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Technology isn’t agist, sexist or racist

I had a client of mine tell me that he was 'too old' to follow some of the steps in my AVG Anti-virus upgrade tip. I always smile when anyone makes this kind of statement. "I didn't grow up with a computer like kids today." That's another one that I hear often. After more than twelve years helping computer users of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages, I have drawn the conclusion that technology takes no prisoners and has no favorites. It is true that having some aptitude towards technology is a huge advantage, but I have seen men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds who 'get' computers. Learning and understanding has nothing to do with our age, hair color, or where we were born. I believe it has to do with attitude and fortitude…and that goes for any kind of learning.

AVG AntiVirus Upgrade

The calls are starting to ramp up wondering about AVG's messages regarding the discontinuation of their anti-virus. The message is a little alarming, but rest assured that AVG (Grisoft) is NOT going out-of-business and for home users the product will remain free. Although Grisoft is discontinuing support and updates for their current version, they have released a new version of… Read More »AVG AntiVirus Upgrade

Block Internet Explorer 7

Internet Explorer 7 finally became final last week and is starting to be deployed as a Windows Update. While I believe that IE 7 is a huge step in the right direction, the changes in the look and feel of the browser will throw many for a loop. Even after working with IE 7 for the past five or so months as it made its way through the beta stages of development, I don't think it holds a candle next to the Firefox browser . If you aren't afraid to learn the new nuances of IE 7 and don't want to change to Firefox, I say go for the upgrade. However, if you are perfectly comfortable where you are right now with Internet Explorer 6, then you might want to download and install this tool , made available through Microsoft, that prevents the automatic installation of the new Internet Explorer 7.

Don’t try to keep up with the Jones

To often anymore, we want to get the newest computer, printer, TV or other tech gadget simply because it seems that it will work better, faster, or easier. Unfortunately that kind of thinking is seriously flawed. You've heard me say it before and I will continue to say that a huge majority of tech users don't fully utilize the power in their current gadgets. That includes guys like me as well.

The reality is that with cars, we still use them to get from Point A to Point B. Do we need a new car because the new models can go from 0-60 a half second quicker? When computers first entered homes in mass 12 years ago we primarily used them for email, word processing, and solitaire. Do we need a new computer that can flip the cards a little faster? You get my point. Upgrading for the sake of upgrading is absurd.

AVG Releases New Updated Programs

Many of my shotguns this week have been more news than tips, but they are extremely important news items. Today, I want to inform you that our favorite anti-virus software and anti-spyware software has released new versions. AVG released version 7.5 of their anti-virus software and also rolled out their free (for home users) edition of their new anti-spyware program that resulted from their acquisition of Ewido earlier this year.

The announcement is important for two reasons. 1) Grisoft (makers of AVG) will no longer support the current 7.0 version of AVG starting in February 2007, and 2) Even with the upgrades in protection and updating, AVG remains one of the only anti-virus programs available for older operating systems including Windows 98. We interviewed the president of Grisoft last year on the show, and he reiterated his company's commitment to providing top of the line computer protection at affordable prices for businesses and free for home users without compromising computer performance. And his company has certainly held true to those goals. We continue to be very impressed with these products and recommend them hands down over any product available today. 

Windows Vista Search

Vista SearchThis is the third or fourth installment of my peek at Windows Vista which I have been beta testing for about a month now. Although, I don't think there is any Earth shattering changes in the function of Vista, one feature stands out as being well integrated. That feature is Windows Search. Microsoft did not get a chance to totally revamp the way we save and retrieve files as they had hoped with Vista, but they did integrate the Search function in every aspect of the operating system. And I do mean every aspect. All program and operating system windows have a search box in the upper right hand corner. Even the revamped Start menu has a Search box integrated into it.

Windows Vista…Day 14

Windows Vista Score

I've been using Windows Vista for a couple of weeks now and although I have found some redeeming qualities about the upgrade, I'm still not sold on it by a long shot. One confusing issue for me is the massive amount of computing power that will be required to run the software. And that's not just me and thousands of others saying that, Microsoft will tell you straight up how crappy your computer is with their "Windows Experience Index" score. The score breaks down how your processor, memory, graphics card, and hard drive all handle the massive Vista system by assigning each a score.

Windows Vista – Day 1

I installed the Windows Vista Beta edition I downloaded yesterday and so far have no evidence to overturn my initial observations. The install took about 55 minutes and was entirely hands off…an improvement from previous Windows installations. The boot up process is slower than Windows XP and shutdown is really slow. And this is all without adding any software to the computer yet.

Microsoft tells us that Vista will be the safest Windows ever. I hope that is true because computer users will be moving to Apple in droves. The interface seems anything but intuitive, and that's coming from me who some say knows a little about computers. Instead of making the interface easier, much of the functions are hidden under layers of hard to navigate clicks. And so far, once I do get into a program, they all seem like the old programs with just a new layer of gloss and difficulty.

An 8 hour download…

This afternoon I started downloading the beta version of Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista. I pay for a 1.5mb DSL connection. At that speed, the download is estimated to take about 7 or so hours. Cable users with a 6mb connection would be able to download it in about 2 hours. Dial up users aren't even allowed to try…it would take almost six days on a dial-up connection. I could have ordered the DVD installation disk, but why wait three weeks when I can get it today. 

We have bashed the upcoming upgrade to Windows repeatedly here at the site and on the show. I plan on putting the OS (operating system) to the test by installing it on an older computer that I have. For those of you in Grand Junction who attend our monthly User Group, I hope to have the new computer system up and running by the October meeting to demonstrate for the group.

Lots of new computers

The past couple of weeks I have helped many computer users setup new systems they had purchased. I have seen everything from laptops to some pretty pricey desktops. I think the low prices are fueling the new purchases. I think the prices will remain low through the end of the year and into early next year. LCD flat panel monitors are getting ridiculously cheap, memory appears to be plentiful and inexpensive and the upcoming (no one knows for sure when) release of Windows Vista all are contributors to the lower system prices.

One other trend in the PC market is the up-sale. Sales people want to sell you the $100 system upgrade, the most expensive and ineffective security software, and of course extended warranties. Don't fall prey to these taunts…grab the cheap PC's, send in your rebate forms and walk away from the deal…otherwise it will be a deal no longer. Once you get the computer home, read our tip on how to setup a new computer HelpMeRick.com style. You will have a little extra money in your pocket and a great system to pull you through for years to come.