware infection to throw at the program, but in my very limited testing, SUPERAntiSpyware performed well. Based on my test results and the number of readers who recommend the program, I'm definitely going to put it into my toolbox. You can download a copy of SUPERAntiSpyware from the vendor's site.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Spybot
As much as I try to put Spybot on the back burner and not use it anymore, I still find it is needed. I was working on a customer's machine and ran Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SuperAntispyware. This machine had many problems. After deleting all of the things they found, I ran Spybot, and it found an additional 70 problems, which it then fixed. Some of these 70 were pretty serious, and this exercise just goes to show that different people in diferent countries bring their own experiences to the table and see things differently, to which I say Amen and Thank You!
Spybot is still a valuable and necessary component of my security suite.
Spybot is still a valuable and necessary component of my security suite.
Friday, May 22, 2009
IE8 & Google’s Chrome 2.0: First Impressions
These are two unrelated topics in one.
First, re. IE8 I recommend taking a wait and see attitude. There is no reason to rush into this. Most will probably get it accidentally one day through Microsoft Updates. That's the way most people got to IE7, which IMHO is nothing to write home about.
The second topic within this topic is Google's continuing attempt to popularize their own browser, Chrome. I tried an early version and uninstalled it after a couple of days. I imagine that one day, but not soon, Google, with its awesome technical savvy, will get Chrome to the point where it will serve nicely as an IE or Firefox replacement, but as above with IE8, there is no reason to rush and make any commitment to Chrome. There is no harm, however, in trying it. It's an easy download and install, and it's easy to uninstall as well, if/when you decide that's what you want to do.
The author of this article on pcworld.com has some comments about Chrome.
As for me, I'll take a wait and see position on this one as well as on IE8.
First, re. IE8 I recommend taking a wait and see attitude. There is no reason to rush into this. Most will probably get it accidentally one day through Microsoft Updates. That's the way most people got to IE7, which IMHO is nothing to write home about.
The second topic within this topic is Google's continuing attempt to popularize their own browser, Chrome. I tried an early version and uninstalled it after a couple of days. I imagine that one day, but not soon, Google, with its awesome technical savvy, will get Chrome to the point where it will serve nicely as an IE or Firefox replacement, but as above with IE8, there is no reason to rush and make any commitment to Chrome. There is no harm, however, in trying it. It's an easy download and install, and it's easy to uninstall as well, if/when you decide that's what you want to do.
The author of this article on pcworld.com has some comments about Chrome.
Google's Chrome 2.0: First Impressions
As for me, I'll take a wait and see position on this one as well as on IE8.
Friday, May 15, 2009
HP laptop batteries recalled for overheating
It might be worth reading this cnet.com article if you are an HP or Compaq laptop owner.
HP laptop batteries recalled for overheating
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Microsoft has a new and free tool you can download, install, and run on your PC. The program will scan your system and let you know if your machine is capable of running the new Microsoft operating system known now as Windows 7.
Since I have already downloaded a copy of Windows 7 to test, I thought I'd download the Upgrade Advidor and check out some of my systems. I ran it first on my primary machine, an IBM desktop that is about 5 years old, I think.
My results were not encouraging as you can see below.
Hmmm.. I guess I won't be testing Windows 7 on this machine! If you would like to download the Upgrade Advisor, you can download it here:
Since I have already downloaded a copy of Windows 7 to test, I thought I'd download the Upgrade Advidor and check out some of my systems. I ran it first on my primary machine, an IBM desktop that is about 5 years old, I think.
My results were not encouraging as you can see below.
Hmmm.. I guess I won't be testing Windows 7 on this machine! If you would like to download the Upgrade Advisor, you can download it here:
Monday, May 11, 2009
Microsoft: Windows 7 Available in Time for Holidays
This really makes it tough on those of you who are planning a new PC purchase between now and the end of the year. All you can buy now is Vista, and who wants that? I'm guessing that we will someday see a "buy a Vista machine now and we will give you a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available" marketing campaign.
I found this on Computerworld.com but it appears it was originally on idg.net.
Windows Server 2008 R2, the server companion to the client operating system, also will be available at the same time. Microsoft unveiled the information to journalists just ahead of its keynote at its annual conference, which kicks off today in Los Angeles. Microsoft also said it plans to release a technical preview of the next version of its other key software product, Office 2010, in July to all attendees of the conference.
Ward Ralston, a Microsoft group product manager, said not to think of the release as having anything to do with Microsoft's internal product schedule for Office 2010, the release date of which has not been revealed.
Instead, the preview is "a build we feel has enough quality in it so customers can be successful evaluating the product and giving us feedback," he said.
Microsoft made available the first release candidate of Windows 7 about two weeks ago, signaling that the company is close to a final release. So far the buzz on the operating system has been generally positive.
Windows 7 is an important release for Microsoft as it follows the disappointing Windows Vista, which Microsoft took more than five years to develop and generally did not live up to its promise.
I found this on Computerworld.com but it appears it was originally on idg.net.
May 11, 2009 (IDG News Service) Microsoft Corp. will make Windows 7 available to businesses and consumers in time for the busy holiday shopping season in the fourth quarter of the year, according to company officials.
Windows Server 2008 R2, the server companion to the client operating system, also will be available at the same time. Microsoft unveiled the information to journalists just ahead of its keynote at its annual conference, which kicks off today in Los Angeles. Microsoft also said it plans to release a technical preview of the next version of its other key software product, Office 2010, in July to all attendees of the conference.
Ward Ralston, a Microsoft group product manager, said not to think of the release as having anything to do with Microsoft's internal product schedule for Office 2010, the release date of which has not been revealed.
Instead, the preview is "a build we feel has enough quality in it so customers can be successful evaluating the product and giving us feedback," he said.
Microsoft made available the first release candidate of Windows 7 about two weeks ago, signaling that the company is close to a final release. So far the buzz on the operating system has been generally positive.
Windows 7 is an important release for Microsoft as it follows the disappointing Windows Vista, which Microsoft took more than five years to develop and generally did not live up to its promise.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Outsource your own job?
This takes outsourcing to a whole new level! Hmmm, I wonder if it could really work?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Windows 7 RC1
I have downloaded and burned to DVD the just-released Windows 7 Release Candidate 1. All I need now is to find an old laptop (I'm sure I have enough parts to put together to get one up and running) which will support it. I am not in a hurry to do this, but will report back on my experience when I do.
FYI, this is the test version of the operating system destined to replace Windows Vista. The download is free, comes with its own key, and is good through June of 2010. After that date my copy will expire and I would have to pay for it, presumably at the going retail rate.
FYI, this is the test version of the operating system destined to replace Windows Vista. The download is free, comes with its own key, and is good through June of 2010. After that date my copy will expire and I would have to pay for it, presumably at the going retail rate.
Monday, May 4, 2009
HOSTS File Updates
If you are one of those who followed my sequence of posts below to get and install the HOSTS file, you may also have signed up for e-mail notification of updates, but the author has had to discontinue that update notification service.
Instead, go to his site once a month or so and manually download the latest version.
Instead, go to his site once a month or so and manually download the latest version.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Muddying the water?
Looks like Microsoft could make its Vista successor, aka Windows 7, available as soon as August. There seems to be a rush to do this, I'm guessing because Vista has been such a huge failure that Microsoft wants to take it off the table and leave it behind as soon as they can.
Much more on this as information becomes available.................
Much more on this as information becomes available.................
Windows 7 could launch as early as August
Thursday, April 30, 2009
20 Years of AOL Annoyances and Foul-Ups
I just don't know why anyone would still be using AOL. Perhaps if you are still a dial-up user and can save money with AOL, that would be a good reason. Otherwise why? I recommend getting yourself a Google Mail account (free) and then, to ease the transition, use Outlook Express, Outlook, or Thunderbird to process your e-mail. Outlook Express and Thunderbird are free. Outlook is a part of Microsoft Office (certain versions), and tends to be something a person has by virtue of having bought Office for other reasons. In this sense, Outlook might be considered free. I fall into this latter category.
I use a Google Mail address as my primary e-mail address, and use Outlook as my mail client. All of my mail, incoming AND outgoing, is processed by Google and remains on Google's host servers, so at any time I can look at it all from any computer in the world simply by using web mail.
Anyway, for those of you who just love your AOL and must have it, you may enjoy this stroll down memory lane provided courtesy of pcworld.com. Most users of AOL tend to be long-termsufferers users, and may remember much of the AOL story.
I use a Google Mail address as my primary e-mail address, and use Outlook as my mail client. All of my mail, incoming AND outgoing, is processed by Google and remains on Google's host servers, so at any time I can look at it all from any computer in the world simply by using web mail.
Anyway, for those of you who just love your AOL and must have it, you may enjoy this stroll down memory lane provided courtesy of pcworld.com. Most users of AOL tend to be long-term
20 Years of AOL Annoyances and Foul-Ups
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Eight Reasons Your Next Computer Should Be a PC
Fair and balanced!
This article, again from pcworld.com, presents the other side of the story. Compare to yesterday's post.
This article, again from pcworld.com, presents the other side of the story. Compare to yesterday's post.
Eight Reasons Your Next Computer Should Be a PC
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Eight Reasons Your Next Computer Should Be a Mac
For all of those of you who, like me, would love to own a Mac, [or even an iPhone (also like me)], this will be of interest. It comes from pcworld.com.
Eight Reasons Your Next Computer Should Be a Mac
Friday, April 24, 2009
Outlook Question
I have a customer who, like me, uses Outlook for his e-mail. Note that I said Outlook and not Outlook Express. These are two different Microsoft products.
Outlook Express, known as Windows Mail in Vista, is a freebie that is an integrated part of the operating system. Outlook on the other hand, is a product that is a part of Microsoft's Office package, or at least some versions of Office.
The customer wanted to know how to back up his e-mail and even more importantly, his address book.
He was pleasantly surprised when I told him that in Outlook all of his e-mail and all of his contacts (address book) are kept within one file. I told him the name of the file (outlook.pst) and told him where to find it. He followed my directions, found the file, and copied it to his flash drive.
Backup of all e-mail and address book done in one, simple quick step!! If you have Outlook and don't back up this file and need some help, just write me.
Outlook Express, known as Windows Mail in Vista, is a freebie that is an integrated part of the operating system. Outlook on the other hand, is a product that is a part of Microsoft's Office package, or at least some versions of Office.
The customer wanted to know how to back up his e-mail and even more importantly, his address book.
He was pleasantly surprised when I told him that in Outlook all of his e-mail and all of his contacts (address book) are kept within one file. I told him the name of the file (outlook.pst) and told him where to find it. He followed my directions, found the file, and copied it to his flash drive.
Backup of all e-mail and address book done in one, simple quick step!! If you have Outlook and don't back up this file and need some help, just write me.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
An Offer I Couldn’t Refuse
I received this e-mail yesterday:
"Tom,
I'd like to provide you with a complimentary SUPERAntiSpyware Professional Edition license for your use and evaluation. Our software was launched 6 years ago and we currently protect over 15 million PCs worldwide. If you can provide me with an email address, I'll send along a complimentary license.
Thank you for your time!"
You readers know that I really like, have liked, the free version of SuperAntispyware, and that I recommend it for your use. The one feature of the Professional (paid) version that attracted me is the scheduling of scans. So I did go ahead and reply to the note and I did indeed get a return with a complimentary license code. I downloaded and installed it and ran my first automatic scan last night long after I was asleep.
I'll let you know how this goes.
"Tom,
I'd like to provide you with a complimentary SUPERAntiSpyware Professional Edition license for your use and evaluation. Our software was launched 6 years ago and we currently protect over 15 million PCs worldwide. If you can provide me with an email address, I'll send along a complimentary license.
Thank you for your time!"
You readers know that I really like, have liked, the free version of SuperAntispyware, and that I recommend it for your use. The one feature of the Professional (paid) version that attracted me is the scheduling of scans. So I did go ahead and reply to the note and I did indeed get a return with a complimentary license code. I downloaded and installed it and ran my first automatic scan last night long after I was asleep.
I'll let you know how this goes.
Monday, April 20, 2009
CCleaner’s Registry Feature
I have never recommended, and I am NOT recommending now, the Registry feature of CCleaner. Registry Cleaning is not for the inexperienced, so beware and don't say you weren't warned about this.
CCleaner's Cleaner feature does an excellent job of cleaning your hard drive of unnecessary files, but I have never extensively tested their Registry feature. I therefore cannot recommend it to you. I use a registry cleaner program in my PCDoc business that is much more comprehensive and tested (by me) in many uses. Registry cleaning is something that is not recommended for the casual user, so be careful.
The Piriform company's CCleaner Cleaner feature does an excellent job of cleaning, but I am just not sure about their registry cleaning feature, so I suggest you leave that for the pros.
CCleaner's Cleaner feature does an excellent job of cleaning your hard drive of unnecessary files, but I have never extensively tested their Registry feature. I therefore cannot recommend it to you. I use a registry cleaner program in my PCDoc business that is much more comprehensive and tested (by me) in many uses. Registry cleaning is something that is not recommended for the casual user, so be careful.
The Piriform company's CCleaner Cleaner feature does an excellent job of cleaning, but I am just not sure about their registry cleaning feature, so I suggest you leave that for the pros.
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