Microsoft and their new attempt! Windows 7, Bing, Outlook 2010, MSE

Finally, Is Microsoft trying to fix their problems….?

First of all…Vista.

Why did it take so long to get Vista off the grid? Why did it take so long for Microsoft to come up with another functioning operating system? Vista’s issues include: Compatibility problems with software, too slow, driver problems, too many redundant security warnings, etc. Why do I have so many unhappy clients?

Well, the big fix supposedly is Windows 7 (I guess that is the only name they could come up with). I have 2 technicians who have been beta testing it and actually LOVE it. Yes, they Love it. They say it is all the things that Vista promised and has found very little problems with it. XP programs are compatible with 7, it is fast, the security pop-ups are not aggressive like Vista. This is supposed to hit the shelves sometime in August-September, I’ll keep you posted.

BING- A better way to search…Trying to compete with Google by using Yahoo as it’s search engine and calling it something else. Sure it looks pretty…goes fast too…but the best feature is (kids listen up) you can search for porn easier that ever! Free and with no adware too…so parents, you may never know. Ok, I admit I had to try this feature and BING…I had some of the raunchiest porn I have seen in about 2 seconds. Also, you can look up pirated movies and music extremely easy. I tried that too…and took me 2 seconds to find hot new movie releases playing in the theaters now. I know the word is that they are working on the porn issue…lets see what else is in the works…

Outlook 2010 has people up in arms…Big issue here is that it forces the user to use Word as it’s editor. The new Word does not use HTML in the correct way…and to break it down as easily as I can, you won’t be able to view most emails as we are used to. We may not even be able to see the web content at all. If you need more explanation on this, please let me know…but basically pictures will be out and Microsoft is not using web standards and forcing their users to do what they want…again.

Finally, MSE-Microsoft Security Essentials- a free anti-virus program for all to use. Well, we all remember the free forced update defender that was to help us all defend ourselves against evil doers. That worked out well (yes, sarcasm). Funny enough, if you download this free software, it disables defender anyway…meaning some items in this new and improved anti-virus still has defender in its make up. Ughh…on a good note, this will probably be good for business…bad for the consumer.

If you would like to add your opinions…please do. I personally am waiting for Windows 7 but I will use Google and an old copy of office…and PAY for my Anti-virus ! New system…in the fall!

You Can Clean Your own PC!

Did you know that Microsoft Windows gives you the functionality to “clean” up your computer? Most clients that we see never use the free tools that come with the computer. This can save you repair costs and keep your PC in great running order for a lot longer.

Simple to follow…start with these steps….

Click on the start button (located bottom left corner of screen)>go to all programs>go to accessories>system tools>disk clean up…click on that(it may ask which drive…generally defaults to the C: which is correct)…it will take a minute or so to sort through files. A new pop up box will appear and place a check next to the items that need to be cleaned up…and click ok…and wait.

Generally speaking, anytime you clean up or update or install…you should reboot…so reboot after it is done.

Also speaking of things to do. Please make sure you are updating your windows for vital updates. This will also protect you from security issues as well as maintaining your system.

Another thing PC users need to do is scan your system for viruses…using your anti-virus software at least once a week. If you are the type to open up all your email, download music, spend a ton of time on you tube…please do this once a week. Besides viruses and trojans, spyware and adware runs amuck on the internet.

Finally defragment you computer. DEFRAGMENT???? What is that? In simple terms, it is a process in which we organize the files on your hard drive. It makes it easier to use our software by this organization. It takes out fragment files and compacts information in its proper place. This also helps in freeing up more room on your hard drive.

You need to follow the same directions stated at the beginning…Start Button>all programs>accessories>system tools> then go to Disk Defragment then hit analyze. My guess is if this is your first time doing this….you will be recommendedto defrag…so hit defrag and let it go. First timers…this could be a long process so, I recommend to do this before you go to sleep and let it run overnight. Please reboot after it is done.

Simple ideas to keep your system running better and for longer. Share thoughts and/or experiences if you like. Like I keep saying, this is not a one-way conversation!

Tara

Friendly Computers Charlotte NC

www.friendlycomputers.com/charlotte