Friday, February 14, 2014

Is April 8 the end of the road for XP users?

Great video! Very well done. Don't let it scare you though. You can read the whole story on USA Today. The link for the story is below the video.

OR, you can contact me! I have 2 PCs running Windows XP and I have been working with XP ever since it first came out. I have supported hundreds of XP customers in VT, ME, and MA, as well as several remote sessions to CA, NJ, etc. You get the picture.

If you have questions or problems with XP now or after April 8, just contact me. You will find that info at http://brpcdoc.com

Enjoy the video!





You can read the whole story on USA Today here: Windows XP: Prepare for the end


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Mozilla's Planning to Splash Ads in Empty Firefox Tiles

I am not at all happy about this. I hopeit doesn't happen, but if it does, bye bye Firefox. Perhaps it'll be as the article says, only for new users.I hope.

"Mozilla has decided that the best course of action going forward is to fill all those blank squares in new tabs with sponsored content (ads, for the layman). The new initiative is called Directory Tiles and it's intended to "improve the first-time-with-Firefox experience," or at least that's the sales pitch from Darren Herman, Mozilla's Vice President of Content Services. It's his job to diversify revenue and sustain Mozilla's mission through innovation in content and personalization products, and this is one way he plans to do that.

As explained in a blog post, Directory Tiles will feature "pre-packaged content for first-time users." Some will come from Mozilla's own ecosystem, while others will be popular websites in a given geographic locations. Directory Tiles will also include "sponsored content from hand-picked partners."

A well-timed satirical article in The Onion titled "Compromising Company's Values for Advertising Revenue Referred to as 'Partnering'" is worth a read if you're need of a good laugh, though this is serious business to Mozilla. Most of Mozilla's revenue comes from its search agreement with Google that's worth around $300 million per year. Through advertising, Mozilla will gain a new revenue stream and perhaps not be so reliant on Google, which offers its own browser in Chrome.

Even so, it's a surprising move, especially considering that Mozilla championed the blocking of third-party cookies by making it a default option starting in Firefox 22. Firefox has also been a fan favorite for several years."

Monday, February 10, 2014

MVPS HOSTS File Available for February

MVPS HOSTS File Update February-09-2014



The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [February-09-2014]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Download: hosts.zip (133 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm
HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm
Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt (506 kb)
Get notified when the MVPS HOSTS file is updated
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/updates.htm

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Windows 8.1 Update

After 2 months on my new Dell Inspiron 15R and using Windows 8, I decided today was the day to do the update to Windows 8.1. Technically the update was perfect. There were no glitches. 

However, the process took about 2.5 hours. It was painfully slow. Did I say it was slow? It was awful. I couldn't stand how long it took, and I didn't even sit around and watch it for the first hour and a half. I returned to the machine when, as it turned out, there was about an hour left in the process.

I have absolutely no idea why it should have taken so long. At least it was free. Now to see what the differences are. Truth be told, I did it today because I am excited about the prospects of the update described in my last post below. I assume that will require 8.1 as a prerequisite. Also, I needed to be able to understand this update experience for others who might be considering it and who might seek my help.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Microsoft finally realizes that people hate Windows 8′s live tiles

Sounds like Microsoft is listening to us. Strip away all the apps and start up by going directly to the desktop, sounds a lot like Windows 7!  Now if they would just add a START button lower left .....

This comes from bgr.com:

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Live Tiles


"It’s official: Microsoft realizes that most desktop users have no use for the Live Tiles interface. The Verge reports that the next update of Windows 8.1 will make the platform boot up to desktop mode by default, which means that people who buy new Windows 8.1 PCs with the latest update won’t have to look at Live Tiles when they first flip on their computers.

“We understand that Microsoft has been paying close attention to telemetry data that shows the majority of Windows 8 users still use a keyboard and mouse and desktop applications,” The Verge writes. “This same telemetry data was used to justify the removal of the Start button shortly before the Windows 8 release, and contributed to its eventual return in Windows 8.1. Microsoft may have wanted to push touch computing to the masses in Windows 8, but the reality is that users have voiced clear concerns over the interface on desktop PCs.”

This takes us back to Apple CEO Tim Cook’s joke about how trying to merge a desktop OS with a tablet OS was the equivalent of trying to merger a toaster and a refrigerator. While Microsoft’s attempt to create one common interface for all its devices was certainly a noble experiment, it hasn’t exactly been a successful one so far and the company seems to know it."

Friday, January 31, 2014

Another Option for an Upgrade From Windows XP

The Q&A below come from the NY Times.

I would like to preface this by saying there is no real rush to run out and spend money just because Microsoft will cease delivering security updates to XP on April 8. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT: as long as you have all of your data (pictures, music, videos, documents) backed up on some external medium. This could be a flash drive, an external hard drive, a backup service in the cloud (like SOS, which I use), etc.



Q. I’m still running Windows XP on my computer; can I upgrade to Windows 7 instead of Windows 8?

A. Microsoft stopped selling retail copies of the Windows 7 operating system last fall, but with a little searching, you should be able to buy discs from a third-party store or vendor. Just make sure that the seller is reliable, as using a counterfeit copy of the system can cause problems with some Microsoft services. If you plan to upgrade your current computer from Windows XP, make sure that it meets the Windows 7 system requirements and that you know how to proceed with the installation.

If you plan to buy a new computer, things are a bit easier, as several PC makers are still selling new machines with Windows 7 installed. Best Buy and Dell, among others, sell new Windows 7 computers, as does Hewlett-Packard, which was recently running a “back by popular demand” sale — even though Windows 7 machines have yet to be officially discontinued.

As for how long Windows 7 (and computers that have it installed) will be around, Microsoft’s Windows life cycle fact page says only that the date is “to be determined.” The company’s mainstream technical support for Windows 7 is scheduled to end on Jan. 13, 2015, but extended support goes through Jan. 14, 2020.

Microsoft’s current version of the operating system is Windows 8.1, which includes some improvements over its original Windows 8 release. No official announcements have been made yet for updates and enhancements to Windows 8.1 or future versions of the system, but new information may become available in early April when Microsoft holds its annual Build conference for developers.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Perspective: If Windows 8 = Vista, what's Microsoft's next move?

I really hope this doesn't happen. It's a bum rap for W8. W8 takes some getting used to, but it performs very well. Vista never did.

From computerworld.com:

"It's a low rumble here, there, like a thunderstorm barely heard because it's so far over the horizon that only the cloud tops can be seen, but the words "Windows 8 is Vista" are starting to leave lips and paint pixels.

And that has to scare the you-know-what out of Microsoft.

Because to Microsoft, Vista is the bastard child of the Windows family, the one who lost friends' savings in a Ponzi scheme, then fled to Bhutan and its mountains, beyond reach by extradition.

If Windows XP could be called the elderly uncle who worked most his life in the foundry to put his kids through college, if Windows 95 is a fondly-remembered grandmother who once danced with the Rockettes, if Windows 7 is the nephew with a shot at middle management, then Vista is the kin no one wants to talk about."

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Microsoft retains weapon to silently scrub XP

Well, this is really good news for us good guys, that is for me and those of you who have followed my recommendation on security that I have posted on my blog. If, on your Windows XP machine you have Automatic Updates selected and if you use Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) as your free anti-virus, and if you run Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) every month as recommended, this applies to you.

Think of this as the Windows XP after life that extends our security for a while. While I think of it I should note that it is my belief that Microsoft only runs the quick scan when it stealthily runs MSRT each month on your machines. As some of you know,I have always recommended a full scan to be manually run every month. Just click on START then RUN then enter MRT to run it.

This good news comes to you from Greg Keizer at computerworld.com.

" Microsoft will be able to silently reach into Windows XP PCs for more than a year after it stops patching the aged OS to clean malware-infected machines, sources close to the company confirmed Friday.

The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) will continue to be updated and deployed via Windows Update through July 14, 2015, 15 months after the Redmond, Wash. company serves its final public security patches for XP on April 8 of this year.

By extending the life of the MSRT -- and more importantly, automatically running it each month -- Microsoft will be able to clean some PCs if massive malware outbreaks hit Windows XP after it's retired from support.

MSRT is updated monthly as Microsoft targets one or more major malware families it believes are the biggest current threats. The tool is posted for manual download on Microsoft's website and distributed through the Windows Update service on "Patch Tuesday," the second Tuesday of each month when Microsoft pushes security patches to customers running still-supported editions of Windows. MSRT automatically installs on PCs with Automatic Updates enabled, and then runs a seek-and-destroy mission in the background without any action on the part of the user."

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Note from a man I consider a good soul

I received a note today from a man named Ken whom I do not know. I am guessing from his e-mail address that he is from Wisconsin. I am in Boston.

He wrote the following and I am very grateful and thank Ken for taking the time to write. One of the nice things about a blog is you never know who might read it, or when, and find some information useful to them. Thanks Ken.

Ken wrote:

"-------Original Message-------
From: Ken <         @wi.rr.com>
To: pcdoc@brpcdoc.com
Subject: I did it.......
Sent: Jan 25 '14 14:07

PC Doc,

I did it thanks to you. I exported my email address book from my desktop (outlook express) to my laptop (RR web mail) using your tutorial ("Exporting your Outlook Express Address Book and then Importing it into your webmail account").

This is quite an accomplishment for someone who is as computer illiterate as me.
Thanks,
Ken"
 Ken is referring to something I wrote on my blog almost 5 years ago here: http://pcdocsblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/exporting-your-outlook-express-address.html

Monday, January 20, 2014

HP sticks thumb in Microsoft's eye, discounts consumer Windows 7 PCs

This is not surprising to me. For starters, Windows 7is a really good operating system. It has a very solid base of Windows experience behind it, and the USER INTERFACE didn't change vs. XP which, by the way, has millions of loyal fans (me included). HP, Dell, and others are in the business of selling PCs, so it is not at all surprising that they are still marketing and discounting Windows 7 machines.

I saw this when, in December, I bought two new Dell laptops. The very machines I bought also came with Windows 7, but I opted for Windows 8. Of course, my motivation is different from many millions of others. I needed to learn Windows 8 so that I could support it in my customer base. I have done that - learned Windows 8. Yes, it is different, but I have come to like it a lot. The truth is I am not using a lot of the Windows 8 bells and whistles. Frankly, I do not like those, but it is very easy to take a Windows 8 machine and use it (and I might add, maintain it) much in the same way as a Windows 7 or Windows XP machine. I can understand why a layman would have a hard time with Windows 8, but Microsoft is a big and powerful machine and they will sell a lot of Windows 8 machines, and I will be (am) there to service those customers.

So here is what computerworld.com has to say about this in their article today:

"Hewlett-Packard today launched a new online promotion that discounts several consumer PCs by $150 when equipped with Windows 7, saying the four-year-old OS is "back by popular demand."

"The reality is that there are a lot of people who still want Windows 7," said Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research, in a Monday interview. "This is a twist, though, and may appeal to those who said, 'I do want a new PC, but I thought I couldn't get Windows 7.'"

HP has not discarded Windows 8.1 -- the perception-plagued dual-UI operating system -- nor resurrected Windows 7 from the crypt: The PC seller, like every other OEM (original equipment manufacturer) in Microsoft's orbit, has never stopped selling Windows 7.

But HP was the first major OEM -- it was the world's second-largest in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to research firm IDC -- to blatantly market Windows 7 PCs to consumers since Windows 8's first few months, said O'Donnell."

Friday, January 17, 2014

Target

Received today:




Dear Target Guest,
As you may have heard or read, Target learned in mid-December that criminals forced their way into our systems and took guest information, including debit and credit card data. Late last week, as part of our ongoing investigation, we learned that additional information, including name, mailing address, phone number or email address, was also taken. I am writing to make you aware that your name, mailing address, phone number or email address may have been taken during the intrusion.
I am truly sorry this incident occurred and sincerely regret any inconvenience it may cause you. Because we value you as a guest and your trust is important to us, Target is offering one year of free credit monitoring to all Target guests who shopped in U.S. stores, through Experian’s® ProtectMyID® product which includes identity theft insurance where available. To receive your unique activation code for this service, please go to creditmonitoring.target.com and register before April 23, 2014. Activation codes must be redeemed by April 30, 2014.
In addition, to guard against possible scams, always be cautious about sharing personal information, such as Social Security numbers, passwords, user IDs and financial account information. Here are some tips that will help protect you:
  • Never share information with anyone over the phone, email or text, even if they claim to be someone you know or do business with. Instead, ask for a call-back number.
  • Delete texts immediately from numbers or names you don’t recognize.
  • Be wary of emails that ask for money or send you to suspicious websites. Don’t click links within emails you don’t recognize.
Target’s email communication regarding this incident will never ask you to provide personal or sensitive information.
Thank you for your patience and loyalty to Target. You can find additional information and FAQs about this incident at our Target.com/databreach website. If you have further questions, you may call us at 866-852-8680.
Gregg Steinhafel
Chairman, President and CEO

Thursday, January 16, 2014

MVPS HOSTS File for January available now


I try to update my HOSTS file every month, and I often wonder what viruses or malware I DIDN'T get because of it. No way to tell of course. If you want to know what web sites are blocked by this HOSTS file, click on the link below for the text version. You'll be amazed.

MVPS HOSTS File Update January-08-2014



The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [January-08-2014]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Download: hosts.zip (134 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm
HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm
Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt (514 kb)
Get notified when the MVPS HOSTS file is updated
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/updates.htm

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Securing XP PCs after Microsoft drops support

I stumbled upon this article on the Windows Secrets web site. I don't know why but I let my subscription to their weekly newsletter lapse. I should sign up again.

This is a long article, and I hope I can find time to read it all. If you are planning to use XP beyond April, especially if XP is running on your primary machine, you should definitely read this. I have 2 PCs running XP, but I have them only for supporting my customers and I do not keep anything of value on them. I rely instead on Windows 7 on my desktop and Windows 8 on my laptop. In spite of all the negative press Windows 8 has received,  I have no problems with it. It's a little different, and many of us don't like change like this. I get that. I have used workarounds for the changes that bug me most, but take great comfort in knowing that underneath the covers Windows 8 is very much the same, and therefore very reliable.


"By Susan Bradley on December 19, 2013 in Top Story
 
All good things must come to an end; in less than four months, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows XP.

Here are the steps I’ll take to ensure that my remaining XP machines are as secure as they can be.

(Note: Many of the following tips can be applied to newer versions of Windows, too.)

What does “end of support” mean? After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will — among other things — no longer release security updates for its 12-year-old operating system. Third-party hardware and software vendors might also take a cue from Redmond and drop development of XP-compatible drivers, add-ons, and utilities on their new products.

With that in mind, all XP users should start by asking themselves: “Do I really need to stick with an OS that will become increasingly unsecure?” It’s akin to driving an older car that’s not equipped with airbags. Sure, it’ll get the job done, but at what potential risk?"

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Sluggish PC? - You can fix it!



For those of you who may have taken others of my classes, this one brings it all together in one offering. I will be able to demonstrate (live) in class Windows XP, W7, and W8.

So sign up and bring all of your questions. Between class and e-mail during the class timeframe, you should be able to get them all answered!

Cleaning, Tuning, and Maintaining your Personal Computer 

Tom McGonegal

This 5 session course will identify the tools a PC user can utilize to keep his or her PC running the way it should. Over time, given updates to operating system software, other programs, and frequent use, a PC can begin to slow down. This is a normal phenomenon, but there are tricks and tools one can use to minimize the slowdown, and in some cases completely eliminate it. Instruction will include downloading of free programs from the internet, installing them, and using them. Students will learn of several of these free tools that can be used to streamline, clean, and tune their PC systems at home.

Additionally, tips will be taught that will enable users to take advantage of built-in features of their PCs that will add to the gains realized by using the aforementioned free tools. Instruction materials will cover Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. This is a detailed course that will involve (voluntary) homework. Students will emulate the material taught in class on their home PCs and are welcome to contact the instructor via e-mail for support during the length of the class at no charge.

Tom McGonegal earned a B.S. in mathematics and a M.A. in Math Education and taught high school math for 5 years before beginning a 30 year career with IBM. He has had extensive experience with computers, large and small, and for the last 10 years has been President and Owner of his own PC Doctor business. Tom has experience with all of the PC operating systems, and has focused his business on helping home and small business PC users with challenges they meet as they use their own PCs at home or at work. His most popular offering is tuning, cleaning, and maintaining your PC.

#PCCAREW14
Wednesday, 1/29-3/5 (no class 2/19)
5 weeks, 7:00-9:00 pm
HS Room 126E
$85, Senior Rate $70

To enroll, I suggest you visit the Acton Boxborough Community Education home page at http://comed.ab.mec.edu/

All 5 class meetings will be held in Room 126E of the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in Acton, MA.